J. Anderson Coats (she/her)
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jandersoncoats.bsky.social
J. Anderson Coats (she/her)
@jandersoncoats.bsky.social
1.4K followers 1K following 390 posts
YA/MG author. Newest: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls (2025); The Loss of the Burying Ground (2024). She/Her. Located near the Salish Sea. Rep'd by ACM. https://www.jandersoncoats.com/
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jandersoncoats.bsky.social
School Library Journal has nice things to say about The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls! “[T]he notion of living in a library will engage young readers, including those who may not generally gravitate to historical fiction.” Thanks, SLJ! www.jandersoncoats.com/the-unexpect...
A graphic sharing a School Library Journal review for The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls by J. Anderson Coats. On the lefthand side is an image of the illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats. On the righthand side of the graphic is the text of the quote: “Brisk chapters, strong character development in the protagonist, nuanced themes related to immigrant identity, and the notion of living in a library will engage young readers, including those who may not generally gravitate to historical fiction.” - School Library Journal. The background of the graphic is sky blue. The text is on a reddish background that fades as you go down. Both the cover and the text box are offset in a pale orange/peachy color.
November 7, 2025 at 4:09 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
PNW friends! The Poulsbo Kids Book Festival is coming your way on Saturday 11/15 from 11-3. If you've never visited the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula, here's your chance to see some pretty scenery and meet some talented #kidlit authors. Free and open to the public! www.poulsbokidsbookfest.com
A graphic advertising the Poulsbo Kids Book Festival. A cartoon otter is holding a stack of books. A baby otter pops out from behind the big otter holding a sign that reads "#2" since this is the second festival. The grown-up otter looks fondly at the baby otter, and the baby otter has its paws up in excitement while looking at the big otter. The background is yellow. Text reads "Poulsbo Kids Book Festival."
November 6, 2025 at 8:04 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Freezing her furry buns off because she's unwilling to admit it's fall. (Also it means my house is cold because I have to leave the door open for her. Yes, she is very spoiled.)
A Bengal/tabby cat sits in some tall-ish grass under a stand-up planter made of 2x4s. She looks unimpressed. You can't see it in the picture, but there is a cat fence so she is outside safely.
November 5, 2025 at 8:57 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
English-occupied Wales in the thirteenth century had complex power relationships. So does a high school lunchroom. YA fiction goes medieval. Ebook available now: www.jandersoncoats.com/the-wicked-a...
Illustrated book cover. There are a number of small, old-fashioned houses clustered together at the bottom, to look like a town. The houses have tall windows and slate-style roofs. There are small birds on some of the rooftops. The sky above the town is pinkish, pale at the bottom and growing to a darker pink at the top right. Text reads The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats. The teaser text at the top reads "Caernarvon's the last place there'll be trouble..." The review pull quote above the houses reads, "Brilliant." ~ Kirkus Reviews Text from the starred reviews (all text preceded by a small black star): "Brilliant: a vision of history before the victors wrote it." ~ Kirkus (starred review) "[A]n instantly gripping story of injustice spawned by subjugation." ~ School Library Journal (starred review) "[An] unusually honest portrait of the effects of power ... [Coats] offers a potent historical novel." ~ The Horn Book Review (starred review) "[A] harrowing picture of life as two cultures clash." Shelf Awareness (starred review)
November 5, 2025 at 5:06 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
It's come to my attention that some people have a set of matching silverware and not a bunch of random utensils from the ten-cent bin at the thrift store.
Four forks lined up on a wooden table. Each fork has a different style handle: one has a curly floral-ish design in a gumdrop shape, one has straight flutes, one has a diamond-shape with some flowers at the tip; one has a teardrop shape with some flowers at the arch. The forks are lined up with the tines pointing toward you.
November 3, 2025 at 7:55 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Your periodic reminder that reviews help authors in all kinds of ways. If you love a book, please consider leaving a review on the platform of your choice. Thanks for your support!
An infographic about how reviews help authors.
November 3, 2025 at 5:16 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
How much do I love seeing a talented friend's awesome new middle-grade book splashed ALL OVER THE HOME PAGE of @bookshop.org! Congrats, @lynnekelly.bsky.social!
