So let’s look at some middle grade. There are lots of cute books for this age group I enjoy but seem more for kids. Then there are some that speak to all ages. And both of these next books fit that bill. The first one you’ve seen recently on my blog. The story has stayed with me.

NOWHERE GIRL by A.J. Paquette

The writing in this heartfelt and moving story had me clicking my Kindle – fast! It is a book for the ages – all of them! Beautiful prose. Exciting action. Suspense.

THE CASTING by Joyce Shor Johnson.

There might be a reason you haven’t read this story yet – that’s because it’s not out. I beta read this story for Joyce and I loved it. Similar to NOWHERE GIRL in the heartfelt journey, the high stakes, and the inner story! Why don’t we hear a bit more from the author!

1. What’s the history behind The Casting, in the writing of it…etc?

THE CASTING started with a conversation about the Bronze Age with some friends about 10 years ago. Then it became my MFA thesis. I sold it once, but that fell through and now I’m publishing it through Pugalicious Press.

2. How were you able to weave the technology of ancient bronze casting with a character people will care about?

Robyn has dreams and aspirations like any twelve year-old. She needs to make hard choices, the ones that will affect her entire life. So weaving in the history and art was all about illuminating this time in history. I spent a week in Ireland exploring the areas that I wrote about, which really helped with he details. I spent time with a metal smith and watched her work and visited a real foundry. The story just seemed to flow. I love the art of traditional crafting and I love technology. So it was the natural progression of the things I love.

3. What are you currently working on?

I am working on a new middle grade novel that has to with another ancient technology, glass.

4. Why Pugalicious Press? In a few sentences.

Because I like the philosophy behind the press and being part of the team that Pugalicious offers. If you go to their website, they say, “We want our books to be a creative collaboration between authors, artists, designers and editors.” I like this concept and I am so thrilled to be a part of this collaborative effort.

5. What’s your muse? What do you do to find inspiration?

I’d like to say I dig into my own timeless preteen and teenage angst and explore those feelings. But, I look at my children and incorporate what they are experiencing right now, today, and see that so much of the emotions and experiences are the still the same as when I was a kid, except for the technology. I also teach high school, so I get a ton of good stuff there!

Thanks Joyce for answering my questions and putting yourself out there!

THE CASTING is on Kickstarter right now. You can donate small amounts of money or large amounts in exchange for prizes, one being the book! You only pay if Joyce reaches her goal. If this books sounds interesting, head on over and watch the trailer and find out about it! I loved it and can’t wait to hold a copy in my hands and see it on my shelf!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joycejohnson/the-casting-an-ancient-adventure

And continue to share your count down of favorite books in the comments!