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Zatanna and the House of Secrets Interview and Giveaway

By on February 27, 2020   /   Articles, Author Interviews, Giveaways  

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Today, I have the privilege to be talking to both Matthew Cody and Yoshi Yoshitani, whose graphic novel, Zatanna and the House of Secrets,  is available now from DC Comics.

Hi Matthew and Yoshi. Thank you for joining us today.

My first question is for both of you. Can you tell us a little bit about Zatanna and the House of Secrets?

Matthew: Zatanna and the House of Secrets is about a normal tween girl, Zatanna, who discovers that just about nothing in her life is what it appears to be – not her dad, not the house she grew up in, not even the family pet rabbit. There are magical secrets afoot, and more to Zatanna than she ever imagined!

Yoshi: It’s a story of a girl growing up and trying to figure out her identity as the world and people around her change—figuratively and literally! And of course, lots of magic

Matthew, you’re books are, for the most part, a mix of fantasy and superheros. So, Zatanna’s story seems like a natural fit for you. Did you choose the character?

Matthew: I did. When this opportunity to work with DC came along, they asked me to pitch them three or four characters I’d like to write. Zatanna was a no-brainer, because she’s never been your typical superhero. She’s a magician! The story of how she became a magician – how she discovered her powers – was such a joy to conjure up (see what I did there?)

Not gonna lie, Zatanna is one of my favorite DC characters, and my go-to for cosplay. Yoshi, I love the new character design. I’m already planning on rocking this as my next cosplay. How did you approach the character design?

Yoshi: Yes! Zatanna is one of my absolute favorites too! Zatanna’s fully grown costume is over the top and confident, so it was fun to work backwards and consider what her pre-evolution outfits would be. Maybe some vintage finds, maybe her dad’s old shirts – she has a style but has yet to nail down her look. I really wanted to capture that transition.

One of the things that I really liked about this story is how it explored the relationship between Zatanna and her father and the idea that our parents aren’t always the heroes we expect them to be. Matthew, was that something that you wanted to focus on early on?

Matthew: Definitely. Middle school is hard for a lot of reasons, but one of the toughest aspects of it is that push/pull between still needing your parents tremendously, while at the same time feeling like you need to separate yourself in some ways. So, we took fantasy and did what the genre does best – we externalized that conflict. At its heart, this is a very family focused story about the mistakes we make both as kids and adults. And how we deal with them.

Another thing that I particularly loved was that the House of Secrets is like a character itself in the story. So, another question for both of you: How did you approach the world-building?

Matthew: The House of Secrets has been around in DC Comics lore for a long, long time. It’s been interpreted and reinterpreted in a many different ways, so I kind of took that meta-fact and applied it to the house in our story. Our House of Secrets has been passed down from Caretaker to Caretaker for centuries, and each one left their mark. Poor Yoshi then had to being all that to life on the page (btw, she knocked it out of the park)

Yoshi: Matthew had the idea that the House of Secrets had been passed through many different owners in different parts of the world and different eras. I absolutely loved that, and I personally relish any opportunity to kit-bash multiple cultural influences. Plus those huge stylistic changes really gave the impression of a magical unpredictable house—one you were just dying to run around yourself!

We see Teekl throughout the illustrations before we’re ever introduced to the character. Yoshi, was this an easter egg or is Teekl spying on the Zataras?

Yoshi: I was hoping someone would notice! And yes, Teekl is definitely a warning that Klarion and his mother are nearby, not that Zatanna understands that at the time. Its an Easter egg that’s fun on the reread.

Are there any other easter eggs that fans should keep an eye out for?

Matthew: Oh yeah! Yoshi’s art has a ton of clever hints and nods, but if you want to look for one in particular that might excite old school DC fans, pay special attention to the stone busts and portraits throughout the house to get a glimpse of the house’s original “caretakers”.

Yoshi: There are a few visual Easter Eggs for those who are familiar with the DC universe. I won’t give anything away, but definitely check out the school dance. Also, those in the know will recognize the Witch Queen’s assistants for what they are.

Speaking of fans, I’m going to geek out for a little bit here. In DC canon, Zatanna was the caretaker of the House of Mystery, which is similar to, the House of Secrets. Can we expect to see another story featuring the House of Mystery, perhaps a different caretaker?

Matthew: Huh. That’s a great idea! 😉

Is there anything else about the story that either of you would like to share?

Matthew: It’s really, really good!

What’s the best piece of creative advice that both of you have received and would like to pass on to other writers and artists?

Matthew: For writers, read more than you write – but write a lot.