A screen shot of the homepage of Bookshop.org, featuring Lynne Kelly's new middle-grade book, Three Blue Hearts. The book cover (pink and swirly, featuring an octopus and the silhouette of a child) is on the lefthand side, and the text in the middle reads A Boy. An Octopus. A life-changing bond.
October 31, 2025 at 7:07 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
I'm a huge fan of #kidlit historical fiction author Caroline Starr Rose, and she was kind enough to invite me to share some thoughts on The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls on her blog. A snippet appears below, but you can read the whole thing here: carolinestarrrose.com/an-interview...
A screen shot of an interview with J. Anderson Coats. It's all text: You have written an number of middle grade and YA novels, almost all of them historical fiction. In fact, Booklist once called you a “historical fiction master.” What draws you to historical fiction? What keeps you coming back? Mostly I keep coming back because there’s a certain section of the population that really, really doesn’t want people to read, consider, and grapple honestly with historical events in their raw, real form. These people especially don’t want kids to explore and work toward an understanding of history that doesn’t center the particular version of the past they wish existed, or that they need to fabricate in order to prop up their vision of what the future ought to look like. Our shared human past is far from perfect. There’s a lot that’s hard to learn about, to know about. It can be deeply unsettling to sit with the idea that you benefit from other people’s dispossession and marginalization, whether you want to or not, and how events from years past contribute to systems and mindsets that govern our current reality. But when young people learn history in an honest way, developing differences in perspective that encourage them to challenge those entrenched systems, they are better equipped to notice when they’re being manipulated with half-truths and misrepresentations deployed by those who want to control the narrative and steer it in a direction that benefits the powerful at the expense of everyone else.
October 31, 2025 at 5:55 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
In a mutual attempt to look at screens less, my daughter and I are doing a zine exchange. Here's mine so far. Making it has been unlocking memory after memory of my misspent youth when I made these constantly. Wonder if 1990s me would think a jam-making zine is awesome, or cringe af.
A homemade zine about making jam at home. It's made of folded printer paper; text reads "How to make homemade berry jam."
October 20, 2025 at 4:01 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
It's spooky season, and if you like a little bit of creepy in your middle grade, and you like retellings of medieval legends, and you like unusual pigs, I hope you'll give The Green Children of Woolpit a looksee! www.jandersoncoats.com/the-green-ch...
Illustrated book cover. Two children, a boy and a girl, sit at the bottom of a pit. Their skin is green, and they are surrounded by strange plants and bones. The girl is peeking behind her hands, while the boy looks at you. Above them, at the edge of the pit, a white girl looks down at the two children. Text reads The Green Children of Woolpit by J. Anderson Coats.
October 17, 2025 at 3:36 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Had a great time at the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival! There were tons of readers with so many great questions. Thanks to the folks on the @bigfootbookfest.bsky.social committee for putting on such an amazing event!
A sign with the logo for the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival, which is an orange Bigfoot carrying some books. Author J. Anderson Coats, a white woman with long dark hair, wearing a gray cardigan. She is at the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival; in the background you can see people browsing books at different tables. She is sitting at a table surrounded by copies of her latest book, The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls.
October 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
It was someone's first day at the candle factory.
A close-up of a candle in a glass jar with a domed lid. The candle is made of white wax, but it must have tipped over while the wax was not set because there is a gap in the jar, and some of the wax has flowed into the lid. Basically it looks like it tipped on its side and then hardened that way.
October 10, 2025 at 3:29 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
The Bigfoot Kids Book Festival is coming up THIS SATURDAY (10/11) from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Free and open to the public in Redmond, WA. There will be tons of #kidlit authors to meet and chat with. I'll be signing from 1:30 - 4. Hope to see you there! www.bigfootkidsbookfestival.com
A poster for the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival, happening in Redmond, WA on Saturday 10/11. The background is blue, and there's a pink Bigfoot carrying some books at the top. The authors' names are in a light brown box in the center, and at the bottom are the names of the sponsors.
October 9, 2025 at 4:01 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls will receive a **starred** review from @thehornbook.bsky.social! "This is historical fiction at its best" - wow, thanks, Horn Book! www.jandersoncoats.com/the-unexpect...
Illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats.
October 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
We are moving toward fall, but I will take as many of these glorious sunny days as the universe will give me.
A tabby/Bengal cat stands on a tall wooden planter that's next to a porch painted green. She has yellow eyes, and she's looking at the camera. In the background is her cat fence, so she is outside safely.
October 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
The birds are not buying her act.
A Bengal/tabby cat lying on her back on a paved walkway. The lawn around her needs to be mowed. You can see it in the picture, but there is a cat fence so she is outside safely.
October 1, 2025 at 6:48 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
I spy The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls on this Mock Newbery list from Anderson's Bookshop! What great company to be in! andersonsbookshop.com/mock-newbery
A screen shot from a bookstore's Mock Newbery competition featuring The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls by J. Anderson Coats. Illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats.
September 30, 2025 at 5:29 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls is out today! This pro-immigrant, pro-freedom to read #middlegrade #historical is inspired by the life of my grandmother, and I'm so happy to share it with you all. www.jandersoncoats.com/the-unexpect...
Illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats.
September 23, 2025 at 3:33 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Doomkitty says it's time to go outside and sit in the sun.
A Bengal/tabby cat sits in some tall grass next to a wall painted white. You can't see it in the picture, but there is a cat fence so she is outside safely.
September 19, 2025 at 7:03 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Your periodic reminder that if I have ever signed a book for you and now you have a different name, you can DM or email me (j at jandersoncoats dot com) with a mailing address, and I will send you a free bookplate with your new name.
Your periodic reminder that if I have ever signed a book for you and now you have a different name, you can DM or email me (j at jandersoncoats dot com) with a mailing address, and I will send you a bookplate with your new name free of charge.
September 18, 2025 at 7:38 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
The whole world is on fire, but one small good thing happening is The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls comes out a week from today, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you all. www.jandersoncoats.com/the-unexpect...
Illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats.
September 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Super excited for the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival, coming your way on Saturday, October 11th! Free and open to the public in Redmond, WA - tons of #kidlit authors to meet and chat with. PNW folks, hope to see you there! www.bigfootkidsbookfestival.com
A poster for the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival, happening in Redmond, WA on Saturday 10/11. The background is blue, and there's a pink Bigfoot carrying some books at the top. The authors' names are in a light brown box in the center, and at the bottom are the names of the sponsors.
September 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls will be out in just two weeks! Super excited to share this one with you all. If you've ever fantasized about living in a #library, this one might be up your alley! Details: www.jandersoncoats.com/the-unexpect...
Illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats.
September 9, 2025 at 3:51 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Had a great time at Rose City Comic Con with
@kendareblake.bsky.social, @rosieethor.bsky.social, and
@lishmcbride.bsky.social! Thanks to everyone who came by our panel, and to @powells.bsky.social for this awesome display!
A book display at Rose City Comic Con. There are three titles lined up on a table; each title includes a book face out on a stand on top of a stack of copies of that book. Titles from left to right are: The Loss of the Burying Ground, A Season Most Unfair, and The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls, all by J. Anderson Coats. In the background, you can see the exhibit hall of the con and some attendees.
September 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
jandersoncoats.bsky.social
Author copies of Unexpected Lives are here! Only twenty days to go until this one is out in the world.

This will never, ever get old.

www.jandersoncoats.com/the-unexpect...
A box of hardcover copies of The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls by J. Anderson Coats. Illustrated book cover. At the top of the image is a street scene from early twentieth century Denver, with people of all ages in suits and long dresses. Some are on foot; others are in horse-drawn buggies. There is a large archway with "Welcome" across the top, and beyond it is Seventeenth Street full of people. There are buildings with arched windows on either side of the street. At the bottom left is a white girl with a single braid. She is wearing an beige dress and carrying a messenger-style bag over her shoulder. She is looking up at the archway with an excited expression on her face. At the bottom right is an Eastern European folk art motif with flowers and viney stems. The color scheme is shades of turquoise blue and an orangey-red, with purple accents. In the middle of the image is the book's title in white text: The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls. Also the author's name in red text: J. Anderson Coats.
September 3, 2025 at 8:17 PM