Kit Vaughan, SLJ: “A fascinating glimpse into the colorful times of the 14th century. Orphaned Matilda, 13, has lived the good life in a manor where she was well educated by Father Leufredus. Things change drastically, however, when he abandons her." This tale that feels fresh today! bit.ly/3VXcM26

What do you really know about Westminster Abbey? First constructed in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor, site of many weddings, burials, and coronations, you can tour this UNESCO world heritage site. A guided tour is recommended. www.westminster-abbey.org

In my book Alchemy and Meggy Swann, Meggy’s father is pursuing his “Great Work” of turning base metals into gold. What was alchemy? How was it pursued during this time period? Article (and podcast) by author Icy Sedgwick: “What is alchemy and did it ever work?” bit.ly/4wPqgAA

Road Trip? 40 miles from Bath, Wells Cathedral and Vicar's Close in Wells date back to the 13th century. The city began as a Roman settlement and King Ine of Wessex founded the first church in 704. A good deal of filming is done in this town because of the medieval surroundings. bit.ly/4wvDn9G

For Classroom Connections for War and Millie McGonigle, download the Educators' Guide, aligning to Key Ideas & Details, Craft & Structure, Speaking and Listening, Knowledge of Language, Text Types & Purposes, and the history of World War II in America. images.penguinrandomhouse.com/promo_image/...

Archaeology in the Community: In 2006, Dr. Alexandra Jones realized many young students didn't know what archaeology is. Today, her nonprofit offers workshops in DC, MD, and VA. Calendar for upcoming Young Archaeologists' Club: bit.ly/4pJYmTK Look up Archaeology for Kids for other US locations.

To prep for reading The Loud Silence of Francine Green, explore the Hollywood ten blacklisting in 1948. Bleecker Street, distributor of the movie Trumbo, share who the Hollywood Ten were and how they fought the blacklisting that followed their time served. bit.ly/4gSagIT book: bit.ly/4ehHhMA

Road trip? The High Bridge in Lincoln, England, was first built in 1160 AD over the River Witham. One of only 3 bridges remaining with buildings on it. The travelers' chapel was removed in 1762, with more characteristic shops taking its place. #medievalarchitecture #bridge

Rainy day? The movie Catherine, Called Birdy is available for streaming on Amazon Prime. Then read or listen to Karen Cushman's book and have a discussion about Book or Movie? Why are books changed when adapted to the screen? For better or worse? bit.ly/3xGYDvS #medieval #booktomovie

In which forest does my book Grayling's Song take place? The best forests in your imagination! Take a road trip to The New Forest in the UK or to Superior National Forest in the US, which is three million acres of boreal woodland, rocky ridges, and glacially carved lakes. bit.ly/3Nz33x2

Visiting the UK? Stop at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire where much of Catherine, Called Birdy was filmed. This article relates some of the goings-on, including an intentionally-set fire in a privy. #castlehopping #catherinecalledbirdy #historicalfiction article: bit.ly/4vloWUq book: bit.ly/3xGYDvS

Thanks to Erica at What Do We Do All Day for recommending The Midwife's Apprentice for her 8th Grade Reading List. A fine group of books! bit.ly/4xTIYHZ Midwife's Apprentice: bit.ly/3whPlFS

8 places to visit in California this summer, all of which have ties to the California Gold Rush, whether it's whitewater-rafting, cavern exploration, museums, steam locomotives, or panning for gold. Read or listen to The Ballad of Lucy Whipple to set the scene. bit.ly/4wo9rfn book: bit.ly/45e3HZu

If you're enjoying The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, set during the California Gold Rush in the American West, you'll find these books keep you turning the pages, too. @kirbylarson.bsky.social

I've written two books set in Elizabethan England, a distinctly different time than the medieval ages. Here are some of the books I read to research language and culture to make my books more authentic. #ElizabethanAge #historicalfiction #research www.karencushman.com/bookshelves_...

Road trip or staycation, enjoy the collections of British archaeology at The Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University. Founded in 1682, its website is a trove of information. You can easily spend hours on their site. bit.ly/4vRVlmb Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0

"I would like the book to speak to young people in this time when they might understandingly be anxious and worried like Millie, but for different reasons. Maybe the process of her finding comfort and solace will help them believe there is comfort for them also." (link in comments)

If you're traveling in Britain this summer, don't miss the American Museum in Bath. Opened in 1961, it's the only museum featuring American decorative and folk art outside the US. www.americanmuseum.org

More research to do? There's a Historical Society in each state, too. Visit virtually or in person. In Washington state, one current exhibit is "An American Experiment," reimagining constitutional ideas as scientific concepts. WHS: bit.ly/4fT002m State Historical Societies links: bit.ly/4nXKdRP

In When Sally O'Malley Discovered the Sea, she is fond of Ned Buntline's dime novels. They often motivate her to be brave. Here's an article by Eric Rossburgh that sheds light on Ned Buntline and his "discovery of Buffalo Bill." Buntline: bit.ly/4wVoXQW Book: bit.ly/4br0wk3

Most of my books are set within a framework of history. Did you know that each state in the US has a state archaeologist? Here in Washington state, it's the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Great for research, idea starters, photos. dahp.wa.gov

If you're a fan of my book The Midwife's Apprentice, which is set in medieval England, or you're a fan of Call the Midwife, the stories for which began in the 1950s, you'll find this website from the Royal College of Midwives to be filled with intriguing resources. bit.ly/49WVa0a Bk: bit.ly/3whPlFS

If you're traveling to Britain, don't miss going to the Yorkshire Museum to see "Chariots, Treasure & Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard." The exhibit opened May 15th and it displays the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork ever found in Britain. Open through Summer 2027. Intrigued? bit.ly/4tLNhSq

Ready to travel? Some of my favorite museums are in Balboa Park, in the heart of San Diego: 18 museums including Museum of Us and San Diego History Center. On your drive, Read War and Millie McMonigle, then look for places and events that are part of the story. bit.ly/4f54uCT Book: bit.ly/3uFu1sM

I enjoy recommending museums and experiences you can visit on your summer vacation, but what if it's a staycation this year? Susan Marie Ward at The Savvy Museum Visitor wonders if we should consider the museum in our home. At-Home Museum: bit.ly/4uejLpi

I did an interview with Vick Mickunas on WYSO/NPR, The Best of the Book Nook, about my book Matilda Bone. Listen in! bit.ly/4ngLWBt About Matilda Bone: bit.ly/4uDV4mm

"The origins of the library at Merton are certainly different from how we think of such institutions now. There was no librarian and there were no shelves for browsing." "The enchanting history of Oxford University's 750-year-old medieval library," Christian Kriticos, BBC.com, 24-04-26

Libby Romfh: "They are strong girls, who set their jaws and survive the mistakes they make, and get stuff done, trying hard to find their way in a world in which they are marginal, and who find a way to survive in the end ..." bit.ly/42gWbMF

For a sense of the history and questions still surrounding the Orphan Trains, watch this 5-minute video from the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, KS. You or your family may wish to read my book Rodzina before you visit. Orphan Trains: bit.ly/4cu8DOQ Rodzina: bit.ly/3HRUR71

Fascinating. Article about storage pits excavated on the site where the proposed Sizewell C power station will be built in Suffolk, looking at hydrological change from 6,000 years ago. [Photo from article: OCA field team with Beaker pits. Oxford Cotswold Archaeology] Read more: bit.ly/3ORNzJ5