Deb Cushman

Writer of YA/MG fantasy. Reader of most everything. MG fantasies for 8-12-year-olds, FRIGG'S JOURNEY TO ANASGAR and PING'S MYSTERY IN PIXIANDRIA available now.

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Okay, fantasy fans, let's have some fun! Choose your travel route! You’re crossing an unfriendly land to find help. What do you pick?
1) Whispering forest
2) Stone tunnel
3) Mist bog
4) Mountain ridge
#FantasyBooks #KidsFantasy #MiddleGradeReads #Kidlit #kidsbooks

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Your kids are going to need some summer reading! Here are some amazing options. Check out the books here! https://t.co/R8JBxXYVfU #SummerReading #Kidlit #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #TeenBooks

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Ever read a book where a character made a choice you thought was a great idea? Or a terrible blunder? Kids learn from reading about others. How a character faces her fears to overcome a major challenge is empowering for kids.
#reading #kidlit #kidsbooks #childrensreading

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Welcome to the summer days ahead!

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

“Belonging starts when a child sees herself as the hero.”
What kind of hero does your reader love most: quiet and clever, bold and brave, or funny and chaotic? 😊
#reading #kidlit #kidsbooks #kidsreading #childrensbooks

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Gathering clues in a mystery book helps kids develop their observation skills! #kidsbooks #mysterybooks #kidlit #childrensbooks

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Just 30 days until the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest at Clark College in Vancouver, WA, June 27th! Check out the poster below for all the fun activities. There's something for everyone. Join us for a FREE day of fun for your whole family. #Northwestbookfair #NWbookfair

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Simple writing tool that helps kids finish stories: “Because of that…” chain.
Write 1 sentence: “Something happens.”
Add: “Because of that…”
Add: “Because of that…” again.
Teaches cause-and-effect without making writing feel like homework.
#WritingForKids #CreativeWriting

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Mystery+fantasy=the perfect combo for curious kids. If your reader likes:
clues hidden in plain sight
twisty questions
magical worlds with secrets
Keep an eye on Ping’s Mystery in Pixiandria. It’s perfect for kids who love wondering, guessing, solving, & funny faery protagonists.

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

The toughest battles are often the ones no one else can see. Dragons teach us that facing our inner fire is how we discover our strength. Keep going. Your courage is showing. #dragonwisdom #dragons #courage #CourageOverFear #InnerBattle

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Here’s a simple way to help kids remember what they read: The 3-Beat Recap
After a reading session, ask:
1) What changed?
2) What surprised you?
3) What do you think will happen next?
It works with any story, but it's perfect for mystery stories!
#reading #kidsbooks #kidlit

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Good advice!

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

In the Chronicles of Nadavir series, Frigg travels with friends:
* Tip elf (steadfast+sharp)
* Ping faery (mischief+heart)
* Cricall unicorn (bold protector)
* Glimmer glowworm (tiny light, huge impact)
Which friend would your child relate to most?
#kidsbooks #fantasy

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Let’s talk about a fantasy trope “found family” that's perfect for middle grade:
• Kids see friendship as a superpower
• Each character brings a different strength
• Conflict can stay exciting without getting too dark
#Kidsfantasybooks #foundfamily #fantasybooks

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

I've been writing a lot of short stories. Whether it's going back to my roots or a procrastination technique for delaying completion of my next novel, I can't say. But I've discovered some stages I go through for each story. #shortstories #writing
https://t.co/6buKJgMaM8

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Some of the best fantasy moments aren’t spells—they’re discoveries. If your child loves mysteries tucked inside magical adventures, tell me: do they prefer puzzles or battles?
#KidsBooks #MiddleGradeFantasy #MysteryBooks #FantasyReads #RaisingReaders

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

A quick bookish challenge for the weekend: ask your child to invent a fantasy setting in 3 sentences:
Where are we?
What’s the danger?
What magical helper shows up?
Then post their 3 sentences in the comments. I'd love to see what their imaginations create!
#familyactivity

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

Disappointment 😥

[Deb Cushman @DebCushman]

“Reading grows quietly—one page today, a confident kid tomorrow.”
Do you have a reluctant reader? Try this:
"I read a page. You read a page. We read a page together."
#reading #readmorebooks #KidsReading #kidsbooks #kidlit