As an aspiring middle grade writer, I’m always curious about what kids are reading and why. I know what I love in middle grade books, but every once in awhile I like to check-in with someone whom I consider an authority on these matters: my 10-year old, book-devouring niece, Olivia Larsen. In honor of Middle... Continue Reading →
If you have never taken an adventure with Dido Twite, I recommend you embark on the quest. The Stolen Lake by Joan Aiken continues the Wolves Chronicles, an imaginative series from Joan Aiken's classic The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Although it is part of a series, it can definitely be read on its own. Dido... Continue Reading →
The beauty of The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann is that it is classic middle-grade; a colorful, creative children’s adventure that celebrates imagination, fantasy, and fun. The key is to approach it as such. Admittedly, with reviews touting this dystopian fantasy as the next The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, my expectations were not only too high,... Continue Reading →
It’s not every day that one gets to pick the imagination of an author – especially one who has created such a colorful and creative dystopian world like that of Artime. Naturally, I was thrilled when presented with the opportunity to interview Lisa McMann, not only because the enchanting magic of her imaginary universe left... Continue Reading →
For me, books have always held a rare magical power. My mother read to me often from a very young age. I can still remember the wonder I felt as I watched her slender finger trace each word, carefully sounding out letters that put me under a spell I never quite recovered from. I remember... Continue Reading →
Over the summer I had the (much belated) fortune of reading When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. I loved it! It’s that middle grade voice I’ve been attempting (quite unsuccessfully) to develop in my own writing. The main character, Miranda, defies the stereotype that middle grade characters lack complexity, and after reading this book,... Continue Reading →
It’s his only complete novel. It’s kind of weird. Yes, it’s Poe – dark and morbid and full of all that sinister/graphic stuff. But it is also comical, mind-blowing (in that Post-Modern, irritating sort of way) and serves to further solidify Poe as a mischievous, quick-witted sprite – a modern day Puck wreaking havoc on... Continue Reading →
It's exciting to be apart of the current deluge of fantasy fiction in YA literature; Books like Twilight and Harry Potter have been hailed as conduits that have led to renewed reading among children and young adults and have provided kindling to fuel the world’s fascination with witches and wizards and all manors of fantastical... Continue Reading →
Novel Novice 