Tag Archives: Joanne Levy

Books, CRUSHING IT, LET IT GLOW, News, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

Looking Forward to a Very Busy Fall 2024

Hello, friends!

It’s been a minute but it’s fair to say I’ve been busy. And when I say busy, I mean really, really busy. I’m bad at blogging at the best of times, but when stuff gets busy around here, well, you see what happens. 

Anyway, there are SO MANY things I need to tell you, so please bear with me.

NEW BOOKS are coming this fall, just in time for your holiday shopping. You’re welcome.

First up in September is an anthology called THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, which is, as you might have guessed, about Hanukkah. This compilation of Hanukkah-themed awesomeness was put together by the very awesome Henry Herz that includes not only a story by me, but contributions by many other author friends, too.

Celebrate Hanukkah with a diverse collection of poems and stories filled with history, humor, and hope. Cheer on a young baker as he tries to make sufganiyot from a family recipe. Learn about code breakers in England during World War II. Imagine hosting a refugee cousin or finding long-lost relatives. In this anthology, characters make discoveries, connect with family and friends, and mourn loved ones. Encompassing a range of genres and experiences, there’s something for readers of all faiths in the illuminating pages of The Festival of Lights.

In my story, called The Greatest Gift, we revisit Evie and Oren from SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. This fun return to a couple of my favorite characters of all time, is told in Oren’s point of view and takes place at the first Hanukkah after SORRY closes. I hope you love it!

Order your copy: Your Canadian indie bookstore, Bookshop.org, Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca 

Full list of contributors: Henry Herz, Leslea Newman, R.M. Romero, Stacia Deutsch, Bridget Hodder, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Nancy Holder, Alan Katz, Gini Koch Nancy Krulik, Nancy Churnin, Joanne Levy, Erica S. Perl, Alan Silberberg, Terri Libenson, and Richard Michelson.

Speaking of SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, word on the street is that it’s coming out in audio this fall – stay tuned for more info on that.

 

My second Hanukkah/Holiday book this fall is LET IT GLOW, the book I wrote with the amazing Marissa Meyer. This book that will release at the end of October is filled with joy, humor, and tons of holiday food that is definitely going to make you hungry. 

Check out the book’s page for all the purchase links and don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads to be read list (pro tip: if you have it on your TBR, you should get a notification if/when there’s a giveaway. Just sayin’.)

TOUR INFO (yes, I said tour info) is coming soon, so stay tuned for that in the coming weeks. 

Oh, and because I haven’t yet inundated you with enough, CRUSHING IT (my Cyrano de Bergerac retelling for tweens) is coming in December with this cute new cover. If you never did get this book when it came out in 2017, it’s available for preorder now. 

Whew. That’s it for now, but I’d love to see you this fall – stay tuned for that tour info!

 

Books, News, THE BOOK OF ELSIE, Uncategorized

The Book of Elsie is out now!

Great news! I have a book out today. *throws confetti*

The truth is that I wish I hadn’t felt the need to write a book about a kid who has to deal with antisemitism and other forms of prejudice but as long as there is hate out in the world, well, here we are. It hurt my heart to write this book and it hurt again to edit and reread it in preparation for release, but I hope it does a little good out in the world.

This book, my response to antisemitism, is also full of hope, a few laughs, and even a recipe that kids can try, lest you think it’s all doom and gloom.

More about why I wrote it can be found in my Teen Librarian Toolbox guest post here.

THE BOOK OF ELSIE is a book that I think all kids (and adults) can enjoy and learn from but don’t take my word for it:

“Strong first-person narration thoughtfully explores experiences of antisemitism and prejudice…Levy presents a realistic, gutsy, problemsolving youth navigating difficult situations with the love and support of community, friends, and family.” – Booklist

“Both Jew­ish and non-Jew­ish read­ers will be inspired by Elsie’s brav­ery while learn­ing about Jew­ish hol­i­days and com­mu­ni­ty sup­port.” – Jewish Book Council

“Allows readers to find the space to ask questions and have conversations about racism and antisemitism in society. Recommended.” – CM: Canadian Review of Materials

And my favorite review so far from the awesome E Train:

https://anchor.fm/e-train5/episodes/My-Book-Review-of-The-Book-of-Elsie-by-Joanne-Levy-e1kn8mu

p.s. Don’t miss my video interview with the smart and insightful E Train.

I hope you’ll check out The Book of Elsie and don’t forget to drop a review at retailers and/or Goodreads – that helps spread the word.

Get your copy: Your Canadian indie bookstore, Bookshop.org, Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca

About the book:

Elsie Rose-Miller loves celebrating the Purim holiday and can’t wait for the annual costume party at her local synagogue.

