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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I walk in the door and head straight to their middle-grade section. Some books I've read, some I've just known about, and some I've never heard of. But I can pick anything off the shelf and know it will be exquisite. Like these books, my last purchases, by @erinbowbooks.bsky.social & Gayle Forman.

The cover of SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow, a boy falling through the sky surrounded by different parts of a town.

The cover of NOT NOTHING, silhouettes of a boy and an old man on a bench, above pictures of parts of their stories.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I'm not that into birds, so I didn't read Steve Brusatte's new book right when it came out. But this stuff is fascinating. A combination of evolution, flight engineering, family trees & puzzle clues. And he is SUCH a good writer. (Now if only he would write a book about insects!) #birds #dinos

The cover of THE STORY OF BIRDS: A NEW HISTORY FROM THEIR DINOSAUR ORIGINS TO THE PRESENT by Steve Brusatte. Cover shows a land-based dinosaur, a flying dinosaur, and several modern-day birds.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Cat: They were ALL under the bed? However could that have happened? Me: Gee, I wonder.

A cat looking at at least a dozen crinkle balls scattered on the floor near a bed.

Back end and tail of a cat sticking out from under a bed.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I don't know who recommended this wonderful #middlegrade #graphicnovel, but thank you! What a delight! #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Cover of WOLF'S BELLY by John August and Simón Estrada. Little Red Riding Hood walking with a torch, frames by the wolf'S teeth and fiery eyes.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I'm doing a reread of Sheila Turnage's wonderful Mo & Dale #middlegrade series. Hits me in all the best ways -- humor, love, found family, the kind of quirkiness we all need in our lives. And Turnage's voice...perfection. Start with THREE TIMES LUCKY and just keep reading. #kidlit 📚 👍

Cover of THREE TIMES LUCKY by Sheila Turnage. A message in a bottle, floating on a river with fireflies; the message says, "THREE TIMES LUCKY." A boy and a girl sit on the bank in the background.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I become more in awe of Carole Boston Weatherford with every book of hers I read. #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Picture book cover: THE DOLL TEST: CHOOSING EQUALITY. Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by David Elmo Cooper.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Mentor text time: I need to look at a whole lot of endings. #picturebook #kidlit 📚👍🏻

A stack of picture books: UNICORNS ARE THE WORST, THE GOOD EGG, ELVIS & ROMEO, OZZIE & PRINCE ZEBEDEE, ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD, A VISITOR FOR BEAR, THE BEAR MUST GO ON, THE CAPYBARAS, DEAR MR. G, KNIGHT OWL.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

How had I never read anything by Nicki Pau Preto? I just read & loved her LAST HOPE SCHOOL #MG duology & I'm midway through her #YA #fantasy BONESMITH. Wow! Amazing world-building, a fantastic protagonist who takes delightful pride in being irritating, and incredible plot and pacing. #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Book cover of BONESMITH: a young woman in armor, holding swords, standing in front of glowing, green skeletons.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Just a few chapters in but, oh, this book! The world-building is exquisite. The thought and care Jaleigh Johnson has put into the hurt, anger, fear, and cautious hope of a sentient house (😍!) is beautiful & seamless. And the human characters are fantastic, too! #cozyfantasy

Cover of a book: THE REIMAGINING OF THORNWOOD HOUSE. An old house with legs stands in a meadow. A woman and girl stand looking at the house.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Of course, there may be a slight delay in that agenda.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

I bought Sue Soltis and Sonia Sánchez' THE MOON MOVED IN "just" because I loved it, but it's become a frequent mentor text. Look at that first spread. Everything you need to know about Stella's ordinary world in 18 words. The (wonderful) inciting incident lands on the very next page. #pb #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Picture book cover for THE MOON MOVED IN. A little girl sits on a tree branch close to the moon. The author and illustrators' names are on a sign shapes like a For Sale sign..

Spread from THE MOON MOVED IN. The little girl looks out the window of her house at another house, this one with a For Sale sign.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

The reading equivalent of sitting down at the end of a long hard day with a bowl of the world's best mac & cheese. Meg Cabot does not disappoint. (Neither does illustrator Bethany Crandall.) 💖 #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Book cover: THE PRINCESS DIARIES graphic novel.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

If you haven't yet read NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS by Carter Goodrich, pretty sure this spread will persuade you to rectify that situation. ❤️ #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Spread of a picture book. Text: "The wind began to pick up./An old cup blew by and stuck to Hank's face./His arms were too short to get it off./'Great,' said Hank." The art shows the cup blowing, then Hank the cactus with the cup stuck on his face.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

The question I'm currently working on for my #picturebook WIP: What is my secondary character's job, in terms of partnering with/provoking my main character into discovery, understanding, and change. And to help me out, a stack of #mentortexts. #kidlit 📚👍🏻

A stack of picture books: MOON MOVED IN, EMILY SAW A DOOR, CLEMENTINE AND THE LION, KNIGHT OWL AND EARLY BIRD, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME'S, LEROY HAS SOMETHING TO SAY, THE GOOD EGG, NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS, HOW THIS BOOK GOT RED, GIBBERISH

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

This book! I'm only about 1/4 of the way in, and all I can say is...This book! Well, that, and...Gary D. Schmidt (this time, with Ron Koertge) has done it again. And as only he can, he's done it in a way that isn't like any of his other books. Brilliant. #middlegrade #kidlit 📚👍🏻

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Just picked up my copy of LEROY HAS SOMETHING TO SAY. If this beautiful book (written by Emily Rosenthal & illustrated by Thai My Phuong) hasn't been on your radar, get it from your favorite bookstore or library. It's a sweet and important story to share with the children in your lives. #kidlit 📚

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Bought myself a little present at the thrift shop. 🥰

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

These two do everything as a committee of two.

