Hopping Fun Creations

About This Blog

Bet you can guess: Who's the writer and who's the (young-at-heart) 6th grade teacher?

Here we sisters are, more than a decade later, celebrating the decade of our childhoods at a WordStock fundraiser for Washtenaw Literacy, a nonprofit that supports adult literacy.

Here on my author site, I've handed over this blog to Louise Hopping (@HoppingReads), my sister, my two-time co-author, and a veteran 6th grade teacher.

For decades, Louise has evaluated books for tweens (ages 10-12.5) for quality, classroom suitability, and kid appeal. She adds only the best titles to her locally famous FREADom classroom library.

Her blog is aimed at anyone keen on putting good books in the hands and minds of tweens.
—Lorri (the writer, on the left)

Louise, age 11, in her favorite big, green chair.

ARCs and Review Copies

Authors, editors, publishers: YES, you are cordially invited to submit ARCs and review copies of books for tweens (ages 10 to 12.5), fiction and nonfiction, English language only.

Louise only reviews books that she recommends and can add to her classroom lending library—meaning the book must be available in a print edition.

Send materials to:
Louise Hopping, Grade 6
c/o St. Michael School
11311 Hubbard
Livonia, MI 48150

READALICIOUS! Books for Tweens

The "Rock Star" President

July 30, 2013

Tags: American Civil War, biography, history, middle grade, nonfiction, slavery

Did someone really plot to kidnap Lincoln's body?

At the beginning of every school year, one of my student survey questions is:

“If you could talk to any person from history, who would it be? What three questions would you ask?”

Out of 64 students in my 2013 class, 13 chose Abe Lincoln—more than any other historic figure, including good old George Washington (tied for runner-up, with eight votes).

Why is Lincoln such a history rock star for tweens?

Read More

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Stories & Games

Digital Products

CELL TO SINGULARITY

Cell to Singularity: Evolution Never Ends is a hit video game that unfolds a compelling documentary story one click at a time. I'm thrilled to be a writer for this excellent studio!

PLUM LANDING

Science and nature games, activities, animations, and more for ages 6-9.

INANIMATE ALICE

A digital story told in narrated episodes, interactive journals, and social media.

MAYAN MYSTERIES

Mayan Mysteries (Dig-It Games) is a narrative video game about archaeological adventures, with puzzles to solve and mini-games to play.

Children's Books

CHIEF JOSEPH

Read the sad, moving tale of a peace-loving leader who lost his land, many of his people, and his life-long fight to keep the peace.

BONE DETECTIVE

The true science adventures of Diane France, forensic anthropologist. NSTA Selector's Choice, AAAS/SB&F Subaru finalist, starred reviews!

SPACE ROCKS

Adriana Ocampo found her path to science adventure through space-traveling robots and crashing asteroids! (FREEBIE science quizzes.)

CRIME SCIENCE

The Body as Evidence (Autopsies) and Crime Scene Investigation!

Wild Weather! Wild Earth!

Tornadoes! and Hurricanes! are my two best-selling books with 1.7 million sold!

Games

LETTER PERFECT ENGLISH

A must-have card game set for English language (ESL/EFL) and language arts teachers and tutors. (FREEBIE ESL materials.)

MATH BOARD GAMES!

My top selling game book!

LANGUAGE ARTS GAMES

Lively games and activities about grammar, vocabulary, and dictionary skills.

HISTORY GAMES AND PLAYS

Great American History Games, 15 Primary Source Activities (plays, games, readings, and more) and more!

MARS 2020

Race from Earth to Mars, an orbiting target, by fixing malfunctions and answering intriguing science questions. Endorsed by astronaut Jack Lousma.

Games, Stories, Jazzy Content