Ask the Author: Jane G. Meyer
Answered Questions (7)
Jane G. Meyer
Hi, Keri. I never did see this question when it came through on Goodreads. Forgive me. I'll answer anyway, just in case it might help someone at some point.
There are so many accessible, middle grade books, and it's one of my favorite age groups... Basically, you're looking for a book that has shortish chapters, that has lots of actions and where the plot moves quickly, and maybe where the type isn't too small so that kids don't get bogged down on one page for too long. Some books for boys that come to mind right away are: Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (she's a great author for that age group); Freddy the Pig books (from the 50's and so funny); The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp; Swallows and Amazons (set in England--a classic); my son loved the James Patterson books like the House of Robots series--or the Big Nate series (Lincoln Pierce--lots of illustrations and young boy humor) ... Another tact is the graphic novel world--for example the The Adventures of TinTin series by Herge--the graphic novel section in the library for middle grade students is a fascinating place to browse with so many choices like Pippi Longstocking (she's amazing!) and Hilda books. A couple other recommendations would be the Redwall series by Brian Jacques; Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief along with the sequels; and the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. There aren't many middle grade books that push any strange boundaries, so think about the child's interests (space, history, adventure, fantasy, etc...) and you'll be able to find something that will fit with the child. Lastly, one real favorites that my sons have liked, but may appear geared a bit more for girls is the Penderwick books (they're amazing!). Hope this helps!
There are so many accessible, middle grade books, and it's one of my favorite age groups... Basically, you're looking for a book that has shortish chapters, that has lots of actions and where the plot moves quickly, and maybe where the type isn't too small so that kids don't get bogged down on one page for too long. Some books for boys that come to mind right away are: Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (she's a great author for that age group); Freddy the Pig books (from the 50's and so funny); The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp; Swallows and Amazons (set in England--a classic); my son loved the James Patterson books like the House of Robots series--or the Big Nate series (Lincoln Pierce--lots of illustrations and young boy humor) ... Another tact is the graphic novel world--for example the The Adventures of TinTin series by Herge--the graphic novel section in the library for middle grade students is a fascinating place to browse with so many choices like Pippi Longstocking (she's amazing!) and Hilda books. A couple other recommendations would be the Redwall series by Brian Jacques; Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief along with the sequels; and the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. There aren't many middle grade books that push any strange boundaries, so think about the child's interests (space, history, adventure, fantasy, etc...) and you'll be able to find something that will fit with the child. Lastly, one real favorites that my sons have liked, but may appear geared a bit more for girls is the Penderwick books (they're amazing!). Hope this helps!
Jane G. Meyer
For the world around me. Like any art, when you are busy creating, ideas just come.
Jane G. Meyer
I'm currently editing and producing several books, which is such a joy for me. No spoilers, sorry.
My own works? I'm trying desperately to break into the secular/general market and sell some of my stories there. I have eight books I'm hoping to sell--picture books about hedgehogs, and princes, about love, and my beach days. And a middle grade story about a boy named Ted.
My own works? I'm trying desperately to break into the secular/general market and sell some of my stories there. I have eight books I'm hoping to sell--picture books about hedgehogs, and princes, about love, and my beach days. And a middle grade story about a boy named Ted.
Jane G. Meyer
Just write a lot. All the time. Every day, and get input from others. And read. Read so very much...
Jane G. Meyer
My office with the blue wall, and the fact that the bunny comes to visit me. Really, it's the flexibility, and the portability of this profession. The fact that I can work from a summer house in Finland is pretty awesome (that's a dream of mine...).
Jane G. Meyer
Movement. And I just keep writing. Taking breaks--walking around the neighborhood, then pushing forward with words even when they're all bad. I believe in not waiting to be inspired, but using the pen itself to unblock the brain...
Jane G. Meyer
Hi, Mimi! Both. What matters for me when I write about a saint is the actual story that is being conveyed to the child. Up until now I have only published picture book texts about saints, so the stories that inspire me are ones that could easily be understood and passed along to a little one. If the story has a nice arc of conflict and resolution, without a lot of violence, then it's already a great candidate. The person of St Brigid was introduced to me when I was working on the edits for The Life of Saint Patrick with Zachary Lynch. His zeal for her, and a subsequent trip to Ireland had me quickly falling in love. She is my hero. The story of St Romanos is one that I read on my own, and his well known miracle has all these seeds of faith, beauty, humility and love swirling all around it. So perfect for kids.
The saint stories that end in violence and death, in my humble opinion, are best left for an older audience. Not that you can't read these stories to small children, you can, but when it comes to an illustrated picture book--images can be so powerful. I like the idea of stories of martyrs saved for an age group that can better grasp their sacrifice...
The saint stories that end in violence and death, in my humble opinion, are best left for an older audience. Not that you can't read these stories to small children, you can, but when it comes to an illustrated picture book--images can be so powerful. I like the idea of stories of martyrs saved for an age group that can better grasp their sacrifice...
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