Yoshi: Breaks are important to creative flow, and pursue a creative process that brings you joy.

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

Matthew: I tried to break into comics as a writer before I became a published novelist.

Yoshi: I’m allergic to coconut.

What are you working on next?

Matthew: I’m finishing up a novel for older readers and am working on a couple of kids comics projects that I’m really excited about.

Yoshi: Something else with DC!

How can people follow you on social media?

Matthew: On twitter I’m at @mattcodywrites. I tweet rarely but always respond!

Yoshi: Twitter @yoshisquared. Insta @yoshiyoshitani  Website Yoshiyoshitani.com

Thank you so much for the interview!

Zatanna and the House of Secrets is out now, and here at The Mixed-Up Files, we’re giving away a copy. Enter our giveaway below.

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The winner will be contacted  via email and asked to provide a mailing address (US/Canada only) to receive the book.

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Debating, Campaigning, and Voting, Oh My!

By on February 24, 2020   /   Articles, Book Lists, Curriculum Tie-in, Fiction, For Kids, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, Nonfiction  

The many televised debates along with the upcoming election have occupied a huge space in the realm of social media, social interaction, and social anxiety. I can’t help but think kids are also affected in many ways. It also makes me wonder how books can help them understand and cope. Fortunately, there are many middle-grade books–nonfiction and fiction–that deal with debating, campaigning, and voting. Here are just a few below. If you have a favorite that you’ve read with kids at home or in the classroom, please let us know in the comments section.

 

Speak Out! Debate and Public Speaking in the Middle Grades

By John Meany and Kate Shuster

Combining the practical and theoretical, Speak Out! teaches students the basics of public speaking, argumentation, and research, and helps them prepare for debate competitions and classroom debates. Exercises give students hands-on experience with important topics.

 

 

 

 

If They Can Argue Well, They Can Write Well

By Dr. Bill McBride

Every student can become a great debater. The key concepts of argumentation, critical thinking, and meeting academic standards align in a single, engaging format in this book. Packed with practical, hands-on activities, this collection teaches students to argue effectively, research information, think critically, and write persuasively. Also included is in-depth discussion on online research and emphasizes the timely skill of evaluating the validity of various internet sources. This revised edition provides specific connections between book content and the Common Core State Standards, as well as a new section on debate skills.

 

 

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

By Ann Braden

In this middle-grade novel, the protagonist joins the debate team and learns new ways to view her life:

Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there’s Lenny, her mom’s boyfriend—they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer. At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they’re in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it’s best if no one notices them. Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses.

Unfortunately, she’s not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom’s relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia’s situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they’re better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she’s ever had?

 

 

Running for Public Office

By Sarah De Capua

Find out just what it takes to run for office in the United States. Also learn about campaigning and how elections work.

A True Book: Civics series helps children become productive citizens by presenting core civic knowledge in a fun and engaging way. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.

From small town mayors to the men and women of the U.S. congress, all public officials play important roles in the nation’s government.

 

 

President of the Whole Fifth Grade

By Sherri Winston

Start counting your votes . . . and your friends.

When Brianna Justice’s hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!

But when new student Jasmine Moon announces she is also running for president, Brianna learns that she may have more competition than she expected. Will Brianna be able to stick to her plan of working with her friends to win the election fairly? Or will she jump at the opportunity to steal votes from Jasmine by revealing an embarrassing secret?

 

 

Lillian’s Right to Vote
By Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans

An elderly African American woman, en route to vote, remembers her family’s tumultuous voting history.

As Lillian, a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, makes a “long haul up a steep hill” to her polling place, she sees more than trees and sky—she sees her family’s history. She sees the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment and her great-grandfather voting for the first time. She sees her parents trying to register to vote. And she sees herself marching in a protest from Selma to Montgomery. Veteran bestselling picture-book author Jonah Winter and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Shane W. Evans vividly recall America’s battle for civil rights in this lyrical, poignant account of one woman’s fierce determination to make it up the hill and make her voice heard.

 

 

The Kid Who Ran for President

By Dan Gutman

“Hi! My name is Judson Moon. I’m twelve years old and I’m running for President of the YOU-nited States.”

That’s how I introduced myself to about a zillion people. I must have kissed a zillion babies, said a zillion hellos, shaken a zillion hands . . . Will I get a zillion votes? The answer might surprise you.

Can you picture a kid as President? Imagine what we can accomplish — together — in a country where parents listen. Where teachers give no homework. Where every lawmaker obeys a single kid — me! How am I going to pull this off? Who knows! Read the book to find out.

