Brigit Young's Blog, page 2
January 9, 2018
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Maxanne
Today we hear from the delightful Maxanne, an 8-year-old reader from New York, who enjoys stories with the right blend of magic and real life, and loves to "sink into [her] soft cushions" as she reads a good book. One of her future dreams is to be a graphic novelist, perhaps partly inspired by her passion for Drama by Raina Telgemeier! Read on for Maxanne's lovely insights on the world of books.
Maxanne, 8, New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?11 Birthdays is one of my favorites because there's a balance of magic and real life. I like Dork Diaries 9 because the mean girl steals the diary, writes in it, and you get to see the story from her perspective. I really love Drama because of all the drama! I like graphic novels. What do you like to read about the most?I like reading about magic, drama, or basically anything that has surprises in it.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!I don't know any books that are underrated.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us? I like reading at home on my couch with my legs stretched out. Normally the light is not so bright, and I like to sink into the soft cushions. Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?I feel like Chloe in Dork Diaries,who is the main character's BFF. My friends always get into some sort of problem, and Chloe is always really crazy like me. Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?Most books do a pretty good job of pretty much everything. If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I would be friends with Callie from Drama because she's full of fun and creative ideas. If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?I wait three or four chapters, and if the same thing keeps repeating, I find a new book. If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be? I can't really think of anything to say to them. And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)? I want to be a mom to two or more kids. I want to be an actress and be a graphic novelist and a writer. If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Maxanne, 8, New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?11 Birthdays is one of my favorites because there's a balance of magic and real life. I like Dork Diaries 9 because the mean girl steals the diary, writes in it, and you get to see the story from her perspective. I really love Drama because of all the drama! I like graphic novels. What do you like to read about the most?I like reading about magic, drama, or basically anything that has surprises in it.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!I don't know any books that are underrated.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us? I like reading at home on my couch with my legs stretched out. Normally the light is not so bright, and I like to sink into the soft cushions. Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?I feel like Chloe in Dork Diaries,who is the main character's BFF. My friends always get into some sort of problem, and Chloe is always really crazy like me. Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?Most books do a pretty good job of pretty much everything. If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I would be friends with Callie from Drama because she's full of fun and creative ideas. If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?I wait three or four chapters, and if the same thing keeps repeating, I find a new book. If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be? I can't really think of anything to say to them. And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)? I want to be a mom to two or more kids. I want to be an actress and be a graphic novelist and a writer. If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
January 1, 2018
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Rose
Happy New Year!Today we hear from Rose, an 8-year-old reader from Canada, who becomes so consumed by the stories she's reading that she doesn't even notice when her little sister stacks books on her head! Rose has a love for the humor in stories, and a genuine appreciation for the 1968 hit The Last Unicorn. But careful - don't cross her, because she has a strong streak of Queen Scarlet from Wings of Fire in her, and she just might be Prime Minister one day!
