In getting Kate Foster to choose me for Pitch Wars 2015, not only did I gain a new mentor and friend, but I was introduced to a great new adventure. Winell Road is a MEN IN BLACK meets TWILIGHT ZONE aimed at kids age 8-12. I won't ruin the book, but there's a total "Wait, what?" moment on page 51 that forced me to stay up way to late to figure out what was going on. If your kid (or you) likes aliens and underwear humor, check out this fast-paced, exciting adventure through one of the least boring streets in the universe.
Cheeses Was Here J.C. Davis
Ever since J.C. Davis chose me for Pitch Wars in 2015, I'd been dying to read this book. It was worth the wait. This book is amazing. It's the story of a girl trapped between the miracles she'd wished for and the "miracles" currently going on in her town. There are a lot of secrets, some of which you'll never see coming. No spoilers, but man... there's one I NEVER would have guessed and it completely broke my heart.
The major secret -- the one behind the miracles -- really leaves you thinking about what could and should be okay. How good intentions mixed with desperation can make you do things you'd never imagined.
My Life with the Liars Caela Carter
Once Caela chose me for Pitch Wars 2017, I immediately read her début Middle Grade book to see her writing style. I was blown away and still can't believe Caela chose my manuscript to work with.
My Life with the Liars is about Zylynn, a girl who has just been removed from a cult. She's moved in with a group of "liars" who claim to be her family and claim to be "saving" her. But Zylynn is facing a deadline. If she can't find her way back to "live in the light" by her 13th birthday, she'll be stuck in the darkness forever.
It is heartbreaking to watch this girl navigate her new world. Where food is abundant and colors are allowed. Where shampoo smells good and it's okay to ask questions. And the question then becomes, who is the real liar? And can Zylynn figure it out in time?