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Author Spotlight: Tricia Springstubb + a GIVEAWAY

By on April 4, 2025   /   Author Interviews  

Today, I’m excited to shine the Author Spotlight on children’s author, Tricia Springstubb! Tricia’s latest MG novel, How to tell a True Story, was praised by Kirkus as “A sincere and humane narrative that probes human complexity.” It released April 1 from Margaret Ferguson Books and is a 2025 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Learn more and connect with Tricia at https://www.triciaspringstubb.com/

Interview with Tricia

Welcome, Tricia! Thank you so much for being a guest on the Mixed-up Files! 
I absolutely loved How to Tell a True Story. It’s such an impactful book that will be sure to spark many important conversations about honesty, ethics, and whether it’s ever okay to lie to protect those you love. Can you tell me a little about the inspiration behind it?
I started to think about this book years ago when I attended a school assembly where a student whose house had been destroyed by fire was presented with a collection of brand new books. It was a lovely, generous gift, such a heart-tugging moment, and of course the child said thank you. Afterwards, though, I found myself wondering: what if she didn’t really want all those books? What if she secretly wished she’d been given toys or games instead, but she had to act grateful?

Mind you–I had no reason to believe that was the case! But a writer’s brain is a devious place. I began thinking about how complicated the acts of giving and receiving are. How kindness is always well-intentioned, but how, often, we expect something in return. I started making notes for a story about a girl whose community comes together to help her and her family after a fire, and all the complications that could arise from that.

About How to tell a True Story

You do such a great job maintaining an element of mystery in the story about what exactly happened the night of the fire. Was it difficult to craft this novel? What was your biggest challenge in writing it?
I love to read mysteries but have always failed miserably when I tried to write one. (I’m also really bad at telling jokes too–I always manage to give away the punch line!) How To Tell a True Story was different, because though it revolves around a dark secret, it’s a book that asks as many questions as it answers. Is the truth black and white? What makes a hero? If kindness is a gift, can we change our minds and take it back? How does social media affect the way we see and present ourselves?

It was hard to keep the story taut and suspenseful while making room for all these questions. Also, research is never my favorite part of writing, but to describe the fire, the burn treatments, and the legal aftermath, I had to do a lot of reading and interviews. I’m so grateful those details ring true.

You describe the experience of surviving a devastating event so authentically. It is such a difficult topic, and you handled it with grace, care, and sensitivity. I’m always interested in hearing how authors make tough topics accessible to young readers and would love to hear your thoughts on this.
I’m a ridiculously hopeful person—probably both my biggest strength and weakness. Also probably why I write for young readers. No matter how deep their troubles, most kids stay alive to possibility. Their friends, their crushes, their dreams of what they might do and who they might be—all that beckons to them. I love that! I try to honor it in my stories.

Characters

Along with Amber, I enjoyed your other characters a lot too. I thought Amber’s relationships with her peers were so real and relatable. Do you have a favorite secondary character? Who and why?
I love Amber’s friends!  Please don’t make me choose among them!  I will say that my editor found Mariah unlikeable and pushed me to make her nicer, but I like her exactly the way she is. And of course I love Clancy, Amber’s goofy sister. All my main characters seem to have little comic sidekicks–in my last book, Looking for True, it was Spider and Sophie, who adore potty jokes.

Takeaways

What do you hope readers take away from this story?
I hope they’ll have a great reading experience, meaning they won’t want to put the book down! Beyond that, I hope they’ll think about the questions I mention above, and about the notion of kindness. Kids are constantly urged to Be Kind and Choose Kind. Of course in the best of all worlds, humankind is both human and kind! But as Amber discovers, many things are easier to say than to act on. Most of us can be kind to people we feel sorry for, but it’s hard–very hard–to be kind to people we don’t like, to people we feel have betrayed us. I hope readers will think about what Max, Amber’s classmate (and nemesis), says, “If only some people deserve kindness, then it’s just a reward.”

Writing Process

Will you tell us a little about your writing process? Are you a plotter or pantser? Where/when do you prefer to write?
To be honest, Sydney, I always dread this question! My process is so messy, I’m not sure it even deserves the word. Mostly, I start with a situation, a setting or a character that intrigues me, then write my way into the story, following where it beckons. Obviously, I do a LOT of revision, but I really enjoy going back over drafts and finding the clues I’ve left myself. One of my favorite writing quotes is from Flannery O’Connor:  “Like the old lady, I don’t know so well what I think until I see what I say; then I have to say it again.”

Influences

What are some current books that have influenced you as a kidlit writer?
I read everything Kate DiCamillo writes. She is so deft–a great lesson for a blabbermouth-writer like me–and I love her dark sense of humor. When The Horn Book said Looking for True is “Because of Winn-Dixie for a new generation”, I about died.
Anne Tyler doesn’t write for kids, but she’s been a hero of mine for decades. Her quirky characters are so specific yet universal. Also, she just published her 25th novel at the age of 83–I’d love to follow in those footsteps.

