iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 25/07/2026

I'm at a writing retreat and this message was in my Dove chocolate wrapper. Mission accepted. Who's joining me? #amwriting

Dove chocolate wrapper with the words Get lost in the pages of your story"

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 07/06/2026

Going on sub with a new #mg manuscript and was told Riverland by Fran Wilde could be a good comp title. I hadn't read it so borrowed it from my library on @libbyapp.com. Just finished, loved it and am chuffed about the comparison.

Screenshot from Libby app showing the end of the audiobook of Riverland by Fran Wilde.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 05/04/2026

Treated to a glorious cloudy sunrise as I walked our dogs this morning. Happy Easter to all who celebrate. Our world is so beautiful 🌏💚

Start of a sunrise over treetops with deep blue clouds overhead.

Sunrise over a road and trees with bright orange low in the sky and gray clouds above.

Sunrise over road with bright orange sky above treetops and gray clouds higher.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 25/01/2026

We got a couple inches of snow overnight and Lucy is loving it #dog

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 13/01/2026

Here's what attendees said about my Writing Characters Through Conflict class when I've taught it in the past. I love teaching this class. It's always an eye-opener.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 01/01/2026

A blissful 2026? Yes, please!!

Screenshot of a post from Merriam-Webster saying that whatever word shows in the graphic below is the word of the year for the person who took the screenshot. The graphic is a blue square that says Your 2026 Word Blissful

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 25/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! Hubby, dogs and I are celebrating with some Charlie Brown. Here's hoping your holidays have been as cheerful as Snoopy with a pile of bones.

A Christmas tree stands next to a TV against a yellow wall. On the TV Charlie Brown and Linus lean against a snow covered brick wall.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 23/11/2025

Great seeing PJ Hoover at Lark & Owl Booksellers today and getting a copy of her new interactive graphic novel DRAGON VS UNICORN!! The book looks adorable!! I can’t wait to read it. #kidlit

Authors Samantha M Clark and P. J. Hoover stand holding copies of PJ’s new graphic novel Dragon Vs Unicorn in front of a bookcase in Lark & Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, TX

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 17/11/2025

Lucy is very annoyed that my hands keep returning to my keyboard instead of rubbing her belly. #writerdogs #authordogs #writerpets

Black and gray dog on multicolored quilt.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 07/11/2025

It's Texas Book Festival weekend! Really excited to see all the authors and illustrators, celebrate all the wonderful books, AND I get to chat with readers at the @scbwiatx.bsky.social book at noon! Come visit in Tent 5. Great time to get signed books for pressies. #kidlit #kidsneedbooks

Listing of the authors and illustrators who will be at the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Austin chapter booth at the Texas Book Festival on November 8, 2025: 10 am Christopher Jennings and Shachi Kaushik, 11am Kim Nguyen and Britta Jensen, 12am Samantha M Clark and Lee Reed, 1pm Beth Mills and Jessica Shaw, 2pm Tonya Ellis and Robin Alvarez, 3pm Donna Janell Bowman and Maria Perez

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 23/09/2025

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new picture book written by Joy Preble and illustrated by Lisa Anchin, Lost and Found Hanukkah. It's out TODAY!! bookshop.org/p/books/lost... #kidlit

Bookcover of LOST AND FOUND HANUKKAH, a picture book written by Joy Preble and illustrated by Lisa Anchin. The cover has two dads with their son and a cat standing before a menorah on a table. The background is yellow with stars hanging on strings from the ceiling.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 09/09/2025

Doing one of my favorite author activities today: signing a bookplate for a young reader. 🩵📖 Thank you to @aobriencarelli.bsky.social for recommending ARROW! I’m always excited for new kids to journey into the magically hidden rainforest and meet the Guardian Tree. #kidlit @ssedlib.bsky.social

