Review: A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano (ARC)

A Curious Tale of the In-Between (Pram #1) by Lauren DeStefano
Bloomsbury, 240 Pages
Expected US Release Date: September 1, 2015
Format/Source: ARC via Around the World Tours - thank you!

Pram Bellamy is special—she can talk to ghosts. She doesn’t have too many friends amongst the living, but that’s all right. She has her books, she has her aunts, and she has her best friend, the ghostly Felix.

Then Pram meets Clarence, a boy from school who has also lost a parent and is looking for answers. Together they arrive at the door of the mysterious Lady Savant, who promises to help. But this spiritualist knows the true nature of Pram’s power, and what she has planned is more terrifying than any ghost.

Lauren DeStefano is beloved by critics and readers alike, and her middle grade debut is lyrical, evocative and not to be missed.
-------------------Goodreads Summary

Notable Quote

Saying it aloud was an admission as well. No wonder she'd grown up in a house where nobody said they loved anyone; what a terrible pain that word caused.

If someone asked me to describe the perfect Middle Grade book, I would probably reference A Curious Tale of the In-Between now. I’m not sure what I would have said before (this is excluding Harry Potter of course, because that’s just all ages), but I can certainly tell you now that everything you’re looking for is probably found in this little book.

I’m not even a big “spooky” story lover. And it’s not like A Curious Tale was terrifying or nightmare inducing – it was just the right amount of spooky and creepy with adolescent curiosity and innocence. I thought DeStefano handled that weird middle-time of being a kid and learning there are bigger, sometimes better and definitely sometimes worse, things in life. It’s a very strange transitional stage, and she did fantastically well not only representing it, but also maneuvering through the Big Life Things and cutesy childhood moments.

Lauren DeStefano’s YA books always have this fantastic storytelling creativity to them. They’re original and unique but entirely relatable and human – and she’s carried this into her MG story as well. I never went through seeing ghosts as a kid, but I still felt like I could have been Pram in so many parts of this story. Her curiosity, her strangeness, her sadness and big heart and emotions…they were all so real to me and felt like it was a part of me, too.

I absolutely love love loved Clarence and Felix. If I were in High School English classes, I would have had so much fun analyzing them and who they represent to Pram and her stages in life – but this is a review, not a report, and I won’t. But trust that they are enjoyable from a literary analytics view, and just as characters from a reader. Both were unique and loveable in their own ways, and I wish I had them as friends when I was younger, too.

A Curious Tale of the In-Between was an adorable read, but also one I feel like is important to the Middle Grade book roster. It represents that time in life where you’re growing from a kid into a teenager and struggling to find your identity within your family, within your friends, and within yourself – and it represents it entirely well. The story is evocative and enjoyable, strong and so, so original. I highly recommend reading it.

4.5 stars

Interview: FT Bradley, author of Double Vision! (MG)

I am so ridiculously excited to have FT Bradley on my little blog, guys! I just read her Middle Grade spy adventure Double Vision, and it is FANTASTIC! My review went up earlier today, you should read it here. I'm so excited to discuss publishing and spies with her!

Double Vision (Double Vision #1) by FT Bradley

Harper Children's, 244 Pages

US Release Date: October 16, 2012

One's a Secret Agent, One's Not.

Twelve-year-old Linc is a trouble-maker with a dilemma. His antics on a recent school field trip went way overboard, landing his already poor family with a serious lawsuit. So when two secret agents show up at his house, Linc is eager to take them up on their offer to make the lawsuit disappear. They just need one tiny favor.

Turns out Linc looks exactly like one of their top kid agents—an agent who's vanished during a vitally important mission. But no debriefing can prepare Linc for how dangerous the mission really is. It's too bad he isn't a black belt, a math genius, or a distance runner like his agent double. He'll need all those skills and more if he hopes to make it out of this mission alive. . . .
---------------summary provided by author

Five word book pitch: Go!

Dude, the pressure! Okay: Troublemaker kid becomes secret agent.

What made you write Middle Grade Fiction?

Actually, it wasn’t my idea, believe it or not. I’d been writing and pitching YA to agents for years, got close a few times but no luck. It wasn’t until my current agent (Stephen Barbara with Foundry) suggested I try middle-grade that I did. And I wish I’d done it sooner—MG is such fun…

Tell us about your publishing story – how did it happen?

Well, after my agent and I worked on a middle-grade concept, we put a proposal together for what’s now the Double Vision series. I wrote about 75 pages of manuscript, but roughly half of that never made it into the book…. :)

Harper Children’s bought it, and then I worked with my editor to refine the plot, the series direction, etc. But Linc stayed the same throughout the process. He’s a stubborn dude.

Why spies?

I always wanted to be a spy… Seriously, I love thrillers, that whole chase-with-a-puzzle type story. So I channeled all that into Linc’s adventures. It’s fun.

What made you choose Paris as the location for Linc’s mission?

I tried to imagine what city I would want to visit if I was a 12 year-old kid reading the book. And Paris was the first place I thought of. It’s such a mysterious and fascinating city…

Is Linc based off anyone you know in real life? Is he a little bit of you?

