HATTER MADIGAN: GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X. for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

If the character’s name looks familiar then you have enjoyed the successful YA Hatter-Madigan-cover-e1433952843629trilogy, THE LOOKING GLASS WARS. Hatter Madigan returns as a 13-year-old in this MG prequel. I don’t recall a YA series that reverses direction and explores a main characters earlier years in a second series. I’m glad to see it happen here.

This will be fun for those familiar with Hatter Madigan, and a good lead-in for many young readers who won’t be ready for the older Hatter for a few years. Regardless, both groups can enjoy the fantasy filled introduction to Wonderland and the Millinery Academy.

It’s like a literary blender where Harry Potter, Ender’s Game, and Alice in Wonderland are thrown in the mix and, no wait, that would be a mess. In this case though it comes out fresh and appealing.

Hatter has inner doubts that often prevail with this age group, but he also has the potential to chase his fears away. And there are many in this fantastic introduction. Smart, exciting, and it will leave you breathless for more.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2016   PAGE COUNT: 408

FULL PLOT (From Automatic Publishing) Swordplay!  Newfound friendships!  School bullies!  Budding love!  Self-serving rivals!  Scheming adults and soulless rebel plotters!  Welcome, to the world of Cadet Hatter Madigan, who has just entered  Wonderland’s Millinery academy as one of the freshmen ‘Caps’. Those born to be Royal Bodyguards are trained at one of the four academies  (Heart, Clubs Diamond, Spade) linked to the royal houses.  Cadets will study the mystic and martial arts, as well as the sometimes more difficult art of successfully dealing with others. Once Hatter begins his training he is thrown into a competitive world of both boys and girls vying to be the best.  Arsenal cubes, blade chasers and Hat blocking 101 are all rites of passage the young milliners first take on together but must eventually perfect, separately.

As readers of The Looking Glass Wars already know, Hatter will grow up to one day serve as bodyguard to two queens and become Wonderland’s most famous traveler.  But in the Young Hatter series—each installment of which chronicles a single year of our hero’s education—readers can live through the experiences that shaped this extraordinary Wonderlander. They will share young Hatter’s joy as he forges new friendships at the Millinery; suffer his frustrations as he strives to maintain these friendships; come, and witness young Hatter struggle with the first stirrings of love; watch him defend himself against rival cadets and contend with the expectations of teachers all too familiar with his infamous older brother … and all while he tries to keep up with his studies.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HATTER MADIGAN: THE GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X. by Frank Beddor with Adrienne Kress

  1. Students create their own top hat that they’ll eventually learn to use as a weapon. I can just hear the MG audience croon, “Cool.”
  2. The issues and fears that Hatter has are the same you’d find in kids today. Changing friendships, popularity, hurt feelings, family trauma, and making the right choices to please everyone.
  3. There are several tense fight scenes that will have your heart racing. Some are with beasts (see cover), classmates, and holograms. They each serve to keep the pages turning and the plot fulfilled.
  4. Excellent supporting cast of characters, both male and female. Each with distinct personalities including Newton, his blind friend. Yes, there are bullies, but Hatter learns to control their immature behavior.
  5. The relationship Hatter has with his older brother, Dalton, is mysterious. They were both raised at the academy as orphans but seem to be nothing like each other in Hatter’s eyes. By the end of the book we discover the reasons why.

FAVORITE LINES: “You cannot pick and choose,” Orlage continued, “although through experience I know you all likely already have your preference. The decision will be made by the eeries. Remember, cadets at every level fail and leave the institution, but none more than Caps. You are not as smart as you think you are, talented as your parents have led you to believe, or brave as you will need to become if you are to graduate. If you get homesick, I don’t want to hear about it. I am not your mother.”

INTERESTING TIDBITS from Frank Beddor’s Website:  Beddor, who had been a high-level freestyle skier, broke into the business by producing the 1998 thriller “Wicked,” the first major role for Julia Stiles. He followed that with the comedy “There’s Something About Mary,” which grossed $360 million worldwide and starred Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz.