A card with the cutout of a tree on the front, a white sticker with green vines around the outside and the words in blue “For Alexa, Be a tree hero!” and signed by author Samantha M Clark, a blue marker and bookmarks with the book covers of ARROW, THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST, and AMERICAN HORSE TALES: HOLLYWOOD, all on a maple desk.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 31/08/2025

Peanuts agrees that AN ENCANTADORA’S GUIDE TO MONSTROS AND MAGIC is wonderful. 😁🐕🦴 And another part I loved was the Portuguese influence. Reminded me of my Portuguese ancestors. It was fun to see in this adventurous #mg by @sarahjmendonca.bsky.social. You’ll love it. #kidlit

A golden doodle lies on a brown couch on a multi colored quilt next to a hardcover copy of the middle grade novel AN ENCANTADORA’S GUIDE TO MONSTROS AND MAGIC by Sarah J. Mendonca.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 31/08/2025

Recent WONDERFUL read: #mg fantasy novel AN ENCANTADORA’S GUIDE TO MONSTROS & MAGIC by @sarahjmendonca.bsky.social. I LOVED this book so much! Fun magic, great characters and a mystery that reminds me of how Terry Pratchett’s book spin metaphors for our real world issues. Highly recommend! #kidlit

Hardcover copy of middle-grade novel AN ENCANTADORA’S GUIDE TO MONSTROS & MAGIC by Sarah J. Mendonca, with a character on the front in front of a fuchsia background. The book is on a hardwood floor and has two white square stickers with an elaborate design and Tea Leaves on one side and two round stickers on the right for slug burns and bookworms.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 31/08/2025

After a busy week, yesterday I got to hear wonderful #picturebook authors @coffeycreative.bsky.social @karilavellewrites.bsky.social and @lindsayleslie.bsky.social talking and about the power of critique groups at the @scbwiatx.bsky.social monthly meeting at @bookpeople.com. So good! #scbwi

People sit in chairs listening to a panel of three women sitting at a white table, from left, Melissa Coffey, Kari Lavelle and Lindsay Leslie. A screen is to the left of them with a blurred image. The room has brown floor and gray-blue walls.

A display of picture books in stands on a brown wood cabinet with a black top. From left the books are So You Want To Build A Library and Gus Hearts the Bus by Lindsay Leslie, the first two Butt or Face books by Kari Lavelle as well as her We Move the World and Ode to a Grapefruit behind, and Fridge-o-polis by Meliss Coffey.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 25/08/2025

Working from bed today and Lucy has decided that underneath me is the best place to be. 🐶🐾💕

A black dog’s legs and tail peek out from under a wooden bed on a gray carpet.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 17/08/2025

I’m at the supermarket and love that Archie has gotten in the Halfway To Halloween spirit #spooky#books

Archie Halfway to Halloween comic book on a grocery store shelf

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 02/08/2025

Super cute! We've got a rescue pup who's a year-old mix. I haven't done DNA on her yet, but keep seeing her in other dogs. This is her with a not super short haircut. When we got her at 3 months, she was all black. Now she has silver socks and her tail is silver when it's up and black when down.

Small black and silver dog standing on a wood floor with her body away from the camera and her head looking back at the camera

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 01/08/2025

Here's a pic of ours in his shaggy days. His hair's shorter right now. :)

Golden doodle lying down with his tongue hanging out.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 15/07/2025

#writers I'm thrilled to be the novel mentor for the @scbwiatx.bsky.social Mini MFA Conference on Sept. 27. Register today! #atxscbwiconf25 #scbwi @scbwi.bsky.social www.scbwi.org/events/2025-...

