Posts Tagged New Releases

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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Interview with Author Cindy Jenson-Elliot: The Doomsday Detectives

By on March 14, 2025   /   Author Interviews, Nonfiction  
The Doomsday Detectives book

I always love bringing attention to new nonfiction books for kids and this is a GOOD one! I’m delighted to welcome author Cindy Jens0n-Elliott to the Mixed-Up Files Blog today.

Cindy Jensen-Elliott

 

She will be talking about her new book, The Doomsday Detectives

The Doomsday Detectives book

JLG Gold Standard

 

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection 2025

 

 

* “Packed with explanations of scientific terminology and methods of operation, this detailed and compelling book is a superb guide for curious STEM-focused readers. An outstanding resource that depicts the winding and complex journey of scientific exploration.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “This fascinating, informative volume highlights not only the people at the center of the discovery but the scientific processes by which they came to their conclusions….Perfect for kids who want to go all-in on dinosaurs.” — Booklist, starred review

 

 

 

 

JS: Welcome to the blog. I really loved this book. Let’s start with the first question: What drew you to writing about these two scientists?

Cindy J-E:   In summer 2017, I was driving to my first day at a new full-time teaching job when my agent, Stefanie Sanchez von Borstel, called to give me some updates: a rejection of a manuscript I had recently sent to her, and an opportunity. Cheryl Klein, an editor at Lee and Low Books, was seeking a picture book family biography of Walter and Luis Alvarez, the two scientists behind the discovery of evidence that an asteroid was responsible for the Cretaceous extinction. While I was intrigued – I LOVED my college geology classes and I LOVED teaching science — I was also feeling really overwhelmed. I was making a big career switch from holding five simultaneous but flexible low-paying part-time jobs in high-end communities, to holding one full-time teaching job in a low-income community. I was also switching from teaching grades 1 – 8 science and outdoor education to teaching middle school English to three different grades. As an introvert, full-time teaching has always been challenging for my psyche, especially when my kids were young. So I was especially nervous about the return to the classroom. However, writing, even in my most successful years writing for educational test companies, magazines, newspapers and publishers, has never been enough to pay the bills. But I could feel a spark of curiosity igniting.

I told Stefanie I would read Walter Alvarez’s book, T-Rex and the Crater of Doom, and see if I wanted to write a picture book biography. How long could that take, right? Over the next few months, I read Alvarez’s book before bed and on weekends, and contemplated how I might tackle a biography. By Christmas, I realized that this would have to be much more than a picture book biography. This story, involving everything in science from Paleontology and Earth Science to Astrophysics, was a science mystery much more complex than a simple biography suggested. For children to understand how scientists solved the mystery of the Cretaceous extinction, they would need to know the science that led to the discovery. I began working on a book proposal for a longer middle grade nonfiction book, and we submitted it to Cheryl in early 2018.

 

JS: How did you decide to turn this book from a “normal” biography focusing on the scientists, to a journey of discovery? 

Cindy J-E: By summer, Cheryl had rejected my first proposal — it’s hard to remember why — but she offered to let me rewrite it, along with a sample chapter, if I wanted to make another attempt. I spent the summer and fall of my second year at the school researching and writing a second draft of the proposal. This time around, I structured it as a long-form science mystery, and developed a structure that included elements I knew my students would appreciate — graphic elements, expository elements, narrative family biography and a narrative of science discovery. I would start it with the discovery of dinosaurs and the idea of extinction, and proceed to the discovery of the crater. In the proposal, I included samples of each type of writing – comic script, expository science, science and biographical narrative — as well as a 20-page outline. We turned the proposal in again and waited. Six months later – a contract!

 

JS: Whose idea was it to use graphic novel-like insets to explain the more complex science? (I think this is brilliant, by the way).

Cindy J-E: Thank you! It was my idea to use graphic nonfiction to explain some of the science through graphic narrative, and it came about because by 2019, I had been segued over to teaching science in my school instead of English, possibly because, in my very traditionally-minded school (at that time) I was teaching students to write comic narratives in English class, in addition to essays. Prepping for science teaching, however, is a lot more work than prepping for English class, so I asked my school if I could teach two grades instead of three, and two types of science – 6th grade Earth Science and 8th grade Physical Science – instead of three (Life Science). At this particular school, this was considered part-time teaching – two preps instead of three – and working 7 -2 instead of 7-4. The best way to learn science, for me, is to teach it and to have to write about it. So having my writing and teaching focused on the same topics was helpful. I wrote the book I wanted my students – 98% of whom were English-language learners – to use to learn science, so graphics were a great resource for them.

 

JS: Can you give us a couple of  intriguing fun facts that you learned while writing this book? 

Cindy J-E: Instead of  intriguing facts, I will give you some amazing facts and experiences I had in researching and writing this book.

