17 Comments
User's avatar
Matt's avatar

I’m really sad to see you take a break. You are such a thoughtful writer especially when it comes to providing insight to these wonderful books. I hope you come back soon.

Sri Juneja's avatar

Whichever is most doable for YOU. You deserve a break, full stop.

Kristen McBee's avatar

Seconded.

Clarkie Doster's avatar

What Sri said!

Lacey Delayne Hunt's avatar

Take care of yourself. You are a precious soul and your content is so important. We will be here when you get back. I vote take a break and dont pressure yourself to post. You come first. šŸ«¶šŸ¼

Grace Savage's avatar

I voted no newsletter so you can really take a break and focus on you and your family!

Amanda's avatar

I'd gladly see your republished content but if that's more work for you, please feel free to take a step back!

Victoria L.'s avatar

I voted "I don't care either way" because I want you to do what feels best! I'm also looking for breathing room and will cheer for anyone who makes that same choice.

Kristen McBee's avatar

Amen! May we all be brave enough to ask for or take what we need.

Marlena's avatar

Yes to whatever feels the best for you.

Meredith PW's avatar

Whatever you can realistically do - we'll all be waiting for you either way. Honestly, just so you know, republished content is still helpful as my kids grow up - something I might have passed by a while ago might just be what I need right now. <3

Jessica Wilen's avatar

I vote that you take a *complete* break—no newsletter work at all. And then, when you come back, you publish from the archives. I promise that we will all still be here when you’re ready to come back ā¤ļø

Lorraine McCown's avatar

Take a break. A real break. We’ll be waiting when you feel better. Often times prioritizing yourself ends up being a gift to all.

The Symphony's avatar

"it’s like a rollercoaster designed by Lewis Carroll and Rube Goldberg on a day they both took psychedelic drugs." Now THAT is a description - oof. Take it easy; we'll be here when you feel up to it.

Joni Ballou's avatar

Dear Sarah,

After reading your post from yesterday, I went back to read 6/18. Your words so perfectly describe what you are experiencing. Sometimes I just walked from one room to another, trying to put one foot in front of the other. Thank you for sharing…it’s very important to allow yourself all of your feelings, to find safe people, to allow the tears, the laughter, the questions, the fears, the hopes and dreams. I am with you in spirit.

Joni

Grumpy Grandma X's avatar

First, I hope you take whatever breathing room you need. Even republished reviews are still a gift, especially when they help parents, grandparents, teachers, and book-loving adults put good stories in front of children.

I love the range here — names and family memory, disability and dignity, courage as a beginner, and poetry that can hold both silliness and grief. That is exactly why children’s books matter. They help little people become more human, and they remind grown-ups to stay that way too.

Chanel Riggle's avatar

I vote that you write a simple newsletter that says you’re on a break with links to your archived work and a subscribe button. Then you duplicate that post for every single week for however many weeks you like. Schedule them to send every week and I’ll likely go ā€œoh yea I like this!ā€ and reopen your archive.