Debbie Harpham
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Loretta is a former Spanish teacher and the author of four young adult novels: The Shrouding Woman, In Search of Mockingbird, In a Heartbeat, and Unforgettable. Her debut adult novel, Stars Over Clear Lake (May, 2017, St. Martin’s Press) is set in Clear Lake, Iowa. Her books have been awarded many accolades, including Teen’s Top Ten Finalist, ALA and IRA Notables, New York Library List of Books for the Teen Age, Midwest Bookseller’s Choice Honor Award, Midwest Connection’s Pick, BBCB Choice, NEMBA (North Eastern Minnesota Book Award) finalist, Rebecca Caudill Nominee, and Charlotte Award Nominee.
Born in Mason City, Iowa, Loretta grew up in a large family of seven children, two parents, and one bathroom. When she was young she kept a diary (see below) but she never considered becoming a writer until she had four children of her own. Loretta received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and lives with her husband and children in Lakeville, Minnesota. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s usually playing tennis.
Her first book took her two years to write. She juggled writing with her work as a middle-school Spanish teacher, her kids’ soccer games, and lots of family get-togethers.
Other facts about Loretta:
- When I was little, I loved cats.
- I can’t swim (all those years of lessons wasted).
- I’ve been in a writer’s group for many years.
- I’ve never eaten sushi.
- Favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
- Favorite old movie? Harvey, with Jimmy Stewart. Favorite line from that movie: “In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”
- My childhood diary was filled with boring details. An example: “Had Girls Scouts today and watched Bonanza.” (I watched a lot of Bonanza). But writing in my diary did get me into the habit of writing every day. (A discipline that comes in handy to most writers).
ABOUT TANGLE-KNOT:
Tangle-knot is not a word, but it is Fia’s hair.
And Fia thinks it’s perfect, which is why she refuses to brush it, even though her mom always complains it’s a mess. In fact, it’s more than a mess―it’s a nest for a mother bird and her three colorful eggs!
Fia takes excellent care of her birds and shows off her tangle-knot everywhere she goes, attracting lots of attention. As the spectacle grows, so does Mom’s disapproval. But Fia’s commitment to being herself just might be powerful enough to change her mother’s mind.
This whimsical story shines with lighthearted relatability, reminding us that even when our parents just don’t get it, they always want us to be happy.
PRAISE FOR TANGLE-KNOT:
“It’s wonderful to see Fia given the agency to embrace her hair on her own terms, and it could easily launch a discussion on beauty standards. A sweet, silly story that will have any child resistant to combs and brushes cheering.”—Booklist
AUTHOR VISITS:
Author visits with Loretta Ellsworth are available via NovelNetwork.com.