What are your three favorite books and why?I like the wholeWings of Fire series(I’ve read them all). I don’t know why I like them so much, I just do. I also like what I’ve read so far of the Warriors series. I like them a lot because there’s so much adventure. It’s just… I can’t describe it. And finally, I like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Did you know that there’s a new book? No spoilers! Anyways, all of the books in that series are hilarious, and that’s why I like them.What do you like about reading?I like the way it carries you off to another world. Once, my guardian, Heather, and my little sister, Deji, collaborated while I was reading. Here’s what they did: They piled a stack of very light books on my head, and I didn’t even notice!Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!I really love The Last Unicorn, but nobody in my class has ever heard of it! There are 22 people in it! Seriously!Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My bed has books in it, but it’s so warm and comfy, so I love reading on our Kindle in my bed. I don’t really like the books in my bed, though.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?This might surprise you, but I think I’m most like Queen Scarlet from Wings of Fire. Here’s why: I have, let’s just say, anger management problems, just like Queen Scarlet. I also kinda keep grudges, a bit like her, but way less intense.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?Not really. In fact, now that I think about it, authors haven’t left anything out. Not from my point of view, at least.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I honestly have so many characters I would put here I’ll just put one character. Here he is: Firestar, from Warriors. As a side note, Warriors has cats as the main characters. Anyways, the books make it sound like he’s kind and caring and handsome (for a cat).If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?When I notice the first signs that I’m not going to like it, I usually barrel on to see what’s going to happen. When the story takes a turn that I don’t like, I go on. Two more turns that I don’t like, though, and I’m done.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?To add more funny bits to their books because kids love to laugh. If you’re doing books for older children maybe don’t follow this advice, but…… add some illustrations!And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?Well, right now I’m debating between several jobs. Here they are: Artist, YouTuber, Prime Minister, Olympic swimmer and finally, one of those people who design book covers on their computers.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my . :)-Rose
What are your three favorite books and why?I like the wholeWings of Fire series(I’ve read them all). I don’t know why I like them so much, I just do. I also like what I’ve read so far of the Warriors series. I like them a lot because there’s so much adventure. It’s just… I can’t describe it. And finally, I like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Did you know that there’s a new book? No spoilers! Anyways, all of the books in that series are hilarious, and that’s why I like them.What do you like about reading?I like the way it carries you off to another world. Once, my guardian, Heather, and my little sister, Deji, collaborated while I was reading. Here’s what they did: They piled a stack of very light books on my head, and I didn’t even notice!Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!I really love The Last Unicorn, but nobody in my class has ever heard of it! There are 22 people in it! Seriously!Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My bed has books in it, but it’s so warm and comfy, so I love reading on our Kindle in my bed. I don’t really like the books in my bed, though.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?This might surprise you, but I think I’m most like Queen Scarlet from Wings of Fire. Here’s why: I have, let’s just say, anger management problems, just like Queen Scarlet. I also kinda keep grudges, a bit like her, but way less intense.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?Not really. In fact, now that I think about it, authors haven’t left anything out. Not from my point of view, at least.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I honestly have so many characters I would put here I’ll just put one character. Here he is: Firestar, from Warriors. As a side note, Warriors has cats as the main characters. Anyways, the books make it sound like he’s kind and caring and handsome (for a cat).If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?When I notice the first signs that I’m not going to like it, I usually barrel on to see what’s going to happen. When the story takes a turn that I don’t like, I go on. Two more turns that I don’t like, though, and I’m done.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?To add more funny bits to their books because kids love to laugh. If you’re doing books for older children maybe don’t follow this advice, but…… add some illustrations!And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?Well, right now I’m debating between several jobs. Here they are: Artist, YouTuber, Prime Minister, Olympic swimmer and finally, one of those people who design book covers on their computers.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my . :)-Rose
December 26, 2017
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Claudia
Happy day-after-Christmas to those who celebrate it! Today we hear from Claudia, a reader with a love for the 1930s series Swallows and Amazons and a deep connection to her Babysitter's Club name-twin. She also some very specific and insightful advice for authors about the inner lives of real kids! Read on and catch a glimpse into Claudia's passion for reading and life.
