Terri Libenson’s new graphic novel, ALWAYS ANTHONY (Balzer + Bray, 2024) follows the alternating points of view between Anthony and Leah, two middle schoolers who don’t seem to have much in common until Leah begins to tutor Anthony, and they…
Tag: middle grade
Interview with Alex Schumacher, author/illustrator of THE EFFECTS OF PICKLED HERRING
Alex Schumacher’s graphic novel THE EFFECTS OF PICKLED HERRING (Mango Publishing Group, 2024), follows Micah Gadsky, who is balancing a lot in his personal life as he prepares to become a Bar Mitzvah. In addition to troubles at school and…
Interview with Anna E. Jordan, author of SHIRA & ESTHER’S DOUBLE DREAM DEBUT
In Anna E. Jordan’s middle grade book SHIRA & ESTHER’S DOUBLE DREAM DEBUT (Chronicle Books, 2023), look-alike thirteen-year-olds Shira and Esther concoct a plan to swap places when they discover they are living each other’s dreams: one girl wants to…
Interview with Emily Barth Isler, author of THE COLOR OF SOUND
Emily Barth Isler’s middle-grade book, THE COLOR OF SOUND (Carolrhoda Books, 2024), follows twelve-year-old Rosie, who has synesthesia. Although Rosie is a gifted musician, she refuses to play her violin. She also struggles with her mom and has issues with…
Interview with Deborah Lakritz, author of THINGS THAT SHIMMER
Set in 1973, Deborah’s middle grade novel THINGS THAT SHIMMER (Kar-Ben, 2024) follows Melanie, a middle schooler desperate to join the cool clique in school while also dealing with her mother’s PTSD. But when she befriends a new student, Dorit,…
Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour! Interview with Susan Lynn Meyer, author of A SKY FULL OF SONG
I am delighted to be a stop on the 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour! The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the…
Interview with Kalyn Josephson, author of HOLLOWTHORN
Kayln Josephson is the author of the middle-grade fantasy novel HOLLOWTHORN (Penguin Random House, 2023), the second book in the RAVENFALL series. HOLLOWTHORN follows best friends Anna and Colin as they venture to save their home, the magical Ravenfall Inn, from…
Interview with Barbara Tuckel, author of BANK ROBBERS DON’T SAY PLEASE
In Barbara Tuckel’s guidebook for young readers, BANK ROBBERS DON’T SAY PLEASE (Menucha Publishers, 2023), a boy named Michoel often gets in sticky situations which require him to learn about manners and etiquette. Readers will be engaged and entertained while…
Interview with Susan Lynn Meyer, author of A SKY FULL OF SONG
I am so pleased to welcome back Susan Lynn Meyer to learn more about her new middle-grade novel, A SKY FULL OF SONG (Union Square Kids, 2023). The story follows a young girl named Shoshana and her family who have…
Interview with Chris Baron, author of THE GRAY
In Chris Baron’s newest middle-grade novel, THE GRAY (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, 2023) Sasha is struggling with anxiety which he calls “the gray.” When his parents suggest he spend time with his aunt in the country, Sasha has the opportunity to…