Intriguing fact #1: I hadn’t realized how recently, in the grand scheme of things, dinosaurs were discovered at all, AND long it took people to realize that extinction was even possible. When there were parts of Earth that were still uncharted by Europeans, folks thought that maybe dinosaurs were hiding out in some deep, dark pocket of Earth.

This also points to my own realization of how often new and alternative hypotheses are ridiculed, often for decades, until enough data comes in. I tried to include a variety of voices and viewpoints with respect.

Intriguing fact #2: When I was scripting the first and last comics, I had written sound effects for the voices of dinosaurs. Then I came across a study by a scientist who studies animal sounds and the acoustics of their skulls. His work suggested that T-Rex probably sounded more like a hunting horn than a roar.

 

JS: What would you like readers to get out of this book?

Cindy J-E: I would like readers to understand the great joy, responsibility and gift science is to our world. As I say at the end, “Scientists – geologists, paleontologists, physicists, and every other researcher in every field – never stop digging for data, collecting evidence and retesting results. The scientific practices of asking questions, tossing around ideas with colleagues from around the world (who often become friends), developing a hypothesis, and testing to see if it is actually true are the eternal pleasures of doing science. Science presents a never-ending opportunity to learn and grow, and to expand the knowledge of civilization. Scientists don’t work for themselves; they work for everyone – everyone on the entire planet, now and in the future – to bring the truth to light and make it accessible and available to the whole world.” (p. 186)

I want readers to understand what the scientific process really is, how it is used, and how our knowledge changes as we gather more information. Science is not static. It is growth.

JS: How would you like teachers/librarians to use this book?

Cindy J-E: I would like this book to be used by teachers who want to collaborate across the curriculum – science and the humanities – as a class book to teaching middle school Earth science curriculum. Students can identify science processes used as the mystery is solved. They can teach students to use comics to explain their ideas.

Thanks so much for being on our blog today, Cindy. If you want to learn more about The Doomsday Detectives or Cindy, please go to her website: https://cindyjensonelliott.com/

 

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Author Spotlight: Rosanne Parry + a GIVEAWAY

By on March 10, 2025   /   Author Interviews  

Author Spotlight: Rosanne Parry + a GIVEAWAY                                                            

Today, I’m excited to shine the Author Spotlight on children’s author and fellow MUF member Rosanne Parry! Rosanne’s latest MG novel, A Wolf Called Fire, praised by Kirkus as “an exciting and thoughtful portrait inspired by a real animal who succeeded by being different,” was out February 4 from Greenwillow Books and is a 2025 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a #1 Indie Best Seller.

Interview with Rosanne

Welcome, Rosanne! Congratulations on the release of your beautiful new novel! It’s a pleasure to highlight the work of a fellow MUF member. A Wolf Called Fire is such a wonderful addition to the Voice of the Wilderness Series. Can you tell us a little background about what inspired these books?

Over the years I’ve gotten many letters from young readers who loved A Wolf Called Wander and were very worried about what happened to the brother he loved so much. So I was happy to return to the world of my wolf pack in the Wallowa Mountains. And there is much more research now about the dynamics of how wolf packs are lead and what kind of wolf grows up to be the alpha. So I wanted to explore how a wolf pup who starts out his life as the omega pup goes on to become a leader.

Point of View

It is so interesting that this story was inspired by a real wolf who became such an extraordinary pack leader, and I was amazed at how you were able to truly capture the point of view of an animal. I’d love to hear about your process and how you manage to write from this perspective so effectively. 

The work of reading fiction is to step outside of the self for a time and live as the fictional character does. So the work of the writer of fiction is to describe that fictional life and world with accuracy and detail that is not just vivid but accessible to the reader.

I have to reach out toward the wolf and ask myself what does this environment feel like. What color is the dirt and how does it feel under my feet and what does it smell like and what does the smell of this particular patch of dirt I’m standing on tell me about the world I need to survive in.

And then I also have to reach toward that child reader and ask myself what words will make this particular wilderness come to life. Because my reader has almost certainly never been to the backcountry of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and probably has not spent any time at all in the wilderness. So how can I choose words that will make them feel a part of that wilderness experience. It takes a lot of research and a lot of time spent in the actual settings of the story.

Voice

You describe the natural world so vividly through all the senses. Your writing is beautiful and lyrical. What advice do you have to new writers as they strive to find their voices?

I would encourage new writers to think of their voice as not so much something external to quest after, as though you might, at last, arrive at the Tree of Symbolism and pluck your own voice from among its fruits. Your voice has always resided within. So it’s more an enterprise of listening deeply to yourself and asking yourself what you hope to communicate in a particular story. And then thinking what a story needs in terms of tone and structure. Your own voice is already there. It’s more a matter of being humble enough to recognize it and proud enough not to let the editing process knock off all the interesting edges.

