Today’s guest is one of my dear critique partners, Anna Harber Freeman. I remember when she first shared an early draft of SHAPED BY HER HANDS: POTTER MARIA MARTINEZ. There is nothing like having a front row seat to the process of write, revise, and repeat until a manuscript becomes a beautiful book. Anna and I have been there for each other as we get feedback from others, write for contests, pitch parties, and of course meet in person and now virtually with our local picture book partners.
Anna is offering a copy of SHAPED BY HER HANDS: POTTER MARIA MARTINEZ written with Barbara Gonzalez and illustrated by Aphelandra or her first book, LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING illustrated by Jed Henry, or a picture book critique, winner’s choice giveaway. Comment on this post to enter.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
This is a photo of me at age 4 or 5, reading with my grandmother. She was a librarian at the Denver Public Library, and a member of the Osage Nation, and inspired me in so many ways, especially with books! I’ve loved to read, write, and draw as long as I can remember. At that age I was also very curious and sensitive.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by kids, nature, strong and creative women from history, and wondering, “What if?”
What’s something you hope your readers take away from your books?
I hope my books feel timeless. I hope LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING makes readers feel warm and fuzzy, while I hope SHAPED BY HER HANDS: POTTER MARIA MARTINEZ will inspire readers to create, and expand their knowledge and definition of art and artists.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on more picture book biographies, more board books, and a middle grade mystery. I will also continue teaching Art and Art History for grades K-12.
To connect with Anna and learn more about her books:
Twitter: @AnnaHarberFree
Website: annaharberfreeman.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
Yay, so exciting to have this in my inbox today!! Thank you again for all of your support, and I hope you’re having a fantastic time in Hawaii!! 🏝💕
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Thanks so much for being on the blog. It’s so exciting to see your book from its beginning stages to now! I ordered it from Second Star and will be picking it up when I get back to CO.
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This sounds like an amazing book! I love that picture with grandma 🙂
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Fleur, it’s really an amazing book! And I totally agree that the younger photos in the blogposts are fantastic! Thanks for reading and good luck in the giveaway!
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I got this book and was able to read it to my class during a reading lesson with a story about a young girl learning basket weaving to preserve her culture. We made comparisons between the two. The kids were engaged with the story and pictures. We all loved it!
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How exciting to share this with your class. Thanks for all your support of the authors and illustrators o the blog.
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Congratulations on your beautiful books! I still wish I’d had a grandmom to read with and get to know. I love the photo–thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for reading, Danielle. It’s truly a beautiful book. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Can’t wait to read Anna’s book!
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Dinah, thanks for reading and you are in for a treat. It’s so good! Good luck in the giveaway.
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These books look gorgeous. Looking forward to reading them.
Thank you!
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Thanks for reading. Gorgeous is exactly the right description. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Anna, congratulations on your book! I cannot wait to read it. I wrote about Maria a long, long time ago and even had the privilege of going to San Ildefonso. So happy that her story is being shared.
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Julie, how interesting. I didn’t know that. Thanks for reading and good luck in the giveaway.
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I think I just saw Maria Martinez’s pottery on an episode of Antiques Roadshow! It looks like your manuscripts cover quite a range of subjects. You must be a great conversationalist at parties!
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Thanks for reading, Janet. That’s so interesting about Antiques Roadshow. As a friend of Anna’s, I can say unequivocally, she’s wonderful to visit with in any setting. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations on your newest book and its starred review from Kirkus! How awesome is that? My mother is a potter, so I’m looking forward to learning about Maria and her art.
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Thanks for reading and good luck in the giveaway! The book is amazing and I know you will enjoy it with your mom. That makes it even more special!
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I love Maria Martinez’s pottery and can’t wait to read SHAPED BY HER HANDS–congratulations, Anna!
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Thanks for reading, Jolene! It’s so good. And yes, Maria’s pottery is really gorgeous. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Shaped by her hands sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it and share it
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Elyse, thanks for reading and, YES! it’s fantastic. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Anna–Both of your books look and sound amazing!
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Thanks for reading! Yes, they are both wonderful. Good luck in the giveaway!
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This is so cool! Would be the perfect book for my art classes ♡
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Thanks for reading, Elli! Yes, this is a great book for an art teacher. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Congratulations, Anna… Both the books sound wonderful
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Thanks for reading, Riya. Both books ARE wonderful! Anna’s first book has been one of my go-to baby gifts and SHAPED BY HER HANDS is gorgeous and I loved learning about Maria Martinez. Good luck in the giveaway.
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