Advice

What is your advice for aspiring writers?
As anyone reading this probably already knows, the writing life can be hard. I recently got a rejection that really stung!  But I don’t know anything better to do with my one wild and precious life than to keep trying to see through other eyes and walk in other shoes–in other words, tell stories. Read, observe, question, open your heart!

What’s Next

Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?
I have a fantasy novel out on submission. This is a HUGE departure for me, so who knows what will become of it. I’m also working on a new project. Like How to Tell a True Story, it falls into the category of Young Teen Lit, that space between true middle grade and true young adult. So far, all I know is it centers on A Big, Complicated Crush.

And for the lightning round:

Coffee or tea? Coffee! More coffee!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset (only because I like to sleep in)
Favorite dessert: I eat ice cream every single day.
Superpower: I crave the superpower that would let me infiltrate the hearts and minds of those in power right now.
Favorite music: I’m bad at favorites questions, but today I’ll go with Motown!
Favorite book from childhood: Again, so bad at favorites, but I’ll pick Little Women. I’ll never forget my shock and grief when Beth died—my first experience of how enormously powerful a book can be.
Thanks again, Tricia! It was so much fun to learn about you, your writing journey, and your amazing novel! Learn more about Tricia on her website and follow her on Instagram.

For a chance to win a signed copy of How to Tell a True Story, comment on the blog!  (Giveaway ends April 11, 2025 MIDNIGHT EST.) U.S. only, please. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s Raining Books! New April Releases!

By on April 2, 2025   /   New Releases  

Great Spring time books are raining down on middle grade readers this month. Check out this selection of upcoming releases. From a debut historical fiction story from Laurie Halse Anderson to, a second in a series from Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, and several adventures await! Come in from the rain and read!

Rebellion 1776, Written by Laurie Halse Anderson, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, April 1, 416 pgs

From New York Times bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson comes an eerily timely historical fiction middle grade adventure about a girl struggling to survive amid a smallpox epidemic, the public’s fear of inoculation, and the seething Revolutionary War.

In the spring of 1776, thirteen-year-old Elspeth Culpepper wakes to the sound of cannons. It’s the Siege of Boston, the Patriots’ massive drive to push the Loyalists out that turns the city into a chaotic war zone. Elspeth’s father—her only living relative—has gone missing, leaving her alone and adrift in a broken town while desperately seeking employment to avoid the orphanage.

Just when things couldn’t feel worse, the smallpox epidemic sweeps across Boston. Now, Bostonians must fight for their lives against an invisible enemy in addition to the visible one. While a treatment is being frantically fine-tuned, thousands of people rush in from the countryside begging for inoculation. At the same time, others refuse protection, for the treatment is crude at best and at times more dangerous than the disease itself.

Elspeth, who had smallpox as a small child and is now immune, finds work taking care a large, wealthy family with discord of their own, as they await a turn at inoculation, but as the epidemic and the revolution rage on, will she find her father?

Rosie Frost: Ice on Fire, written by Geri Halliwell-Horner, Philomel Books, April 8, 464 pgs.

The second sweeping adventure by iconic Spice Girl, songwriter, and New York Times bestselling author, Geri Halliwell-Horner.

On the brink of discovering who—or what—lies behind her mother’s death, Rosie Frost begins a new adventure with a murder to solve, revenge on her mind, and more questions than she has answers.

It’s a new term at Heverbridge School, and Bloodstone Island is in turmoil: mutant animals are on the loose, jealous classmates want to bring Rosie down, and, even worse, there’s a black hole to deal with. Below the island’s surface, an everlasting star is growing in strength, and it just may end them all.

Rosie discovers the north side of the island, home to the alluring Imperium Palace. But is the palace one of scientific genius or deadly menace?

While she fights to know the truth about her past—and her family’s ancient ties to Bloodstone—Rosie begins to wonder if the price for the truth may be too high. She must discover what she’s really made of as a fresh danger puts her new home—and all that she loves—at risk.

The Trouble with Secrets, written by Naomi Miller, Quill Tree Books, April 8, 336 pgs.

A Jewish girl preparing for her upcoming bat mitzvah tries to keep a secret—along with one of her sister’s—in this beautiful coming-of-age contemporary novel that explores change, grief, and the complexities of sibling relationships.

Twelve-year-old Becky has great expectations placed upon her. Not only does she need to be as perfect as her older brother and sister, but her upcoming bat mitzvah needs to be perfect, too. She is the rabbi’s daughter, after all. The trouble is, Becky’s intentions often lead her astray. At least when she plays the flute, she feels like the best version of herself. Until playing the flute causes Becky to do something not so perfect: keep a secret from her parents.

