Lynn Topel

Lynn Topel is a freelance writer and editor based in Maryland. When not busy homeschooling her sons, she enjoys reading, traveling, and trying out new places to eat.

Teen Reads: The 2026 Year-End Roundup

From history to adventure to fantasy, these books deserve a place on your teens’ bookshelves.

Book Recommendation November 3, 2026
Fall Into Children’s Timeless Tales and Contemporary Classics

As cooler nights and shorter days set in, curl up in front of the fireplace with a classic ...

Book Recommendation October 2, 2026
The Other York Town: Visiting A ‘Revolutionary’ Capital

This south-central Pennsylvania city is worth the day trip from Philadelphia for its role in early America.

Travel September 5, 2026
Back-to-School Reads for Young Learners

This fall’s nonfiction picture books cover topics from the humble, little bee to man’s quest for flight, sure ...

Book Recommendation September 2, 2026
Free to Write: Why Writers Go the Nontraditional Route to Get Published

Move over, Penguin Random House. There are new publishing houses in town.

Books July 23, 2026
Inside Dollywood’s Summer Season: Iconic Rides and Hidden Gems

From America's first steel wing coaster to the legendary Grist Mill cinnamon bread, here is why Dollywood remains ...

Travel June 11, 2026
Summer 2026 Children’s Books That Cover America

This summer’s reading list brings road trips and epic adventures.

Book Recommendation June 7, 2026
Children’s Books: Huzzah for America’s 250th!

Help youngsters prepare for our special July 4th celebration with some works of historical fiction.

America’s 250th May 19, 2026
‘The Inklings Detective Agency’: A Mystery Read With Lots of History

Author John R. Kelly turns famous writers on their heads, reimagining them as mystery-solvers.

Book Review April 30, 2026
Kent Island: The Almost-Forgotten Story of Maryland’s Colony

The largest island on the Chesapeake Bay held many firsts in early America and was not without its ...

American Essence April 17, 2026
A Time to Rejoice and Reflect: Books for Easter and Beyond

Spring is usually associated with housecleaning, but this word is not limited to the physical sense—especially during the ...

Book Recommendation March 28, 2026
Sight & Sound Theatre Brings Down the Walls With ‘Joshua’

The company presents another big and bold production, a tradition it has cultivated for 50 years and counting.

Musical Review March 22, 2026
Spring (Reading) Is in the Air!

These chapter books and nonfiction titles for children are great options for some engaging spring break reading.

Book Recommendation March 5, 2026
Author Rob Currie on Writing and World War II

An interview with the author of middle-grade historical fiction reveals his thoughts on writing for young readers.

Books February 23, 2026
A One-Time Baseball ‘Phenom’ Finally Gets His Due

‘Death in the Strike Zone’ documents the unusual pitching and mysterious death of one James Creighton.

Book Review February 10, 2026
New Year, New Books!

As we settle into 2026, a host of new books will help children ring in another year.

Book Recommendation January 19, 2026
Children’s 2025 Holiday Books

These picture books and easy chapter reads are sure to add anticipation and joy to the upcoming holidays.

Book Recommendation November 19, 2025
Start the Winter Season Right With ‘A Year to Slow Down’

Some of us look at how others live their lives and think we ought to do the same—not ...

Book Review November 2, 2025
‘In the Light of the Sun’: One War, Two Theaters

This new World War II historical novel covers two sisters’ war experiences and shines a light on a ...

Book Review October 7, 2025
Alexander McCall Smith With Another Cozy Mystery for the Fall

The latest addition to the ‘No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency’ series sees Mma Ramotswe back to crack another ...

Book Review October 4, 2025
‘A Song in the Dark’ Spotlights a WWII Atrocity

Christian author Kimberley Woodhouse presents her most challenging book to date.

Book Review September 28, 2025
Books for After-School Fun and Learning

From exploring the wonders of nature to unraveling the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, children will appreciate a world ...

Book Recommendation September 20, 2025
The Stage Magic of ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’

The beloved children's classic gets a faithful adaptation in Logos Theatre's original play.

Theater Review September 18, 2025
The Lost Colony: Mystery or Misnomer?

As visitors explore the Outer Banks, two islands stand out as places to visit for those curious about ...

Travel August 18, 2025
‘Our Narrow Hiding Places’: A Look into the Past, Present, and Future

This historical novel explores one woman’s survival during WWII, but her descendants may not have escaped the effects ...

Book Review August 15, 2025
For the Dog Days of Summer: Activity Books for Children

When the summer heat gets too intense, staying indoors opens doors for kids to fun, worthwhile activities.

Book Review July 23, 2025
‘A Real Emergency’: A Paramedic’s Memoir

Author Joanna Sokol takes readers along in her ambulance as she shares 15 years’ worth of emergency care ...

Book Review July 5, 2025