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Todd Mitchell
| born |
January 08, 1101
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| gender |
male |
| website |
http://www.toddmitchellbooks.com |
| genre |
Young Adult, Comics & Graphic Novels, Children's Books
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about this author
In high school, I was voted "Most Likely To Go Insane." I don't think I've succeeded in that department yet. As far as I know, I write books for young adults and teach creative writing at Colorado State University. This goes to show that we can't all live up to our high school expectations.
My first book for young adults, The Secret to Lying, was just released in June, 2010 by Candlewick Press. It follows James, a high school sophomore who gets into a residential geek school and decides to completely re-invent himself as the person he's always dreamed of being. But when James's life becomes a lie, strange things start to happen. Think The Catcher in the Rye meets The Matrix with a dose of romance. I spent five years working on this book, but it was worth it. I hope you'll check it out.
Here are some early reviews:
"Engrossing and entertaining... Mitchell paints a vivid picture of teenage social and mental health issues, neither overdramatizing nor understating their impact, and the result is a great read."
—PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY
"The Secret to Lying masterfully delves into one teen’s struggle to be noticed. Bold writing... coupled with an endearing plot that very cleverly manipulates the lines between dreaming and awake, fiction and reality, create a perfect novel for an emotional ride the reader is guaranteed to remain on until the ending."
—A GOOD ADDICTION BOOK REVIEWS
"Tactical strikes of humor and perceptive insights... keep this investigation of teen identity issues aloft, and the unusual focus on a male cutter helps set it apart.”
—BOOKLIST
"James’s character is compelling as he straddles the line between fantasy and reality, builds friendships, pulls off outrageous pranks, and deals with the angst of first love... This coming-of-age novel is imbued with wry humor and offers a thoughtful take on the importance of learning to live in your own skin."
—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"[Mitchell's] voice is definitely one to watch."
—KIRKUS
Click here to Discover the Secret.
I'm also the author of a book for middle grade readers (ages 9 & up) called The Traitor King (Scholastic Press, 2007). Here's what some critics said about that one:
"Humor, menace, and mystery suffuse this fast-paced tale... New surprises and plot twists keep readers enthralled, because nothing —librarians, skeletal pursuers, or hard-drinking dads— is exactly what it seems. This well-written tale is a must for most fantasy readers."
—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"You MUST read this book!"
—TEENSREADTOO.COM
"Mitchell's debut novel combines classic fairy-myth elements with quirky family dynamics and two likeable protagonists, to fine effect..."
—PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY
"This book, which is intended for ages 9 to 12, blew me away ...unpredictable, imaginative, and astonishing. I was riveted."
—DAILY REPORTER-HERALD
Other projects: I'm involved in a graphic novel that's coming out with Vertigo Comics (part of D.C.), but D.C. wants us to keep this hush hush for now. Hopefully, I'll be able to post more on that, and other books, soon.
If you'd like to learn more, please check out my website: www.toddmitchellbooks.com
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