Graphic with an upside down bat with glasses reading a book with SCBWI on the cover hanging over two piles of colorful books. The words say" SCBWI ATX. I'm Mentoring! #atxscbwicond25 Join me at the Mini MFA Conference Fall 2025, Saturday, September 27, Joe C Thompson Conference Center 8am to 5pm, Artwork by Michelle Lambing"

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 26/06/2025

For your evening timeline cleanse... our puppy made a tent 😍 #doggylove #dogsofbluesky

A pile of cushions on a brown couch with the nose of a black dog pushing through

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 08/06/2025

And bonus, I met a wonderful girl who bought a copy of my THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST and ARROW as well as Rachel's book. And there's now a bunch of signed books at Lark & Owl! #kidlit #authorlife #authorslife

Author Samantha M Clark signs copies of her books at a green table in Lark & Owl Booksellers in Georgetown TX

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 08/06/2025

Had a wonderful chat with @racheltoalson.bsky.social about her lovely new #mg book THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA "LIGHTNING" LAUREL at Lark & Owl Booksellers in Georgetown TX today.

Sign on a shelf saying Author Event R.L. Toalson and Samantha M Clark with books THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA "LIGHTNING" LAUREL and ARROW at Lark & Owl Booksellers in Georgetown TX

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 31/05/2025

Finished this great comic anthology today, INDIGINERDS, TALES FROM MODERN INDIGENOUS LIFE, created by indigenous artists. Really interesting, insightful and fun stories with wonderful art. I got this on Kickstarter and hope it gets a wider release. #books

Hand holding the comic book anthology INDIGINERDS, TALES FROM MODERN INDIGENOUS LIFE. On the cover is a drawing of 7 indigenous teens taking a selfie in front of a sparkling city skyline. At the bottom are the words EDITED BY ALINA PETE.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 28/05/2025

I am one of the 1,350 individuals and organizations who signed the open letter to HarperCollins in support of IMLS, libraries, and library workers across the United States. #libraries #librarians #library #books #amreading #banbookbans

White lettering over blue background that says "I signed the open letter sent to HarperCollins leadership urging them to support libraries. Read the letter>>>"

White lettering over blue background saying "I signed the open letter to HarperCollins" surrounds a white box with the beginning of the letter: To Whom It May Concern at HarperCollins: On April 3, 2025 Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and Sourcebooks sent a letter to Congress in support of the Institute of Library and Museum Services (IMLS) following Executive Order 14238, signed on March 14, which calls for the dismantling of IMLS. HarperCollins is notably missing from this list of publishers. We want to know why and what HaperCollins will do to defend IMLS and all libraries moving forward. We call upon HarperCollins to stand unequivocally with their publishing counterparts in support of libraries and the necessary funding that they require. Not signing this letter sends a silent and contrary message about the importance of libraries and their role in our society. As a leader in the publishing industry, it is imperative that you reconsider your lack of support and vocally oppose Executive Order 14238. Not signing this letter is an insult to your employees, your authors, librarians who champion the books you publish, and your many readers who depend on libraries for access.

White lettering over blue background saying "I signed the open letter to HarperCollins" surrounds a white box with the beginning of the letter: On March 1, 2011, in a letter to librarians over concerns about e-books, HarperCollins articulates: "HarperCollins is committed to libraries and recognizes that they are a crucial part of our local communities. We count on librarians reading our books and spreading the word about our authors' good works." We hope that this belief and commitment remains true, especially as something far more dire than the advent of e-books threatens one of our most precious social resources. After the London Book Fair in 2023, Jim Milliot of Publishers Weekly interviewed HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray. When asked about the "still-growing problem of book banning," Murray had this to say: "We need to ensure that our books are widely available ... and in as many library systems as possible so that readers can access all our books in some format in every zip code or postcode. Each publisher should strongly support their authors whose books are banned by speaking up and promoting those books in general markets and bookstores." We call on Murray to stand by his own professed principles, ensuring that books reach readers across the United States through our library systems. We implore HarperCollins to stand with the other Big Five publishers and Sourcebooks in this fight to support IMLS and the necessary funding that so many libraries depend upon to serve their communities. Sincerely,

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 24/05/2025

So happy to be at @bookpeople.bsky.social today for the launch party of #mg THE MINOR RESCUE written by @meredithldavis.com and illustrated by Billy Yong. I loved the first book in this superhero series and can't wait to dig into this second one. #kidlit

