“Growing Up Bookish” with Libby McNamee and Jenny L. Cote

In this episode, host M.H. Sheriff interviews children’s book authors Libby McNamee and Jenny Cote. These authors host a virtual historical fiction writing camp in the summer for teens in which the teens write and publish an anthology.

An author, public speaker, and lawyer, Libby McNamee loves exploring America’s many historical sites. When a descendant told her about Susanna Bolling’s heroism, Libby was determined to share it with the world. “SUSANNA’S MIDNIGHT RIDE: THE GIRL WHO WON THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR” is her first historical novel for upper middle graders and adults alike. (Half of her readers are adults.) In addition, there is an accompanying Study Guide. Her second novel, “DOLLEY MADISON AND THE WAR OF 1812: AMERICA’S FIRST LADY,” published on August 24, 2021, the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City. In addition, there is an accompanying Study Guide.

Award-winning author and speaker Jenny L. Cote, who developed an early passion for God, history, and young people, beautifully blends these three passions in her two fantasy fiction series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz® and Epic Order of the Seven®. Likened to C. S. Lewis by readers and book reviewers alike, she speaks on creative writing to schools, universities, and conferences around the world.  Jenny has a passion for making history fun for kids of all ages, instilling in them a desire to discover their part in HIStory. 

Book Recommendations:

The Epic Story of 1776: 25 people, 13 colonies, and 1 war (camp anthology)

Epic Order of the Seven (8 book series) by Jenny Cote

Susanna’s Midnight Ride by Libby McNamee

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 by Libby McNamee

Sophia’s War by Avi 

King George What Was His Problem by Steve Sheinkin

The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson

1776 by David McCullough

The Amazing Tales of Max & L

Other Links:

https://historycamp.org/

https://www.mountvernon.org

Libby’s website: http://libbymcnamee.com/

Facebook and instagram @libbymcnameeauthor

Jenny’s website: https://www.epicorderoftheseven.net/

Social media @jennylcote

If you enjoyed this episode, check out the last episode of Growing Up Bookish, “Neurodiversity In Children’s Books” with Sivan Hong.

“Backwards Walk” music by Stationary Sign courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Thanks to Lisa Roe for designing graphics.