Yay For Middle Grade Books! Wrap Up!

Hi, everyone! Today is the end of Yay For Middle Grade Books! 2021! All of the interviews were fantastic, and I hope you enjoyed reading them all (I know I did!)! I want to again thank all the authors who participated this year, and everyone who read, commented, tweeted, and in any way supported this event. You all are awesome! Now, onto the wrap up! :)

Interview With Stephanie Kate Strohm!

Interview With Elizabeth C. Bunce!

Spotlight on Middle Grade Books!

Interview With Daisy May Johnson!

Interview With Amy Noelle Parks!

Weren't those posts fantastic?! Thank you again to everyone, and here's to next year! :)

Yay For Middle Grade Books! Interview With Amy Noelle Parks!

 

Hi, everyone! Today I'm pleased to present an interview with Amy Noelle Parks, author of the Middle Grade novel, Summer of Brave. She is has also written the YA novel, The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss.

The bold font are the questions I asked, the regular font are her answers, and the bold italic font are my comments about her answers.

Would you please tell us a little about Summer of Brave?

Summer of Brave is the story of a 12-year-old people pleaser whose best friend dares her to give up white lies and silences. Lilla struggles to do this as she navigates her parents' divorce, academic pressure, her first crush, and her first experience with cat-calling. While the events are imaginary, it's a super personal story. Even as an adult, I still struggle to not let other people's feelings and desires swamp mine.

You’ve published both YA and MG books! Did you always want to write both?

Truthfully, I haven't always wanted to write either. I was a reader for a long time before I was a writer and came to creating my own stories pretty late in life. I read more YA so those stories come a little more easily to me, but my agent suggested that it might be a good idea for me to diversify a little. And I have to say, I didn't think I'd be able to do it until I discovered the recent wave of Upper MG. I'm super interested in writing about relationships--both friendships and romances---and I don't think I could write a book that didn't have these at the heart. But I really love the way current MG books are taking this on.

Random Question! What’s your favorite color? 

Any shade of blue.

Blue is my favorite color! :)

If you're able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

Well, I'm working with my editor on my second YA rom-com, Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra, which is a Romeo-and-Juliet style love story between the kids of rival families who live in a magic-themed resort town. Lia and Beckett fall for each other while competing in a magic contest for the rights to the town theater. 

I'm also writing my second MG, which is inspired by E.L. Koningsburg's The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, about a seventh grade girl who runs away to a college campus to confront the coder who made the app that her parents use to track her every movement.

These both sound really good! :)

What are some of your favorite MG books you've read? And what are some that you're looking forward to reading?

My favorite MG book of modern times (A Wrinkle in Time will always be my all time favorite) is Well, That Was Awkward by Rachel Vail. It's hilarious and heart-breaking and true, and Gracie and her friend Emmet are so unbearably cute together. It's the best banter in an MG book I've ever read. And while that's my favorite, I'd recommend every single one of Rachel Vail's books. I also loved Star Crossed by Barbara Dee, which is a really cute Romeo and Juliet and retelling about two eighth-grade girls. This is a little more actiony, but I thought Sheela Chari 's The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel was funny and fast-based and just super fun. In terms of what I'm looking forward to--Shannon Doleski's second book Gabe in the After is due out in a year, and it's some kind of post-apocalyptic Anne of Green Gables retelling, which sounds incredibly intriguing. 

Great picks! :)

Thank you to Amy Noelle Parks for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Amy Noelle Parks is an associate professor at Michigan State University. When she’s not using One Direction lyrics as a writing prompt, she’s helping future teachers recover from the trauma of years of school mathematics. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two daughters.

Here Are A Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Yay For Middle Grade Books! Interview With Daisy May Johnson!

 

Hi, everyone! today I'm happy to present an interview with Daisy May Johnson, whose debut Middle Grade novel, How to Be Brave, releases in the US in July.

The bold font are the questions I asked, the regular font are her answers, and the bold italic font are my comments about her answers.

Would you please tell us a little about How to Be Brave?

