The Girl From Everywhere | Nix has spent her entire life aboard her father’s ship, sailing across the centuries, across the world, across myth and imagination. As long as her father has a map for it, he can sail to any time, any place, real or imagined: nineteenth-century China, the land from One Thousand and One Nights, a mythic version of Africa. Along the way they have found crewmates and friends, and even a disarming thief who could come to mean much more to Nix. But the end to it all looms closer every day. Her father is obsessed with obtaining the one map, 1868 Honolulu, that could take him back to his lost love, Nix’s mother. Even though getting it—and going there—could erase Nix’s very existence. For the first time, Nix is entering unknown waters. She could find herself, find her family, find her own fantastical ability, her own epic love. Or she could disappear. |
Why do you read young adult fiction? I loved children’s literature growing up—Roald Dahl and Louis Sachar were two of my favorites—but can I share a secret? I didn’t read that much YA when I was a teenager! I was an eensy bit ambitious and determined to read all the “Great Classics” before I graduated, so my bookshelf was filled with Dickens and Austen, Dostoevsky and Steinbeck. Then one fateful day I discovered The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and my reading world was forever changed. That book blew my young mind. I hadn’t realized until then that there were books out there about actual problems and emotions that normal teens felt on an everyday basis. (Keep in mind, I grew up in the time of The O.C. and Gossip Girl; plenty of fun in their own way, but not reflective of my own life.) My experience with Perks sparked a desire to read more and more YA contemporary novels, and that’s just what I did. That late teenage exploration turned into an abiding love for YA. Some of the most honest, well-written, laugh-out-loud/sob-out-loud fiction I have read is Young Adult. (And remember, I made a survey of those “Great Classics”!) So, as a book-lover, how could I deny myself the joys of such a rich body of literature? What YA books are you reading now? I recently finished The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcok, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo, and I highly recommend ALL of them. There have been so many fantastic releases in the past year! I’ve just begun Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali, and I already love it to pieces.
When and where do you read? Lately, I’ve been on the road for long stretches of time, so audiobooks have been my best friends. I also listen to books as I cook dinner, go on walks, and work out—basically every multitasking opportunity I get! But nothing beats snuggling up with a good old paper book either in the corner of my bed or in the armchair by my current apartment’s bay window. One of my favorite post-writing treats is disappearing into a story at the end of the day; if it’s storming outside, even better. What draws you to a book? I absolutely judge books by their covers. Whoops. But gorgeous or intriguing cover art jumps off the shelf at me. For example, have you seen Sarah Combs’ The Light Fantastic? I am so in love with that design (and the story inside). Generally, though I pick up books that have been personally recommended to me. One of the great perks of writing YA is the amount of talented writing friends I’ve met along the way. So if it’s a book a friend has written or recommends, it automatically goes to the top of my list. I highly value voice in novels, so I’m especially eager to read books described as “voice-y” and that are more character- than plot-driven. Do you ever reread books? Oh, absolutely! I don’t reread too often, simply because there are too many NEW books on my TBR list that I’m eager to get to. But I do have some perennial favorites (all of which are listed in the following question!) that I pick up again every year or two. Some stories never get old. Which YA books has had the most impact on your writing? As I mentioned earlier, The Perks of Being a Wallflower had a huge effect on my decision to write YA. Other YA books that have inspired me, or that I consult when I need to be reminded of what compelling storytelling looks like include I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, and the Raven Cycle books by Maggie Stiefvater.
Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again? Universal recommendations that are always at the tip of my tongue are Matilda by Roald Dahl, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Lately, I’ve been recommending Angie Thomas’ brilliant The Hate U Give right and left. For friends interested in getting into YA contemporary, I recommend Perks and Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. And for friends interested in YA fantasy, I recommend the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo. In her wild, early years, Kathryn Omsbee taught English as a Foreign Language, interned with a film society, and did a lot of irresponsible road tripping. Nowadays, she teaches piano lessons, records a weekly true crime podcast with her sister, and runs races she never wins. She likes clothes from the 60s, music from the 70s, and movies from the 80s. She is from the 90s. You can visit her online at: keormsbee.com
Why do you read young adult fiction? I love good stories and the quality of any story is really independent of the audience it's marketed to. With YA in particular, I find the books are often refreshers on the thoughts and emotions I had as a teen. Aside from there being a multitude of incredible YA books, so there's an endless reading supply, in some ways it's like reading journal entries from people who were very much like I was at a given age. It's exploring and reminiscing all in one. What YA book are you reading now? THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas (who isn't reading that book right now?) It's fantastic! The YA book before that was THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon. Fantastic as well.