I was a goody two-shoes when I was a kid, pretty much. I would do all my homework, got good grades, did what I was told.

Linc is the opposite of all those qualities. If there’s a red button you’re not supposed to push, he’ll do it. And that’s what’s so fun: I get to make up for all the trouble I didn’t get into as a kid. You know, fictionally.

How much fun was it to think of all the cool gadgets Henry makes Linc?!

The gadgets are the best—and I love writing Henry chapters :) He’s a cool guy. I wish I could have some of these gadgets…. [Ashley's note: Henry was my favourite!]

What’s your favourite one? One you wish you had in real life?

Hmmm… The Tickstick is pretty fun—I could blow stuff up. Who doesn’t want that?

What kind of research did you have to do for this book? I really loved learning about all the different types of codes/ciphers there are!

That was a lot of fun. And a lot of my research didn’t even make it into the book—there are so many stories of codes being used throughout history, it’s amazing… I read a lot of books, geeky girl that I am. 

Were you a troublemaker like Linc growing up? The beginning chicken scene is pretty awesome…

Good girl, all the way :) I get to live vicariously through Linc’s troublemaking. He does all the stuff I didn’t have the guts for.

What’s one thing that surprised you about the publishing journey?

How amazingly good editors are at their jobs! My editors can spot plot problems, details I overlooked, like no one else. When I started this journey, I didn’t expect the editing process to be this involved. It’s very rewarding to see how much your writing improves with these editors’ help.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an author?

Keep learning. Writing really is a craft: you never stop improving your skills. So have a positive attitude about everything, and never think you’re done learning.

For your blog tour, you had Linc go to different independent bookstores around the country – are indie stores special to you? Tell us about your favourite one!

Indie bookstores add that personal touch to book buying—I can’t say enough good things about them. Many of the stores I featured I’ve yet to visit—I can’t wait to, though. I’ve been to Seattle Mystery Bookshop years ago, and that’s a store I really love. The staff is so energetic! Makes me wish I lived around the corner.

Double Vision is the first in a 3-book series – are you working on anything beside’s Linc’s adventures?

Right now, Linc’s adventures take up most of my time—the schedule is pretty tight. But who knows what’s in the future? I’ll keep you posted… :)

What’s your favourite part of being an author?

I get to be a 12 year-old troublemaker when I sit down to write—how cool is that?

Flash Answer Section!

Le Tour Eiffel or L’Arc de Triomphe? L’Arc de Triomphe—the history is too cool.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee. Nuf said.

Ability to freeze time or ability to fly? Freeze time! That would be awesome…

Pen or pencil? Pen—why be wishy-washy? No erasing allowed.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, with fudge sauce please.

Croissants or pie? Croissants, with chocolate spread. Yum…

Last three items purchased? Envelopes to mail, a lasagna dish to cook, and wine. Boring list, I know. 

Last three websites visited? Facebook, Twitter, and a Yahoo news story on spies.

Last three books read? The Bookseller by Mark Pryor, Cash Out by Greg Bardsley, and Drama by Raina Telgemeier. My nightstand is eclectic…

Did I not tell you she's awesome?! Give me a croissant with chocolate spread and a fantastic book with a troublemaking 12-year-old undercover spy any day. I love how it seems like she's got a great set of professionals around her, from attentive editors to an agent who can advise her and understand that her writing would suit well for MG. Please leave a comment telling FT how awesome she is, and definitely check out Double Vision! Also, stop by the website for the book - it's packed with great spy things and codes!

Double Vision is available now!

(and PERFECT for a Holiday gift, if I do say so myself!)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

F. T. Bradley is originally from the Netherlands and still likes to travel whenever she gets a chance. Her husband's Air Force career has F. T. and their two daughters moving all around the world, but for the moment the family lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Double Vision is the first book in her new middle-grade series about Linc Baker and Ben Green.

Find out more at www.doublevisionbooks.com, and follow F.T. on Twitter @FTBradleyAuthor.

Review: Double Vision by FT Bradley (MG)

Double Vision (Double Vision #1) by FT Bradley
Harper Children's, 244 Pages
US Release Date: October 16, 2012
Format: finished copy
Source: author for review - thanks Fleur!

One's a Secret Agent, One's Not.

Twelve-year-old Linc is a trouble-maker with a dilemma. His antics on a recent school field trip went way overboard, landing his already poor family with a serious lawsuit. So when two secret agents show up at his house, Linc is eager to take them up on their offer to make the lawsuit disappear. They just need one tiny favor.

Turns out Linc looks exactly like one of their top kid agents—an agent who's vanished during a vitally important mission. But no debriefing can prepare Linc for how dangerous the mission really is. It's too bad he isn't a black belt, a math genius, or a distance runner like his agent double. He'll need all those skills and more if he hopes to make it out of this mission alive. . . .
---------------summary from author

Notable Quote

I'd been trying so hard to be Benjamin Green, only to feel like an utter loser. But I never stopped to think that maybe I had some skills he didn't have. Maybe not knowing the rules of the junior agent handbook was actually a good thing.

