About
Allow me to answer the two questions I hear most often:
For readers of Swept Up: No, I have never been kidnapped by an angryjanitor while on a school field trip. But I have spent a lot of time wonderingwhat would happen if I had been. In real life, I like school janitors and am not afraid of them at all.
For readers of No Ordinary Lizard: Yes, I have owned a lot of pets - more than any reasonable person ever would. I've had dogs, cats, hamsters, an African gray parrot, a pot-bellied pig, fish, Hermit crabs and, of course, the leopard gecko lizard who inspired this story. At times there have been more animals living in my house than people. But very few of them caused as much trouble as Benson.
When I'm not working on my next book (or taking care of my pets or running away from school janitors), I help kids write their own stories at allwritewithme.com. The site includes tips, techniques, activities and group projects. Drop in to share your own writing, see what other kids are working on, or just say “hi.”
Diane is a graduate of the University of Iowa and the Institute of Children’s Literature. Her short stories and articles have been published in children’s magazines, writers’ newsletters and online.
Description
<p>It’s hard to be committed to anyone when you don’t know whom to trust.</p><p>Alexis Toles, a former FBI agent turned undercover CIA agent, is quickly finding that out in Nancy Ann Healy’s newest political thriller, <i>Commitment</i>.</p><p>Alex embeds in a secret organization of intelligence operatives known as The Collaborative. Its partners include operatives from the CIA, National Security Agency, FBI, US Department of Defense, and an entanglement of foreign intelligence agencies.</p><p>It’s about half a year after the death of President John Merrow, a friend and someone she respected. But she remains committed to overthrowing The Collaborative as she works with a onetime adversary who believes the organization’s involved in the president’s death.</p><p>Meanwhile Alex; her wife, Cassidy O’Brien; and Cassidy’s son try hard to live as a family but must first overcome personal struggles, including a nasty custody battle with Cassidy’s ex-husband, Congressman Christopher O’Brien. The family has their own share of secrets that, if unleashed, could affect their hopes for the future.</p><p>There’s no place to turn without discovering people who are not who they claim to be. That can’t stop Alex. She must remain committed to the cause, both at home and as she works against The Collaborative.</p>
Story Behind The Book
To all the young writers at allwritewithme.com - I hope this book inspires you as much as you inspire me.
I invite everyone who discovers this book through other websites to visit allwritewithme.com. You’ll find great stories written by grade school kids.
You’ll also find free discussion guides built around the common core. Guides include the specific standards addressed for 4th, 5th and 6th grades.
I hope you enjoy this sample of Swept Up!
Reviews
<p><span style="font-size:11pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Calibri, 'sans-serif';">On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give this book a full 10. I love it. I liked the part about when the papers were flying everywhere. -<em> </em></span><em><em style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:17px;">Kayla James, 5th grade</em></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:15px;line-height:17px;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">My class and I loved the book. It grew more suspenseful every day. I loved the lesson it told, too. You are a very gifted writer. The way you wrote the book allowed it to be very easy for students to visualize the story in their minds. Excellent descriptions. You're at the top of our best seller list, for sure. -</span><em><em style="font-size:15px;line-height:17px;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">Judy Smith, 3rd grade teacher</em></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:11pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">I really enjoyed it. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;">I liked all the adventure of it and the only thing I didn’t like about it is that it ended. - <em>Breslin Crose, 5th grade</em></span></p>
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<div>A fascinating read all the way through, with strong characters you get to know and like...or not. I loved the surprise ending and how the mystery and excitement that went through the whole book came to a satisfying conclusion. - <em>Dorothy Ray</em></div>
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<div>This book kept my students' attention all the way through. - <em>Alyce McConaghy, 4th grade teacher</em>
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