Then Becky discovers that Sara, her “perfect” sister, has an even bigger secret. One that could turn the family upside down. The sisters couldn’t be more ready to keep each other’s secret safe…until the excitement turns to guilt, and Becky is forced to make an impossible choice.

When secrets are shared and choices are made, doing the right thing can feel so wrong. And Becky will learn that actions, no matter how well intended, always have consequences.

Survive This Safari, written by Natalie D. Richards, Delacorte Press, April 8, 384 pgs.

You’re invited to the wildest ride of the year! An exciting novel featuring a group of kids competing in a giant safari park challenge, this book is packed with animal facts, puzzles and more making it the perfect book for readers looking for their next adventure.

Twelve-year old Lucy can’t believe her luck when she is selected for the Wildlands Safari Escape Challenge, which involves solving a series of mind-bending puzzles to unlock access to new animal habitats across the local safari park. Her team will be racing the Wildlands Ambassadors, a group of student animal experts. And if they win, wildlife-loving Lucy will get the chance to be an Ambassador herself!

But this challenge is trickier than Lucy expects—her team is in for a wild ride! Broken locks, downed electronics, and empty animal enclosures are just the start. Lucy discovers something truly terrifying: Wildlands’ beloved baby elephant is on the loose and might be in danger! The team is sure this can’t be part of the competition—and with their walkie-talkie on the fritz, they have no way to call for help.

Their fun puzzle has turned into a serious test, but Lucy and her team will surprise everyone with how they tackle the real Wildlands challenge.

Family Week, written by Sarah Moon, Knopf Books for Young Readers, April 15, 208 pgs.

Four best friends spend Family Week together at an annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families in Provincetown, MA—the largest of its kind across the world—in this middle grade coming-of-age story that celebrates identity, acceptance, and found family.

For as long as they can remember, Mac, Lina, Milo and Avery have celebrated Family Week together in “the smallest, gayest town in the world”—Provincetown, Massachusetts.

But this summer, their big rented beach house feels different. Avery’s dads are splitting up, and her life feels like it’s falling apart. Milo’s flunked seventh grade, which means everyone is moving on to bigger and better things except for him. Mac’s on his way to a progressive boarding school that lets transgender kids like him play soccer, but it means leaving his twin sister, Lina, and his moms—and the safety of home—behind.

Everything is changing, and for Lina, it feels like it’s happening with or without her. Avery, Milo, and Mac know this is going to be their last summer together. But Lina can’t accept that—and if she can make this the best summer ever, maybe she’ll convince them that there will be a Family Week next year. Good things might not last in the real world, but they do in P-town…. Right?

The Night We Got Stuck in a Story, written by Ben Miller, Aladdin, April 22, 288 pgs.

Lana must rescue her brother from an evil queen in this sequel to the illustrated middle grade fantasy adventure The Day I Fell into a Fairy Tale from actor, author, and comedian Ben Miller—perfect for fans of Half Upon a Time and Land of Stories!

When Lana and Harrison stay with their grandparents, one of their favorite places to play is a large hollow tree that made their adventures feel magical long before they were first transported into a fairy tale. But during their latest visit, the two discover the tree is set to be demolished.

That night, a magical golden thread leads them up through the hollow of the tree into a storybook land, where wind and rain rage and a fearsome beast terrifies all who live there. The siblings try to help, but things only get worse when Harrison gets kidnapped by the evil queen.

Now, Lana must do whatever it takes to find him, save the villagers, and restore the balance of the storybook world in order to save their beloved landmark.

The Trouble with Heroes, written by Kate Messner, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, April 29, 368 pgs

Bestselling and award-winning author Kate Messner takes readers on a heart-filling journey as a boy finds his path to healing.

One summer.46 mountain peaks.

A second chance to make things right.

Finn Connelly is nothing like his dad, a star athlete and firefighter hero who always ran toward danger until he died two years ago. Finn is about to fail seventh grade and has never made headlines . . . until now.

Caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, he’s in big trouble for knocking down some dead old lady’s headstone. Turns out that grave belongs to a legendary local mountain climber, and her daughter makes Finn an unusual offer: she’ll drop all the charges if he agrees to climb all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks in a single summer. And there’s just one more thing—he has to bring along the dead woman’s dog.

In a wild three months of misadventures, mountain mud, and unexpected mentors, Finn begins to find his way on the trails. At the top of each peak, he can see for miles and slowly begins to understand more about himself and his dad. But the mountains don’t care about any of that, and as the clock ticks down to September, they have more surprises in store. Finn’s final summit challenge may be more than even a hero can face.

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STEM Tuesday– Naturalists — Book List

By on April 1, 2025   /   Earth Day, STEM Tuesday  

A naturalist is a person who observes plants, animals and fungi, and looks at how they fit into their environments. You don’t have to go to a special school to learn how to be a naturalist; you just have to be curious. Here are a few books about naturalists, and how you can become one.

