
I love this quote by Tolkien: “All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” The Rick Riordan Presents novels have also been a really big hit with them.ĭo you have a favorite quote from literature? If so, what is it? The kids I know are loving the Wimpy Kid and Dog Man graphic novels. What are the children in your life currently reading? He’s still alive so maybe that’ll actually happen! And I’d love meet to Rick Riordan one day. Also I’d love to sit with Maya Angelou and soak up some of that wisdom. I’d love to ask him about the parts of Middle Earth he kept for himself. If you could have dinner with three authors from any period in time, who would you pick? So much of my own journey as a kid is mirrored in her story–from learning to believe in myself to learning to accept myself too. This one is tough and I’m having such a hard time narrowing it down (Gandalf? Katniss maybe?) that I’m going to cheat a little and pick Amari. Who is your favorite all-time character from a book? Listening to audiobooks while I’m driving is my fave for sure. I’m just always so busy it allows me to read when I’m out and about. Since becoming an author, I mostly read by way of audiobooks. What is your favorite place to read? Pre- and/or during the pandemic? Tae tackles big issues in a way that feels accessible for any age. It’s incredibly touching and the voice feels so authentic. I literally just finished When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Also I’ve recently gotten into YA thrillers - Ace of Spades is incredible and I have lots of Karen McManus and Kara Thomas. I do try to mix it up with some contemporary - Angie Thomas, Nic Stone, Jason Reynolds. What kind of books are on your bookshelf?įantasy and Sci-fi are my favorite genres by far, so mostly those books! Everything from middle grade like Tristan Strong to Red Rising on the adult side. It’s the difference between seeing someone as other, and seeing another human being. But I would challenge kids to step outside of that–I think they’ll find they have much more in common than they originally thought. I think it’s easy to gravitate towards books about people like us, because it feels safe.

What book should everybody read before they turn 18?Įvery kid should read a book about someone completely different from themselves in some way. I read every book I could get my hands on! He was a kid from modest means but who still had big dreams and did his best to accomplish them. One of the first books I can remember loving is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because I could relate so much to Charlie. I’ve always loved fantasy books for their ability to spark the imagination. Is there a book or genre that stands out in your memory from your youth?