Claudia, 9, a reader from New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?My favorite three books are The Mysterious Benedict Society, Percy Jackson, and the Swallows and Amazons series. I like them because they have adventure and suspense, and you can get lost in them, and you don't want to stop reading them.What do you like about reading?I like that it's like a whole other world to imagine. There's interesting things that happen there in that different world. I like that there's a main character that you can relate to sometimes.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Swallows and Amazons! It's old and nobody really knows about it. Everybody is like, "That's boring," because it's old. It's sailing adventures. People first read it and they only read one page of it and they just put it down, because nothing really happens on the first page. It gets more interesting and builds up the suspense.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?I like reading in my room on my beanbag chair, close to the window where I can look out. I also like reading in a tree that's low down where you can feel the water on your feet. The tree is in Canada, on the Lake of Bays, where there's islands, and birds and honking motor boats go by. My family has a cottage there. It's really cool. There's a forest that you can play in, and imagine yourself like a character in a book.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?Claudia from The Babysitters' Club book, the comic and original, because we both don't like math! And we both love art and she's creative like me. And we also have the same name!Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?When your friend gets mad at you for a reason you don't understand. You do know the reason, but you don't get why they're so angry at you. Then you start playing with your other friends because your friend is angry at you, and then they get even more angry at you for not playing with them.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden. At first I wouldn't want to. But the outside brings her out of her shell. When she's outside, she becomes an actual kid, and I like that. She goes to the gardens and plants, and she's friends with the animals, and I love animals. If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?I stop reading. If I read three chapters and nothing really happens, I'll stop, because I want to read a better book that's my kind of book, that I would get more into.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?Someone should write a book about what it's like to be new in a school where you have no one there who is a friend. There are books about this but the reality is worse than they say. You have no friends and everyone else already has friends. You just feel like you're alone even though there are so many kids around you, but they already have their own friends already. In books they always say the kid goes up to another kid and says, "Do you want to be my friend?" It doesn't work that way!And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?I want to save endangered animals. I want to live on a horse ranch. I want to stop air pollution.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my . :)
Claudia, 9, a reader from New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?My favorite three books are The Mysterious Benedict Society, Percy Jackson, and the Swallows and Amazons series. I like them because they have adventure and suspense, and you can get lost in them, and you don't want to stop reading them.What do you like about reading?I like that it's like a whole other world to imagine. There's interesting things that happen there in that different world. I like that there's a main character that you can relate to sometimes.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Swallows and Amazons! It's old and nobody really knows about it. Everybody is like, "That's boring," because it's old. It's sailing adventures. People first read it and they only read one page of it and they just put it down, because nothing really happens on the first page. It gets more interesting and builds up the suspense.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?I like reading in my room on my beanbag chair, close to the window where I can look out. I also like reading in a tree that's low down where you can feel the water on your feet. The tree is in Canada, on the Lake of Bays, where there's islands, and birds and honking motor boats go by. My family has a cottage there. It's really cool. There's a forest that you can play in, and imagine yourself like a character in a book.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?Claudia from The Babysitters' Club book, the comic and original, because we both don't like math! And we both love art and she's creative like me. And we also have the same name!Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?When your friend gets mad at you for a reason you don't understand. You do know the reason, but you don't get why they're so angry at you. Then you start playing with your other friends because your friend is angry at you, and then they get even more angry at you for not playing with them.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden. At first I wouldn't want to. But the outside brings her out of her shell. When she's outside, she becomes an actual kid, and I like that. She goes to the gardens and plants, and she's friends with the animals, and I love animals. If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?I stop reading. If I read three chapters and nothing really happens, I'll stop, because I want to read a better book that's my kind of book, that I would get more into.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?Someone should write a book about what it's like to be new in a school where you have no one there who is a friend. There are books about this but the reality is worse than they say. You have no friends and everyone else already has friends. You just feel like you're alone even though there are so many kids around you, but they already have their own friends already. In books they always say the kid goes up to another kid and says, "Do you want to be my friend?" It doesn't work that way!And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?I want to save endangered animals. I want to live on a horse ranch. I want to stop air pollution.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my . :)
December 18, 2017
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Amira
