Support can come in many forms, but it must first come in the form of empathy. Our transgender kids—like all kids—can and will grow into incredible adults with or without us.
Author Archives: jody sparks
I Have a Son
His name is August. It’s strange to read it, I know. It’s strange to write it, and I’ve had months to get used to the idea. A lump rises in my throat as I write it. I’ve asked myself many times why I struggle to look forward to being around the (freer and happier) son who’s beenContinue reading “I Have a Son”
Throwback Thursday with Shannon Lee Alexander
Given the trendiness of Throwback Thursday, I’m re-branding my beloved series of guest author posts called “Self-Deprecating Sunday.” Self-Deprecating Sunday started because I’d written a YA novel about a girl in R.O.T.C. in high school. I was looking for photos of myself in my uniform–had to get the description of the uniform just right. I foundContinue reading “Throwback Thursday with Shannon Lee Alexander”
Ebola–Close to Home
Here’s the thing: my husband could’ve been Kent Brantly. He stood in JFK Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia while their first Ebola patient came in. My perspective as a wife was first to be angry and irrational–why did you go back to Liberia? Holy shit. Get out of there now. Et cetera. He did get outContinue reading “Ebola–Close to Home”
Donate (YA) Books and Boost Adult Literacy
So, I posted on Facebook yesterday that I’m excited to be a teen “shelf curator” for Indy Reads Books, and got a “What’s that mean?” response. So, hey, why not blog about it? Magnolia and I started volunteering at Indy Reads in June. Besides being a beautiful and inviting bookstore with a friendly staff (andContinue reading “Donate (YA) Books and Boost Adult Literacy”
Book Review: Noggin
I loved this book! Noggin was my first John Corey Whaley novel, and I will certainly be reading more after finishing this funny and bittersweet story that is the perfect follow-up to The Fault in our Stars by John Green or Love, and Other Unknown Variables, by Shannon Lee Alexander, or any other book thatContinue reading “Book Review: Noggin”
The Dog who Loves Selfies
Magnolia has adopted Instagram as her preferred social media platform, and I’m committed to not getting my parental funk all over the site by joining it. She didn’t specifically ask me not to, but it’s an easy enough gesture. So, I’m sharing a few of the selfies she took with Eleanor and the dogs. Because theyContinue reading “The Dog who Loves Selfies”
Book Review: Eleanor and Park
Eleanor and Park gets filed under: Books I wish I wrote. It is easily a new favorite. It won a Printz honor award, and I boldly declared on some social media site that it should have won, admitting I hadn’t read the others. I’ve read another of the honor books, which I’ll review soon. IContinue reading “Book Review: Eleanor and Park”
Book Review: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
I have this prejudice against “dying child” books. Basically, I feel like it’s cheating. Dying children is a sad topic; and as an author, you don’t have to work very hard to make me cry. If I’m going to cry, I want to be moved by a depth of character or deeply complicated plot thatContinue reading “Book Review: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”
The Little Perfections
Josh and I often marvel at the wonder of how good our bed feels. It’s not a special bed. We don’t have fancy sheets or expensive pillows. But climbing in after Josh’s busy shifts is one of his favorite things in life. For me, it’s watching him wind down and become downright giddy about theContinue reading “The Little Perfections”
Jody Sparks Mugele 