<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" xmlns:image="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-image/1.1" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:video="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-video/1.1">
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/why-amazon-book-reviews-matter-for-first-time-authors</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1730218453955-OKGR2SQJUX8NR7FA1KA4/unsplash-image-t7zYZzO_CX0.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Why Amazon Book Reviews Matter for First-Time Authors</image:title>
      <image:caption>As a first-time author, I can't stress enough the importance of book reviews, especially on Amazon. When I wrote "The Ice House," I poured my heart into creating a story that would resonate with middle-grade readers, hoping to inspire and engage. As I've learned more about writing as a career, I've seen first hand the reality that Amazon book reviews hold significant weight—they can make or break a book's journey in the massive literary market. These reviews not only help other readers discover new stories but also provide invaluable feedback for authors who are just starting their careers.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/a5a91f58-35aa-41c5-b3af-deb61bbddc00/Screenshot+2024-10-29+at+12.17.02%E2%80%AFPM.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Why Amazon Book Reviews Matter for First-Time Authors - For first-time authors, Amazon book reviews are more than just feedback; they are lifelines. These reviews offer validation, guiding new writers on their journey in the literary world.</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/92dd0638-621e-4f2e-b264-3f6a455d1335/Screenshot+2024-10-29+at+12.16.59%E2%80%AFPM.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Why Amazon Book Reviews Matter for First-Time Authors - I know first hand that reviews that The Ice House has received from school principals, librarians, and educators have had a very positive impact on other members of the education community. This is because we trust our colleagues when it comes to finding quality resources, materials, and of course, books, that will have a positive impact on our students.</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/leaving-teaching</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-12-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1717428193115-K8ICTFGRR6D83JPI8C4Z/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Thinking of Quitting Teaching?                Here's What to Do Next - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/escape-the-winter-chill-why-the-ice-house-is-the-perfect-christmas-gift-for-middle-schoolers</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1701708885507-RKWLH27YIOM7AC7SAVEI/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Why The Ice House is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Middle Schoolers - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/b590e78a-ecf1-41fc-9a65-6d9d0b027416/920386_28b95ba3b6b04a8c8383ecc7e211c441_mv2_edited.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Why The Ice House is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Middle Schoolers - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/eaad3d39-7368-4a97-9480-38fe273fc31a/Copy+-+The+Ice+House+in+snow.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Why The Ice House is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Middle Schoolers - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/building-resilience-and-empathy-a-must-have-social-emotional-learning-book-list-for-middle-graders-pdf</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1697384626886-PT6TP8IYRJYLJTRD0FHI/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Building Resilience and Empathy: A Must-Have Social Emotional Learning Book List for Middle Graders (PDF) - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/discovering-the-perfect-book-club-books-for-middle-schoolers-with-the-ice-house-book</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1695940409007-SOIFP6N5VPF2IN5LEL9M/The+Power+of+Book+Clubs+in+Middle+School+%7C+Book+Club+Books+for+Middle+Schoolers</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Building a Community of Readers: The Power of Book Clubs in Middle School - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/i-want-to-leave-teaching</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-29</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1695665360261-YZW73CL8ZTZ227BY0K84/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - I Want to Leave Teaching: 5 Steps Unhappy Teachers Looking to Leave Teaching Can Take Now - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/how-read-alouds-can-foster-a-love-for-middle-grade-books</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/dba8c250-108d-491f-9b76-83952bfbc1a9/middle+school+reader+post.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Engaging Middle School Students: How Read Alouds and Middle Grade Books Foster a Love of Reading - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/the-magic-of-author-visits</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/7e80abd8-4090-48a7-8550-7960bff09c75/paul-hanaoka-7DMkvNblkpw-unsplash.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Bringing Words to Life: The Benefits of Author Visits in Elementary Schools</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/4-essential-transferable-skills-for-teachers</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-11-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/064f1e0d-4819-4c19-81da-b4417e275bff/transferableskillsinterview</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 4 Transferable Skills to Help Teachers Transition to a New Career - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/how-to-know-if-you-should-quit-teaching</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-12-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/312e6e0c-0b24-4a72-9e8c-cf90c1054d72/how+to+know+if+you+should+quit+teaching+blog.