“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was first published on this day in 1900. The Oz books, as well as the movie and the community theater play I was in, made a lasting impression on me — and on the main character of my book.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Alire Sáenz, author of two of my favorite books, which were inspirational.

The Perseid meteor shower is going on right now! Check it out. They play an important part in “The Summer of Falling Stars.” Read how Riley explains them to Kendall.

Happy 4th of July. Please enjoy this excerpt from my novel, “The Summer of Falling Stars.”

As I stood on the stage at the city’s amphitheater, hundreds of eyes were on me. … Those eyes looking up at me were filled with tears. So were mine. I didn’t know what to tell them, but I had to say something.