About

Alyson Beecher is an educator, writing mentor, book geek, and blogger. I say that I have to read children's and YA literature because of my job but really I just love Picture Books, MG and YA books. During the day, I work with elementary students. My passion is getting my students excited about books, reading, and writing.  I also believe that it is critical to partner with teachers, librarians, authors, illustrators, booksellers, and publishers to support efforts to connect children and teens to books.  With that in mind, I have also co-founded the grassroots organization Bridge to Books with Alethea (@frootjoos, Read Now, Sleep Later). 

When I don't have my nose in a book, I enjoy hanging with friends, cooking, listening to music, or seeing a live performance.

Books are nearly always better than their movie version, and I am more likely to become a complete babbling fool in the presence of my favorite authors than some famous movie star.

Renée McDonald is a college undergraduate one year away from getting Bachelor's degrees in English and Communication. She's been reading young adult literature since Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone captured her heart and imagination over 10 years ago. Her current favourite authors include Libba Bray, Richelle Mead, Cassandra Clare, Lauren Oliver, Andrea Cremer, and 635174 more. She likes her heroines sassy and her heroes swoon-worthy. She owns 400 books and counting...