Brigit Young's Blog
November 7, 2019
Paperback Cover!
The paperback of WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS hits stores on April 14 2020, and I'm delighted to share its lovely cover by artist Emma Lupin,designed byCassie Gonzales. 
A Junior Library Guild Selection“A suspenseful mystery/detective story [that] deepens into a nuanced coming-of-age story . . . [An] affecting debut novel.” ―Horn Book“The mystery . . . will keep readers turning pages in this touching debut coming-of-age novel.” ―Publishers Weekly
A Junior Library Guild Selection“A suspenseful mystery/detective story [that] deepens into a nuanced coming-of-age story . . . [An] affecting debut novel.” ―Horn Book“The mystery . . . will keep readers turning pages in this touching debut coming-of-age novel.” ―Publishers Weekly
May 20, 2019
Cover for The Prettiest Revealed!
I'm thrilled to share the cover for The Prettiest (for ages 10-14, out in April 2020), designed by the brilliant Cassie Gonzales and created by the phenomenal artist Anjali Mehta. I can't thank them enough for their beautiful work.
In The Prettiest, an anonymously written list announcing the “Top 50 Prettiest Girls” in the eighth grade has thrown Ford Middle School into chaos. “Number one,” the painfully shy Eve, can no longer disappear into her poetry with her newfound celebrity status; “Number two,” popular perfectionist Sophie, desperately wants to be number one; and Nessa, who is not on the list, defies all the shame she’s told to feel. The three girls, soon joined by classmates, attempt to uncover the writer of the list and, in the process, band together in the face of cruelty and superficiality. About Artist Anjalia Mehta: Anjali is an illustrator and graphic designer with a flare for fashion. Shuffling between New Delhi and Mumbai, the NIFT alumnae, formerly associated with Good earth and Grazia India, is now working as an independent artist. She loves to paint, which is part of her illustration style and reflects in all her artworks. Her work is bold, rendered in monochromes and complimentary colours.About Designer Cassie Gonzales: Cassie is a book cover designer based in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated with a BFA in Communications Design with a focus in Graphic Design from Pratt Institute. She's currently working as an Associate Designer at FSG Young Readers / Roaring Brook Press at Macmillan Children's.
In The Prettiest, an anonymously written list announcing the “Top 50 Prettiest Girls” in the eighth grade has thrown Ford Middle School into chaos. “Number one,” the painfully shy Eve, can no longer disappear into her poetry with her newfound celebrity status; “Number two,” popular perfectionist Sophie, desperately wants to be number one; and Nessa, who is not on the list, defies all the shame she’s told to feel. The three girls, soon joined by classmates, attempt to uncover the writer of the list and, in the process, band together in the face of cruelty and superficiality. About Artist Anjalia Mehta: Anjali is an illustrator and graphic designer with a flare for fashion. Shuffling between New Delhi and Mumbai, the NIFT alumnae, formerly associated with Good earth and Grazia India, is now working as an independent artist. She loves to paint, which is part of her illustration style and reflects in all her artworks. Her work is bold, rendered in monochromes and complimentary colours.About Designer Cassie Gonzales: Cassie is a book cover designer based in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated with a BFA in Communications Design with a focus in Graphic Design from Pratt Institute. She's currently working as an Associate Designer at FSG Young Readers / Roaring Brook Press at Macmillan Children's.
August 26, 2018
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Launch Party!
As the title of my novel suggests, pictures can often express more than words, and so, with that in mind, hopefully my bliss and gratitude emanate from the photographs below:
February 26, 2018
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Olive
Olive, an eleven-year-old reader from New York, has a wide range of favorite books that display intellectual curiosity, a big heart, and a whip-smart sense of humor. When Olive reads, her world "transforms into that of the book." She devours books "anywhere, from wedding receptions to the sidewalk," though she prefers to sink into pillows. Read Olive's reflective, witty thoughts on KidLit below!
