Last Friday I spoke to 100 5th grade girls in a school outside of Houston. This was the official kick-off school event for my Birdie’s Book tour. The day before I was interviewed on Fox’s Good Day Houston. Live television is unpredictable and scary, but I got through it with a bit of humor and a stellar musical performance by 12-year-old Gabby Gillespie, who is not afraid of anything.

So I was not prepared for shaky knees and welling eyes as I stood in the back of the Alexander Elementary library watching girls file in one by one, class by class. I was deeply aware that they were the answer to the question, ” Why did I write this story?” Bad timing for a speaker to cry just before going on. This is how I know something is true to the core of my being. Tears just happen, and there is nothing I can do to compose myself. I wiped my eyes and went out there and spoke about the books and the other things I had created—for them. Continue reading →