Two tuxedo cats side-by-side looking out a window.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

I'm happily enjoying a reread of A WIZARD'S GUIDE TO DEFENSIVE BAKING. Looking for something cheerful and funny that simultaneously puts power in the hands of those who need it? Highly recommend. Especially if you're particularly fond of your sourdough starter. #booksky

Book cover: A WIZARD'S GUIDE TO DEFENSIVE BAKING by T. Kingfisher. Cover art shows a cranky gingerbread man holding a sword.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Always wonderful to come home from a trip and find a package of books waiting for you. These all fall under the category of I Got This From the Library & Now I Need to Own It. ❤️ #picturebook #kidlit 📚👍

Three picture books: MR. S, RITA & RALPH'S ROTTEN DAY, ELVIS & ROMEO.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I didn't know I was going to buy a book at the Denver airport. I didn't know I was going to read the whole book on the short flight home. I didn't know I was going to cry. This is some of the bravest, most powerful writing I've ever read. #middlegrade #grief #kidlit 📚👍🏻

A middle-grade novel: EACH LITTLE BIRD THAT SINGS, by Deborah Wiles, a National Book Award Finalist.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

I'm definitely late to the party for Hamster Princess, but it's sending me into giggle fits every couple of pages. ❤️ #kidlit 📚👍🏻

A book: HAMSTER PRINCESS: HARRIET THE INVINCIBLE by Ursula Vernon.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

An exceptional example of Downward Cat. A shame I have to disrupt her yoga practice and get started on my day.

Black and white cat on a lap, two front legs stuck out in front.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

I love a MG book that doesn't talk down to its readers, that recognizes & honors all the very real experiences and feelings the characters are having. Even better when the plot is strong, the voice is true & the pacing just rolls along. How lucky was I to win this book in an auction? #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Front cover of a book: BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT.

Back cover of a book: BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

I love when a book reminds me that "rules" must bend, even break, for the sake of the story. A 32-page picture book. Where does the inciting incident happen? Spread 12-13. Pages 5-11 are ALL establishing Bucket Head's personality & building her world. Guess what? It totally works. #kidlit 📚👍🏻

A picture book. BRAVO, BUCKET HEAD! (Helen Lester/Lynn Munsinger)

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Back to the mentor texts. One of the few ways I know to get my own WIP (and my brain!) out of a tangle. #picturebook #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Three picture books: BRAVO, BUCKET HEAD!, NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS, SWEETY.

Three picture books: MAE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, I DO NOT LIKE YOLANDA, WALTER FINDS HIS VOICE.

Two picture books: THE BEAR MUST GO ON, WHEN YOU FIND A QUESTION.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Started and finished this book in one day. Another fantastic story from Erin Entrada Kelly. And a wonderful example of how to use a "ticking clock" to create tension and keep the reader turning pages. #middlegrade #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Book: THE SECOND LIFE OF SNAP by Erin Entrada Kelly. A young girl sits on the shoulder of a robot, in the middle of a salvage yard.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Book treasures! MEDUSA & THE IMMORTALS from Rakestraw Books; in the mail THE MAGIC WORDS (because I have a LOT of character and plot work to do on my current WIPs) & my win from this year's neurodiverse kidlit auction, BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT. Reading time! #kidlit 📚👍🏻 Extra: Adorable cat.

Four books with blue covers against a brown background.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Picked up a few graphic novels from the library. #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Three graphic novels: Hex Vet, The Puzzling Fate of Millicent Graves, Rat Rule 79.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Picked up two mentor texts yesterday by @bartography.bsky.social, Chaaya Prabhat, @jstremer.bsky.social & @gordywright.bsky.social. I've brought both books home multiple times from the library, just because I love them so much. Grateful to my WIP for a reason to finally own them! #NF #PB #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Two picture books: GLITTER EVERYWHERE & PLIGHT OF THE PELICANS.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Sitting outside in the sun, reading HERBIE'S GAME (Book 4 in Timothy Hallinan's excellent Junior Bender series). I should be inside digging into a writing project, but this is a Just One More Chapter morning if I ever experienced one. #booksky

Stone-covered patio surrounded by a wood fence and trees, with an Adirondack chair in the foreground.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Gorgeous sky-view coming up to the Richmond bridge this morning. ❤️

Bright blue sky with cool clouds over a freeway.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

This morning's mentor texts.* #picturebook #nonfiction #STEM #kidlit 📚👍 *Click the second photo to see more books.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