Olive, 11, New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?My three favorite books are Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and What If? by Randall Munroe.Because of Mr. Terupt is a heartwarming novel about a teacher who brings seven kids together. When tragedy ensues, Anna, Jessica, Alexia, Danielle, Jeffry, Luke, and Peter must help each other. This book is told from the perspective of each kid who has their own personality, and changes, because of Mr. Terupt.The Giver is a young adult dystopian novel about a seemingly perfect society where there is no sickness, divorce, sadness, or storms. There is also no choice, weather, color, or love. In a set of twins (born from a designated Birthmother), the child who weighs less is released, moving on to a different place. Jonas, the main character, is chosen to have the weight of memories from our world. This book is a real page turner with complex themes.What If? is a funny non-fiction book that answers questions that are (hopefully) hypothetical. For example, it explains the speed necessary that a piece of steak must be thrown into the air in order for it to come back down cooked, to what would happen if every single human jumped at the exact same time. What If? is less aimed at children as it explains complicated formulas, but it's informative and funny at the same time.What do you like about reading?One thing that I like about reading is that when I am doing it, my world sort of just transforms into that of the book. When a book is especially engaging, it can really come to life and make me feel like I am in its world. I think reading is a great way to pass the time.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!One book that I think is seriously underrated is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is about a man named Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect, an alien from somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse (a fictional planet) posing as an out of work actor. Ford saves Arthur from Earth, which is demolished by the angry Vogons seconds later. The two meet Zaphod Beeblebrox, the out-to-lunch president of the galaxy, and Trillian (formerly Tricia McMillan), a girl whom Arthur had previously met at a cocktail party. They all go off to explore, along with Marvin, an extremely depressed robot. This book, originally published in 1979, isn’t as popular now, but, regardless, it's a great read for kids above the age of ten, as it contains some explicit language.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is on the couch. Although I read anywhere, from wedding receptions to the sidewalk, I find the couch to be the most comfortable area to be among pillows. As an added bonus, the couch is an excellent place to fall asleep should I finish my book.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?One character from a book that I feel is like me is Jessica, a character from the book Because of Mr. Terupt. In the book, she helps her friends while learning an important lesson. Jessica is adventurous but also always willing to help.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?One aspect of being a kid that I don’t think authors don’t write about enough is their school. In most young adult novels, the author needs to get rid of the parents and their school so that the protagonist can go off and have an adventure. However, I think that school should be brought up more often, because there aren’t enough books where the main character leads a relatively normal life. Maybe this happens more in other kinds of books, but in the ones I read, it doesn’t.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?If I could be friends with one character from a book, it would be Jessica, a ghost from the book Friends for Lifeby Andrew Norriss. Jessica committed suicide, but comes back as a ghost to prevent other characters from making the same mistake. She has interesting abilities as a ghost, but she seems kind and thoughtful, and she gives good advice. I would really like to meet someone with her personality.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 start a book I don’t like, I usually put it down. Unless I start to dislike it in the middle of the story, I will try to find a better book for me. If the book is too challenging, I will listen to it as an audiobook. If I want to finish a book when I’m barely a quarter through it, then I actually should read it. If I don’t, then I know that I really don’t like it, and I find another book. Why read a book tomorrow that I could read today? If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?As a reader, one piece of advice that I would give to an author of kids' books is that they should really try to give the ending of their books a sense of closure. What sometimes bugs me about the books that I read is that they end too abruptly. Many authors writing books for kids know that we have great imaginations, so they try to let the reader imagine the rest of the story. However, some writers get carried away with this idea and end too abruptly. Personally, I prefer books that end with a theme that continued throughout the story. Another thing that I would tell an author is that they should try to write an interesting story that is also somewhat unique.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!)?One thing that I dream of doing in the future is going to Asia. There are so many things to do, eat, ride, and play with there that you can’t do in the United States. I would like to go to a place far away with an interesting culture. On the other hand, I wouldn’t love the 24 hour plane ride.