I Begin with Spring: The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau by Julie Dunlap and Megan Elizabeth Baratta

Henry Thoreau collected leaves and arrowheads from a young age. He could tell when skunk cabbage was blooming by smelling the air. As an adult, he kept copious notes about nature, sending samples and observations to scientists. Observant readers will enjoy the timeline that runs along the bottom of the pages. Back matter dives into phenology (botanical signs of the seasons) and how Thoreau’s work has helped modern scientists understand climate change.

Wildheart: the Daring Adventures of John Muir by Julie Bertagna

Beginning with boyhood in Scotland and continuing with his adult life in the US, this book presents John Muir’s life in graphic novel format. Muir, more famous as founder of the Sierra Club, was a careful observer of nature. His study of glaciers in Alaska informed his understanding of Yosemite.

Darwin’s Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion

This is an adventure story – a tale of exploration, field research, shipwrecks, and a friendship between two naturalists that evolved over time. Both Wallace and Darwin wrote about natural selection and the evolution of new species. But instead of competing against each other for credit, both tried hard to treat each other fairly – to the benefit of all. Filled with maps and spreads showing diversity of beetles, butterflies, and birds.

The Incredible Yet True Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt: The Greatest Inventor-naturalist-scientist-explorer Who Ever Lived by Volker Mehnert

Another adventure story of two naturalists — Alexander Von Humboldt (a young German inventor who from childhood preferred exploring nature) and Aimé Bonpland (a young French doctor who preferred studying plants and rocks) — who undertook the first scientific expedition into South America’s rainforest and the Andes mountains. Stunning illustrations highlight their discoveries of plants, geology, animals, and cultures unknown to anyone in Europe. As well as Alexander’s later trek through the wilds of Siberia. His books and lectures inspired a generation of naturalists and scientists – including Charles Darwin. With a conversational tone, maps, and direct quotations, this book brings to life their fascinating, daring, and harrowing adventures.

The Lady and the Octopus: How Jeanne Villepreux-Power Invented Aquariums and Revolutionized Marine Biology by Danna Staaf

From making hats to fine dresses for wealthy Parisians, Jeanne Villepreux put her sewing skills to work. When she had the freedom to study nature, she got interested in sea creatures. Could she bring them into her house like she did caterpillars and turtles? She invented aquariums for holding sea animals, and began to study small octopuses called argonauts that lived in the local waters. Back matter includes “how to be a naturalist.”

What Linnaeus Saw: A Scientist’s Quest to Name Every Living Thing by Karen Magnuson Beil

As a boy and young man, Carl Linnaeus also preferred exploring nature to his studies. This engaging and exciting biography follows his adventures and discoveries in the Scandinavian Mountains, research into the scientific mysteries of unknown animals and plants, and dreams to catalogue every plant and animal in the world. Ultimately, his frustration at a lack of consistency in cataloguing plants and animals, led Linnaeus to create the classification system still used today. Includes period illustrations and maps, scientific update sidebars, direct quotations, and intensive back matter.

Steve and Bindi Irwin by Amy Breguet

From childhood, Steve and Bindi Irwin, where both raised to be modern-day naturalists and conservationists. Filled with great photos, fascinating side bars, and a fair review of controversies, this is a great look at their relationship and dedication to animals, tireless work to preserve wild spaces, and drive to inspire others to preserve and protect nature. Back matter offers numerous ways to get involved.

You Can Be a Naturalist, Too!

The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson

This book presents four potential sites for conducting naturalist expeditions, along with the sorts of things one might observe while there. They are easily accessible to kids of all ages and include a damp corner (perfect site for discovering more about centipedes and fungi), pavement (great habitat for ants and worms) and weedy patches.

Be a Nature Explorer!: Outdoor Activities and Adventures by Peter Wohlleben

This book is filled with 52 activities that range from following slugs and snails to mapping plants that move. In addition to a pencil and notebook, Wohlleben suggests a few other things to take along including plastic containers, a hand lens, binoculars, and maybe a cell phone with a camera and a nature app.

The Naturalist at Home: Projects for Discovering the Hidden World Around Us by Kelly Brenner

The 20 individual projects specify the season(s) and study topic involved and specific materials needed. The projects range from creating a woodland in ajar, sugaring for moths, and finding tardigrades. With wonderful illustrations, a general naturalist toolkit, easy to follow steps, sidebar tips and warnings, and a few bonus activities, this is a great book for budding naturalists.

The most important book – is the one you’ll use to collect your notes and drawings.

This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning author, blogger, and bug-watcher. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books for middle-grade readers include Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More and Diet for a Changing Climate. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the Cybils Awards (2017 – present), and a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.

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