Copy of the book THE MINOR RESCUE written by Meredith Davis and illustrated by Billy Yong in front of a crowd of people at BookPeople in Austin TX sitting listening to Meredith Davis talk about the book.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 17/05/2025

Had the opportunity to read an early copy this graphic novel, THE PUZZLING FATE OF MILLICENT GRAVES, by @inkybeast.bsky.social. It's SO GOOD! A really fun take on the story of the fates, the book has great art and is insightful and funny. I LOVED it! Highly recommend for ages 8 and up. #mg #kidlit

Book The Puzzling Fate of Millicent Graves by Dora M Mitchell

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 23/04/2025

Awww! Your dog looks like a white version of mine...

Black puppy lying on a rug surrounded by bits of a stick

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 22/04/2025

Heard chomping and went to discover what it was. Lucy moved to the bed in the hall to continue her rampage... #dogs #dogsofbluesky

Small black and white dog lying on a dog bed tearing up a stick with leaves.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 22/04/2025

Current view... Note the chewed up sticks. There are more on the rug. #dogs #dogsofbluesky

A small black and white dog lying on her back on a rug in front of a bookcase surrounded by bits of sticks.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 12/04/2025

The view from where @jessicaleeanderson.bsky.social and I were stationed at the Earth Day festival today. Spoke to loads of lovely book fans, got lots of sun, and now I need a nap. #authorlife

Creek with green trees and grass on the bank

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 12/04/2025

Excited to be at the Round Rock Earth Day Festival sharing my earthy books, like ARROW and GEMSTONE DRAGONS: EMERALDS BLOOMING SECRET, and giving away seed paper and activities. And happy to joined by @jessicaleeanderson.bsky.social and her fantastic books and snake coloring page!

Author Samantha M Clark stands behind a table if her books in a park.

Author Jessica Lee Anderson stands behind a table of her books in a park.

Book ARROW, seed paper and activities guide

Coloring page for Jessica Lee Anderson's snake books

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 06/04/2025

Finished this #mglit illustrated novel, JERRY, LET ME SEE THE MOON by Jeffrey Ebbeler, the other day. SO FUN! Totally had me guessing at the end. Loved it. If you like light, funny books that make you go awww and teach you science, you'll love it too. Highly recommend. 🤣🤣📚 #bookrec

Book cover for JERRY, LET ME SEE THE MOON by Jeffrey Ebbeler, featuring a drawing of a boy and a large squirrel outside under a traffic light with a large full moon behind them.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 03/04/2025

Someone doesn't want me to work anymore... #authordogs

A dog's head peers around the edge of a laptop screen.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/03/2025

The moon is huge over Texas tonight. Maybe it's watching closely to see what we're going to do with its planet.

Bright full moon looms large in the night sky over houses.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 12/03/2025

Fantastic to see friend and author Donna Janell Bowman (second from left) signing copies of WINGS OF AN EAGLE with her co-author and the subject of the book gold Olympic medalist Billy Mills at TLC Austin tonight.

Author Donna Janell Bowman (second from left) signs copies of WINGS OF AN EAGLE with her co-author and the subject of the book gold Olympic medalist Billy Mills at TLC Austin.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 06/03/2025

Happy World Book Day! To celebrate, here's the newly re-organized bookshelf in my office, complete with old movie SWAG from my days working as a journalist in the entertainment industry. My books are the face-out shelf on the left. What's in your bookshelf?

The bookshelf in author Samantha M Clark's office, filled with children's books and knickknacks like plush toys, a Sally doll and a model of a Back To The Future Delorean

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 22/02/2025

Perhaps my favorite badge ever! I'm at the Central TX Teen & Kids Comic Con all day and at 10 presenting on why Imagination Is A Superpower. Excited to be here, hanging out with the Stormtroopers, fairies and dragons.

