Mondays are all about celebrating middle grade books over here on Writer's Alley, and wait 'til you see what I have for you today.
Please welcome fellow @TheSweet16s author and all around total sweetheart Jennie K. Brown and her fabulous debut novel Poppy Mayberry, The Monday!
POPPY MAYBERRY, THE MONDAY
by Jennie K. Brown
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Publisher: Tantrum Books
Description: What if your teacher could read your mind just because she was born on a Thursday? Or the kid next to you in class could turn back the clock just because he was a ‘Wednesday”? In the quirky town of Nova, all of this is normal, but one thing is not—Poppy Mayberry. As an almost-eleven-year-old Monday, she should be able to pass notes in class or brush her dog, Pickle, without lifting a finger. But her Monday telekinesis still has some kinks, and that plate of spaghetti she’s passing may just end up on someone’s head. And if that’s not hard enough, practically perfect Ellie Preston is out to get her, and Principal Wible wants to send her to remedial summer school to work on her powers! It’s enough to make a girl want to disappear…if only she were a Friday.
Before we meet Jennie, I want to share that I've read this book; not for this tour, but for the Sweet 16s. The premise is clever, the writing flows, and the characters are diverse. I fell in love with Poppy!
Hi Jennie! So glad you're visiting the Alleyway! Tell us, What inspired your idea to associate days of the week with special powers?
Being a name buff, I'm always intrigued at how authors name their characters. How did you come up with Poppy and her friends' names? I just love this question. In my old house, there was a picture of a field of poppies in my exercise room/office. One day I was on my elliptical and glanced over at the picture and thought, “Poppy would be a really cool girl’s name.” A few days later, the inspiration for Poppy’s town of Nova came about, so I knew then I would use the name Poppy. Other names just popped into my head as I started to write. Some inspired by people I know (Willie is my own brother, for example), and others I just went with when they popped into my head.
And poppies are so sweet! Could you share a writing struggle from your personal journey, one you found a great lesson through?
I felt really defeated after my first agent and I had a list of rejections for POPPY. But I didn’t give up and didn’t turn my back on Poppy or her story. I think that writers need to keep on going. Don’t stop writing, querying, editing, etc.
What's your favorite thing about being a children's author?
Getting to talk to kids about books! What’s better than that?
Bucket List: Name something you'd like to try at least once in your lifetime and one place you'd love to visit? Why?
I’d love to stand on the Globe Theatre stage and recite a line from Shakespeare, and I want to visit the Globe Theatre. Why? Well … because Shakespeare! ;)
Whoa, that's big. How exciting would that be to do?!
What do you think the biggest challenge for middle graders is today and how can authors help, inspire, encourage?
Finding their place in the world. Whether that is what they want to do when they grow up, finding their forever friends, or finding people to sit with in the cafeteria. I think authors show kids that their potential is limitless.
It's been great having you here. I'm thrilled you've left your signature in the Alleyway! All the best to you now and always...
For more about Jennie and Poppy, check out the rest of her tour!
Jennie K. Brown is a high school English teacher by day, freelance magazine writer by night, and middlegrade/young adult author by late-night and weekend. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Jennie can be found reading a good book, traveling, or spending time with her awesome husband, amazing son and super-spoiled yorkie.In 2010, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) named Jennie the Pennsylvania English teacher of excellence, and she currently serves as President of the Pennsylvania Council for Teachers of English and Language Arts (PCTELA). She is also an active member of SCBWI, NCTE and ALAN. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest
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Globe theater, all the way. *high five* But I'd have to bring along some cheese.
ReplyDeleteFunny how you got the name.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for sticking with Poppy, Jennie.
I can't wait to read this one! Such a fun premise! Congrats, Jennie.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This sounds like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the cover!! Can't wait to get this one for my daughter. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique premise. Love the cover too. I have it marked for my reading list. Sounds like fun again very unique premise that alone gets my interest but all the rest is great too. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Congratulations! I love the cover and the story sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This looks like SUCH a cute book, and I adore the cover. It definitely sounds unique and fun for middle graders (and adults! lol) to read. :o)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun story, and the cover is adorable. Congratulations, Jennie.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this world. I'm adding this book to my list immediately!
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