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How to Know if You Should Quit Teaching. - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/i-quit-teaching-now-what</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-12-09</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/0fadd5ba-f135-4fbe-971d-810722c6ab34/i+quit+teaching+now+what+blog+header</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - I Quit Teaching. Now What? - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/how-author-visits-impact-elementary-school-reading</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/0f2963e9-f842-4c67-a960-08af481a11e0/joy+to+readers.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How Author Visits Inspire Joy in Young Readers - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/09784f5d-f010-4e61-be96-3276f285c515/school+library+shelves</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How Author Visits Inspire Joy in Young Readers - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/8821cdaf-e0dc-4f98-9c1e-1a738fa0ddcc/Classroom+Visit+MS+Screenshot.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How Author Visits Inspire Joy in Young Readers - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/middle-grade-books-environment-and-climate-change</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1f8d4990-1b53-46bc-b1d0-3a87538c1888/Cli+Fi+Header.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Explore New Worlds: Top Cli Fi Books For Middle School Kids - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/09d8ebc4-eb60-46ec-97b9-d725df2980f8/the+ice+house+monica+sherwood.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Explore New Worlds: Top Cli Fi Books For Middle School Kids - The Ice House is set during an unexplained climate event: an unending, world wide snow storm. As a result, our protagonist, sixth grade Louisa, has had her life turned upside down. This climate change fueled event is the catalyst at the core of the book. Louisa is a middle schooler experiencing grief for the first time. She’s also dealing with the anxiety of shifting middle school friendships, and being stuck in her apartment with her annoying little brother underfoot. Louisa strives to change her situation despite the overwhelming unknowns she is facing. She decides to fight against the hopelessness that comes with environmental disaster and grief stricken parents. In searching for a sanctuary to escape the overwhelming reality of the world, she reconnects with her former friend and current neighbor, Luke. In imagining an alternate reality where weather makes life as we know it impossible, The Ice House explores the impact that our climate has on our daily lives. It asks the question: what if everyone across the globe suddenly had to face the impact of climate change? My hope is that Louisa’s decision to resist accepting the dismal projections of Earth’s future is one that that will inspire middle grade readers (and the adults that read with them) to take action.It explores how with persistence, determination, and hope, kids are capable of creating change — something I believe, and something I hope readers will take to heart as well. Ultimately, I view it as a story of hope. Louisa and Luke connect through their shared mission to forge their own reality — one where the future they see can be shaped by those who believe that Earth is worth fighting for.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Order on Bookshop</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/c13b163b-04e1-4815-ab70-10885f144439/infinite+.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Explore New Worlds: Top Cli Fi Books For Middle School Kids - Make it stand out</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/4afc6a7b-dd4f-4914-80c2-7b684d7bf538/B09YMVJ3ZT.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Explore New Worlds: Top Cli Fi Books For Middle School Kids - Make it stand out</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/navigating-tough-school-years-with-sel-how-middle-grade-books-empower-kids-to-thrive-and-belong</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/d33ccc77-2a2d-4770-af38-8738aba1fff8/SEL+Blog+Header.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Navigating Tough School Years with SEL: How Middle Grade Books Empower Kids to Thrive and Belong - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/unlock-your-writing-potential-5-insider-tips-for-aspiring-novelists-writers</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-11-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/f4f08299-e051-4626-8a8a-7650e3caaae0/Wordsmith+Banner.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Unleash Your Inner Wordsmith: Insider Secrets to Magnify Your Creative Writing Prowess - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/land-first-book-deal</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-11-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/f1e88b9b-2330-488d-991c-0a04fd7c3533/how+to+get+first+book+published</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Embarking on the Literary Adventure: A Beginner's Odyssey to Landing that First Book Deal - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/5d14de14-956b-4b2d-8cce-d7edc4ded4c1/Greta+Gerwig+Little+Women+Saoirse+Ronan</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Embarking on the Literary Adventure: A Beginner's Odyssey to Landing that First Book Deal - Taking the First Step Towards Your Book Deal Securing a book deal can be daunting, but it is doable. Remember to stay persistent, keep yourself open to learning along the way, and always remind yourself why you’re on this journey. Think about your future readers, and what you hope they will feel when they read. your book. Picture what it will feel like when it’s accomplished. Some of you may know that I am a lifelong Little Women fanatic. I still get chills thinking about seeing the Greta Gerwig version for the first time. The look in Jo’s eyes as she sees her book through the printer’s window — her true happily ever after — perfectly captured how it felt to see my book for the first time. It might feel that way for you, too, one day, when after a great deal of hard work and patience and persistence you hold the first copy of your book in your hands. I know you can do it, and I can’t wait to read the stories that you alone can tell. Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. x</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/category/Teacher+Career+Transitions</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/category/Middle+Grade+Writing</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/category/Writing</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/category/Middle+School+ELA</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/tag/Middle+Grade+Author</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/blog/tag/Writing</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/home</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>1.0</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511387030-5LI1E5QMVTQ2RY9S00A4/20140228_Trade+151_0046+1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Middle Grade Books | The Ice House | Monica Sherwood</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511440608-5BVMHVN4WR2I9YQV1WWR/Aro+Ha_0010+1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Middle Grade Books | The Ice House | Monica Sherwood</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/d65c4308-8330-4fbd-820c-310e9066514e/monica+and+mungo.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/b590e78a-ecf1-41fc-9a65-6d9d0b027416/920386_28b95ba3b6b04a8c8383ecc7e211c441_mv2_edited.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/7b88afad-d207-4da8-9c77-eaabd562374c/skillset+image+%282%29.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/cdd2a19a-0e90-4d25-b26c-0972452efc19/Spread_10-11.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/15be472b-1bab-4533-a16a-1b4a085531e0/Thumbelina+Bowl+Working+File.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/about</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-01</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/f50993e2-7887-4b96-a26c-7aee48bdfa92/114553010033.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/illustration</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/7e1629f4-19e0-4bdc-b920-48b935d1d315/Selkie+spot+illo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/9c4cc78f-6578-4fd0-aafb-1ab1d54f0cce/Window_Girl.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
      <image:caption>Illustration of a girl looking out of a window, leaning on her hand, with a curtain partially covering her. A sock and a blue cloth hang outside on a line.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/63d136ea-6d4b-46bc-a179-4a7228a04f71/Erin+and+the+bear+-+outside+meeting.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/a1f50340-0994-4485-be62-11c53ae9e1dd/Character_Erin+2.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/26d5b502-bf7c-4220-9ba1-69dfa3336d14/Erin_Character_Sheet_1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/33eb2962-b3c2-42db-9db8-97c1f2d71ad1/Erin_Character_Sheet_+3.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/ba2caed2-4e46-4fe0-bfd8-e0cde48f4df3/Erin+and+The+Bear_Interior+Scene.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/befc6f16-a427-4465-b8b2-19a3643db65d/Expression_Sheet_Erin+2.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
      <image:caption>Illustration featuring cartoon girl and bear expressing various emotions.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/b84fbf0a-e00a-4a2a-a14d-d060abd98eec/nelly+final+spread.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/15be472b-1bab-4533-a16a-1b4a085531e0/Thumbelina+Bowl+Working+File.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
      <image:caption>Illustration of a girl standing on a purple slide inside a decorative bowl, holding a tall grass-like plant, with a vase of flowers in the background.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/0da0ba15-54af-47e5-aec9-e9b2ffb2a25e/Puppy_Study.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/731c17ad-e06f-4ee3-a438-6dbb1ec7f0ea/Spells_And_Spirits_Post_1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Illustration</image:title>
      <image:caption>Illustration of a child in a witch hat, wearing overalls, adding ingredients to a steaming cauldron with a small creature peeking out.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/teacherguide</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/eaad3d39-7368-4a97-9480-38fe273fc31a/Copy+-+The+Ice+House+in+snow.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/middlegradesel</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2023-10-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/097ac0d3-91e0-4f02-88db-00371256949d/image-asset.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/eaf99eff-995c-4315-afbd-2c7f3b13159f/print+sel.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/f50993e2-7887-4b96-a26c-7aee48bdfa92/114553010033.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/author-visit-booking</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-30</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/mgselbooklist</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-11-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/b2f6685a-21f9-4070-ab8f-e90065fa5861/social+emotional+learning+book+list+pdf</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/f50993e2-7887-4b96-a26c-7aee48bdfa92/114553010033.