Current projects include “Hatter Madigan,” which is being developed as an animated children’s show with former Marvel Head of Animation Eric Rollman; “The Looking Glass Wars,” which is in the works as a Broadway musical with composer Ryan Oliver Scott and playwright-TV writer Jon Caren; Eric Laster’s murder mystery “Static” is being developed with “Con Man” producer PJ Haarsma for digital; and “Spectrum,” the fictional TV show at the center of the “Con Man” series, will get its own TV show.

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.

Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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MIDDLE GRADE FAVORITE SITCOMS

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

A middle grade television script and a novel look very different, but they do share similar traits. A beginning, middle, and end for sure. There’s also a problem that must be solved in 30-60 minutes on TV and by the last page in a book.

I finish a ton of MG books every year. Well, at least a few hundred pounds worth. On the TV side not so much. So I was curious. Would watching these shows make me a better story teller?

I went right to MG students and asked them what their favorite sitcoms were with kids near their age as the stars. I wasn’t familiar with several of their choices so I tracked them down and watched an episode or two.

If you’re writing a novel, watching these programs can be a real eye opener. Some of the plots are downright dumb, but you can get a sense of facial expressions and movement from the characters. I haven’t found much from the dialog side that I can use, but there are certainly quite a few superb kid actors.

Want to watch? Here are a few clips of shows with MG characters recommended by a class of sixth graders:

HENRY DANGER (Nickelodeon)

KIRBY BUCKETS (Disney)

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE (Disney)

Also receiving votes: THE THUNDERMANS  and GIRL MEETS WORLD.

Okay. End of experiment. Watching middle grade problems come to life is making me a bit dizzy.  It’s time to return to the safety of writing books.

 

 

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DIEGO’S DRAGON BOOK 4 for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

The full title wouldn’t quite fit so here’s the full scoop – DIEGO’S DRAGON BOOK FOUR: MAZES, MONSTERS AND MYTHICAL HEROES

Previously I reviewed DIEGO’S DRAGON Book One (SPIRITS OF THE SUN); Book Two (DRAGONS OF THE DARK RIFT); and Book Three (BATTLE AT TENOCHTITLAN).

Diego is at his most desperate point in any of the four books. 61BF61TkzbL._AC_UL320_SR214,320_He’s separated from his dragon, Magnifico, while families from his California community, including his own, have disappeared. Diego’s destiny is certain to be a final battle with the Dark Lord, Satadon. History will forever change and the dragon world destroyed if he cannot defeat this menacing enemy.

In my reviews of the previous books I mentioned you could jump right in if you had not read the entire series. I wouldn’t attempt that with Book 4. There is so much going on that relates to the previous stories you will likely be lost without the needed background. Read the first three then enjoy this one. It’s an epic tale told in 100 chapters (though many are only a page long).

If you enjoy intricate plotting with many settings both present and in the past this one is for you. A dragon tale like no other.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015   Pages: 394

FULL PLOT (From Amazon):  For all Diego knows, his dragon has fallen for the last time. All that remains of the Aztec nation hides in the forests and caves beyond Tenochtitlan. If Satadon can find and destroy the Mexica people, Diego, Racquel, and their families will join those who disappeared two years ago. Jenna, Racquel’s conduit, gently touches symbols carved on the walls of her prison. If she can find the right sequence inside the temple, she might open an ancient door unknown even to the Dark Lord. Satadon and the ancients are returning to Tenochtitlan. The Aztec gods are choosing sides for the coming battle. Warriors from another dimension appear in the ancient Mexica lands. Sol soars through the stars on a journey to save his dragon. Misterioso, protecting his lord, becomes weaker every hour. He believes Magnifico is dead, and he will wait and die with him if that is Sol’s wish.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT DIEGO’S DRAGON (BOOK FOUR): MAZES, MONSTERS, AND MYTHICAL HEROES  by Kevin Gerard