Characters

Along with Warm, the book includes many other memorable characters. Do you have a favorite secondary character? Who and why?

I really enjoyed writing Snow and Pounce in this story. Both are female wolves with plenty of leadership qualities who find themselves is a pack they don’t like. The one gathers her courage and leaves her pack. But the other quietly forms alliances within the pack she hates and in the end forms a new pack with them.

Back Matter

With its wonderful educational content, this book is sure to be a huge hit with teachers, and the exciting, fast-paced story and beautiful illustrations throughout will be so appealing to kids. Your back matter is very interesting and an excellent supplement. Young readers are going to absolutely adore learning about the real wolf behind the story, as well as the map of Warm’s journey and the pictures of the animal tracks. I love all you say about how kids can make a difference. How did you decide what to include in the back matter? 

When the first Voice of the Wilderness book was written I could not find an American publisher for it, so it was the British publisher Andersen Press who took it on. I had a meeting with them in London when we were at the beginning of the editing process. A British audience knows so little about the American wilderness that we talked at length about how to make the text accessible to them. Illustrations were my editor’s idea. I asked for the back matter to make the book work for teachers who also have to teach map reading and ecosystems and natural history and human history. They agreed that teachers need every bit of support we can offer, and so they set the standard for the books that followed. I’m grateful that Greenwillow has stuck with the format because the price of paper is rising and absolutely every page counts.

What was your biggest challenge in writing this story?

Greenwillow was very keen to have FIRE come out in 2025–their 50th anniversary year. And my approach to writing is not a speedy one. Honestly, the biggest challenge was getting the story researched and written in time to have it so beautifully illustrated and designed. It was a huge team effort. Much gratitude to the illustrator, Mónica Armiño, art director Sylvie Le Floc’h, and editor Virginia Duncan.

Writing Process

Will you tell us a little about your writing process? Where/when do you prefer to write?

I love to write outside when it’s warm enough for that. My treehouse is a favorite spot, but the truth is I can write almost anywhere and I often have to make due perching in whatever space is available. Research is probably the most defining aspect of my writing. I do a lot of it and it requires a fair amount of camping at the moment. Fortunately I love that!

Takeaways

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

Literacy is my primary objective. Because it’s a relatively short book, it’s often a 7 or 8 or 9 year olds first middle grade novel that they have read on their own, and they are a better reader by the time they get to the end of it. I want my reader to feel empowered to read ever more complex and challenging books and newspapers. I want them to care about the wilderness and believe that they have something to say in the defense of land and creatures who cannot speak for themselves.

Influences

What are some current books that have influenced you as a kidlit writer?

I really enjoy books that test the limits and try something new. Virginia Euwer Wolff is a long time friend and mentor. She’s also one of the first YA authors to write in verse. Her Make Lemonade was a game changing read for me.

I have heaps of admiration for Brian Selznick who pioneered an alternating text and sequential illustration story that stands apart from all the rest and makes me think about story in new ways every single time. If you haven’t read The Invention of Hugo Cabret, you are in for a treat.

I’m also a big fan of the graphic novel Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case. It’s a climate future story about a middle school girl and her scientist guardian who are traveling a west coast almost devoid of humans. The story alone is fabulous but the author included non-fiction touches large and small that I very much appreciated. There are pages of the main character’s homework which provide useful back story and fun facts. There are directions on how to tie knots or get into a backpacker’s hammock or navigate by stars. Every new setting has the GPS coordinates in case you wanted to find the place for yourself. A real innovation — blending traditional graphic novel panels with the finest in illustrated nonfiction.

Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?

My next Voice of the Wilderness novel will be about ravens.

And for the lightning round:

Coffee or tea? Cocoa

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset

Favorite place to travel: The homeward journey has always been my favorite.

Favorite dessert: Ice cream

Superpower: Moral Courage and Compassion are the superpowers we most need.

Favorite music: When I was writing A Wolf Called Fire I listened to a lot of classical pieces by Vivaldi and Respighi. They made me think of the forest.

Favorite book from childhood:  A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin

Thanks again, Rosanne! It was so much fun to learn about you and get a behind the scenes look at your amazing novel! Learn more about Rosanne on her website and follow her on Instagram.

Bio

Rosanne grew up in Oregon loving its wild places and fabulous libraries.  She’s the author of the bestselling Voice of the Wilderness novels and nonfiction picture books. Her newest is A Wolf Called Fire. Rosanne sells books at Annie Blooms, and writes in a treehouse in her backyard.

For a chance to win a signed copy of A Wolf Called Fire, comment on the blog!  (Giveaway ends March 17, 2025 MIDNIGHT EST.) U.S. only, please. 

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