Erin Entrada Kelly was recently awarded a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space and she won the Newberry Medal in 2018 with Hello, Universe. Middle Grade Mojo was honored to get to chat with her new early middle grade novel Maybe, Maybe, Marisol Rainey which released on May 4th. Middle Grade Mojo: In Maybe, Maybe, Marisol Rainey we meet the wonderfully imaginative, yet fearful, 8-year-old Marisol. You have said Marisol is a lot like [...]
We’re so excited to talk to Aileen Weintraub, the author of more than 50 books for children. Her newest book, We Got Game: 35 Female Athletes Who Changed the World releases on May 4th. Middle Grade Mojo: You’ve written many other nonfiction books for kids with a wide range of topics from rocks and minerals to a knock-knock joke book to a book about the band Kiss. Why did you decide you wanted to write [...]
I'm so excited to interview Leah Henderson about her middle-grade novel, The Magic in Changing Your Stars, a story about a boy named, Ailey Benjamin Lane, who wants to be a star in the school production of The Wiz. But when he messes up the audition, he's ready to give-up dancing altogether. Then his grandfather tells him a secret story about his youth and where he can find his special tap shoes. Ailey puts on the shoes [...]
Happy book birthday to Dianne Salerni and her new supernatural middle-grade novel, Eleanor, Alice and the Roosevelt Ghosts! We asked Dianne about her latest novel. Middle Grade Mojo: I love the description of your middle-grade novel as putting “a supernatural spin on alternate history"? What inspired you to create this alternate universe for 13-year-old Eleanor Roosevelt? Dianne Salerni: The alternate universe came first. I had an idea for an alternate reality where ghosts were real and so [...]
MGM is excited about a new humorous non-fiction book Dung for Dinner that is coming on July 21, 2020. We asked Christine Virnig about her inspiration for this tasteless topic and for her favorite poop jokes. Middle Grade Mojo: You’re a pediatric allergist (physician specializing in allergies and asthma in children). That seems like it would be a full-time career. What inspired you to become a children’s book author as well? Christine Virnig: I’ve actually [...]
Today, we are thrilled to talk to Janae Marks from her desk in which she wrote From the Desk of Zoe Washington. We asked her about her writing journey and plans for the future. Janae has the mojo mic. Middle Grade Mojo: From the Desk of Zoe Washington, has been praised for handling the difficult topic of a parent being incarcerated. School Library Journal said it best. “A smart, necessary, and hopeful middle grade debut [...]
We’re excited to feature Anna Staniszewski and her latest novel, The Wonder of Wildflowers in today’s Mo-books! Middle Grade Mojo: Where did you get the inspiration for this story?The Wonder of Wildflowers is by far the most personal project I’ve worked on. It’s about a young girl who is an immigrant in a country that’s closed itself off from the rest of the world in order to protect its most valuable resource, a magical liquid called Amber. [...]
Just launched in January, Josie Booom and the Emergency of Life by Susan Hill Long, tackles tough topics in a hilarious and heart-warming story that will resonate with kids. We asked Josie about her writing journey. Middle Grade Mojo: It’s a scary feeling for anyone to have to care for an elder with dementia. I can’t imagine how scary it must be for kids, when an older adult is behaving in bizarre and unpredictable ways. [...]
We're excited to feature award winning author of Catepillar Summer, Gillian McDunn and her latest novel, The Queen Bee and Me in today's Mo-books! In this book, Gillian weaves together a nuanced story about friendship. She combines interesting facts about bees along with authentic voice and heart-warming characters. Middle Grade Mojo: What was your inspiration for the story? Are their many similarities to your own life? Gillian McDunn: Friendships are so important! I would not be [...]
Just released, Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet is the first graphic novel with a Muslim main character. The story captures Omar's zanny imagination and the funny family dynamics that everyone can relate to. We talked with author Zanib Mian about her unique concept and what inspired her to create it. Middle Grade Mojo: Beyond the description of children ages 8 to 12, who do you hope reads Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet? And, what would [...]
