One of the best things about being a part of an awesome community of writers (okay, several awesome communities of writers) is getting to celebrate when your friends accomplish big things. And it's been pretty exciting lately, because three different writers I know have their first books out in the world RIGHT NOW! So I want to take a second and congratulate Michelle Schusterman, Rachel Searles, and Rebecca Behrens on their debuts. I've read some, and am really anxious to read the others! In all three cases, I'm so excited to spread the word about these fun books—and their awesome authors. Michelle and Rebecca are part of my weekly Write Night group, and when I met them a little over a year ago, they were revising these very books with their editors. It's been incredible to watch them go through various phases of the process—and, once I sold my own book, to know that I'd be following in their footsteps! Rachel, meanwhile, is one of the YA Buccaneers, the group of blogging pirates/writers I joined a few months ago. All three of their debuts are Middle Grade, and here's what you need to know:
Michelle's adorable books I HEART BAND! and FRIENDS, FUGUES, AND FORTUNE COOKIES came out January 9. They're about 7th grader Holly, who is struggling to balance schoolwork, French horn practice, best friend drama, a major crush, and more. I got to interview Michelle for the Fearless Fifteeners on her release day. Check out that post HERE!
Rachel's book THE LOST PLANET released this week! It's a space adventure for middle grade readers—a boy wakes up with a head wound and no memory of what happened or who he is, and is given a mission: "Guide the star." I can't wait to read it myself and get in on the action!
Finally, Rebecca's book WHEN AUDREY MET ALICE comes out on February 4—that's this Tuesday, for those of you keeping track. It's the story of a First Daughter who's having trouble adjusting to life in the White House. When she finds Alice Roosevelt's diary, it inspires her to take charge of her situation and spice things up—and from what I understand, hijinks ensue. Another one I can't wait to read.
I couldn't be more excited for these three authors, and I hope you'll head out to your nearest bookstore (or online retailer) and pick one or more of their books up! And spread the word around to the middle-grade readers in your life. Tell them I sent you.
~Kathryn