  1. A great tie in to the history of Mexico. Readers will be motivated to learn more about the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. This is the setting for a significant chunk of the action. I was also curious about another location I had not heard of: Popocatépetl.
  2. Five full page illustrations by Benito Gallego are a powerful companion to the written words. You can view them here at the Book 4 Teaser page on the Diego’s Dragon site.
  3. I said in my last review of this series that Conor, the Irish boy with a mysterious background, would play a significant role in Diego’s quest… Oh my, did he ever!
  4. I’m always searching for books that will challenge advanced readers. Diego’s fourth episode fits perfectly into that mold.
  5. Spanish words are thrown in throughout. Most can be figured out in context but a handy 2-page translation guide is present in the last pages of the book. Diversity both in language and characters.

FAVORITE LINES: Every dragon in the assembly lifted their jaws straight up. After inhaling deeply, they blasted a widespread flame from their throats and nostrils, adding it to the fires of the sun. They recharged their bodies by allowing Sol’s fiery spirit to flow through them.

“For our families!” shouted Valiente.

The response nearly shattered the teenagers’ eardrums.

“Now, dragon,” said Lea. “Now is the time.”

AUTHOR BIO:
Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, California, with his two feline buddies, Jesse the WonderCat and Little Man. He teaches statistics at Cal State San Marcos. When not writing or teaching, he enjoys walking the grounds at the San Diego Zoo, hitting the waves at Cardiff State Beach, and hanging with his brother, nieces and nephews at the local Pizza Port. He also enjoys playing Halo on the internet; look for him in the rocket games as one of the characters from the Diego’s Dragon or Conor and the Crossworlds fantasy adventure series.

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Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

Comments are always welcome! Just click on the comment link below.

MMGM2

 

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THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

Middle grade books with animals often have humans sharing the pages. Not so here. 27220549With this new story it’s all about the animals and specifically ones that choose nighttime to roam. The main characters are a fox, a sugar glider, and a pangolin. Wolves, bats, alligators and many more creatures of the night are also a part of this adventuresome undertaking.

THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS is the first release of a planned series (Book two, THE OMINOUS EYE, is scheduled for September, 2016). What you will find tucked away on these pages is a huge mystery about animals vanishing, lots of humor, and a plot that zips its way to a satisfying conclusion. The short chapters (33 in all) would make a great read-aloud.

If you have an animal loving reader searching for a fun story, they won’t be disappointed by this unique tale.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2016   PAGE COUNT: 220

FULL PLOT (From THE NOCTURNALS WEBSITE ) The Nocturnals features three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure.

In The Mysterious Abductions, the animals form a brigade of the night after a random encounter with a blood-thirsty snake, and just in time because something is threatening their night realm. Animals are disappearing without a trace. Together with the help of a wombat, a band of coyotes and many others, Dawn, Tobin and Bismark journey to the depths of the earth in a wacky, high stakes game that will determine all of their survival.

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS by Tracey Hecht

  1. After reading the tale you will have learned many characteristics of animals and their unique behavior. It’s not a listing of facts but instead are woven into the story. I now feel like an expert on animal behavior.
  2. The importance of friendship and family is a super theme evident throughout.
  3. A strong core group of characters, each with distinct personalities, should keep this series interesting especially for the intended audience.
  4. The book jacket hides the cover with only ‘The’ carried over. An extra bit of fun that had me smiling at the creativity.
  5. Surprises pop up at unexpected times. You’ll find a nocturnal brigade and a life or death hockey match as an example. There’s also a fun twist when the animals speak short foreign phrases.

FAVORITE LINES: “Since I am the bravest soul of us all,” said the sugar glider, “I shall gallantly remain in this tree – in its precarious limbs, at its most perilous pinnacle – while the two of you resolve that, um, teensy trouble down below.” He cleared his throat and stood tall. “Farethewell!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR: 

Tracey Hecht Photo Credit Bailey Carr PhotographyTracey Hecht is a writer and entrepreneur who has written, directed and produced for film. Tracey currently splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine with her husband, four children and three pets—none of which are a sugar glider. This is her first middle grade series.

