Judi Logan
Portrait of author Judi Logan

Author  ·  Fiction & Nonfiction for Adults & Children

Judi Logan

Stories of hope, courage, and light.

“It took over thirty years before I had the courage to put my dreams to the test. If my words can create an epiphany for just one reader, make a difference in the life of one person, then my dreams have been realized.”
– Judi Logan

A warm welcome, and a little about me

also writing as Judith Logan Lehne

I'm often asked how I came to be a writer. The truth is, it wasn't a conscious decision; creating with words has always been part of who I am more than what I do.

As a child I spent a great deal of time writing out my thoughts and feelings, processing my experiences in journals and diaries. I learned early on that life doesn't always turn out as you wish, so I began writing stories – dumping my struggles onto fictional characters who could make things happen the way I wished they would. My characters didn't always get what I wanted – fictional people often have minds of their own – but in creating their stories, I sometimes found new ways to approach life's challenges. I rarely shared those stories with others, but I think they were the beginning of everything that followed.

It was, in fact, a whispered frustration from one of my four children that inspired my first in-print story. Published in Highlights for Children, “The Ragman's Music” set my long-held writing dreams soaring – and eventually grew into my first novel, When the Ragman Sings.

I spent several decades immersed in children's literature, writing fiction and nonfiction, presenting creative writing workshops, and teaching for the Institute of Children's Literature. Later, my work in the mental health field introduced me to powerful real-life stories of strength and courage, many not all that different from my own. I often thought about cocoons and butterflies, storms and rainbows, and the many parallels to the human experience.

When I retired, my writing became a way to honor the uncomfortable, dark times and shine a light on the resilience and grace that travels with each of us on our way to becoming who we're meant to be. None of this is a conscious goal when I begin a new work. It simply seems to be where the stories wind up when I reach the end.

As I consider my writing through all of the decades, it seems that hope has been the underpinning in nearly every book and story I've written. If readers come away with a sense of peace and promise whispering softly into their hearts, then all of my writing dreams will have really come true.

– Judi

Bookshelf

Fiction and Nonfiction for readers of all ages

Cover of When the Ragman Sings
★ American Bookseller Pick of the List

When the Ragman Sings

Middle-grade fiction, ages 8–12 · HarperCollins Children's Books, 1993

“Yaaaaags, yaaaaags!” the ragman called in his tired old voice, and Dorothea shivered.

In 1920's Baltimore, ten-year-old Dorothea struggles to solve the mystery behind her mother's unlikely friendship with an elderly Black ragman. Certain he has stolen her mother's poetry book – and is somehow to blame for her death – she sets out to uncover the truth. Along the way she comes to terms with her grief and learns, too, that “things are rarely what they first appear to be.” A timeless middle-grade story of loss and prejudice, honor and love, steeped in the history of post–World War I Baltimore.

“This is truly a soul-satisfying book, on a par with Sarah, Plain and Tall.” American Bookseller – Pick of the List
“A carefully researched depiction of 1920's Baltimore. The plot is original [and] quite touching. This is a promising debut novel with a likable, thoughtful protagonist, a vivid setting, and fresh, fluent writing touched with real lyricism.”Kirkus Reviews
“This is a timeless story… important for young readers. Prejudice and fear of the unknown are just as critical today as the era in which the story is set. Valuable for readers of any age. This would make a great movie!”Teacher Review
Cover of Coyote Girl

Coyote Girl

Middle-grade fiction, ages 9–12 · Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1995

There's a magical someplace with songs to sing – song lyrics Billie Rowe loves, but has never dared to hope for.

Twelve-year-old Billie has always known how to take care of herself – she's had to. After her mother is murdered, she runs away from her negligent stepfather and sets off into the Midwest wilderness with only her Emergency Escape Items, watching for “signs from God” to point the way. When she discovers a wounded coyote pup and nurses him back to health, Billie learns that survival depends on more than ingenuity – and that some of the most unlikely places can be magical.