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Olive, 11, New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?My three favorite books are Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and What If? by Randall Munroe.Because of Mr. Terupt is a heartwarming novel about a teacher who brings seven kids together. When tragedy ensues, Anna, Jessica, Alexia, Danielle, Jeffry, Luke, and Peter must help each other. This book is told from the perspective of each kid who has their own personality, and changes, because of Mr. Terupt.The Giver is a young adult dystopian novel about a seemingly perfect society where there is no sickness, divorce, sadness, or storms. There is also no choice, weather, color, or love. In a set of twins (born from a designated Birthmother), the child who weighs less is released, moving on to a different place. Jonas, the main character, is chosen to have the weight of memories from our world. This book is a real page turner with complex themes.What If? is a funny non-fiction book that answers questions that are (hopefully) hypothetical. For example, it explains the speed necessary that a piece of steak must be thrown into the air in order for it to come back down cooked, to what would happen if every single human jumped at the exact same time. What If? is less aimed at children as it explains complicated formulas, but it's informative and funny at the same time.What do you like about reading?One thing that I like about reading is that when I am doing it, my world sort of just transforms into that of the book. When a book is especially engaging, it can really come to life and make me feel like I am in its world. I think reading is a great way to pass the time.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!One book that I think is seriously underrated is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is about a man named Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect, an alien from somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse (a fictional planet) posing as an out of work actor. Ford saves Arthur from Earth, which is demolished by the angry Vogons seconds later. The two meet Zaphod Beeblebrox, the out-to-lunch president of the galaxy, and Trillian (formerly Tricia McMillan), a girl whom Arthur had previously met at a cocktail party. They all go off to explore, along with Marvin, an extremely depressed robot. This book, originally published in 1979, isn’t as popular now, but, regardless, it's a great read for kids above the age of ten, as it contains some explicit language.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is on the couch. Although I read anywhere, from wedding receptions to the sidewalk, I find the couch to be the most comfortable area to be among pillows. As an added bonus, the couch is an excellent place to fall asleep should I finish my book.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?One character from a book that I feel is like me is Jessica, a character from the book Because of Mr. Terupt. In the book, she helps her friends while learning an important lesson. Jessica is adventurous but also always willing to help.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?One aspect of being a kid that I don’t think authors don’t write about enough is their school. In most young adult novels, the author needs to get rid of the parents and their school so that the protagonist can go off and have an adventure. However, I think that school should be brought up more often, because there aren’t enough books where the main character leads a relatively normal life. Maybe this happens more in other kinds of books, but in the ones I read, it doesn’t.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?If I could be friends with one character from a book, it would be Jessica, a ghost from the book Friends for Lifeby Andrew Norriss. Jessica committed suicide, but comes back as a ghost to prevent other characters from making the same mistake. She has interesting abilities as a ghost, but she seems kind and thoughtful, and she gives good advice. I would really like to meet someone with her personality.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 start a book I don’t like, I usually put it down. Unless I start to dislike it in the middle of the story, I will try to find a better book for me. If the book is too challenging, I will listen to it as an audiobook. If I want to finish a book when I’m barely a quarter through it, then I actually should read it. If I don’t, then I know that I really don’t like it, and I find another book. Why read a book tomorrow that I could read today? If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?As a reader, one piece of advice that I would give to an author of kids' books is that they should really try to give the ending of their books a sense of closure. What sometimes bugs me about the books that I read is that they end too abruptly. Many authors writing books for kids know that we have great imaginations, so they try to let the reader imagine the rest of the story. However, some writers get carried away with this idea and end too abruptly. Personally, I prefer books that end with a theme that continued throughout the story. Another thing that I would tell an author is that they should try to write an interesting story that is also somewhat unique.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!)?One thing that I dream of doing in the future is going to Asia. There are so many things to do, eat, ride, and play with there that you can’t do in the United States. I would like to go to a place far away with an interesting culture. On the other hand, I wouldn’t love the 24 hour plane ride.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Middle Grade Spotlight! An Interview with Olive