A messy desk is NOT necessarily a sign of a messy mind. But when you're struggling to regain focus on a WIP, a tidy desk ready and waiting may be a bit more welcoming when you try again in the morning. Before & after.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Lots of wonderful items to bid on. I've donated a copy of my book THE WRITING & CRITIQUE GROUP SURVIVAL GUIDE, together with a picture-book critique. #kidlit #ndkidlit #auction #pb #writing #critique

Auction item: a PB critique and a signed copy of THE WRITING & CRITIQUE GROUP SURVIVAL GUIDE. Learn more: www.ndkidlit.org

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

If I could go back in time, I might ask Jane Austen if she could imagine that future authors would write so very many retellings of her novels. (I am NOT complaining--I love a good Austen retelling.) Jane was pretty smart, so I'm guessing she'd just give me a look and say, "Yes." #kidlit 📚👍

A sales announcement for a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma by Samantha Campas.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Absolutely loved this first book in a new #chapterbook series. Wonderful plotting, fast pacing, and creatively evil ideas. (Also sweet and silly, because Vicky von Evil and @kaileipewbooks.bsky.social do villainy THEIR way!) 💖 #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Chapter Book - SUPER VILLAINS IN TRAINING: THE FANTASTIC FREEZE RAY.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Oh, this looks fun! The books in the Magic Shop series are some of my favorite stories by Bruce Coville! #kidlit 📚 👍

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

I get to do the *best* research.

There books: BUG-OPEDIA, SUPER BUG ENCYCLOPEDIA, INSECT ANATOMY.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

If you're a Thursday Murder Club fan, I think you'll agree that I absolutely had to get ice cream today, when I saw that one of the flavors (the bottom scoop) was Banoffee! Before you ask, no, I didn't '*have* to get the other scoop, but I wasn't going to pass up Chocolate Dipped Strawberry either!

Two scoops of ice cream in a paper cup with a spoon.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Fell in love with the art in this graphic novel. then fell in love with the story after I bought it. Highly recommend. (And that's from someone who doesn't even like raccoons!) #middlegrade #graphicnovel #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Middle grade graphic novel with the title (NIGHT CHEF) across the top and the author's name (by Geisel Honor winner Mika Song) in the bottom right corner. Above that, on a diagonal, text reads, "AN EPIC TALE OD FRIENDSHIP WITH A SIDE OF DELICIOUSNESS!" The cover set shows a raccoon wearing an apron and carrying a spatula over its shoulder. A little bird rides on the spatula. They are traveling along a trail through trees. A small wooden building in the distance has white smoke rising from a hole in the roof.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Latest mentor text purchases. #picturebooks #kidlit 📚👍🏻

Two picture books. BRAVO, BUCKET HEAD (written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger ) & WALTER FINDS HIS VOICE: THE STORY OF A SHY CROCODILE (written & illustrated by Ann Kim Ha).

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Whew! And now I'll spend the rest of the afternoon with an earworm of "Let it Go!" #pbrisingstars

An orange "sticker" with an astronaut reading a book with info about the PB Rising Stars mentorship on the cover. Under the book, text says, "BECAUSE WHY NOT ME? At the top of the sticker, text says, "I APPLIED" and at the bottom, text says, "TO BE A 2026 MENTEE".

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Every few years I do a reread. ❤️

Book with red background and a dragon statue-the dragon is holding a teacup in its front claws and an open book in its tail. A teapot sits beside it. Black text at the top of the book has the title and author: Tea with the Black Dragon By R.A. MacAvoy.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

I just finished BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU by @nancyhudgins.com. If you have a child in your life, buy this book. Yes, it shares wonderful stories about Ursula and "her" writers and illustrators. But more than that, it shows how hard she fought for every one of them & for their books. #kidlit 📚👍🏻 1/2

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Spring hasn't quite yet come to NorCal, but sitting outside on a sunny morning in Capitola could sure fool you into thinking it's here.

A row of brightly colored buildings sitting on the beach, with the ocean and a deck railing on the foreground and other, less bright buildings in the background. A bright blue sky over everything.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

I'm so happy to have this book in my hands. I was lucky enough to watch @nancyhudgins.com take this from an idea to a goal to a plan to a manuscript and, finally, to a dream come true. For Nancy, but also for every child who loves books and wants to find out how the magic happens. 💖 #kidlit 📚👍🏻

The cover of BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: THE STORIED LIFE OF URSULA NORDSTROM, EDITOR OF EXTRAORDINARY CHILDREN'S BOOKS. A blue backgrous5, with a woman, table, typewriter, and dog sitting on top of a pile of books, with letters fluttering to the ground.

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Becky Levine @beckylevine.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Watching the replay of the #pbrisingstars Application Prep Party--almost ready to start writing my applications!

Badge for the 2026 PB Rising Stars. It has the picture of an astronaut reading a book that says "PB Rising Stars" and "APPS OPEN FEB 27-MAR 13!" Under the picture is text saying, "BECAUSE WHY NOT ME?" Around the badge is the text: "I'M APPLYING TO BE A 2026 MENTEE."

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