“A well-written, satisfying story with a resourceful heroine whose physical and emotional survival will matter to readers.”School Library Journal
“Stories of kids on their own have an eternal fascination… and Billie's companionship with Omen adds an appealing animal friendship to the plot.”The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Also by Judi

The Never-Be-Bored Book

The Never-Be-Bored BookSterling Publishing, 1992

Kangaroos for Kids

Kangaroos for KidsNorthWord Press · Gareth Stevens Publishing

The Busy Mom's Book of Quick Crafts for Kids

Busy Mom's Quick CraftsSterling Publishing, 2004

Exploring God's Promises: Peace

Exploring God's Promises: PeaceGuideposts, 2024 · Contributing Author

For the full list of books, stories, articles, and plays, see Judi's Writing Credits.

Author’s Bio

Judi Logan (also published as Judith Logan Lehne) was born in Baltimore, Maryland, grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and spent more than 30 years in Rhinelander, Wisconsin raising her family. Judi has 4 grown children, 16 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Over 70 of Judi's stories and articles have appeared in magazines for children and adults, five of her plays have been produced, and she has been the recipient of the Highlights for Children Outstanding Author award.

Her first novel, When the Ragman Sings, was a Pick of the List by American Bookseller. Coyote Girl received high praise by reviewers, including School Library Journal, and Kangaroos for Kids was a long-standing Recommended Book by Ranger Rick. Judi's works of fiction and nonfiction have also been included in numerous anthologies and educational materials.

In addition to writing, Judi conducts unique writing workshops for children and adults and offers private manuscript critiquing and coaching for aspiring writers. She has developed Life Skills and Employability programs for Job Corps, Wellness programs for mental health agencies, and was a Suicide Prevention Specialist for the state of Wisconsin. For 24 years she was an instructor for The Institute of Children's Literature, teaching basic and advanced courses.

Most recently, Judi's work has been included in the Guideposts' book Exploring God's Promises: Peace and her stories have appeared in several Guideposts and Angels on Earth publications.

Judi currently resides in Hoschton, Georgia and is working on an inspirational novel for adult readers.

Newest Work in Progress

Judi is taking her writing into a new arena: her first novel for adults! True to the underlying themes that emerge in most of her works, this is a story about resilience and courage – and the joy that can blossom even in the darkest places.

Watch this space!

Editing & Workshops

Drawing on decades of teaching and editing, Judi offers manuscript feedback and writing workshops for writers of every age and stage.

Manuscript Editing

Thoughtful, encouraging feedback on your manuscript – from a big-picture overview to detailed line editing.

For over 20 years I taught beginning and advanced writing courses for The Institute of Children's Literature, as well as a course for Gifted and Talented Young People, where I provided manuscript evaluations and critiques to help writers polish their manuscripts to a professional shine. (For more complete information on my credentials, please see My Writing Credits.)

My philosophy when working with writers and their manuscripts is, first and foremost, accent the positives! Much can be learned from understanding the strengths already in a manuscript before looking into ways it might be improved. The bottom line is that your voice and spirit must stay fully intact! I will provide suggestions, but actual revisions will come from you.

I offer a wide range of feedback options for fiction manuscripts, depending on your specific needs. A basic fiction critique will provide a general overview on characters and character development, setting and multi-sensory detail, conflict, plot pacing and style. More detailed evaluations and line-editing are also available.

My services are priced on a per-project basis. If you are interested in working with me, please send me a brief email describing your project and goals.

For: Picture Book, Middle Grade & Young Adult fiction and nonfiction.

Email Judi about your manuscript →

Workshops

Interactive workshops that bring creativity, practical guidance, and genuine fun together for writers of all ages and stages.

I have led writing workshops at schools, libraries, and writers' conferences across the United States. Regardless of the age of the participants, each workshop includes entertaining and engaging activities that focus on the five senses, inspire ideas, and encourage deeper writing.

Every workshop is individually created. If you would like to discuss a workshop for your group, please send me a brief overview of your location, the group demographic, and your goals for the workshop.

Email Judi about a workshop →

“Let us remember: if caterpillars didn't shelter in place, there would never be butterflies.”

– Judi Logan

Good News!

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Contact

For editing inquiries, workshop bookings, or just to say hello, Judi would love to hear from you.