SD
asked
Shannon Messenger:
What do you think the age group of your books are? I was reading your books and students made fun of me because they said it was a book for younger kids... I'm in middle school.
Shannon Messenger
Ugh, ugh ugh. Okay--repeat after me: "If I like something, I will read it, and anyone who tells me it's 'not for me' is a big stupidhead"
And I swear, I'm not saying that because I want you to keep reading MY books. I just can't tell you how much I HATE when other people try to tell someone what they should or shouldn't read.
I was the kind of kid who LOVED to read. Devoured anything I could get my hands on. And by the end seventh grade? I never read unless I had to. Because that was the year people started telling me what I could and couldn't read and I foolishly listened and it was the worst idea ever. The books they wanted me to read were sooooooo lame and sooooooo boring and by the end of the year, I hated reading. Only did it when forced. And I stayed that way through high school and college, only reading when it was required. It wasn't until I graduated and didn't have teachers and "other kids" watching me that I went back to reading what I wanted and realized "Wow, I was really missing out!"
So please don't let that happen to you. If you love something--read it. Simple as that.
That being said, the KEEPER series is technically listed as "middle grade" which TECHNICALLY means "ages 8-12". BUT. That's really just a marketing thing, so teachers/parents/librarians know the content is age appropriate (i.e. no sex/language that would get anyone in trouble). I've never once simplified the wording, or a plot point or a SINGLE THING in the story to make it "for kids." Not to mention, the books are quite long. Longer than my "teen" series, actually. By about 200 pages each. And I have readers of all different ages. I've met seven year olds who've read the whole series (little over achievers) :) and middle schoolers and high schoolers and even adults.
I think that's the greatest thing Harry Potter accomplished--it got people to realize that "kids books" aren't just for kids. They're for anyone who wants a great story.
Sorry--//end rant.
Just please don't let the stupidheads ruin your love of reading. I did and it took me years to get it back. And I'm STILL trying to catch up on all the great books I missed.
And I swear, I'm not saying that because I want you to keep reading MY books. I just can't tell you how much I HATE when other people try to tell someone what they should or shouldn't read.
I was the kind of kid who LOVED to read. Devoured anything I could get my hands on. And by the end seventh grade? I never read unless I had to. Because that was the year people started telling me what I could and couldn't read and I foolishly listened and it was the worst idea ever. The books they wanted me to read were sooooooo lame and sooooooo boring and by the end of the year, I hated reading. Only did it when forced. And I stayed that way through high school and college, only reading when it was required. It wasn't until I graduated and didn't have teachers and "other kids" watching me that I went back to reading what I wanted and realized "Wow, I was really missing out!"
So please don't let that happen to you. If you love something--read it. Simple as that.
That being said, the KEEPER series is technically listed as "middle grade" which TECHNICALLY means "ages 8-12". BUT. That's really just a marketing thing, so teachers/parents/librarians know the content is age appropriate (i.e. no sex/language that would get anyone in trouble). I've never once simplified the wording, or a plot point or a SINGLE THING in the story to make it "for kids." Not to mention, the books are quite long. Longer than my "teen" series, actually. By about 200 pages each. And I have readers of all different ages. I've met seven year olds who've read the whole series (little over achievers) :) and middle schoolers and high schoolers and even adults.
I think that's the greatest thing Harry Potter accomplished--it got people to realize that "kids books" aren't just for kids. They're for anyone who wants a great story.
Sorry--//end rant.
Just please don't let the stupidheads ruin your love of reading. I did and it took me years to get it back. And I'm STILL trying to catch up on all the great books I missed.
More Answered Questions
Sokooky
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi! It's me again. Sorry for asking so many questions! I was thinking about the prologues in book 3 and 4 and I was wondering: Are the prologues in your book deleted scenes that you just HAD to put in the book because they were awesome but didn't fit into the story? And is Friday the Thirteen's still a working blog? Thank you!
A Goodreads user
asked
Shannon Messenger:
I recently heard about KOTLC. And let's say I read the whole series in two weeks (because I actually did), usually it takes a long time. What i'm trying to say here is your books are now my personal fav. Now for ze question! You've probably already answered this but . . . How many books of the *takes big gulp of air* KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES are you planning to make?
Sophia
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hello Shannon Messenger! My name Is Sophie and I am a BIG fan of your Keeper of the Lost Cities! And my birthday was coming up in November and was wondering how I could get your autograph. Unfortunately, you are not coming to my city. So WHAT SHOULD I DO? I have emailed you the details and if you respond that will be very helpful!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more