Illustrator KateLiebmanKate Liebman is an artist who lives and works in New York City. She graduated from Yale University, contributes to the Brooklyn Rail, and has shown her work at multiple galleries. She grew up in Santa Monica,  California. This is her first children’s book.

See more at THE NOCTURNALS website including some great resources for teachers.

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Just click on the Comments word below.

Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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CURIOSITY HOUSE GIVEAWAY WINNER

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

cover-the_screaming_statue     23277166

Congratulations to SUSAN OLSON. She is the winner of the Curiosity House prize package. I will be sending her book one and two along with a nifty set of character cards. Susan is an author and reviews time travel books on her blog, TIME TRAVEL TIMES TWO. Enjoy!

I’ll be back tomorrow with a review of THE NOCTURNALS.

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CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday EXTRA!

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

This second book in the Curiosity House series is released next week. You can find my cover-the_screaming_statueinterview with one of the characters, Sam-Strongboy, and the two authors by clicking the link HERE. Comment either here or on that post (or both for a double entry) to have a chance to win a nifty deck of Curiosity House character cards and a hardback edition of  book one, CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SHRUNKEN HEAD & book two, CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE.  I can’t wait to draw the lucky winner’s name on May 1st.

But first… on to the review of this welcome sequel.

All the favorite kid performers return: Pippa and her mind reading ability, Max the girl who throws an accurate knife, Thomas a boy who makes like Gumby and contorts into any small space. And of course Sam, the boy who is frightfully strong. All is not well at Dumfreys’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. The audiences have gotten way too small at their daily performance, and the place is in danger of closing.

New to the cast is a real head turner– Howie. He has more up his sleeve than being able to show off his owl like skills.

There’s humor and mystery at every turn and you will for sure be wanting more. Yes, one major escape ensures us book three can’t be far behind. In the mean time enjoy this unique and fun series by a pair of collaborators who know each other well.

FULL PLOT (From-THE CURIOSITY HOUSE WEBSITE)Four orphans with extraordinary abilities and questionable pasts—Pippa, Sam, Thomas, and Max—are happy to be out of harm’s way now that the notorious villain Nicholas Rattigan is halfway across the country in Chicago. But unfortunately their home, Dumfreys’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders, is in danger of closing its doors forever.

But their troubles only get worse. The four friends are shocked when their beloved friend, famous sculptor Siegfried Eckleberger, is murdered. As they investigate, they find clues that his death may be tied to the murder of a rich and powerful New York heiress, as well as to their own pasts.

In this second book in the exceptional Curiosity House series by bestselling author Lauren Oliver and shadowy recluse H. C. Chester, the four extraordinary children must avenge their friend’s death, try to save their home, and unravel the secrets of their past . . . before their past unravels them.

This is the second book in the series and so boasts many wondrous and mysterious things inside, such as:

  • Howie, the “owl boy,” whose head turns just about all the way around
  • A mean but important house cat
  • Some perfectly ghastly wax sculptures
  • A very thin boy named Chubby
  • An awful mechanical leg

It continues not to have:

  • A cautionary tale about running with scissors
  • A list of time-consuming chores
  • Nutritious and decidedly not delicious vegetables
  • A perfectly sweet bedtime story about a wayward bunny
  • Two wet kisses on the cheek from your Aunt Mildred

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE by Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester

  1. The murder and mayhem is not too dark and perfect for middle grade eyes. The suspense and unique characters will have even the most reluctant readers curious.
  2. The setting is rich with historical references. Set almost 90 years ago in one of the most exciting cities then and now: New York City.
  3. The whimsical and unique drawings continue to amuse and inspire one to read on.
  4. The climatic scene caught me by surprise and as intended it had me furious but also itching to get my hands on book three.
  5. You may find yourself with a favorite character but for me they each had their own charm and likability. Each one grows in your understanding of their life as someone who doesn’t fit the mold.