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Interview with Kevin Emerson, Author of Lost in Space: Return to Yesterday!

By on February 19, 2020   /   Articles  

Hello Mixed-Up Filers!

Have to start by saying that I was excited about this interview! For those who don’t know, I’m a huge fan of Lost in Space, both the original program, and the Netflix Reboot. So, when I was given the opportunity to read Kevin Emerson’s Lost in Space novel, Return to Yesterday, I jumped at the chance. Loved the book and am thrilled to be able to interview the author, Kevin Emerson!

JR: Hi, Kevin and thanks for joining us today!

KE: Thank you! Happy to be here.

JR: First off, can you tell us a little bit about how this came about? Were you approached to do the tie-in?

KE: I was approached by the editor at Little Brown. She was looking for a middle grade sci-fi writer and she saw my 2017 novel LAST DAY ON MARS (the first in the Chronicle of the Dark Star trilogy, all of which are now out) and thought it was a good fit. Once I watched the show, I totally agreed! And then we talked and found that we shared the same sci-fi and storytelling tastes.

JR: Will you be involved with further books in the series?

KE: Yes! In fact, I’ve already written a second book which comes out in May! It takes place between seasons 1 and 2, and is less time-travely and more spooky and mysterious. We’ve even talked about the possibility of a 3rd book but at the moment it is dependent on whether the series gets picked up for a 3rd season.

JR: I hope so, I really enjoy the series, and loved the book! Now, can you tell us a little bit about Return to Yesterday?

KE: It’s a fast-paced Back to the Future style time travel adventure. I guess more like Back to the Future Part II, where seemingly mundane actions lead to a dangerous alternate timeline. It has some Dr. Who and Next Generation influences as well. The story centers on Will Robinson and his Robot, and what happens when they discover a mysterious portal inside a cave on the planet where they’re stranded in Season 1. The portal can transport you across spacetime to almost any where and when of your choosing. Which is irresistible to a kid who misses Earth…. Penny and Judy, Will’s older sisters, also play a big part in the story, both in causing the timeline dilemma, and in solving it.

JR: How much freedom were you given to do a book based on established characters? Did you have to get approval on all the plot points?

KE: I did have to get approval, but I was given almost total freedom to come up with a story idea. There were really only two rules. First, the story had to take place within season 1, but obviously couldn’t affect the characters or the story. The trick there is that Season 1 is almost nonstop action and takes place over just a few weeks. The other rule was that the story needed to center on Will and the Robot. Now, if you’ve watched Season 1, you know that the Robot is not always around, so I had to find a window of time when they were both together, and when there was actually a stretch long enough to have a book-length adventure. I pretty quickly realized I needed some sort of plot that allowed time to be stretched. The show producers did suggest some ideas, one of which was for the characters to find ancient alien artifacts in a cave. I liked the idea of Will and the Robot exploring caves. Because the planet they’re stranded on has a bit of a Land of the Lost vibe, I thought of what kind of strange technology they could find in the caves, and it came together. WHY that technology is there is one of my favorite plot points of the book, but I don’t want to spoil it. 😉

It was a similar process with the second book, by the way. In that case, I got to read the shooting scripts for Season 2 over the summer, to find a suitable story spot. That was very cool!

 

JR: That’s amazing. So jealous that you got to read scripts ahead of time! And yes, I can see a Land of the Lost vibe, which by the way, is one of my faves as well. Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey getting to this point?

KE: Return to Yesterday is my 20th book. I published my first book in 2008 (I was 34), after about six years of seriously pursuing children’s and YA fiction. Before that, I taught science at a K-8 school, which was how I got turned on to kids books. During those six years, I wrote 3 manuscripts, all of which I sent out, and all of which accumulated many rejections (and one brief agent, and one finalist in a Random House first novel contest, and a bunch of nice feedback and connections). I left teaching halfway through, did various part time work in education, and spent as much time as I could writing. Finally, that third novel got me an agent, and became my first novel, Carlos is Gonna Get It (Arthur Levine Books 2008). I’ve always been interested in a variety of genres, so over the years I’ve worked with a bunch of different editors and publishing houses. I’ve been fortunate to be able to write and sell books and pay the rent doing it, not that it’s always been smooth sailing. I will say that LAST DAY ON MARS and its sequels are my bestselling books to date (and I think my best), so I feel like I’m in a good place. I’m grateful to have this career and that it’s going to continue, at least for a few more books.

