From Beloved Teacher to Children’s Author: Meet Amy Stanley and The Bookworms
I remember my kindergarten teacher being mean. I did not have a great experience with her. So when Carsen started at Trinity Classical Academy back in 2018, I found myself praying—really praying—for a kind, good-hearted teacher. Someone who would love him as he was and where he was at.
And that prayer was answered in the form of Mrs. Amy Stanley.
Matched together by the Head of School at the time, Amy wasn’t just a great kindergarten teacher—she was the best thing that happened to us that year. Her kindness, attentiveness, and gentle spirit were exactly what we needed. Since then, Amy has become a dear friend and I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life.
So when she told me she was writing a children’s book, I was all in—cheering her on from the sidelines and behind the camera. Carsen even got to be one of her early readers, which made it all the more special for both of us. I had the joy and honor of taking her author photos, and now I’m thrilled to help her share the news:
Amy’s debut children’s book, The Bookworms, releases May 10th and will be available on Amazon and The Book Nook. It’s a smart, imaginative historical fiction adventure for kids—and knowing Amy, it’s also full of heart.
🎉 You’re Invited to the Book Launch Party!
Come celebrate with Amy in person on Saturday, May 10th from 1–3pm at The Book Nook (118 N Washington St., Papillion). There will be bookmark crafts, book signing, snacks, storytime with the author, prizes, and probably lots of happy tears.
A Peek into Amy’s World
We recently caught up for a Q&A to celebrate her big launch. Here’s a little window into the heart and imagination behind The Bookworms:
What inspired this book, and did the final version surprise you at all?
I wanted to write a book to teach my students about history in a fun and engaging way. Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read, so it came naturally to write in that style for kids.
Was there a scene that was especially fun to write?
Yes! The scene where the twins are trapped in the treasure box was so fun. I love that Brooks and Beatrix drew from Odysseus' example and demonstrated courage and wisdom.
Give us the emoji version of your book.
📚🪱 🎒⏰🧳 🏛️
(And now I’m even more curious, right?)
Got a favorite line or passage?
I love the part at the end when they're eating papyrus. Mrs. Bookworm describes it as having an earthy flavor with notes of seagrass and fish. 😂
What kind of reader were you as a kid?
Voracious!
What’s a book you’ve read recently that made you want to shout about it from the rooftops?
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus.
Any books that changed your life?
Oh this is hard! Of course, the Bible. Also Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher and The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.
Any quirky bookish habits?
First of all, reading the last line first is blasphemy! 🤣 Even though I usually have two or three books going at once, I can only read one fiction book at a time.
If you could live inside any novel’s world for a year, where would you go?
Definitely Narnia!
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
As a kid, I was painfully shy.
Go-to writing beverage?
Coffee or green tea—depending on the day.
What’s a dream project you haven’t started yet?
Honestly, The Bookworms feels like the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream to write children’s books. I hope it’s just the beginning! I’ve got a few more ideas running around inside my head.
If you could host a dinner party with three authors, who’s getting the invite?
Only three?? Okay—C.S. Lewis, Arnold Lobel, and Ruta Sepetys.
Amy’s warmth, creativity, and love of learning shine through in everything she does—and now, it’s shining from the pages of The Bookworms. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this next chapter in her story.
📖 Grab your copy on May 10th on Amazon or visit The Book Nook to support a local shop.
📍 Don’t forget to stop by the launch party at The Book Nook in Papillion from 1–3pm that Saturday!
📸 And follow Amy on Instagram: @amylstanley402