Olive, an eleven-year-old reader from New York, has a wide range of favorite books that display intellectual curiosity, a big heart, and a whip-smart sense of humor. When Olive reads, her world "transforms into that of the book." She devours books "anywhere, from wedding receptions to the sidewalk," though she prefers to sink into pillows. Read Olive's reflective, witty thoughts on KidLit below!Olive, 11, New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?My three favorite books are Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and What If? by Randall Munroe.Because of Mr. Terupt is a heartwarming novel about a teacher who brings seven kids together. When tragedy ensues, Anna, Jessica, Alexia, Danielle, Jeffry, Luke, and Peter must help each other. This book is told from the perspective of each kid who has their own personality, and changes, because of Mr. Terupt.The Giver is a young adult dystopian novel about a seemingly perfect society where there is no sickness, divorce, sadness, or storms. There is also no choice, weather, color, or love. In a set of twins (born from a designated Birthmother), the child who weighs less is released, moving on to a different place. Jonas, the main character, is chosen to have the weight of memories from our world. This book is a real page turner with complex themes.What If? is a funny non-fiction book that answers questions that are (hopefully) hypothetical. For example, it explains the speed necessary that a piece of steak must be thrown into the air in order for it to come back down cooked, to what would happen if every single human jumped at the exact same time. What If? is less aimed at children as it explains complicated formulas, but it's informative and funny at the same time.What do you like about reading?One thing that I like about reading is that when I am doing it, my world sort of just transforms into that of the book. When a book is especially engaging, it can really come to life and make me feel like I am in its world. I think reading is a great way to pass the time.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!One book that I think is seriously underrated is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is about a man named Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect, an alien from somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse (a fictional planet) posing as an out of work actor. Ford saves Arthur from Earth, which is demolished by the angry Vogons seconds later. The two meet Zaphod Beeblebrox, the out-to-lunch president of the galaxy, and Trillian (formerly Tricia McMillan), a girl whom Arthur had previously met at a cocktail party. They all go off to explore, along with Marvin, an extremely depressed robot. This book, originally published in 1979, isn’t as popular now, but, regardless, it's a great read for kids above the age of ten, as it contains some explicit language.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is on the couch. Although I read anywhere, from wedding receptions to the sidewalk, I find the couch to be the most comfortable area to be among pillows. As an added bonus, the couch is an excellent place to fall asleep should I finish my book.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?One character from a book that I feel is like me is Jessica, a character from the book Because of Mr. Terupt. In the book, she helps her friends while learning an important lesson. Jessica is adventurous but also always willing to help.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?One aspect of being a kid that I don’t think authors don’t write about enough is their school. In most young adult novels, the author needs to get rid of the parents and their school so that the protagonist can go off and have an adventure. However, I think that school should be brought up more often, because there aren’t enough books where the main character leads a relatively normal life. Maybe this happens more in other kinds of books, but in the ones I read, it doesn’t.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?If I could be friends with one character from a book, it would be Jessica, a ghost from the book Friends for Lifeby Andrew Norriss. Jessica committed suicide, but comes back as a ghost to prevent other characters from making the same mistake. She has interesting abilities as a ghost, but she seems kind and thoughtful, and she gives good advice. I would really like to meet someone with her personality.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 start a book I don’t like, I usually put it down. Unless I start to dislike it in the middle of the story, I will try to find a better book for me. If the book is too challenging, I will listen to it as an audiobook. If I want to finish a book when I’m barely a quarter through it, then I actually should read it. If I don’t, then I know that I really don’t like it, and I find another book. Why read a book tomorrow that I could read today? If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?As a reader, one piece of advice that I would give to an author of kids' books is that they should really try to give the ending of their books a sense of closure. What sometimes bugs me about the books that I read is that they end too abruptly. Many authors writing books for kids know that we have great imaginations, so they try to let the reader imagine the rest of the story. However, some writers get carried away with this idea and end too abruptly. Personally, I prefer books that end with a theme that continued throughout the story. Another thing that I would tell an author is that they should try to write an interesting story that is also somewhat unique.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!)?One thing that I dream of doing in the future is going to Asia. There are so many things to do, eat, ride, and play with there that you can’t do in the United States. I would like to go to a place far away with an interesting culture. On the other hand, I wouldn’t love the 24 hour plane ride.