Happy Monday! Amira is a dedicated reader with big dreams and a deep connection to The War That Saved My Life by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley. She also has some fantastic advice for authors! Her interview is below, and I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Amira, 10, a reader in the MidwestWhat are your three favorite books and why?My three favorite books are Valkyrie, Pegasus, (both by Kate O’Hearn) and The War That Saved My Life(by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley).What do you like about reading?I like reading because it helps me relax. And I like that there are learning experiences in books.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Yes, I do think there is a book out there that is way underrated. Valkyrie by Kate O’Hearn is really good. It’s about a young Valkyrie who is trying to find out what she was meant to do. She has powers and wings.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is in my bunk bed. I can rest on my comfortable pillow and nice mattress. And I can wear pajamas!Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?I would say Ada from The War That Saved My Life. I think we are like each other because we both have a younger sibling that we love with all of our hearts and that we would protect. We also both love horses.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?I would say that even though we love our siblings, like Ada and her brother, we also fight a lot. It just happens sometimes!If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I would say Ada from The War That Saved My Life. Even though people are not always nice to her, she keeps going no matter what!If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?Well, if I don’t like a book, I do not force myself to finish it because reading is supposed to be something to enjoy. So right when I find out I don’t like a book, I just stop reading.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?It would be to think from a kid’s perspective, not an adult’s.And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?I would like to have a cat, horse, and a dog. And I would like to be a writer like my mom and a professor like my dad. I could also be a president or maybe a Supreme Court justice.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Amira, 10, a reader in the MidwestWhat are your three favorite books and why?My three favorite books are Valkyrie, Pegasus, (both by Kate O’Hearn) and The War That Saved My Life(by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley).What do you like about reading?I like reading because it helps me relax. And I like that there are learning experiences in books.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Yes, I do think there is a book out there that is way underrated. Valkyrie by Kate O’Hearn is really good. It’s about a young Valkyrie who is trying to find out what she was meant to do. She has powers and wings.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is in my bunk bed. I can rest on my comfortable pillow and nice mattress. And I can wear pajamas!Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?I would say Ada from The War That Saved My Life. I think we are like each other because we both have a younger sibling that we love with all of our hearts and that we would protect. We also both love horses.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?I would say that even though we love our siblings, like Ada and her brother, we also fight a lot. It just happens sometimes!If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I would say Ada from The War That Saved My Life. Even though people are not always nice to her, she keeps going no matter what!If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?Well, if I don’t like a book, I do not force myself to finish it because reading is supposed to be something to enjoy. So right when I find out I don’t like a book, I just stop reading.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?It would be to think from a kid’s perspective, not an adult’s.And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?I would like to have a cat, horse, and a dog. And I would like to be a writer like my mom and a professor like my dad. I could also be a president or maybe a Supreme Court justice.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
December 12, 2017
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Natalie
My interview with Natalie is the first in what will be a weekly series. In the world of books, the spotlight is usually focused on the author and the writing process, and here it will be turned onto the readers themselves. We will get to hear about the reading process directly from kids. Most authors of children's literature out there would agree that one of the best parts of the job is getting to speak with children about the books they love. This blog will be a space in which authors and non-authors alike can enjoy that lovely experience. I'm so pleased that for my first interview, I'm presenting a kid I personally know and adore! Natalie is one of the most passionate, insightful, and voracious readers I've ever met.Without further ado, here are some of Natalie's thoughts on reading and writing! 
Natalie, 11, a reader from ConnecticutWhat are your three favorite books and why?I have too many favorite books. Three books I really love are:I Am Princess XbyCherie Priest. I read it this summer and loved it. I like mysteries and adventures, and this was both. What I thought was really unique about it was that it is part graphic novel, and part words.Fish in a Treeby Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I read this in fourth grade. I loved the characters, the story, and the message it sends. It also stirs up good memories as I read it in my favorite teacher’s class.The entire Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I read it years ago and I LOVED it. It was the first series I got addicted to, and that’s why I have to include it. I love the action and the Greek mythology.Of course, I also love the Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games series, the Divergent series, Murder on the Orient Express, A Wrinkle in Time, and so many other books.What do you like about reading?It’s really relaxing to me, and it’s such a unique feeling to lose yourself in a story. It’s indescribable.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Thinking about this question, I realized I don’t read too many underrated books, or maybe I just don’t consider them underrated. I honestly don’t know one that is seriously underrated.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?I love to read everywhere, but my favorite place is probably in a cardboard box (I don’t know why) in the guest room, because it’s quiet there and nobody will bother me.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?This is so, so, extremely hard because I identify with different aspects of so many characters. I guess… Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devicesseries by Cassandra Clare, because she is stubborn and strong-willed, curious and intelligent, and loves to read.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?I think different authors write about different aspects of being a kid so that every aspect can be found. Pinpointing one aspect is really difficult. I think most authors know what they're doing, and focus on aspects that help and improve their story.