Elsie plans to dress up as the fierce and smart Queen Esther, who saved all the Jewish people. But when financial hardship and a terrible incident of hate-inspired vandalism threaten not only the party but the synagogue too, Elsie, like Queen Esther, takes action to bring her entire community―Jewish and non-Jewish alike―together.

Read an excerpt here.

**Activity and discussion guide coming soon.**

 

Books, News, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

Not SORRY to Share Some News!

Will the puns about the title for SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ever end? Maybe, but not today. Because I’m very excited and not sorry at all to share a few exciting things that have happened to the book recently.

It was featured in The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids & Teens 2022 as a Starred selection.

It has been named as a 2022/2023 Red Cedar Awards Nominee. This is a kids’ choice award in British Columbia where kids get to read and vote on their favourite books.

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS is also a 2023 Rocky Mountain Book Award Nominee. Another kids’ choice award but this one is for Alberta.

Yay for Western Canada! I’m so excited that these great things mean this book – the book of my heart – will find more kids who will enjoy and maybe even need it. I’m truly honoured and chuffed at these three amazing things.

And before you go, it’s just about two months until my NEXT book, THE BOOK OF ELSIE comes out in the world. There is so much packed into this little book about fighting prejudice and communities coming together. Not just serious stuff, but lots of funny moments too. I hope you’ll check it out.

Add to your Goodreads TBR.

More info about it here.

Books, News, SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE

Listen! Small Medium at Large Turns Ten!

It’s been 10 years (!!!) since my debut, SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE came out in the world. Since then, a lot has happened – the book was a Red Maple Nominee, a MYRCA Honour, a Sydney Taylor Notable, and got in the hands of a lot of kids (the best part, honestly).

Since the book has been out for a while, I gave it a bit of a refresh and released it in paperback (links below for paperback and ebook versions).

But in today’s very exciting news – SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE is now available as an audio book. It’s read to you by MacKenzie Cahill and I couldn’t be more pleased. Want a sample? Sure you do.

Listen to a sample here.

The Small Medium at Large audio book is available wherever you get your audio: Google Play, Kobo, Apple, Audible and Amazon – also available at many libraries. If you don’t see it at yours, please request it.

Ebooks are available instantly and directly from me using this direct link (all formats) or at the following retailers: Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The paperback is available directly through me via my Etsy shop (signed and personalized!), Bookshop.org or you can ask for it to be ordered in at your local indie bookstore – they should be able to get it in for you. It’s also available at Amazon. This updated version also includes a teaser for the sequel, SMALL MEDIUM TAKES CHARGE which is coming soon-ish. Stay tuned for more news on that. Until then, happy listening!

Books, Cool Stuff, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

Kid reviews are the BEST reviews!

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS has been out in the world for a couple of weeks and I have been amazed and humbled by the wonderful feedback it’s gotten. So many reviewers have loved the book and while that’s so gratifying, I have to say that reviews from young people provides the kind of validation that authors really appreciate. To that end, I’m so excited to share this awesome video review by Ric of Ric’s Book Reviews.

Thank you so much to Ric for reading and talking about SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS (and totally getting the book!). “A beautiful book that’s masterfully written.” No higher praise!

But Ric isn’t just a great reviewer but an excellent interviewer! His questions are so thoughtful and smart – it’s a true pleasure to be interviewed by him. Watch the interview he did with Lisa McMann and I about our connections, working together, our books, and more:

AND check out Ric’s great review for Lisa’s latest, CLARICE THE BRAVE:

Follow Ric’s review channel on YouTube or check him out on Facebook, and Instagram.

Thanks again, Ric!

Books, Contest!, Cool Stuff, Events, Launch Party, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

Launch Week Awesomeness!

Well, friends, it’s been a week already. Whew! I’ve been so incredibly overwhelmed with the book love (and author love!) that I’ve received already and as I’m writing this, it’s only Wednesday. I’ve been so consumed with this book and getting the word out, that I actually forgot to do a release day post.

Here it is, just a day late. Still counts and now I can include some of the assorted media and posts.

In case you’re new to these parts, my book, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS came out yesterday (October 12). *throws confetti*

Here are a few of the celebrations – first with the upcoming things so you can hurry to register/get your ticket.

October 14 – Triple Author Launch Extravaganza!

Click for ticketing! https://www.changinghands.com/event/october2021/lisa-mcmann-joanne-levy-dusti-bowling

October 14 at 7pm PST/10pm EST is the triple-author launch extravaganza in partnership with Changing Hands Bookstore.

Event details are here. If you purchase one of my books as part of your ticket, you’ll get a signed bookplate and one of these cool wood and paper bookmarks.

NOTE: Changing Hands Bookstore is in the US but they will ship anywhere. Ticket price includes US shipping.