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Olive, 11, New YorkWhat are your three favorite books and why?My three favorite books are Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and What If? by Randall Munroe.Because of Mr. Terupt is a heartwarming novel about a teacher who brings seven kids together. When tragedy ensues, Anna, Jessica, Alexia, Danielle, Jeffry, Luke, and Peter must help each other. This book is told from the perspective of each kid who has their own personality, and changes, because of Mr. Terupt.The Giver is a young adult dystopian novel about a seemingly perfect society where there is no sickness, divorce, sadness, or storms. There is also no choice, weather, color, or love. In a set of twins (born from a designated Birthmother), the child who weighs less is released, moving on to a different place. Jonas, the main character, is chosen to have the weight of memories from our world. This book is a real page turner with complex themes.What If? is a funny non-fiction book that answers questions that are (hopefully) hypothetical. For example, it explains the speed necessary that a piece of steak must be thrown into the air in order for it to come back down cooked, to what would happen if every single human jumped at the exact same time. What If? is less aimed at children as it explains complicated formulas, but it's informative and funny at the same time.What do you like about reading?One thing that I like about reading is that when I am doing it, my world sort of just transforms into that of the book. When a book is especially engaging, it can really come to life and make me feel like I am in its world. I think reading is a great way to pass the time.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!One book that I think is seriously underrated is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is about a man named Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect, an alien from somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse (a fictional planet) posing as an out of work actor. Ford saves Arthur from Earth, which is demolished by the angry Vogons seconds later. The two meet Zaphod Beeblebrox, the out-to-lunch president of the galaxy, and Trillian (formerly Tricia McMillan), a girl whom Arthur had previously met at a cocktail party. They all go off to explore, along with Marvin, an extremely depressed robot. This book, originally published in 1979, isn’t as popular now, but, regardless, it's a great read for kids above the age of ten, as it contains some explicit language.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is on the couch. Although I read anywhere, from wedding receptions to the sidewalk, I find the couch to be the most comfortable area to be among pillows. As an added bonus, the couch is an excellent place to fall asleep should I finish my book.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?One character from a book that I feel is like me is Jessica, a character from the book Because of Mr. Terupt. In the book, she helps her friends while learning an important lesson. Jessica is adventurous but also always willing to help.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?One aspect of being a kid that I don’t think authors don’t write about enough is their school. In most young adult novels, the author needs to get rid of the parents and their school so that the protagonist can go off and have an adventure. However, I think that school should be brought up more often, because there aren’t enough books where the main character leads a relatively normal life. Maybe this happens more in other kinds of books, but in the ones I read, it doesn’t.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?If I could be friends with one character from a book, it would be Jessica, a ghost from the book Friends for Lifeby Andrew Norriss. Jessica committed suicide, but comes back as a ghost to prevent other characters from making the same mistake. She has interesting abilities as a ghost, but she seems kind and thoughtful, and she gives good advice. I would really like to meet someone with her personality.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 start a book I don’t like, I usually put it down. Unless I start to dislike it in the middle of the story, I will try to find a better book for me. If the book is too challenging, I will listen to it as an audiobook. If I want to finish a book when I’m barely a quarter through it, then I actually should read it. If I don’t, then I know that I really don’t like it, and I find another book. Why read a book tomorrow that I could read today? If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?As a reader, one piece of advice that I would give to an author of kids' books is that they should really try to give the ending of their books a sense of closure. What sometimes bugs me about the books that I read is that they end too abruptly. Many authors writing books for kids know that we have great imaginations, so they try to let the reader imagine the rest of the story. However, some writers get carried away with this idea and end too abruptly. Personally, I prefer books that end with a theme that continued throughout the story. Another thing that I would tell an author is that they should try to write an interesting story that is also somewhat unique.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!)?One thing that I dream of doing in the future is going to Asia. There are so many things to do, eat, ride, and play with there that you can’t do in the United States. I would like to go to a place far away with an interesting culture. On the other hand, I wouldn’t love the 24 hour plane ride.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
February 2, 2018
Middle Grade Spotlight! An Interview with Mariam
Mariam, an 8-year-old reader from Texas, describes herself as " kind of a goofball." Reading makes her feel "joy and laughter!" On a more serious note, though, she has important insights on the lack of prayer and worship in middle grade stories. And this delightful girl dreams of becoming the president one day, so we should definitely be listening to her! She's sure to change the world. Enjoy the interview with President Mariam below!