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?Annabeth Chase because she is smart and could teach me how to fight.If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?I usually force myself to keep reading, or I try to, but often I’ll lose interest if I really don’t like it. I’ll discover a book I enjoy more and stop trying to force myself to read it after a while.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?Keep writing! I think all stories need to be told. Personally, I think fantasy and dystopian fiction are the best.And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?I want to publish my writing, definitely under a pseudonym. I want to publish a YA novel or short story. I love writing. If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Natalie, 11, a reader from ConnecticutWhat are your three favorite books and why?I have too many favorite books. Three books I really love are:I Am Princess XbyCherie Priest. I read it this summer and loved it. I like mysteries and adventures, and this was both. What I thought was really unique about it was that it is part graphic novel, and part words.Fish in a Treeby Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I read this in fourth grade. I loved the characters, the story, and the message it sends. It also stirs up good memories as I read it in my favorite teacher’s class.The entire Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I read it years ago and I LOVED it. It was the first series I got addicted to, and that’s why I have to include it. I love the action and the Greek mythology.Of course, I also love the Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games series, the Divergent series, Murder on the Orient Express, A Wrinkle in Time, and so many other books.What do you like about reading?It’s really relaxing to me, and it’s such a unique feeling to lose yourself in a story. It’s indescribable.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Thinking about this question, I realized I don’t read too many underrated books, or maybe I just don’t consider them underrated. I honestly don’t know one that is seriously underrated.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?I love to read everywhere, but my favorite place is probably in a cardboard box (I don’t know why) in the guest room, because it’s quiet there and nobody will bother me.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?This is so, so, extremely hard because I identify with different aspects of so many characters. I guess… Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devicesseries by Cassandra Clare, because she is stubborn and strong-willed, curious and intelligent, and loves to read.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?I think different authors write about different aspects of being a kid so that every aspect can be found. Pinpointing one aspect is really difficult. I think most authors know what they're doing, and focus on aspects that help and improve their story.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?Annabeth Chase because she is smart and could teach me how to fight.If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?I usually force myself to keep reading, or I try to, but often I’ll lose interest if I really don’t like it. I’ll discover a book I enjoy more and stop trying to force myself to read it after a while.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?Keep writing! I think all stories need to be told. Personally, I think fantasy and dystopian fiction are the best.And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?I want to publish my writing, definitely under a pseudonym. I want to publish a YA novel or short story. I love writing. If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
December 8, 2017
Coming soon... Middle Grade Reader Spotlights!
I'm so excited to announce the beginning of a new interview series. Every week, I'll be featuring an interview with a middle grade reader. These book-loving kids will be asked the same ten questions, and we'll get to find out from their answers how they feel about reading in general and the books they love the most!I love reading interviews with other authors, but I thought it would be fun to hear from the readers, too. The first interview will be posted on this blog on Monday! Keep your eye out!If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
November 3, 2017
An orca swims...
I recently discovered a haiku I wrote back in the 4th grade. I think it's time I share it with the world.The work is open for interpretation...
November 2, 2017
I <3 New York
This morning, a couple of days after a terrorist attack in NYC, I went into Manhattan. I bought some gum and Tylenol from a street vendor. The man behind the counter appeared particularly glum. “How are you doing?” I asked him.He shrugged. “I keep going,” he answered. I said something, I don’t remember what, something about the state of the world and what a hard week it’s been for our city, how it’s always a hard week for some city, and he said to me, “I just don’t understand why people in power are trying to divide us. I don’t understand why they want people to look at me the way people are looking at me.” Now, I have no idea where this man originally hails from, but he certainly had what many may interpret as “Middle Eastern“ or “Muslim” features, whatever that really means (and the fact that the perpetrator of the attacks was from Uzbekistan and not the Middle East doesn’t seem to matter to many...). I can’t imagine the prejudice this man has experienced here in the US and wouldn’t ever pretend to. Who knows if I said the right thing or not, but I told him, “We love you and we are here for you.” He responded to me, “We all come from Adam and Eve. We’re all one. Why are they dividing us? Why respond to hate with hate?” Then, as he wiped away tears, he said, “Those in power... They have money, their families are safe and cared for. Why do they want to divide us?”We held hands across the counter and he said, with his other hand on his heart, “Peace and love,” to which I responded, “Peace and love to you.”I tell this story not to pretend there are easy answers to the problems in our world or to fall into sentimentality, but rather to say this: These interactions, and these connections, and these people, are what make up New York City. Horrific things happen, but never let those outside of New York tell you what defines it. There has been a history in our political discourse of using “New York values” to connote some nebulous, negative aspect of America, and a common stereotype of New Yorkers as rude or unkind still pervades notions of our city. But that portrayal could not be more untrue. New York City is full of peace and love and support. Many other places have this quality, too, of course, but what makes New York so darn special is that the people supporting one another here are “different” in the ways we have been told to categorize ourselves as different from one another. So to our leaders I plead: Stop trying to divide us, and don’t tell us what our city is or isn't or should or shouldn't do. We are New York Frickin’ City, and we will always hold hands in the face of division.