When I saw this book pitched as Alex Rider meets the The Da Vinci Code, I knew I had to take it up! I've never actually read the Alex Rider series (though I hear great things!) but I love the idea of adventure in Paris with the Mona Lisa. And meeting Lincoln Baker, he definitely had his fun around the city trying to solve this case! Plus, when I started reading the first few preview pages, the very first lines made me laugh - it was funny AND it referenced Percy Jackson! I knew it would be a winner right there.

And I was right! You guys, this is a fantastically fun adventure novel (with SPIES!) that takes us through the streets of Paris with a sarcastically real boy named Lincoln Baker and a strong, intriguing girl named Francoise as they search for an evil Mona Lisa painting that can hypnotize and control any person who stares at it. The concept is so much fun and refreshingly simple - it feels like often nowadays we try to complicate storylines with tons of various ideas, but this was was straightforward and creative. I loved it.

Lincoln is such a great Middle Grade character. He's a true boy with a streak for trouble and a penchant for mischief, but he's also a young man learning to make tough choices and be kind to others. The entire reason he takes on this mission offered to him was to help out his family. That speaks a ton about his character and how noble he is. As the novel goes through, we really get a feel for who he is; he's so much fun and has this fantastic deadpan-like outlook on what happens. I like that he gets things wrong sometimes, but he also thinks and acts. He's very real, and I know a lot of young readers will love him and relate to him. I even wrote a note how I love all the times Lincoln actually says (is that the right verb when it's writing? Hmmm...) "I'll skip past all the boring parts, but what you need to know..." because it gives such a clear Voice to him.

As a story, Double Vision really delivers! It's a great mystery adventure, filled with some great twists and fun spy elements. My personal favourites were the fun gadgets that Linc got to use (particularly one that can cause a small, distracting explosion) as well as the codes. I can't be the only one who used to make up secret codes with my friends so we could write undercover notes to each other! Usually they weren't as brilliant as we thought, or were so unendingly complicated that we couldn't crack each other's notes -- but the point is, they were so fun to make and a real part of my childhood. FT Bradley has several differing types of codes and cyphers that are incredibly interesting and completely real! I had a ton of fun learning about them, and they were worked so effortlessly into the plot that I barely realized I was learning in the first place!

This is definitely a Middle Grade novel, meaning the characters act young and have young thoughts -- as an older reader, there were a few things I wanted to happen a bit faster or better, but all I had to do was remind myself that it was meant for younger children. I'm already debating if I'm going to give my copy to my 11-year-old cousin, my uncle's middle school classroom, or a friend's 9-year-old daughter - I know all of them would absolutely devour it!

My only "complaint" (which isn't even one really) is that sometimes the plot seemed too simple, and that things were awfully convenient. But that also might be because I read Young Adult, where it's expected to have an innate complexity. There are really no issues with this book at all, all the small things I had about it were because I was the reader.

Probably my favourite element on this story is how much it emphasizes family. As mentioned, Lincoln goes on this mission in the first place to help out his family and protect them; Francoise gets involved because her father was taken and she must guard her family's legacy and the Da Vinci collection gifted to them. There's real love and strength in these relationships, and it would be fantastic for any middle grader to see that on a page.

Double Vision was a book entirely worth reading, and I can't wait to see the next mission Lincoln gets sent on. I had so much fun romping around Paris with him and trying to solve what was going on. If you dig any of Rick Riordan's novels, or just want a fun undercover spy adventure with a skateboarding, hilarious kid, pick this up. You won't be disappointed.

(Also? This would be the PERFECT Christmas gift for your middle grader!)

4.5 stars / 5

**Stay tuned for a fantastic interview with the author! It'll be up in a few hours :)

Review: Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood (MG)

Bliss (The Bliss Bakery #1) by Kathryn Littlewood
Katherine Tegen Books, 374 Pages
US Release Date:
Challenge: Local Library Challenge

Rosemary Bliss’s family has a secret. It’s the Bliss Cookery Booke—an ancient, leather-bound volume of enchanted recipes like Stone Sleep Snickerdoodles and Singing Gingersnaps. Rose and her siblings are supposed to keep the Cookery Booke under lock and whisk-shaped key while their parents are out of town, but then a mysterious stranger shows up. “Aunt” Lily rides a motorcycle, wears purple sequins, and whips up exotic (but delicious) dishes for dinner. Soon boring, nonmagical recipes feel like life before Aunt Lily—a lot less fun.

So Rose and her siblings experi-ment with just a couple of recipes from the forbidden Cookery Booke.

A few Love Muffins and a few dozen Cookies of Truth couldn’t cause too much trouble . . . could they?

Kathryn Littlewood’s culinary caper blends rich emotional flavor with truly magical wit, yielding one heaping portion of hilarious family adventure.
------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

Thee was a magic in the two of them sitting there as the brilliant orange of the setting sun glimmered through the trees, but it had nothing to do with spells or mason jars. It was the magic of a person's ability to change, to grow, to heal, without the aid of any magic at all.

This is definitely a MG novel for the true middle grade readers. You know how some MG books can transcend age groups, kind of blur with YA books (all 3 of Rick Riordan's series, Shannon Messenger's Keeper of the Lost Cities, etc)? Not this one. It's for the young readers, and unless you have a distinct liking for Middle Grade books, you might want to pass this by.