Mariam, 8 and a 1/2, from Houston, TexasWhat are your three favorite books and why?Princess in Blackby Shannon Hale, My Weird Schoolby Dan Gutman, and Glorkian Warriorsby James Kochalka. I like them because they are all extremely funny!What do you like about reading?It makes me feel joy and laughter. It also makes me feel inspired!Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Yes, Glorkian Warriors. I think that this series is really cool and funny, but I don’t know anybody else who reads it. More kids should get their hands on it right now!Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?Well, sometimes I like to sit on my beanbag chair, which is like a giant cushion. But my favorite place to read is a tent in my room, which is full of stuffed animals. It’s such a cool place that sometimes my brother sneaks in there, too!Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?A.J. from My Weird School is like me. We’re both funny and we both make a LOT of mistakes.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?Authors don’t write about kids praying or going to a worship place. It’s a big part of me and my friends’ lives so I really don’t know why there’s no stories about it.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I’d like to be BEST FRIENDS with the Princess in Black because she has a very exciting life so if we were BEST FRIENDS she might kind of share it with me!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?Most of the time I leave it (unless my mom forces me to finish it). I always stop RIGHT away, so I can start a new book.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?MAKE IT FUNNY! I’m kind of a goofball myself.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 change the world and be the president of the United States of America!If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Mariam, 8 and a 1/2, from Houston, TexasWhat are your three favorite books and why?Princess in Blackby Shannon Hale, My Weird Schoolby Dan Gutman, and Glorkian Warriorsby James Kochalka. I like them because they are all extremely funny!What do you like about reading?It makes me feel joy and laughter. It also makes me feel inspired!Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Yes, Glorkian Warriors. I think that this series is really cool and funny, but I don’t know anybody else who reads it. More kids should get their hands on it right now!Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?Well, sometimes I like to sit on my beanbag chair, which is like a giant cushion. But my favorite place to read is a tent in my room, which is full of stuffed animals. It’s such a cool place that sometimes my brother sneaks in there, too!Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?A.J. from My Weird School is like me. We’re both funny and we both make a LOT of mistakes.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?Authors don’t write about kids praying or going to a worship place. It’s a big part of me and my friends’ lives so I really don’t know why there’s no stories about it.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I’d like to be BEST FRIENDS with the Princess in Black because she has a very exciting life so if we were BEST FRIENDS she might kind of share it with me!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?Most of the time I leave it (unless my mom forces me to finish it). I always stop RIGHT away, so I can start a new book.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?MAKE IT FUNNY! I’m kind of a goofball myself.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 change the world and be the president of the United States of America!If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
January 23, 2018
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS in Italy!
OnJanuary 25th, 2018, Worth a Thousand Words will be published in Italy with Feltrinelli Editore under the title Lost & Found! 