FAVORITE LINES: 

Mr. Sadowski blinked rapidly, his eyes passing back and forth between all four children. “The funeral service–yes, yes. Of course. How very kind. But you see, I can’t let you inside. Not without consulting Aaron.”

To this, even Max had no immediate reply.

“But isn’t Aaron–oof.” Pippa elbowed Sam in the stomach before he could say “dead.”

A TEACHER RESOURCE (From the book’s website)  Curiosity House touches on themes of belonging, difference, and family, all while being set against a bustling 1930s backdrop that provides perfect opportunities for the study of American history. We hope you’ll consider working Curiosity House into your lessons using the following resources: (Click here for the two free downloads)

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.

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CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE Blog Tour for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to a special blog tour stop for CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SCREAMING STATUE. cover-the_screaming_statueOther tour stops this week include  MIDDLE GRADE MAFIA  (Tuesday); LITERARY HOOTS (Wednesday); UNLEASHING READERS (Thursday); and ME, MYSELF, AND I (Friday).

Last year I featured a review of the exciting first book, CURIOSITY HOUSE: THE SHRUNKEN HEAD.  I’m holding off my review of the second book until tomorrow, April 26th, because today I have two special interviews and a giveaway.

First up is a unique chat with Sam, the strongest twelve-and-three quarters-year-old in the country, possibly the world.  He once lifted a car–one-handed–to save a dog trapped beneath it, and in fact he loves animals and is desperate for a pet (preferably a dog, cat, or rabbit, but he would even be happy with a turtle).

Sam plays a key role in the CURIOSITY HOUSE Series as one of the young residents and performers at Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Horrors.He’s quite tall for his age and very polite. He extended his hand for us to shake, but quickly pulled back fearing he would crush my fingers. Thanks for the heads-up thinking, Sam. Now on to the interview:

CH_Illustrations_Sam

Your ability is astounding. When did you first realize you had unbelievable strength?

I’ve known since I was a kid–I mean, for as long as I can remember. When I was a toddler I used to play airplane with Mr. Dumfrey, except I was the one holding him up.

What is the most unusual thing (or person) you have ever lifted?

One time I had to lift a five-ton industrial mixer at a bakery in Queens to find a lady’s earring. I smelled like powdered sugar for days.

Are there drawbacks to being so strong?

Oh, yeah. To be honest, most of the time, I hate it. Mr. D says I can’t have a pet, not even a turtle, because he’s worried I might hurt it. I’m always breaking things. And forget hugs–I might squeeze the life out of someone without meaning to.

What tips do you have for your young readers who want to increase their own strength?

Get sleep! I sleep a lot.

If you could trade your ability with one of the other curious residents of Mr. Dumfrey’s Dime Museum, whose ability would you most like to have?

Definitely Pippa’s.  I’d love to know what Max was thinking. I mean, I’d love to know what lots of people are thinking, but Max too, for sure.

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Thanks Sam and good luck with figuring out Max. If you’re ever out my way in a blizzard, I’ll hire you to help with snow removal.

Exit Sam and right on cue are the inspiration behind this imaginative and fun series… Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester.

CH_AuthorBioIllustrations

Welcome to ALWAYS in the MIDDLE. I enjoyed talking with Sam. What do you like about writing for a young audience?

I fell in love with reading when I was a “middle grade” reader, and to a certain extent writing for that age group feels like a joyful continuation of my first explorations into books and reading.

You have collaborated on two books in the Curiosity House Series, what approach did you take to ensure your ideas, writing style, and creativity were each represented?

We actually had a fairly regimented way of working. Mr. Chester did the research and structured the book, providing invaluable insights about the way the mystery should unfold, and I simply wrote under his direction. Then he edited, and reedited, and reedited….

How long did it take to write this sequel from inception to release?

The book took about 8-10 months to write. But as is typical in publishing, it took another year and a half to be released!

Which character’s ability at Mr. Dumfrey’s Dime Museum would you most like to have?

Hmmm. I think that being a knife thrower would be pretty cool, actually!

What advice do you have for kids (big or little) who want to be future published authors like yourselves?