Central TX Teen & Kids Comic Con badge for Author Samantha M Clark in front of her GEMSTONE DRAGONS books.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 21/02/2025

Central #Texas parents! Join me at the CTX Teen & Kids Comic-Con tomorrow! I'll be talking about how imagination is a superpower and how I use it to create whole new worlds like the one in my GEMSTONE DRAGONS SERIES. Join me! sites.google.com/roundrockisd... #ctxkidscc25

Speech bubble with the words Central Texas Teen & Kids Comic Con Presenter, Feb. 22, 2025 CTXkidsCC.org

Rotating graphic with the covers for all 4 GEMSTONE DRAGONS books, featuring the multicolored Opal flying in a pink sky, red Ruby flying in a purple sky, green Emerald flying in a yellow sky and golden Topaz flying in a blue night sky

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 16/02/2025

Off to have an afternoon reading BROKEN DOLLS by @allymalinenko.bsky.social I know you're jealous, but don't worry. It'll be out soon. #kidlit #mg

Creepy laughing doll in pig tails swaying back and forth

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 16/02/2025

Doing research today for a new secret #mg book and discovered that the Grimm brothers were librarians! Now I appreciate them even more.

Blue book surrounded by the words Librarians Are Freedom Fighters

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 15/02/2025

Had a blast talking to @angelinamlo.bsky.social @naimasimoneauthor.bsky.social and John Chrastka of @everylibrary.bsky.social as part of Library Lovers Week. I forgot to point out my T-shirt: "Fight Evil, Read Books"! A good one for right now

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/02/2025

Valentine's Day #booklove for NAOMI NASH: SAVING SNAKES by @jessicaleeanderson.bsky.social and illustrated by Alejandra Barajas. Fun and educational, plus SNAKES! #kidlit I love this whole chapter book series.

Book cover for Naomi Nash Saving Snakes by Jessica Lee Anderson and illustrated by Alajandra Barajas with a smiling brunette white girl holding a snake.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/02/2025

Valentine's Day #booklove for THIRST by @varshab.bsky.social Thought-provoking book about kids seeking for fairness and water. #kidlit #mg Love this cover as much as I love the book.

Book cover for Thirst by Varsha Bajaj with an Indian girl carrying a jug of water in her colorful but poor neighborhood.

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/02/2025

Valentine's Day #booklove for Pick Your Own Quest: Princess vs Pirate by @pj-hoover.bsky.social Fun adventure where we choose what happens! This is part of a series PJ writes as Connor Hoover. Sending love for this one because it's dedicated to me 😁 #kidlit #mg

Book cover for Pick Your Own Quest: Princess vs Pirate by Connor Hoover with a princess lounging on her throne and a pirate with his ship.

Book dedication page for Pick Your Own Quest: Princess vs Pirate by Connor Hoover, reading To Sam for believing in the vision

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/02/2025

Valentine's Day #booklove for THE MINOR MIRACLE by @meredithldavis.bsky.social and illustrated by Billy Yong. Fun twist on the superhero story. #kidlit #mg Book 2 is coming out soon!

Book cover for THE MINOR MIRACLE by Meredith Davis with illustrations by Billy Yong. The cover features a white boy who can manipulate gravity and his best friends, a Black boy with his trumpet and a blond white girl

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/02/2025

Valentine's Day #booklove for OMEGA MORALES AND THE CURSE OF EL CUCUY by @laekanzeakemp.bsky.social Fun spooky adventure. #kidlit #mg

Book cover for OMEGA MORALES AND THE CURSE OF EL CUCUY by Laeken Zea Kemp with two kids dressed in Day of the Dead makeup and their ghost friend on the cover

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Samantha M Clark @samanthamclark.com · 14/02/2025

Valentine's Day #booklove with graphic novel TWINS written by @varianjohnson.bsky.social and illustrated by Shannon Wright. Fun family rivalry. #kidlit #mg

Book cover for TWINS written by Varian Johnson and illustrated by Shannon Wright with Black twin sisters back to back and Vote signs on the wall behind them.

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