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/your-strategic-career-transition-toolkit</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/3a8b67e0-7a69-455f-b0e4-3ad327831463/Untitled+design.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/7b88afad-d207-4da8-9c77-eaabd562374c/skillset+image+%282%29.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/teacher-career-change-blog</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-12-06</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/middle-school-ela</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-11-22</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/middle-grade-writing</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-11-22</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/career-obstacles-quiz</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-12-05</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/books</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-01</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511387030-5LI1E5QMVTQ2RY9S00A4/20140228_Trade+151_0046+1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Books</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511440608-5BVMHVN4WR2I9YQV1WWR/Aro+Ha_0010+1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Books</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511467879-K5J9BYNACHJVDV3BNSFU/Aro+Ha_0387+1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Books</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511743693-J3A8OYH6X8C7RXNU5K0J/20140301_Trade+151_0124+1.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Books</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/4fc9fcd9-a7ef-4a7b-afe4-e26d445ea105/Book%2BCover%2BIH.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/thank-you-toolkit</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/795c6220-4938-4e63-b1d4-80c081de6085/unsplash-image-M0zs81FNm6s.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/thank-you-ice-house-guide</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/eaad3d39-7368-4a97-9480-38fe273fc31a/Copy+-+The+Ice+House+in+snow.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/resources</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/df325702-e437-4401-bedd-054b57c34627/Freebie+Title+Page.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/4e08c8d3-3328-4aef-ac35-fbf1391653c4/teachers+guide+cover+thumbnail+%281%29.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1774727430677-0W2SH77NPBCR6DP8BIP0/unsplash-image-REaYtNg4o6o.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/portfolio-1-1</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-26</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/portfolio-1-1/project-four-l3zw3-dk9py-xcmem-e2jgd-6xlxn</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-25</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/65f75e15-ff8b-4858-9dd8-9adbdbdc1756/Erin_Character_Sheet_.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - Erin and The Bear</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/d1b19910-3b08-4adb-b302-611b5b095b88/Erin_And_Bear_Field.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - Erin and The Bear</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/808a1bd7-d796-4a2e-a7a6-f3e08dec7687/Cover_-_Erin+8.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/435bd994-837d-4ca0-bd48-bd01a2deef2f/Erin+and+the+bear+-+outside+meeting.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/93213d1b-3eb2-4b13-a92c-7e63e1ba6797/Erin+and+The+Bear_Interior+Scene.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/c9bb1ffd-edd5-4d2c-b20b-057af3853e49/Expression_Sheet_Erin+4.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/portfolio-1-1/project-three-sng7y-jkgxx-kmlk5-64gk3-hfdgw</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-23</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/ee754ecb-ec80-45c3-836a-7a57dd45829f/OG-finale.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - The Original</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/portfolio-1-1/notpartoftheplan</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-24</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/ea48fd58-2950-45f2-bfd6-8b3021a2c1e6/npotp+cover+.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - This Was Not Part of The Plan</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/d20cf331-208e-4469-b63a-6f06d767268e/NTOP+-+Park+Final.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - This Was Not Part of The Plan</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/e91a7e00-cf4b-4584-b56b-d01ae5dbabe0/Dogs_Poses.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - This Was Not Part of The Plan</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://monicasherwood.com/portfolio-1-1/project-one-f5w4d-z9nem-s3jda-x8w73-3k6e9</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/a3e95efd-fd5c-403c-b807-46652447cf84/Expressions_Bee.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - Nelly and The Bee</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/e52d7b01-731f-4a91-95c7-1307280afec3/MONICA_SHERWOOD_ICB12_POSES.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - Nelly and The Bee</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/3b47454d-c89c-4cec-a44a-bdf93e996855/Nelly_Expressions+2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - Nelly and The Bee</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/1c05239b-2267-40e8-963d-a0adc98ccdcb/Expressions_Bee.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Portfolio - Nelly and The Bee</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/9826e6e5-73dd-4cf2-9dcd-f278c954bbf7/Nelly_Cover.png</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/805d5783-2e96-4157-b005-37fc5e000633/environment+option+2+nelly.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63ee77608997235a8fbf0a2f/00ab89ed-68fa-40ba-b829-ac791fe87944/Nelly+and+The+Bee+Spread+2.0.jpg</image:loc>
    </image:image>
  </url>
</urlset>