When Calla North's mum, Elizabeth, is offered the job opportunity of a lifetime - researching ducks in the Amazon rainforest - Calla heads off to boarding school. But The School of The Good Sisters is no ordinary boarding school - there's a horrible new headmistress who's far too fond of kale and the pupils are ready to revolt. As Calla settles into her strange new world, something terrible happens to Elizabeth - and it's up to Calla and her new friends to figure out how to save the day. There's a lot of cake, a lot of nuns, a lot of puns, a whole world of adventure.... and ducks!

What was the inspiration for the book?

I call How To Be Brave my 'indulgent' book - it's built on everything I love. For example, I'm a passionate fan of the British school story genre, and have read a lot of them in my time - ranging from things published in the 1900s right through to the present day. I love how empowering the genre is and how they unapologetically centre girls and women in their own adventures. When I came to write How To Be Brave, I was thinking a lot about how you could play with those ideas in a modern context - and that's what got me started...

Random Question! What is your favorite dessert?

I'm very fond of a good slice of cake! It has to be the right slice of cake for the right occasion though - it's a fine art :)

I agree! :)

If you're able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I am working on the sequel to How To Be Brave which is *very* exciting times. I'm not sure I'm allowed to say much at the moment about it, but I will say that it features a character I absolutely fell in love with whilst writing HTBB. Turns out that I couldn't let them go without telling more of their story...

What are some of your favorite MG books you've read? And what are some that you're looking forward to reading?

Wow, where to begin! Okay - I love everything that Susie Day does, ditto Hilary McKay, Katherine Rundell, and Sita Brahmachari. I can't wait to read Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds, as I've loved his other work - and I've also got my eyes on a graphic novel adaptation of Anne of Green Gables by Mariah Marsden. I love seeing graphic novels playing around with classics. 

Graphic Novel adaptions of classics are always fun! :)

Thank you to Daisy May Johnson for participating in this event! :)

Here Are a Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Yay For Middle Grade Books! Spotlight on Middle Grade Books!

Hi, everyone! Today I wanted to write a little spotlight post on the books of the authors participating! The links go to Goodreads, so you can add them to your TBR lists. 

Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Princess Lana is the youngest ambassador ever to represent her underwater kingdom, Clarion, at the Royal Festival on land. And even though it means trading her mermaid tail for a clumsy pair of legs—and worse, spending a week with her mother, who chose life on land over her children seven years ago—Lana can’t wait to prove her political chops.

But once on shore, nothing goes as planned. The children of visiting dignitaries spread nasty rumors about Lana and her brother eavesdropping on humans’ thoughts just because they can communicate telepathically underwater—never mind that their powers don’t work on land. Lana’s mom is wrapped up in the king of a neighboring kingdom, who turns out to be her new boyfriend. And despite her ambassador status, no one will let Lana near a single important negotiation or meeting.

Then an earthquake strikes Clarion, and though Lana’s desperate to rush to the aid of her people, her father insists she stay away indefinitely. As the days on land add up, nothing her parents tell her about the disaster makes sense. Soon Lana uncovers signs that more nefarious forces may be at work—and they could spell war for her people. Can Lana uncover the truth about what happened and protect those she loves before it’s too late?

Cold-Blooded Myrtle (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #3) by Elizabeth C. Bunce 

An Edgar Award–winning series!

Twelve-year-old Young Lady of Quality and Victorian amateur detective Myrtle Hardcastle returns, and now she’s on the trail of a serial killer in her hometown of Swinburne.

 

When Mr. Leighton, proprietor of Leighton’s Mercantile, is found dead on the evening his annual Christmas shop display is to be unveiled, it’s clear a killer had revenge in mind. But who would want to kill the local dry-goods merchant? Perhaps someone who remembers the unresolved, long-ago scandal that occurred when he was a professor and archaeologist. When the killer strikes again, ­­­each time manipulating the figures in the display to foretell the crime, Myrtle finds herself racing to uncover the long-buried facts of a historical scandal—and the motivations of a modern murderer. 

How to Be Brave by Daisy May Johnson 

Calla North and her mother Elizabeth live a quiet but happy life together. Elizabeth happens to be the world's leading expert on ducks—but unfortunately, being an expert on ducks doesn't always pay the bills (no pun intended).