Practice! And read as much as you can.

Thank you Lauren and H.C.! Be sure to visit their superb Curiosity House website.

Finally, I have an awesome giveaway – Hard back copies of THE STOLEN HEAD and THE SCREAMING STATUE… plus a nifty set of playing cards featuring the residents and curious items from the museum. Just comment below either today or on the review post tomorrow. I’ll announce the winner  May 2nd. Good luck!

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Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

MMGM2

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Giveaway Results

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

9781454917519_cvrThe winner of Cici Reno#MiddleSchoolMatchmaker is Sue Kooky. She reviews books on her blog, KITTY CAT AT THE LIBRARY.  Enjoy the book and thanks to all those that commented.

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National Geographic Shines with New Releases

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

Happy Earth Day tomorrow!

Did you know 2016 is the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the National Parks Service? natparksTime sure flies! And, through the Every Kid in a Park program, 4th graders can visit ANY national park for free though August 2016!

This week is National Parks Appreciation Week, but National Geographic is celebrating all year with new explorations of the power of the parks. What better way than to begin with this gorgeous handbook – NATIONAL PARKS GUIDE U.S.A. by Sarah Wassner Flynn and Julie Beer.

The photography is stunning and your favorite park is easy to find. Arranged by geographic location, parks are introduced with four pages of information, photos, and a map. Here’s a sample:

national parks

The guide also aims to raise preservation awareness, offering conservation tips, and detailing the best parks in which to spot endangered species like gray wolves and California condors. Packing checklists and suggested bicycling and spelunking excursions round out this comprehensive guide.

Kids and adults alike will certainly be rewarded by the many fun facts. The only fights you’ll have in the car now is who gets to read this fantastic guide first.

I have one copy to give to the first person (U.S. Resident only) who gets this answer correct in the comments below: According to this guide, what National Park is known for its UFO sightings?

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Need more guides? I have two courtesy of National Geographic!

BIRDS by Julie Beer and ROCKS & MINERALS by Nancy Honovich. Both are a part of the National birdsGeographic KIDS ULTIMATE Explorer FIELD GUIDE series. They are durable and portable – just right for the pocket or backpack.

BIRDS is loaded with facts. Your kids kids will learn how, when, and where to spot birds in their own backyard. In full color throughout, my favorite parts were the special features called Birdtastics. Here you will find a closer look at unique bird habitats, strange bird behaviors, birds that are now extinct and much more.

rocksROCKS AND MINERALS is equally compelling. This guide will spill all the secrets for the explorer in your house. The result will be true rock hound superstars with everything they dig up on excursions or field trips. The ground we walk on will have new meaning with this handy guide.

Colorful, informative, and just hard to put down.

I also have one copy of each of these guides. They will go to the first U.S. resident who can answer either or both of these questions in the comments below:

ROCKS & MINERALS GIVEAWAY:  What mineral is often mistakenly assumed to be formed from coal, but in reality it forms in an igneous rock called peridotite? Sarah S. correctly submitted Diamonds and is the winner of the Rocks & Minerals book.

BIRDS GIVEAWAY: What bird is known as the Clown of the Seas? (Violet Tiger correctly guessed The Puffin and is the winner of the Birds’ book!))

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If you have a passionate belief in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world then find out more from National Geographic. You will find great articles, thousands of videos, pages just for kids, and so much more. A great resource!

 

 

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A Chat with Kristina Springer- Author of CiCi Reno:#MiddleSchoolMatchmaker

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Greg Pattridge

I posted my review of CiCi Reno:#Middle School Matchmaker yesterday on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. You may comment on that post, or today’s, or both for a chance to win a giveaway of this great new title. (U.S. and Canadian residents only on this one). I’ll announce the winner on April 25th.

Author Kristina Springer was gracious enough to stop by on her busy launch day toKSpringer_Color touch base on a variety of topics.

