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Entries in Debut Authors (2)

Monday
Oct132014

Middleview Interview with Debut Author Darlene Beck Jacobson

At Smack Dab in the Middle Blog today, I had the good fortune to interview Darlene Beck Jacobson, debut author of historical novel WHEELS OF CHANGE, released with Creston Books on 09/22/2014! I'm happy for Darlene's book to have arrived and I look forward to reading it soon. Here is a link to the feature article on authenticity in historical fiction that Darlene wrote last month for this blog:

AUTHENTICITY IN HISTORICAL FICTION by Darlene Beck Jacobson

Here’s a description of WHEELS OF CHANGE:

Racial intolerance, social change, sweeping progress. It is a turbulent time growing up in 1908. For twelve year old EMILY SOPER, life in Papa’s carriage barn is magic. Emily is more at home hearing the symphony of the blacksmith’s hammer, than trying to conform to the proper expectations of females. Many prominent people own Papa’s carriages. He receives an order to make one for President Theodore Roosevelt. Papa’s livelihood becomes threatened by racist neighbors, and horsepower of a different sort.  Emily is determined to save Papa’s business even if she has to go all the way to the President.

Here is an excerpt from my interview with Darlene. You can see the full Smack Dab interview by clicking on the WHEELS OF CHANGE book cover above. 

Smack Dab Middleview with WHEELS OF CHANGE author Darlene Beck Jacobson

1. In a nutshell, what does your main character, EMILY SOPER want?

Emily’s Papa owns a carriage business. Emily wants to spend her time in the carriage barn, helping Papa and hoping one day to become a blacksmith, like Papa’s beloved employee Henry. She adores this life and wants everything to stay just as it is.

2. What is in her way?

The proper expectations and roles for females in 1908 is one thing standing in her way. The other is the sweeping changes – personal, social, and technological – that threaten their safe and comfortable way of life.

Congratulations, Darlene! I wish you and your book the best.

 

10.13.2014 

Tuesday
Apr022013

Congratulations Debut Middle Grade Authors!

I’d like to introduce you to these fellow Middle Grade authors whose books are debuting this week. We’re part of a larger group of 2013 debut authors called The Lucky 13s.

Congratulations friends! Many good wishes for you and your wonderful books!

Joe Lawlor

BULLY.COM
Online bullying sends falsely-accused Jun Li on a search for the truth.
April 1, 2013 Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Facebook
Twitter

My interview with Joe at Smack Dab in the Middle Blog is on April 14.

 

 

Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Eleven-year-old Ratchet determines to make a friend, save a park, and find her own definition of normal.

April 2, 2013 from Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky

Website

Facebook

My interview with Nancy at Smack Dab in the Middle Blog is on April 12.

 

 

Claire M. Caterer
THE KEY AND THE FLAME
Eleven-year-old Holly unlocks a mythical kingdom as well as the magic within herself.
April 1, 2013 from Margaret K. McElderry Books
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Check out my interview with Claire today at Smack Dab in the Middle Blog.

 

Elisabeth Dahl
GENIE WISHES
Class blogger Genie charts her 5th grade year- highs, lows & hamster erasers.
April 2, 2013 from Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS
Website
Twitter
Goodreads

I interviewed Elisabeth at Smack Dab in the Middle Blog on March 31.

 

 

04.02.13