When and where do you read? Mostly in bed. But I also listen to audiobooks in the car, or read on my phone in the grocery line, or...or...or...I read anywhere I can. Lately there have been a lot of planes and trains in the mix. But, I usually have several books available at any given time. What draws you to a book? Mostly word of mouth. Honestly almost everything I read is because some friend or colleague has talked it up. Do you ever reread books? Not often. If I do, it's probably one of my all time favorites that I've read a hundred times, or something I'm analyzing either for myself or for a class I need to teach. Otherwise, I have a To Be Read pile to get to, and it's taller than I am (Not difficult because I'm short! Lol!) Which YA book has had the most impact on your writing? UNWIND by Neal Shusterman. That book made me realize that there are really no topics that are off limits, even if your intended reader is young. And his world building is something to be marveled at. I've yet to attempt a speculative story on his level, but it's something I aspire to.
Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again? It's easier for me to recommend authors instead of individual books because all of these writers churn out engrossing reads over and over. Anything written by Nicola Yoon. Anything by Meg Medina. Jason Reynolds' books...take your pick there. Cindy Pon's novels. Ellen Oh's. Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton's bad girl ballerina novels. Daniel José Older's SHADOWSHAPER. Kwame Alexander's THE CROSSOVER. Matt de la Peña's THE LIVING. I could probably keep going...and when you want to read all of them, that can be a problem. But I think you could classify that as a good problem, and that's okay! Lamar Giles's love of stories and storytelling began at an early age in his hometown of Hopewell, Virginia. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 1997, he attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. It was at ODU where he decided to pursue writing as a career, making his first professional short story sale at the age of 21. For more information, please visit: lrgiles.com.
 Click on cover to add in Goodreads In stores March, 28, 2017!
Why do you read young adult fiction? I think I fell in love with YA because there is such an immediacy to the problems characters face. They’re experiencing things for the first time and because of that, everything is deeply felt. I also think society tends to underestimate young people, and I love seeing characters with agency making their own path.  What YA book are you reading now? I’ve recently gotten really into mysteries! I just finished FAR FROM YOU by Tess Sharpe, and am currently reading THE MYSTERY OF HOLLOW PLACES by Rebecca Podos. When and where do you read? I read before bed and on the weekends. My favorite places to read are on the beach or in front of a fire! What draws you to a book? If I’m browsing in a bookstore, I’ll admit to often picking up books based on their covers. Next step is reading the blurb and/or the first page. I also love getting recommendations from friends! Do you ever reread books? Yes! I reread a few favorites every year. Sometimes I do it to draw inspiration and refill the well. Other books I read again and again just because I like visiting old friends. :) Which YA books have had the most impact on your writing? One book that really inspired me to sit down and try to write my debut novel was THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson. It just made me fall in love with words all over again. But Sarah Dessen, Courtney Summers, and Megan McCafferty were all huge influences and led me to read and write YA.
Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again? JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta is probably my favorite book, and one I definitely recommend a ton. Another is JASPER JONES by Craig Silvey. Apparently I really like Australian authors! When not writing, Emily Martin can be found hiking New England’s peaks, searching for the perfect cup of hot chocolate, or baking something pumpkin-flavored. Her debut young adult novel, THE YEAR WE FELL APART, is out now from S&S/Simon Pulse. For more information please visit: emilymartinwrites.com  Click on cover to add in Goodreads
I love fan art and I happen to live with a very talented young artist. So when the Polar Blair asked if there was anything special I wanted for Mother’s Day…  Dogwood and Ginna
Why do you read young adult fiction? I've read that that writers write from the age they feel stuck in or that they still have unfinished business in. Which means, I probably have a lot of issues that need working out leftover from my teens! Also, I really love reading YA as it's so full of awkward and yet character-defining moments.
When and where do you read? I do mostly audiobooks nowadays, which means I read in the car or while I take a walk. What draws you to a book? I'm always looking for diverse fiction. I also love a good sea-faring book, and a little bit of magic. Do you ever reread books? Yes! I think we reread books because of the way they make us feel. When a reader tells me they want to reread my book, I feel like I've succeeding in creating a world in which they want to be a part.
Which YA books have had the most impact on your writing? LA Meyer's BLOODY JACK series -- Meyer was a master of voice. I love anything by Markus Zusak. Which books do you find yourself recommending over and over again? I've been recommending Robin LaFevers' GRAVE MERCY a lot lately; I also loved Yangsze Choo's THE GHOST BRIDE. I love historical and historical fantasy. Stacey Lee is a native of southern California. She graduated from UCLA then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in the Silicon Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of being able to nap during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain. She plays classical piano, raises children, and writes YA fiction. For more information, please visit: staceylee.com
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#readingYAI read YA because it brings back memories. And sometimes, it helps me to understand the teenagers who live in my house. I read YA because the authors are brilliant. They tell stories that make me laugh and break my heart. They show me the world from a different perspective. 
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