Brinton Culp

Encouraging Middle School Kids to Get Involved - Modern challenges might discourage kids from working towards change. But, suggests Author Kern Carter, a parent’s simple question can reveal what their child values the most. (See below.) And, with adult guidance, children can find ways to take action, learning resilience and persistence along the way. menderist.com/inspiring-hope…

Books for Parents & Children to Read Together: 10 books with mental health themes, recommended by children's book specialists. Menderist's new list for Winter 2025/2026. Highlights *well-reviewed books, published in the past year*. See below: menderist.com/winter-reading…

STEALING THE SCORE is out today! I had so much fun writing this World Cup-themed soccer mystery; can’t wait to share it! ⚽️ buy a signed copy: bit.ly/StheSPB

It's February so we have a new website banner design by Mark Holly and an Illustrator Spotlight: kidlit411.com/2026/02/illust… Check out his art and enter to win a copy of his book, PEPPER THE PARROTFISH written by Stephanie Enser.

Lovely walk. Now time to get cozy (before the 2nd round of shoveling.)

Calling all 5-13 year old writers photographers, artists, and Mystery Gang members ~ @litkidsmagazine is open to submissions for the month of January. The theme: Mystery! 🔍 Details: litkidsmagazine.com/submissions #writingcommunity #kidlit #amwriting

Concern About Teen Readers - Many articles address the challenges of getting teens to read more. Here’s an encouraging story and example, shared by behaviour therapist @Abbie_W_James, about teen readers at the public library where she works. (See link below.) James draws parallels between young readers and recent good news about monarch butterfly populations. menderist.com/hopeful-moment…

@Menderist They all said they had a great time, though some said it would’ve been even better if their feet were warm 😁

@Brinton_Culp Oh that's great! Nice & sunny -- doesn't look too cold. 😃

What Trees Can Teach Us About Hope - Educator Brinton Culp writes about some extraordinary trees in her local woods, and considers the hopeful messages they give. #thicktrunktuesday #trailtuesday #trees menderist.com/trees-as-teach…

Feeling Hopeful for 2026? - Authors, librarians & teachers share how they increased their sense of hope. Short pieces include positive signs in teen readers – reducing doom scrolling – inspiring children to make change – and hope during illness. See menderist.com/tag/year-in-re…

Children’s Book About Living with Anxiety - For parents or caregivers of 9-12 year olds struggling with anxiety, Gabrielle Prendergast's 2025 novel, "The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt," is recommended. See Menderist's list, below, of 10 recommended mental health-themed books: @GabrielleSaraP menderist.com/winter-reading…

Tree-window perspective. Read more about cool trees and other stories of hope in the menderist.com Growing Hope edition from @Menderist

#chickens coming to brighten your day from 8th graders’ 2-minute drawing

@JThomasABC @Menderist Spot on

@Brinton_Culp @Menderist It looks to me like an old gnome (with a very tall hat) with his arms stretched out for a hug. 😊

Another cool tree spotted at the Sierra Club-Lancaster Group’s Polar Bear 5K. For more great trees and other stories of hope, check out menderist.com from @Menderist Growing Hope #trees #hope

More Hope in 2026 - Nine writers share how they increased their sense of hope. Short personal essays about strength from nature – reducing doom scrolling – inspiring children to make change – and retaining hope during illness. See menderist.com

@JThomasABC I am currently croozling 😊

Word that’s making me smile today: croozle. It’s an old dialect word for retreating under the covers and staying cosy and snug.

I have learned a lot about trees and from trees. Grateful to share lessons from trees in the latest from @Menderist #hope #trees

Our weekly big list of kid lit links is up (Dec 26): kidlit411.com/2025/12/the-we… Inside: Subtext; Marketing & Publicity in 2026; Storystorm w @taralazar, more. Thanks Emma Graham for the illustration & Heather C. Morris for the PB giveaway.