Lucky for me, I do have an affinity for MG books, so it didn't bother me! I just had to constantly remind myself as I was reading that this is for the younger set, that the main character is young. The writing is fantastic, incredibly easy to read and approachable to a young set. I loved the language in the book, it was that nice balance of being young but still educational with some "big" words being used and explained. It was clever to focus on a family with several varying ages, because it allowed certain elements to be explored further or elaborated on.

Can I tell you how much I love books that focus on family? I feel like there are so few in today's books (I know that's not true, but still) and it was wonderful to see one that allows a true family unit, one that works together and places value on each other. The dynamic between all the siblings and the parents is great, and I really loved seeing them work through problems together. And that Rose wants to stay with her family, loves them and understands how they're a support system? That's definitely something I would want my kid to read and emulate. Her siblings are all great characters with their own distinct set of skills and personality. I loved how Ty was a little bit narcissistic, that Sage was the bratty younger brother but quite brainy, and even little Leigh, small as she is, has a developed personality trait too. And how much do I love that they're all named after herbs?! Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Parsley.

Rose is a perfect middle grade character, too; she's at that weird time of growing up where she's trying to figure out who she is by herself as well as who she is within the world. She struggles with a blossoming crush who doesn't know her name, wanting to be something but not knowing quite how to get there, and feeling like she's not really being seen. At the same time, you can tell how strong she is and how much potential there is to her; she's dedicated, loyal and fiercely protective of her family. She loves them no matter how much she feels like they overlook her, and I love that. If I had a little girl, I would love for her to befriend Rose.

The recipes and mischief the Bliss family get into are also fantastically fun and magical, and the wording of the recipes is definitely unique - the book has it's own sort of language, but it's easy to understand and follow along. All the trouble and chaos the family creates through their recipes are such an adventure, and I had a lot of fun reading about the problems and finding out how they would try to fix everything. I usually call books like this predictable, but I can safely say that I didn't know what Rose, Ty, Sage, and Leigh would get themselves into next!

There were a few things I didn't like though. While I didn't predict what the Bliss family would do next, I wasn't particularly at the edge of my seat, either. It wasn't the most action packed book - though the action that was there was breathtakingly amusing - and sometimes I felt like the story dragged on a bit. I appreciate the focus on Rose and her growth, but there were a few instances I felt she could have come to conclusions faster. It wouldn't have been outside her character parameters or potential. The use of modern references (Justin Bieber, for one) was also a bit odd to me; the setting and plot of the book feel so magical and otherworldly, having real world references kind of shattered that illusion. It's this fantastically fantastical world where magic in cookies can make people tell the truth, where love exists and bikes are ridden to town squares and breathe of people who tell no lies can be captured in a mason jar...it feels like this great dream world, and then something real would come along and break the spell. Personally, it felt out of place and a bit disappointing that this could be a real town somewhere.

Also, be warned that this is book one of two (I think two anyway, I haven't seen anything about a third one!) - it would have been nice knowing that going in! I wasn't really noticing it for the first half of the book, but as it went on I was definitely thinking, "Hmmm there's only a small chunk of pages left how is this going to wrap up?!" And about 5 pages before it's end I realized OH. Maybe this isn't really the end! and sure enough, there's a book 2. While I do like the ending to this book - it was satisfying and complete while still having a great setup for the next part of the story - I would have liked knowing that heading in. Having a second part doesn't necessarily make Book 1 any worse or difficult, but it did explain the pacing and might have lessened my distraction.

Still, this was a magical story, and sometimes it felt like a fairy tale. I especially liked how the villainess wasn't quite villainous throughout the entire novel; it's brilliant that we find Aunt Lily to actually be kind of likable. I don't blame Ty or Sage for being swept up in her beauty and magnetism, I'm not sure I'd have seen through it either! The subtle little doubts from Rose were great though, and just enough to make you wonder who Aunt Lily really is. It's a great way to make the reader really feel a part of the story.

Though it's not perfect, Bliss is a magical Middle Grade novel filled with some great mischief, better characters and a perfect main character. This is definitely a family and bakery with which I would want to sit in and share a pie.

PS. Isn't it the most magical, delicious looking cover ever?! I wanted to eat so many pastries, cakes, cookies and tarts after finishing this book it was absurd! I'm lucky I don't eat donuts, eclairs, or scones, else I'd have been in some major trouble.

3.5 Stars / 5

Review: Storybound by Marissa Burt

Storybound (Storybound #1) by Marissa Burt
Harper Collins Childrens, 416 Pages
US Release Date: April 3, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge

In the land of Story, children go to school to learn to be characters: a perfect Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They take classes on Outdoor Experiential Questing and Backstory, while adults search for full-time character work in stories written just for them.

In our world, twelve-year-old Una Fairchild has always felt invisible. But all that changes when she stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, opens the cover, and suddenly finds herself transported to the magical land of Story.

But Story is not a perfect fairy tale. Una’s new friend Peter warns her about the grave danger she could face if anyone discovers her true identity. The devious Tale Keeper watches her every move. And there are whispers of a deadly secret that seems to revolve around Una herself....