Readers of Italian, look for it on Amazon and Goodreads.I love you, Italy! And so many thanks to Feltrinelli! I'm so honored.
Readers of Italian, look for it on Amazon and Goodreads.I love you, Italy! And so many thanks to Feltrinelli! I'm so honored.
January 22, 2018
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Claire
Claire, a ten-year-old reader from Brooklyn, has a wide variety of reading tastes. Her favorite books range in style from A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett to the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi. No matter the genre, Claire loves how a good book can "take you to places you've never been before" and she likes characters with an adventurous spirit and kind heart. Beyond her appreciation for reading, Claire has a deep respect for nature and a dream of one day stopping rainforest deforestation. Check out my interview with this inspiring girl!
Claire, 10, BrooklynWhat are your three favorite books and why?My favorite books in the world are Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi. I love Ella Enchanted because the main character Ella is adventurous and she’s determined to break her curse. She seems like a girl I would want to have as a friend. The reason I love A Little Princess is because I love the personality of Sara, the main character. And, last but not least, the reason why I love the Amulet series is because it hooks the reader at the end of the book, and it really makes you want to read the next book.What do you like about reading?What I like about reading is that you can do it anywhere and anytime, and reading can take you to places that you’ve never been to before. Reading can also help introduce you to new words.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!I have none.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is either my parents’ bed or on the rug in my living room. I like these places because they're big, comfy, and you could sleep whenever you want.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?The character that’s the most like me is Sara from A Little Princess. I think we’re alike because we both love reading, we respect animals, and we care about others.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?In my case, I don’t think that authors left anything out.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I would like to be friends with Sara from A Little Princess. I would be friends with her because I could see Buckingham Palace and everywhere else (in London, of course) together.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 read. Then, when it comes to a part that gets boring, I stop.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?I like all the books, but I feel like there is something that I think should improve, but I don’t know what the thing that I think authors should improve on is.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 love to stop global warming so that it can help animals who are getting extinct because of global warming. I want to be an artist, too. I want to draw all kinds of books, from non-fiction books to graphic novels. I also want to stop Rainforest Deforestation.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Claire, 10, BrooklynWhat are your three favorite books and why?My favorite books in the world are Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi. I love Ella Enchanted because the main character Ella is adventurous and she’s determined to break her curse. She seems like a girl I would want to have as a friend. The reason I love A Little Princess is because I love the personality of Sara, the main character. And, last but not least, the reason why I love the Amulet series is because it hooks the reader at the end of the book, and it really makes you want to read the next book.What do you like about reading?What I like about reading is that you can do it anywhere and anytime, and reading can take you to places that you’ve never been to before. Reading can also help introduce you to new words.Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!I have none.Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?My favorite place to read is either my parents’ bed or on the rug in my living room. I like these places because they're big, comfy, and you could sleep whenever you want.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?The character that’s the most like me is Sara from A Little Princess. I think we’re alike because we both love reading, we respect animals, and we care about others.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?In my case, I don’t think that authors left anything out.If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I would like to be friends with Sara from A Little Princess. I would be friends with her because I could see Buckingham Palace and everywhere else (in London, of course) together.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 read. Then, when it comes to a part that gets boring, I stop.If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?I like all the books, but I feel like there is something that I think should improve, but I don’t know what the thing that I think authors should improve on is.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 love to stop global warming so that it can help animals who are getting extinct because of global warming. I want to be an artist, too. I want to draw all kinds of books, from non-fiction books to graphic novels. I also want to stop Rainforest Deforestation.If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
January 16, 2018
Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Avital
Meet Avital! This 10-year-old reader from the United States is a passionate fan of the Heidi Heckelbeck series by Wanda Coven, a lover of mysteries, and a future business-owner/actress! Avital also has some excellent advice for authors regarding the power of descriptions and suspense, and the importance of including children's authentic inner lives in our novels. I know you'll enjoy hearing her insights as much as I did!
