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The Code Busters Club series and Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner

I had the privilege of meeting Penny Warner when we were on a panel together at this year's Sacramento Book Festival. I found out she has an excellent middle grade mystery series called The Code Busters Club, and she also writes mysteries for…
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AT THE EDGE OF LOST by Martha Brockenbrough

So, it's been a minute! This year has been a bit of a whirlwind, but things are calming down enough so that I can finally post some author interviews again! I first featured Martha Brockenbrough all the way back in 2017 (!) After I saw her…
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The Memory Spinner by C.M. Cornwell

THE MEMORY SPINNER by C.M. Cornwell is an absolute must read. It's so well put together and engaging that it's hard to believe it's a debut from this middle grade author. Have a look:   Since her mama died, thirteen-year-old Lavender…
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THREE BLUE HEARTS by Lynne Kelly

I first heard about Lynne Kelly's award-winning middle grade book Song for a Whale a few years ago, and I've always been fascinated by the 52 Hertz Whale. I'm thrilled to report that Lynne Kelly has a new book, THREE BLUE HEARTS, that stars…
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THE DREADED CLIFF by Terry Nichols

When I first saw that there was a middle grade book starring a packrat, I was immediately intrigued for multiple reasons. First, it has a great premise and a wonderful beginning. Also, it is published by Artemesia Publishing/Kinkajou Press.…
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THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY and THE MISTLETOE ON MAIN STREET (Ruby’s Regulars) by Holly Schindler

I first hosted Holly Schindler on this blog all the way back in 2012 (!). Years later, I found out she's on Smack Dab in the Middle as part of a group of (mostly) MG authors. Holly was kind enough to interview me for Smack Dab in the Middle…
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THE VISITORS (TALES FROM CABIN 23) by Yamile Saied Mendez

I had the honor of meeting Yamile Saied Mendez at 2024's ALA Annual Conference in San Diego. When I first heard about THE VISITORS, I reached out to Yamile for a feature. THE VISITORS (TALES FROM CABIN 23) was published on August 26, 2025 and…
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PRESENT, STILL MISSING by K.G. Mach

I love historial novels, especially Middle Grade ones, and when I heard about the premise for PRESENT, STILL MISSING by K.G. Mach, I was excited to feature it (she was also kind enough to read The Etiquette of Voles during her summer trip to…
katherine applegate author photo
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POCKET BEAR by Katherine Applegate

It's always a pleasure to interview Katherine Applegate! I was so excited with the premise of her upcoming book POCKET BEAR (September 9, 2025) I couldn't wait to learn more about it. And feel free to check out Katherine's additional past interviews…
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OPHELIA STARCLUCK SAVES THE GALAXY by Kristen Gwen

When I interviewed Kristen Joy Wilks about the latest book in her Phooey Kerflooey series, she mentioned a few books her readers might enjoy. One of those was OPHELIA STARCLUCK SAVES THE GALAXY by Kristen Gwen. Have a look:   Two…