With the timeless appeal of books like A Wrinkle in Time and the breathtaking action of Inkheart, Storybound has all the makings of a new classic. Brimming with fantastical creatures, magical adventure, and heart-stopping twists, Storybound will leave readers wishing they too could jump through the pages into this enchanting fairy-tale world.
----------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

Truth is one of the most powerful weapons against evil. And wisdom, which enables us to discern how to apply the truth. Without truth and wisdom, how would we be abel to tell the difference between the evil and the good?

I'm not sure I'll ever see storybooks the same. Storybound is such a wonderful mix of whimsical, serious, thoughtful and fun - a perfect Middle Grade novel. The concept is very original, with a great mix of characters so recognizable to any fairy tale lover - but with much more dimension.

I'll be honest and say that the book was a bit of a slow-goer for me; maybe my head just wasn't in it, but I put it down a few times and started other books. I always liked what I was reading and where the story was headed, but I didn't have any problems setting it aside for a bit. I got a bit confused with all the terms and a bit of the plot; there's a ton packed into this novel! Reworking what we know about storybook worlds, and then throwing shenanigans underfoot...well, it's a teensy bit complicated! But it was completely worth it to continue on; and once the last 100 pages or so hit, I was completely riveted. When everything finally comes together, it's a whirlwind ride.

This is also one of the few books that I didn't quite see the twist coming. I knew where a lot of the story would go, but a few of the points took me completely by surprise. I admit that as soon as I knew, everything fit perfectly into pace to the point where I kept thinking, "How did I not see that before!?" - which is just a testament to how well the story is woven.

Una Fairchild, the main character is quite strong. I love her personality and how she's quite driven and independent - any girl reading this story would do well to look up to her. Una is smart and resourceful, but not without her misgivings and mistakes. I loved Indy as well, no matter how small a part he was in the beginning. My favourite would have to be Sam, because he just rounded out the perfect trio with fun snaps of humor and cattiness (see what I did there?!). Even some of the villains, villainesses, and misguided Ladies are great characters with a lot of heart.

Perhaps the only downfall I had for the novel was Peter - he was not my favourite character. I felt he lacked a bit in personality. While I know it must be quite a hit to learn that everything you knew about your home may not quite be as told, he came across a bit surly and unlikeable for me. He perked up to a Hero towards the end, and I really look forward to Book 2 and seeing where he'll end up.

I want to talk more about the future of the characters, but I can't without spoiling things. I definitely have my hunches what will happen, who will end up with who, and how things will go down - but now I have the sad wait until next year for Book 2, Story's End. I'm quite eager for it. If you're looking for a fun twist on fairy tales and what's really between the bindings, I'd highly recommend Storybound.

3.5 Stars

Blog Tour: Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

I have the absolute pleasure of hosting Caitlen Rubino-Bradway today for her blog tour; she's the author of Ordinary Magic, a Middle Grade fantasy book that releases next week!

I have to ask about the unusual spelling of your first name - is there a story behind it? Do you like it?

First, I’m really impressed that you noticed the spelling. There are people I’ve known for years that still spell it ‘Caitlin’. I actually really love my name, especially now that I get to see it on a book cover, but I’ve kind of accepted that it’s going to be misspelled a lot. That’s okay, I’m a terrible speller myself. Just as long as they get it right on the book.

There actually isn’t a story behind my name, other than the family rumor that Mom picked out all our names from seeing them in a book. But then she just decided on a spelling she liked. Mom did say I could make up a story if I wanted, so I’m going to say she spelled it that way just to annoy people. Although once this guy in a bookstore tried to convince me that the spelling was Old Irish (I think) and that I’d been mispronouncing it. Apparently the correct pronunciation is not KATE-lin but KAT-leen. Unfortunately, the wrong pronunciation was stuck in my head by that point, so we’ll just have to go with that.

Introduce us to Ordinary Magic: what's something you'd like the reader to take away from the story?

Actually, what I love about stories is that five different people can read the same thing and each take away something completely different. The story is the same, but the reading is personal. I’m really looking forward to hearing what my readers take away from Ordinary Magic.

But, seriously, it should be how awesome Gil is.

Your previous works have all been co-written with your mom (which I love, my mom is my best friend) - was it difficult to do a solo novel?

Yes and no. It’s difficult to write any novel — no matter how much I love a story, there’s always a point where I start tearing my hair out because it is just taking so LONG. That’s what’s nice about working with Mom: there’s somebody else to talk things over when you get frustrated, to keep you going, and, most importantly, go get coffee with. Of course, you also have to have a give and take. When you’re writing on your own, you get to control everything. But then it’s also all on you: meeting deadlines, getting up in the morning, and sitting your butt down in front of that computer.

Your previous works are also all Jane Austen-centric - does Ordinary Magic have any Austen-like qualities? Or did you want to depart from that fully?

I tried to depart from that fully; Ordinary Magic’s just a different story. It’s actually interesting that Mom and I write completely different stuff apart than when we’re together. On her own Mom wrote an awesome mystery series about a single mom, and I love MG and YA fantasy, but then we have Lady Vernon, which is an adult historical inspired by Jane Austen.