If you are in Canada and would like to purchase a book and bookmark directly from me, please head on over to my Etsy shop.

http://http//www.joannelevy.com/reading

October 20, 11:30am – I’ll be doing a virtual public reading from SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS and will then be discussing the book and doing Q&A with award-winning author and psychiatrist, Tziporah Cohen. Free but registration is required. Sign up here.

And here’s some media/posts about me and the book:

The Nerdy Book Club – The story behind SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS – includes a giveaway open until October 19.

A spot on CHCH Morning Live – my hometown station’s morning show that I watch every day.

A Q&A I did over at the Orca blog.

Another Q&A I did with Deborah Kalb.

A post I wrote about how Jewish funerals are inherently green funerals over at L. E. Carmichael’s Cantastic Authorpalooza.

More to come but until then, I hope you’ll join me at one of my events. If you enjoyed reading SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, please support the book by giving it a review at Goodreads and/or the place you bought it. More importantly, please pass it along to someone else who may enjoy it.

If you’ve read this far, you are the best. Thank you.

Books, Cool Stuff, News, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

A Giveaway and a STAR!

We’re getting close to the release of SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS in October, but I’m hearing that it’s already shipping out to stores. Thank you if you’ve already pre-ordered – hopefully that means you’ll get your copy soon!

In the AMAZING news category, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS just got a starred review from Kirkus Reviews:

⭐️ “A heartfelt and expertly written tale of loss, family, and friendship that will have readers blinking back their tears…Beautiful and sincere.”

If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy yet and are feeling lucky, you can enter this Goodreads giveaway for a paperback copy:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Sorry for Your Loss by Joanne Levy

Sorry for Your Loss

by Joanne Levy

Giveaway ends September 18, 2021.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

I have a few more things in the works to celebrate the release – some fun online events and giveaways. Stay tuned for more details to come.

Books, Cool Stuff, News, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

SORRY (not sorry!)

Hello! When I started writing my next book, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, it had a different title: TREE OF LIFE. I had carefully chosen that title because it works on many levels in the book (once you read it, you’ll understand) but as often happens, book titles change. I love the new title, but the funny thing about it is that when I post about it or send emails about it, I realize it’s not a good idea to use the title as a subject line. Anyway, I say that because as I’m writing this post, I realize using the title for a blog post header might cause some alarm.

What I’m NOT sorry about is some bragging I’m going to do about the book. I’m thrilled that the book has already gotten some amazing advanced praise.

Amazing, right? Speaking of research, I have added a page that outlines some of the research I did for this book, including some behind-the-scenes photos from a real funeral home. I’ve also added links for further reading and research, should you be like me and want to know even more about the fascinating subject of funerals and what happens to us when we die.

If you’re wondering what (and who!) inspired me to write this book, check out the cover reveal I did over at POP! Goes the Reader. I’ll wait here.

Now that you’re back, look at this:

“OF COURSE, humor”. Thank you to Lisa and Adam for your kind words about this book. Thank you for indulging me in a little bragging. I worked hard on this book and absolutely can’t wait until it gets out into the world. But before you go, I’d appreciate it if you’d add the book to your Goodreads TBR list. And if you’re inspired to do so, you can even pre-order the book from Bookshop.org, from Orca directly, your local Canadian indie bookstore, Indigo, or, you know, that other place.

Events

OLA Super Conference

Hi. I will have lots of big news coming up but before that, I’m getting out in the world! I’ll be attending the Ontario Library Association’s SUPER CONFERENCE on Thursday, January 30.

I’ll be signing copies of DOUBLE TROUBLE at the Orca Book Publishers booth at 12:30 with fellow Orca pod members Bev Katz Rosenbaum and Lorna Schultz Nicholson.

Please stop by if you’re in the building!

Cool Stuff, CRUSHING IT, Launch Party, News

I’m CRUSHING IT Today!

See what I did there? I made a corny pun with my book title! Well, you know what? It’s my blog, so it’s my prerogative to make corny puns!

Back to the business at hand – it’s they day we’ve all been waiting for – CRUSHING IT release day!

***Throws confetti***

To celebrate, I’m chatting with my excellent friend, Debbie Ohi, over on her site today and I’m also talking about writing funny at the Nerdy Book Club.

If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy, you can get yours from Bryan Prince Bookseller, or at one of these fine retailers:

Chapters/Indigo

IndieBound

Barnes & Noble

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

If you’re local, I’d love to see you at the LAUNCH PARTY on January 28 at the Westdale Libary (2pm).

Don’t forget to please review CRUSHING IT (unless you hated it) at review sites like Goodreads and at retailers. That is the kindest, and cheapest way you can help authors get the word out about their books.