iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I have a new PB out next year with Putnam!! 🎉Always a thrill to see the announcement on the Children’s Bookshelf in PW! ❤️Thank you!

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Happy book birthday to 10 Little Airplanes and 10 Little Monster Trucks!! 🎉🥳

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Saturday at #NCTE25! I’ll be presenting on a panel bright and early at 8:15 AM in 2B of the Mile-high ballroom, then I’ll be signing NOT MY CIRCUS at 2:00 at the Capstone booth in the exhibit hall. Hope to see you!

NCTE class announcement. Five author headshots, and class time of Saturday, Nov. 22 listed for Readers Theater as a tool to encourage imagination and enhance literacy.

Author signing poster for Capstone’s booth at NCTE including five authors and times.

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Some amazing northern lights tonight. So of course we couldn’t help but do some fun poses.

A silhouette of a man poses in front of glowing red northern lights shining above a horizon of tree.

Red and green northern lights shining above a horizon of tree.

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

What a great opportunity! Alison gives thoughtful and encouraging critiques. If you’re wanting a professional eye on your work, this is it!

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Reposted by Janet Sumner Johnson

Kate Messner @katemessner.com · 01/11/2025

Authors & illustrators! LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day is Feb. 4th - want to Zoom into schools for read-alouds on that day? Here's the sign-up form: forms.gle/eN4FwA9HB4Fb... Teachers & librarians! My newsletter will have info soon! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...)

forms.gle

World Read Aloud Day 2026 - Call for Author & Illustrator Volunteers

Please fill out this form if you're a traditionally published author or illustrator who would like to volunteer to Zoom with classes to celebrate LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, February...

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Such a thrill to see FINAL WORD on this list! ❤️

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Have you heard of the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge? It's a humor writing contest hosted by #KrisDeCaro, @aprilberrybooks.bsky.social, @juliehauswirth.bsky.social, & @brilawyer.bsky.social. Submissions are open Sept. 14-16th, and you can win great prizes (like my book)! (Details at AprilBerryBooks.com)

Prize Donor Badge. A blue circle with the words "Kidlit Chuckle Challenge, Prize Donor" in front of a white background with the yellow words "Prize Donor" in different fonts repeated to fill the page.

Book Cover for The Recess Genius 2: Tons of Talent. Several kids stand on a stage with orange curtains. One dark-skinned boy juggles balls, One light-skinned girl uses a hula-hoop, one dark-skinned girl in blue clothes wears a headset and carries a planner, one red-haired, light-skinned girl is singing, one dark-skinned boy is doing ballet, one brown-haired girl pokes her head around the curtains, and the recess genius, Regina Grey, with blond hair and a black hair ribbon, stands at the front, arms extended as though presenting the spectacle.

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

While traveling, I chatted with a stranger, & when she found out I was an author, she asked THE question: Would I know any of your books? Friends, I showed her my covers, & she actually DID KNOW (& thankfully loved) one of them! BRAVER THAN BRAVE. Amazing! Checking it off my author bucket list! 😂😁

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

The first Salt Lake City protest at U of U. Had a great turnout. Peaceful camaraderie, united in our anger and frustrations. So glad I could be there!

Group of protestors holding flags and signs. One reads Not Tarriff-ied, Fuhrer-iated.

Janet, a white woman with light brown hair wears a pink shirt and stands in front of a group of protestors holding signs and flags.

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Hey!! That’s me! 😍 My first chapter book is coming Fall 2026! 😁

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Such an honor to be part of the Troybery blitz today! ❤️

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Did you know that a world famous art heist was part of the inspiration for The Winterton Deception 2: FAULT LINES? I talk about it with @deborahkalb.bsky.social on her blog. Check it out! deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2025/03/q-wi...

deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com

Q&A with Janet Sumner Johnson

Photo by Anchor + Spire Photography Janet Sumner Johnson is the author of the new middle grade novel Fault Lines , ...

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Alison is an amazing editor! If you are on the fence, go for it. You won’t regret it!

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

It has been a stressful weekend of news, and posting has been last on my mind. But we need to hear and celebrate the good, so . . . excited to learn FINAL WORD is up for the 2025-26 SC Book Awards! It’s an honor to be among so many amazing books. Thank you South Carolina!

Display of covers for MG books which are up for the South Carolina Children’s Book Awards, 2025-26

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

I loved chatting with Karen Reeder on the BookHuddle podcast. All things Winterton Deception, from mystery, to kid appeal in books, to titles, themes, and my skill level in spelling! Check it out!

m.youtube.com

Mystery and Other Elements Kids Love in Books - Author Interview Janet Sumner Johnson Book Huddle 59

YouTube video by Readgab

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

In 2023, I made the goal of putting myself out there more. In 2024, I lived out the results of that. I’m now entering 2025 EXHAUSTED, but grateful for all the new connections I’ve made. But perhaps I can take things down a notch this coming year. 😂 😬🤪 How about you?

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

What an amazing program! Thrilled that FINAL WORD is part of it this year. 🥰😁

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

So excited that I’ll be presenting at StoryCon February 21-22– a writing conference for kids w/classes for educators and general admission for parents or anyone who’d like to attend. Getting kids exciting about writing is the best! #StoryCon2025 #WritersCommunity #AmWriting

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Going to conferences with friends is the best! I loved capturing som e fun shots for @sylviaichen.bsky.social while she signed at Simon & Schuster’s booth! (Also, she is so fun, and her book is wonderful! Check it out! (TRICKY CHOPSTICKS).