Your novel sounds fabulous! Why did you decide to write a fantasy book?

I love fantasy books! Especially middle grade and young adult — I feel like they really have this sense of fun and wonder. Some of my favorite books are kids fantasies; I love The Secret Garden, and, more recently, I was really charmed by Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George. It also helps that everybody’s running around in cool fantasy clothing — because, you know, pretty dresses only ever enhance a reading experience. In fact, I often debate dressing up for my reading time, I have a couple of Renn Faire outfits, but my favorite corset laces up the back so it’s really hard to put on by myself.

Are you working on anything else now, or are you basking in the soon-to-be-published glow?

At the moment I’m working on a YA paranormal that is taking forever to finish. It is going to make me go bald from all this tearing the hair out.

What made you choose to write a MG novel?

Actually, when I was originally submitting Ordinary Magic, I thought it was a YA — Abby was 12, because she just sort of showed up at that age, but there was some scary stuff in that draft. The two villains smacked the kids around and cursed a couple times, Abby’s older siblings engaged in a bit of risqué teasing, and there are carnivorous creatures in the book that we, shall we say, saw the aftermath of.  It was my wonderful and fabulous editor who pointed out that Abby’s age dictated my audience — because she’s 12, my target audience is going to be 8-14, as kids mostly like to read up. Because I was looking at a younger audience, I had to cut a lot back to make it more age appropriate. Sometimes it was just the way I’d talk about a certain thing, and other times it was whole scenes.

Was it difficult writing Ordinary Magic? Getting it published?

The writing and publishing process always has it’s ups and downs. For instance, it’s always tough writing a full-length novel, but I feel really lucky to have had Abby. From the first she’s been a character that’s taken hold of the pen, and her POV was one of the easiest things to write.

As for getting it published, I kind of lucked out there, too. I actually work for the woman who’s my literary agent, and I originally asked her to read the book over to just give me some feedback, not expecting her to offer to represent it. I also got Bloomsbury Children’s, which handles some of my favorite authors — I was especially lucky because that draft needed a lot of work. It was a 90k word behemoth that was a little all-over-the-place. I had to cut at least 30k words, which meant I chopped an entire plot line (that will — fingers crossed — make up the backbone for Book 2), and a lot of just chatty stuff. It took me about 9 months to do the revisions, and then another year for it to work through the publishing process, so it’s been a long road.

Argus Filch from Harry Potter

What inspired you? I can't help but think of Argus Filch, the Squib from Harry Potter - but I love that in Ordinary Magic there is a negative consequence for being non-magical.

You’re so right! I actually got the idea for Ordinary Magic a while back, when my friends and I were talking about fantasy novels we liked, and I thought how often I’d seen the special person or kid who is an orphan or unloved by their family who turns out to have the biggest magic of them all. Don’t get me wrong, I love that plotline, but I just thought, you know, I’d love to see a story where the main character can’t do any magic at all. How would they function?

Shortly after that I was re-reading Harry Potter, I was really struck by that scene in Chamber of Secrets where Harry comes across Filch’s Kwikspell letter, and afterwards Ron is laughing about it, and I couldn’t help thinking how much that must stink. There’s also the moment when Neville tells how his uncle dropped him out a window because he was worried that Neville’s magic hadn’t shown up. It’s supposed to be a funny moment, but how awful is it that your family would chuck you out a window just to prove you’re not a squib?

I absolutely ADORE the cover of Ordinary Magic - it's bright and whimsical and so enticing! Did you ever envision the cover before it existed? Is it anything like what you'd imagined?

It’s better than I imagined. I was thrilled when Bloomsbury Children’s accepted Ordinary Magic, and a big part of that was that I’ve always loved their covers. So I knew I was going to get something awesome. Which is good, because I also knew, from working in publishing and the Lady Vernon process with Mom, that the cover is ultimately up to the publisher’s art department. Publishers will consult with the author, but the final say is up to them. As you can see, they came up with something completely gorgeous.

What's the best part about being a writer? The worst?

I’d say the best part is seeing your book in bookstores, but actually my favorite is the feeling I get on those special days when everything’s working. The characters are mostly doing what I want them to do, but when they’re not they’re still interesting and telling me stuff about them I hadn’t thought about yet, when I can figure out the exact way to say what I want, and I can turn off the computer and go do my laundry, feeling like I’ve accomplished something. It’s a total high.

The worst part is, naturally, the exact opposite of that. There are days when nothing is coming, when it’s pulling teeth to get a sentence written, and my characters are all acting like a sullen 15-year-old Caitlen and refusing to even talk about why they’re not behaving. (Yes, I had a very moody teenagerdom.) Those are the days when I slam my computer shut and can’t stop worrying that the story is stupid, and cliché, and no one is ever going to want to read it in a million years.

As you can see, I’m well past the moodiness now.

Anything you would like to tell the readers?

Just that I hope you enjoy it. For all of my trials and tribulations, I had a lot of fun writing this book, and I hope that translates into the reading.

How can you be contacted/found around the web?

I am on Facebook and Twitter! Also there will be a website coming.

How about some randomness to close out! What were your last 3 purchases?

A coffee, a couple of sea-salt caramels, and a ticket to Newsies on Broadway.