JR: I read a lot of fascinating things on your website, http://www.kevinemerson.net/   such as you being in a band and moving around a lot, but the things that jumped out at me the most were some shared items we had. I also started as a science teacher, but with me, I didn’t know the first thing about science, and had to always struggle to stay one step ahead of the kids. So, how did you go from science to writing, and how much does your love of science influence the types of books you like to write?

KE: Hey that’s cool! I always wanted to be an author, but I didn’t love English classes, so in college I ended up majoring in Biology (specifically environmental science). I loved it, but when I graduated, I didn’t necessarily want to go to grad school. The teaching job was totally serendipitous. I’d moved to Boston after college to be in a band, and was working at an environmental science summer camp, where I met some parents from a school that was desperately seeking a science teacher. So I interviewed and got it. At first, I was in way over my head, but after the first year I found my footing and really loved the job.

I love thinking about science concepts, especially space and ecology, and I love talking about that stuff with kids, so it was natural to include a bit of science in my stories. Even when I’m not writing sci-fi, there are always little science bits and observations in there.

JR: This is perhaps the MOST important question of this interview. I also read we had another thing in common as kids. The love of the Choose Your Own Adventure books! How awesome were they? Yes, that’s a rhetorical question, but what was it about them that you loved?

KE: The first serious writing I ever did when I was a kid was fan fiction (Indiana Jones, James Bond), and part of that was based on reading Choose Your Own Adventure books. Basically, I wanted any way possible to feel like I was in the world of my favorite characters. I particularly loved books related to my favorite movies, I think not just because of the visual component, but because I’m very musical and I loved my adventures, whether in the backyard or with action figures or with a pencil and paper, to have a soundtrack. Choose Your Own Adventure books really made you feel like you were in the story.

JR: What’s your writing process like?

KE: Procrastinate, Panic, Type. No, it’s more like I ruminate on an idea for a while, (months to a few years, while I’m working on other things). Then I write up a basic short pitch, and the first real writing I do is to write a scene that happens in the middle of the story, so I can see all the characters acting and doing stuff without having to set it all up. I see how they interact, how they show their personalities in a scene, and I also get a sense for the rhythm and sounds and action of the story. Then I try to write a longer synopsis (to sell it to my agent and editor) and then I try to write the beginning. I use my synopsis as an outline, but it’s just a guide. My first draft is really my outline, because I learn so much scene-to-scene along the way.

JR: The procrastination part makes it sound like we have the same writing process. Have to ask, what’s your favorite book? 

KE: The two books that I reread every couple years are The Golden Compass and Slaughterhouse Five. Sentence-by-sentence, I just adore those two stories.

JR: And your favorite movie?

KE: I have so many but the movie I quote the most in life is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Though Empire Strikes Back is maybe actually my favorite. Weirdly my favorite franchise is Alien even though I only like some of those movies. But I love that world, and the way that universe feels.

JR: We share many of the same favorites. Something people would be surprised to learn about you?

KE: Probably that I have pretty strong anxiety. Apparently, I come across as being laid back (to people who don’t know me well), but that’s just my stoic Swedish expression. I have to work pretty hard on mindfulness and keeping myself on schedule to not get overwhelmed.

JR: What are you working on next?

KE: As we speak, I’m on deadline for my next original middle grade novel. It’s a standalone, earth-bound sci-fi story with a heavy nod to The X-Files, however it exists in the same universe as my DARK STAR series. I don’t have a title for it yet, but it should be out in 2021, IF I get this draft done!

JR: You had me at X-Files, so you just sold a copy. How can people follow you on social media?

KE: Probably the most fun place to follow me is Instagram. I’m on Twitter but I don’t post that much…Twitter is not great for my sanity.

JR: I’m with you on that. Have to force myself there. Before we go, one last question. You appeared in a Swedish TV commercial! What for and how did that happen?

KE: Ha! Yes, that happened. So, back in 2010, a call went around the music circles that I’m part of looking for musicians who were in their mid-30’s and also “looked like insurance salesmen” (I kid you not). There has literally never been a more apt description for my game J . It was for this series of commercials for a Swedish insurance company that was filming in Seattle. They did three of them, and in each one, some person ran into trouble that needed an insurance company, and these guys in suits would arrive and immediately break into “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing” by Stevie Wonder. I sang my version while standing in a foot of water in a flooded bakery set. They filmed us running through the streets downtown wearing suits (I still have the suit.) It was a surreal couple days. Really, it’s been a surreal career.

 JR: And I’m now running to YouTube to look for your commercial! 

That’s it for now Mixed-Up Filers. Thanks again to Kevin Emerson for taking the time to chat with us, and make sure you go out and get Lost in Space: Return to Yesterday!

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