When Elizabeth is offered a well-paid research trip to the Amazon, it's an opportunity too good to miss. But while her mother’s off exploring, Calla winds up at boarding school. No adventures are likely to find her there—or so she thinks.

Then Calla receives the terrible news that her mother's plane has gone missing. Can Calla, her friends, and a motley crew of nuns defeat an evil new headmistress and find Elizabeth before it’s too late?

Summer of Brave by Amy Noelle Parks

Twelve-year-old Lilla Baxter-Willoughby doesn't lie. She's just a little bit...selective. To keep her parents happy, Lilla hides how much she hates moving back and forth between their houses, and she stomps down her doubts about that elite high school they're pushing her toward. To keep peace with her best friend Vivi, Lilla doesn't share that she got the junior camp counselor job that Vivi wanted. And even though--no, especially because--he seems into it, Lilla does not tell the boy she grew up with about all the little sparks that flared up inside her the day she noticed his Suddenly Adorable Freckles. So when Vivi dares Lilla to start telling the truth as part of their Summer of Brave, Lilla hesitates. Because if she says out loud what she really wants, her whole life might crash down around her. And she doesn't need that. Except maybe she does.

I hope all of these books are on your TBR list! :)

Yay For Middle Grade Books! Interview With Elizabeth C. Bunce!

 

Hi, everyone! Today I'm pleased to present an interview with Elizabeth C. Bunce, who is the author of the Myrtle Hardcastle mystery series, which began with Premeditated Myrtle. The third book in the series, Cold-Blooded Myrtle, releases in October. She is also the author of YA novels, including the Thief Errant series.

The bold font are the questions I asked, the regular font are her answers, and the bold italic font are my comments about her answers.

Would you please tell us a little about the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries?

Myrtle Hardcastle is a twelve year old Victorian Young Lady of Quality with a highly unconventional interest in criminology and a knack for solving murders. With the assistance of her unflappable governess, Miss Judson, and a highly opinionated cat, Peony, Myrtle uncovers the secrets and criminals lurking beneath the deceptively cozy world of her Victorian village (with an occasional side trip: MHM #2, How to Get Away with Myrtle, finds Myrtle on a railway holiday to the seaside!).

Book #3 in the series, Cold-Blooded Myrtle, releases in October! Would you like to tell us a little about what awaits Myrtle in the new book?

Myrtle’s third adventure is so much fun! Her Exceptionally Victorian holiday season is interrupted by a string of cryptic murders in the village. In her most personal case yet, Myrtle, Miss Judson, and Peony must solve a cold case from Myrtle’s mother’s past in order to unmask a killer stalking the snowy streets of Swinburne. 

This sounds so good! :)

Random Question! If you could travel to any period in time for one day, where and when would you go? 

Oooh, one day? I’m going to say 16th century Italy—probably Florence. I don’t speak Italian, but I think I could manage for a single day! (That now sounds like a challenge… or inspiration for a short story!) The Italian Renaissance has always been one of my favorite historical eras, and influenced my Thief Errant novels, StarCrossed and Liar’s Moon. I’ve also long been a devotee of the clothing of the era, and much of my historical costuming is inspired by Italian Renaissance artwork. (I’m not answering Victorian England because it feels like I’ve been living there for years now!)

If you're able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I am actually on vacation right now! As of writing this, I’m just about to turn in Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #4, In Myrtle Peril, and preparing to fully enjoy that heavenly period of relaxation where it’s too early to hear back from my editor with revisions. That means my days are full of sewing. Right now I’m working on Victorian-era doll costuming, including a piece from the cover of Cold-Blooded Myrtle, and a little surprise for Myrtle’s schoolroom. You can follow all my Making progress on Instagram: @elizabethcbunce (Also, I’m overdue for a dental checkup, so I suppose I’ll have to do that, too. And catch up on the laundry.)

I love the titles of the Myrtle books! :)

What are some of your favorite MG books you've read? And what are some that you're looking forward to reading?