Last 3 websites you visited?

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Obscurus Lupa's Channel on That Guy With The Glasses

My Twitter page

And of course, last 3 books read?

Eye of the World (now that the final book is coming out in January, I’ve promised myself I’m going to read the entire series)

The Truth by Terry Pratchett

Knightly Academy by Violet Haberdasher

How awesome is Caitlen?? Anybody who loves The Secret Garden gets a plus in my book, and I can't wait to see what's in her YA novel after all she had to edit out of Ordinary Magic. Thank you so much Caitlen for the pleasure of your company on my blog, and I can't wait to read all about Abby!

Ordinary Magic hits shelves May 8, 2012!

Goodreads | Amazon | Indie Bound | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Review: Chomp by Carl Hiaasen (MG)

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
Knopf (an imprint of Random House), 304 Pages
US Release Date: March 27, 2012
Source: ARC sent from Publisher (thanks Random House!)
Ages: 10+ (Middle Grade)

Wahoo Cray lives in a zoo. His father is an animal wrangler, so he's grown up with all manner of gators, snakes, parrots, rats, monkeys, snappers, and more in his backyard. The critters he can handle. His father is the unpredictable one. 

When his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called "Expedition Survival!", Wahoo figures he'll have to do a bit of wrangling himself—to keep his dad from killing Derek Badger, the show's boneheaded star, before the shoot is over. But the job keeps getting more complicated. Derek Badger seems to actually believe his PR and insists on using wild animals for his stunts. And Wahoo's acquired a shadow named Tuna—a girl who's sporting a shiner courtesy of her old man and needs a place to hide out.

They've only been on location in the Everglades for a day before Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm. Search parties head out and promptly get lost themselves. And then Tuna's dad shows up with a gun . . .

It's anyone's guess who will actually survive "Expedition Survival". . .
--------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

"Was your dad trying to shoot you?" he asked Tuna...

...Tuna blinked the raindrops from her eyelashes and thought about the answer. Finally, she said, "I think he was aiming for the motor. That's what I choose to believe."

I haven't reviewed many Middle Grade novels on my blog (I think I've done 3...maybe?), but they're another "genre" that I really love - much like YA, I love the innocence that can be approached. Middle Grades can potentially be formidable years, and I love reading books that help children along and can really shape who they turn out to be.

Chomp is definitely one of those that can help a child turn into a pretty damn awesome person. (Wait, should I be using "damn" in a MG review? Hmmm...)

Can we first talk about the cover, though? I've never read any of Carl Hiaasen's books, but I've known who he is because of his covers.  Hoot is most recognizable to me, but all of them have a very distinct, childlike, almost comic bookish feel - and he's always got the most eye-popping colors!  I really love them.

Chomp follows Wahoo Cray, son of animal wrangler Mickey Cray, who together maintain their zoo of a household -- and by zoo, it really is.  They've got snakes, raccoons, snapping turtles, monkeys, and one very sweet massive alligator, affectionately named Alice. I have to admit that the amount of names in the book are a bit confusing, especially when a lot of them are odd names for people (funnily enough, most of the animals have "human" names, whereas two of the humans are named Wahoo and Tuna. Go figure).  I loved all the little facts about the various animals, they're seamlessly worked into the writing where I barely realize I'm learning at the same time!

The Crays take a job working for a Survivalist Reality TV show because they're struggling for money, and from then on it's just one hilarious adventure after the other; especially when a girl named Tuna pops into their lives as a runaway from her abusive father. The backdrop of a Reality TV show lends so much to the plot, showing just how things that seem may not actually be.  Derek Badger, the bumbling idiot star of the TV show, is such an overbearing, terrible person that it becomes comical and almost endearing. Each character is so distinct and fun in their own weird little way that you can't help but love them all.  Wahoo is a solid main character, absorbing the others around him with a quiet patience. He's lovable and brave, and his growth as he goes on is subtle but meaningful.

Hiaasen does really well weaving breathtaking terror with giggle-inducing dry humor, maintaining a strong voice and stronger lessons. Each page had me flipping to the next, desperate to know what would happen to Wahoo and Tuna, Tuna's dad and Mickey, even Derek Badger.

Despite a premise that screams humor, Hiaasen does tackle some heavy stuff: family relationships, alcohol, money struggles, abusive parents, stubbornly idiotic grown ups...all the while framing it through childhood innocence and an unfailing belief in the strength and integrity of human nature.

Filled with glowing characters, entertaining situations and poignant innocence, Chomp is a perfect and satisfying read for the Middle Grade.

4 Stars / 5 

Review: Close To Famous by Joan Bauer

Viking Juvenile, 250 Pages
Released: February 3, 2011
Age: Middle Grade

Foster McFee dreams of having her own cooking show like her idol, celebrity chef Sonny Kroll. Macon Dillard's goal is to be a documentary filmmaker. Foster's mother Rayka longs to be a headliner instead of a back-up singer. And Miss Charleena plans a triumphant return to Hollywood. Everyone has a dream, but nobody is even close to famous in the little town of Culpepper. Until some unexpected events shake the town and its inhabitants - and put their big ambitions to the test. Full of humor, unforgettable characters, surprises, and lots and lots of heart, this is Joan Bauer at her most engaging.