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 08/03/2024

What an amazing idea! Hey, authors with books coming out!! Check this out! (And be sure to read the full thread).

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 08/02/2024

World Read Aloud Day was so much fun! ❤️

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 06/02/2024

NOT MY CIRCUS got its first trade review from School Library Journal & it’s a good one! If you like humor & animals, you'll love this. Olivia was supposed to buy eggs, but she came home with a circus instead. 😳 Available wherever books are sold or you can request it from your library!

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 11/01/2024

I’m celebrating the release of NOT MY CIRCUS (illustrated by Patrick Corrigan and pub’d by Capstone) with a virtual book launch via Zoom! My amazing CPs will be interviewing me about secret behind-the-scenes info! Hope you can join us! Link to register: forms.gle/TPRA5EDi6dZg...

Red and white stripe background with a monkey and an elephant trunk eating peanuts next to the words.

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 09/01/2024

Thanks so much, 12x12!! ❤️ Grateful to be part of your community. 😊

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 02/01/2024

Let the silliness ensue!! NOT MY CIRCUS is out today!! Written by me, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan, and published by Capstone! Can’t wait for you all to read it!!

A cartoon giraffe eating a pizza above the words “Happy Book Birthday” with a red and white striped background. Next to the image is the cover for Not My Circus, with a cartoon white girl in a yellow jacket with circus animals making a mess in the background.

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Reposted by Janet Sumner Johnson

Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 05/12/2023

Still over here squealing that @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social's THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD is a Kirkus Best Middle Grade of the Year! www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/b...

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 04/12/2023

I am so honored to find THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD on the Kirkus’s list of “Best Middle Grade Fiction of 2023!” I wrote this book for me when I really needed to rekindle the joy of writing, so it means a lot to see others connecting with it. 😍 www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/b...

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Kate Messner @katemessner.com · 04/12/2023

Teachers & librarians! My December newsletter goes out at noon & includes this year's list of authors & illustrators available for free virtual visits on World Read Aloud Day. Spread the word! If you're not already a subscriber, you can sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 15/11/2023

Friends!! If you're on Goodreads, my publisher (@CapstonePub) is hosting a Goodreads giveaway for my next picture book, NOT MY CIRCUS. Ten copies are up for grabs! This book makes me so happy. I can’t wait for you all to read it!! www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...

goodreads.com

Not My Circus

Olivia was supposed to buy eggs at the store. Instead, …

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 15/11/2023

Ya’ll, living in construction (bathroom remodel) saps creativity. 🫠 It’s been two months, and it’ll be one more before everything is done. I know, first world problem, but I have decision fatigue to the point choosing pajamas is hard. 😂😭 Any suggestions for surviving this next month?

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 01/11/2023

A huge thanks to @debbieohi.bsky.social for highlighting books as they come out! ❤️

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 01/11/2023

Look what FINALLY landed in my mailbox!! Jenn Bishop (@buffalojenn.bsky.social) has been one of my favorite authors since I read her debut. She captures the middle grade feel with uncanny skill. So I’m beyond excited to read FREE THROWS, FRIENDSHIP, AND OTHER THINGS WE FOULED UP!

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 31/10/2023

It’s my book birthday!! 🥳🥳🥳 Today, THE WINTERTON DECEPTION 1: FINAL WORD is finally out in the world! Ms. Renaissance Daphne kindly agreed to pose with my book, since Scooby and the gang get a mention or two. 😁 #bookbirthday

A blond-haired girl in a purple dress and green scarf smiles as she holds a copy of the book, The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word

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Reposted by Janet Sumner Johnson

Veronica Bartles @vbartles.com · 17/10/2023

Other favorite (semi-recent) comfort books: BRAVER THAN BRAVE by @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social & Eunji Jung, MY BIG DUMB INVISIBLE DRAGON by @angielucas.bsky.social & Birgitta Sif, AFTER THE FALL by @dansantat.bsky.social, & GRANDPA'S WINDOW by Laura Gehl & Udayana Lugo

cover of AFTER THE FALL by Dan Santat: Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall with the title: AFTER THE FALL: HOW HUMPTY DUMPTY GOT BACK UP AGAIN

cover image of MY BIG DUMB INVISIBLE DRAGON by Angie Lucas & Birgitta Sif: a sad boy holding flowers and a bookbag, looking back at a large, transparent-ish dragon

cover image of GRANDPA'S WINDOW by Laura Gehl and Udayana Lugo: a young girl paints a beach scene onto the window her grandfather is sitting by

cover image of BRAVER THAN BRAVE by Janet Sumner Johnson & Eunji Jung: a determined-looking girl stands in front of a loopty-loop roller coaster

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 17/10/2023

Book mail! So excited to read both of these!! THE PROMISE by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams, illustrated by Cinzia Battestel feels all-too needed. And anything by Jennifer A. Nielsen promises a captivating read. 😍📚

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Janet Sumner Johnson @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social · 05/10/2023

Ya’ll, I got my author copies!! They are so beautiful. 😍

A white woman with light brown hair holds a copy of a book with a mansion in front of the trees and ocean on the cover.

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 30/09/2023

The incredible @janetsumnerjohnson.bsky.social is now here, and you should follow her! Also, preorder the 3-star reviewed THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD out in a month! My finished copy came last night! 😱

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