Avital, 10, a reader in the USAWhat are your three favorite books and why?Heidi Heckelbeck, by Wanda Coven, because she's a wizard and she casts spells and they go horribly wrong, but then she ends up fixing them with another spell and it ends up working. Also, Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, by Carolyn Keene, because they are mysteries and there is always a party where they find clues and then they get the suspects and end up solving them. And Nancy Clancy,by Jane O'Connor, because there are many different types of books and there's always a twist and it always has a happy ending. What do you like about reading?I like that you can imagine the pictures, and there's always something new to read, and everyone imagines something different. Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Yes. The book Heidi Hecklebeck. Most people don't know about it!Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?I like to read on the bed because it's soft and cozy. I like to read when it's quiet, but can concentrate even if it's noisy.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?Probably Heidi Hecklebeck. She's my age, she has an annoying younger sibling, has favorite clothes and she has a strict teacher.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?They don't write about the pressure that is put on kids and how everything needs to be done then and there. If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I'd be best friends with Nancy Clancy from the Nancy Clancy book collection because she is my age in the books. She wears very cool clothes (crazy clothes), she has a great attitude, she's very honest, she speaks her mind, and she supports her friend when she's being bullied. I think we would be good friends because she's super nice and she has blonde hair, like me. If she was my best friend IRL we would have fun scootering, drawing and drinking milk shakes together. 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 really don't like to read books that I don't like because I find it frustrating. I will try to read one more chapter and if it doesn't get good then I put it down and don't read it. If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?Put more descriptions. Like, don't write "she got a cookie." Write that it was hard for her to get a cookie because she was short. Also, put more kids' emotions and feelings into it. 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 an actor and start a dog business where you can rent a pre-trained dog that's fully groomed that would come with everything a dog needs (a leash, bed and a chew toy). So you can enjoy a dog without having to own it. You can have a full dog experience without all the responsibilities of actually owning one. You can have all the fun and then return it when you get bored. 
If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
Avital, 10, a reader in the USAWhat are your three favorite books and why?Heidi Heckelbeck, by Wanda Coven, because she's a wizard and she casts spells and they go horribly wrong, but then she ends up fixing them with another spell and it ends up working. Also, Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, by Carolyn Keene, because they are mysteries and there is always a party where they find clues and then they get the suspects and end up solving them. And Nancy Clancy,by Jane O'Connor, because there are many different types of books and there's always a twist and it always has a happy ending. What do you like about reading?I like that you can imagine the pictures, and there's always something new to read, and everyone imagines something different. Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!Yes. The book Heidi Hecklebeck. Most people don't know about it!Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?I like to read on the bed because it's soft and cozy. I like to read when it's quiet, but can concentrate even if it's noisy.Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?Probably Heidi Hecklebeck. She's my age, she has an annoying younger sibling, has favorite clothes and she has a strict teacher.Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?They don't write about the pressure that is put on kids and how everything needs to be done then and there. If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?I'd be best friends with Nancy Clancy from the Nancy Clancy book collection because she is my age in the books. She wears very cool clothes (crazy clothes), she has a great attitude, she's very honest, she speaks her mind, and she supports her friend when she's being bullied. I think we would be good friends because she's super nice and she has blonde hair, like me. If she was my best friend IRL we would have fun scootering, drawing and drinking milk shakes together. 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 really don't like to read books that I don't like because I find it frustrating. I will try to read one more chapter and if it doesn't get good then I put it down and don't read it. If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?Put more descriptions. Like, don't write "she got a cookie." Write that it was hard for her to get a cookie because she was short. Also, put more kids' emotions and feelings into it. 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 an actor and start a dog business where you can rent a pre-trained dog that's fully groomed that would come with everything a dog needs (a leash, bed and a chew toy). So you can enjoy a dog without having to own it. You can have a full dog experience without all the responsibilities of actually owning one. You can have all the fun and then return it when you get bored. If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)