------------------- Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

"I felt safe around this small, determined boy who didn't make fun of anything I told him. This is how best friends are made."

4 Stars / 5

I really, really liked this book. I wasn't expecting much since my last (and first) experience with Joan Bauer wasn't too stellar (see my review of Stand Tall here), but as soon as I saw cupcakes and the premise, I knew I'd give it a shot. And I'm glad I did! Foster McFee is such an adorable protagonist, she's that perfect young girl who is just on the edge of learning the big things of life. She's been put through some very adult situations and has some very serious struggles, and Joan is perfect in her approach to it as a child.  The summary is spot on when it says this book has lots and lots of heart.

I was particularly taken with the integration of Foster's passion for cooking into her struggle with reading, her mom's abusive relationship and trying to figure out her place in this tiny town. Cupcakes and sweets are a universal language, everyone has some sort of memory with them - and Ms. Bauer is fabulous in being able to invoke that nostalgia in the reader and making you really believe in Foster and her talent and perseverance.  I loved how Foster really had a belief in cooking and ingredients and what they can mean to anyone and everyone.

I do recommend this for Middle Grade girls, I think it's a perfect book to really start trying to understand the Big Issues in life and the difficulties of fitting in, finding your voice, and being strong. Be aware there are serious issues (family abuse, mainly), but if it's something you think your child can handle, don't hesitate.

Review: Stand Tall by Joan Bauer

Speak, 182 pages
Released August 26, 2002
MG/Ages 10+

Tree is twelve years old and too tall: six feet, three and a half inches and growing. He's never really been able to fit in at school or on the basketball team, and since his parents' divorce he isn't even comfortable in his own home. Tree copes by helping people like his grandpa, a Vietnam vet who's just had part of a leg amputated, and Sophie, a new girl at school who is being teased by the popular kids. In helping his grandpa learn to walk again, and in listening to Sophie's advice that he be himself, Tree begins to heal, to stand tall. But when a flood threatens his town and his home, Tree's newfound confidence is put to the test.

----------Amazon.com Summary

Notable Quote

"Sometimes you've got to shout the truth and wake people up."

3 stars / 5

Despite the rating, I did actually like this book and found nothing to complain about. It's a simple story of a boy, named Sam but nicknamed Tree due to his tall size (6'3" in 7th grade!), coping with his parents' divorce through helping his Vietnam vet grandfather and befriending a new girl at school.  In every way, it's how a Tall Boy learns to Stand Out.

It's a sweet story, and though I have not experienced anything Tree does (I was 5'2" in seventh grade and my parents are, thankfully, still together), it feels very real. Joan Bauer does fabulous with a male protagonist, nailing the tone and dialogue (or lack thereof, as the case of a 12-year-old awkward boy always is).  I was made to feel for Tree and root for him.  I was sad at how his family seems to be crumbling, happy when he had breakthroughs, hopeful when he has friends and family that love him.

But still...I'm very "meh" about the book itself.  Perhaps I just didn't connect to it because I'm not like Tree at all, but nothing excited me.  It was predictable in a safe way, had a very clear rise and fall and resolution, and was generally just another story for me.  I would recommend Middle Graders read this, as it may speak to them and offer a character to connect with.

Still...quick, good read; but passable.  Library read, if you get around to it.

The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, Book 2)

by Rick Riordan

Hyperion, 544 pages
Released October 4, 2011

Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn’t see it. He doesn’t even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery—although not good enough to help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the “other” camp for half-bloods and extending as far north as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all of whom are destined to play a part in the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven.

-------Amazon.com Summary

Notable Quote

"Life is only precious because it ends, kid." - Mars

This is my favourite Rick Riordan YA/MG novel so far - and I have read literally every single one of his and loved all of them, so that's a pretty big statement.  This is signature everything we love: adventure, suspense, mythology lessons cleverly masked, humor, and just the right smidgen of romance.

I particularly enjoyed the bits we got from the other novels, as well as the small tidbits of prophecy that allude to the future novels - I can't be the only one whose breathe caught when she realized the "Wisdom's daughter" who would struggle in Rome was Annabeth!

The characters in this book are also so well developed. Obviously Percy Jackson is, because he's a beloved Half-Blood who's got 5 previous books to his development (6, if we want to count The Lost Hero), and this book did not disappoint in the Percy we love and adore.  But Hazel, Frank, Mars, Frank's curmudgeon old grandmother, Reyna, Arion, even Sammy and Hazel's mother felt very real to me. There was a distinct-ness in each one that really stuck out. My favourite new one is Ella the Harpy (and her romance!), who is valuable and wise.

And, as always, the humor in this book is absolutely spot on. The jokes, the dry humor, the puns and sarcasm, absolutely all of it is fantastic. None of it is forced or uncalled for or even out of place.  When I'm laughing out loud in the middle of a coffee shop, it's good.

Highly recommend! It is a bit necessary to read this in order, but if you haven't been reading Rick Riordan's YA Fantasies anyway, now's a good time to get started! You won't regret it.

4.5/5