Hi Kristina and welcome to ALWAYS in the MIDDLE on a very special day – the release of your new MG novel CiCi Reno: #MiddleSchoolMatchmaker. You aren’t new to book birthdays going back to your first, THE ESPRESSOLOGIST (Oct. 27, 2009, and many more after including MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS (Aug. 10, 2010) and JUST YOUR AVERAGE PRINCESS (Oct. 11, 2011). How is this launch for Cici the same or different from your other books?

Thanks for having me! This launch feels MUCH different for me. For one, I kinda feel like I know what I’m doing now. When my first book, The Espressologist, came out I did hardly any promotion. I think I thought magical marketing fairies would do all of the work and while there is a great publicity team with your publisher (Sterling Children’s has the BEST!), authors have to also do a lot of promotion. I also feel like my writing has improved a lot as well since then. The Espressologist was only the second book I ever wrote (the first one was never subbed to publishers). Since then I’ve written a dozen books and another half dozen partial books.

9781454917519_cvrCici Reno’s helpful personality, her modern girl outlook on the middle school world, and her love of yoga had me cheering for her throughout the story. Where did you come up with the unique personality traits for Cici?

Cici is a compilation of a lot of different characters I know (and don’t know). There are bits of her that are similar to my daughters and their friends and my nieces. But then I also wanted her to have the kind of confidence a Gilmore Girl would have (I’m obsessed with the Gilmore Girls!). There’s also a piece of her reminiscent of a yoga instructor I had who was just really chill and laid back. I wanted Cici to be this cool kid who I’d love to have had as a friend in middle school.

How did you approach writing Cici Reno: #MiddleSchoolMatchmaker? Did you have the entire plot in your head and let the words flow or did you just write and hope the story worked itself out?

I tend to be able to see the beginning and end of a book right away. So I always kinda know where I want to go with it. With this book I didn’t make a strict outline ahead of time but I would jot down scenes as I thought of them and throw those all into a notes file in Word. Then as I wrote the book I’d read through all of my notes for ideas on where I wanted to go with each chapter and loosely organized it there. The last thing I did was figure out the yoga poses that Cici would tweet at the beginning of each chapter because I wanted the pose to help with a situation that happened in that chapter.

Will there be more from Cici in future books? And/or… what are you working on now?

Yes! And I’m so happy about this—I love Cici! I just finished outlining book 2 in the Yoga Girl series and I’ve written the first few chapters.

I read your complete bio and you went down many roads before becoming a MG and YA writer. From the experiences you’ve had getting to this point as a successful author, what advice would you give to young aspiring writers?

I would tell them two things: 1) Write. You have to get something down on the page, even if it’s terrible writing. You can always go back and fix it later. Try not to get hung up on your first draft. And 2) Be stubborn and believe in yourself. There’s so, so much rejection in this industry and you just have to let it roll off your back and keep trying. With the first young adult book I wrote I had queried 100 agents (not all at once—in batches of ten). I signed with the 87th agent I’d queried. That’s a heck of a lot of people telling me no. And then we didn’t even send that book out to publishers. By that time I had written The Espressologist and was really excited about it. We sent it out right away and within a few weeks had an auction between four publishing houses.

A few just for fun:

Favorite time of the day to write? 11am-2pm

Favorite Middle Grade word? Like

Favorite yoga pose? Savasana (aka, corpse pose). My daughters tease me because it’s basically lying on your back, relaxing, but it’s always the last pose of the class and my very favorite—love it!

Favorite social media site?Ooh, it’s a tie. I adore Twitter (@TinaSpringer) but I also newly love Instagram. I’m obsessed. I only got actively into it about six months ago but I’m super hooked. https://www.instagram.com/kristinaspringerauthor/

Favorite part of a book launch?

My very favorite part will always be first seeing the book on the shelf at the bookstore. But I also love giving stuff away and I will be giving out Cici Reno themed prizes packs all day on twitter, Instagram, and facebook on 4/19.

Twitter: @TinaSpringer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaspringerauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristinaSpringer/

Thanks for taking the time to chat. Good luck with the launch and have a fun day, Kristina.

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