October 27, 2017
My E-Moment With Judy
I wrote this on Instagram earlier today, and I'm putting it here, too:It's time for a re-read. 
And it's time for a quick anecdote about Judy Blume.The night I finished my first novel (one that will never see the light of day and rightfully so), I emailed Ms. Blume in a 3am moment of teary-eyed excitement at reaching the huge personal milestone of writing The End. I told her she had inspired me to write about the painful parts of youth as honestly as I could. Within hours she wrote me back. She congratulated me with a verbal pat on the back and then declared, "Now the real work begins!"She was, of course, quite right. Judy Blume is not only a woman who opened the door for stories about the internal lives of young girls and boys, she's also the kind of person who writes back to an excited, 20-something writer with words of encouragement. What a good egg. Thanks, Judy Blume.
And it's time for a quick anecdote about Judy Blume.The night I finished my first novel (one that will never see the light of day and rightfully so), I emailed Ms. Blume in a 3am moment of teary-eyed excitement at reaching the huge personal milestone of writing The End. I told her she had inspired me to write about the painful parts of youth as honestly as I could. Within hours she wrote me back. She congratulated me with a verbal pat on the back and then declared, "Now the real work begins!"She was, of course, quite right. Judy Blume is not only a woman who opened the door for stories about the internal lives of young girls and boys, she's also the kind of person who writes back to an excited, 20-something writer with words of encouragement. What a good egg. Thanks, Judy Blume.
October 24, 2017
A Cover for Worth a Thousand Words!
Worth a Thousand WordsBoyoun KimWhether it’s earrings, homework, or love notes, Tillie “Lost and Found” Green and her camera can find any lost thing—until a search for a missing person forces her to step out from behind the lens. 
Ever since a car accident left Tillie Green with lasting painful injuries, she's hidden behind her camera. Through the lenses, she watches her family and classmates, tracking down misplaced items and spotting the small details that tell a much bigger story than the one people usually see. But she isn’t prepared for class clown Jake Hausmann’s request: to find his father. In a matter of days, Tillie goes from silent observer to one half of a detective duo, searching for clues to the mystery of Jake’s dad’s disappearance. When the truth isn’t what Jake wants it to be, and taking photographs starts exposing people’s secrets, Tillie has to decide what—and who—is truly important to her.Worth a Thousand Words comes out on August 14th, 2018!A million thank yous to Boyoun Kim for her vibrant artwork!
Ever since a car accident left Tillie Green with lasting painful injuries, she's hidden behind her camera. Through the lenses, she watches her family and classmates, tracking down misplaced items and spotting the small details that tell a much bigger story than the one people usually see. But she isn’t prepared for class clown Jake Hausmann’s request: to find his father. In a matter of days, Tillie goes from silent observer to one half of a detective duo, searching for clues to the mystery of Jake’s dad’s disappearance. When the truth isn’t what Jake wants it to be, and taking photographs starts exposing people’s secrets, Tillie has to decide what—and who—is truly important to her.Worth a Thousand Words comes out on August 14th, 2018!A million thank yous to Boyoun Kim for her vibrant artwork!