As you can probably tell from my work, I am a big fan of classic-feeling middle grades, exemplified by books like The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I think my all-time favorite modern MG must be Eva Ibbotson’s The Star of Kazan, a wonderful historical adventure about missing heirs and lost jewels, full of gorgeous descriptions and richly-drawn characters. As for upcoming reads? I will take anything with ghosts, and am open for recommendations! 

I haven't read The Star of Kazan, I need to look it up! :)

Thank you to Elizabeth C. Bunce for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Elizabeth C. Bunce grew up on a steady diet of Sherlock Holmes, Trixie Belden, and Quincy, M.E., and always played the lead prosecutor in mock trial. She has never had a governess, and no one has ever accused her of being irrepressible, but a teacher did once call her “argumentative”—which was entirely untrue, and she can prove it. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and their cats. You can find her online at elizabethcbunce.com.

Here Are a Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram

Her Facebook

Yay For Middle Grade Books! Interview With Stephanie Kate Strohm!

 

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Stephanie Kate Strohm, whose first MG novel, Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale, releases in September! She is also the author of multiple YA novels, including her most recent, Restless Hearts (Katy Keene). Her debut Graphic Novel series,  Arden High, written with Molly Horton Booth and Jamie Green, launces next year.

The bold font are the questions I asked, the regular font are her answers, and the bold italic font are my comments about her answers.

Would you please tell us a little about Out of Water?

Once Upon a Tide is about a fourteen year old mermaid princess named Lana. She lives under the sea with her dad, but once a year she spends a week on land with her mom at the Royal Festival. Lana is dreading her weekly visit - until she's named the youngest ambassador in her kingdom's history! Of course, once she's on land, things don't quite go as planned...especially when Lana develops some unexpected magical powers...

Ooh, this sounds so good! :)

Mermaids are awesome! Who are some of your favorite mermaids in books and movies?

Ariel is of course iconic - I saw the movie in theatres in 1989, and it started a lifelong love of mermaids, and The Little Mermaid in particular. (Do I know every word to every song? You know I do.) I also loved the movie Splash, and I had a book as a kid called "Mermaid Tales from Around the World" that I read so many times it started to fall apart!

When I think of mermaids, Ariel is the first one that I think of! *hums part of your world* :)

Random Question! Would you rather be able to fly or turn invisible?

Fly! Seems like it would be very handy for avoiding the freeway! (I just moved to LA, and I'm definitely still adjusting to the traffic, haha.)

If you're able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on the Arden High graphic novels series with Molly Horton Booth and Jamie Green! They're YA adaptations of Shakespeare plays set in a modern, magical high school. Our first book, Twelfth Grade Night, will be out in Fall of 2022, and King Cheer the year after that! This is my first graphic novel and I've absolutely loved the process. I hope I get to write many more!

What are some of your favorite MG books you've read? And what are some that you're looking forward to reading?

I'm eagerly awaiting my copy of The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz - I love musical theatre! The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman is also at the top of my TBR pile. Recently, I've loved Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim and The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert. And Jen Calonita's Fairy Tale Reform school series is a perennial favorite of mine!

Fantastic picks! :)

Thank you to Stephanie Kate Strohm for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Stephanie Kate Strohm is the author of Love a la Mode; Prince in Disguise; It's Not Me, It's You; That's Not What I Heard; The Date to Save; and Katy Keene: Restless Hearts. She grew up in Connecticut and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she was voted Winter Carnival Queen. Currently she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Her middle-grade debut, Once Upon a Tide: A Mermaid's Tale, will be released in September.

Here are a few links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram

Her Facebook

Yay For Middle Grade Books! 2021 Launch Post!

 

Hi, everyone! I am so happy to present the schedule for Yay For Middle Grade Books! 2021 here today on the blog! All of the authors participating are fantastic, and I can't wait for you all to get to read their interviews!

May

16th Launch Post!

17th Interview With Stephanie Kate Strohm

18th Interview With Elizabeth C. Bunce

19th Spotlight On MG Books!

20th Interview With Daisy May Johnson

21st Interview With Amy Noelle Parks

22nd Recap Post!

Don't you all think that list of authors is fantastic?! And I can't wait for you to read the posts! Be sure to come back every day this week, so you don't miss any! :)