“Beyonders starts like Narnia, then finishes like Lord of the Rings.” That bold statement comes from Beyonders author Brandon Mull, whose second book in the series, “Seeds of Rebellion,” came out Tuesday. “In the beginning, we have characters from our world crossing into a fantasy reality that needs help, which sounds Narnia-esque,” Brandon continued. “But once…

Dawn Lairamore’s love of books was first formed when she was a young reader. They were special years, she says. “I can very clearly remember walking into libraries and bookstores when I was a kid and just having a great feeling of excitement fall over me — all these wonderful books and stories right at…

“Book of Wonders” author Jasmine Richards gets to read books all day. In addition to a burgeoning writing career, she’s also a senior commissioning editor for children’s fiction at Oxford University Press. It’s a great job, but that also means her own writing is reserved for evenings and weekends. When she is writing, Jasmine doesn’t…

It began with Kirsten, Samantha and Molly, three bright young ladies living in 1854, 1904 and 1944 respectively. They were American Girls from the past brought in the form of books and dolls into homes of the future. Now, some 25 years and seven more historical-fiction characters later, two more American Girls have entered the…

“You deserve no marks for having the talent,” says John Flanagan, “that’s given to you. But developing it by practicing your craft and honing it is a very worthwhile pastime.” The author of more than 10 novels for young readers says that the more you write, the better you get. And he admits over the…

Middle grade is a “sweet spot” in children’s literature, says Tess Hilmo. “Sandwiched between early chapter books and teen novels, middle-grade stories are quite often the first novel length works we read in our youth,” the author of “With a Name Like Love” told Cracking the Cover. “As such, they have a special place in…

Jessica Day George was in the fifth grade when she learned that being a writer could be a real job. She fell in love with Robin McKinley’s “Hero and the Crown” and decided that she wanted to write fantasy books, too. Fast-forward to 2011 and Jessica has become an author in her own right. Among…

“Write what you think you can’t.” It’s a piece of advice M. T. Anderson once gave to fellow author Kathi Appelt. But the words didn’t just speak to her; they’ve also spoken to Matthew J. Kirby, author of “The Clockwork Three” and a new tale, “Icefall.” “Icefall” is the story of Solveig, a plain and…

Middle-grade novels, even realistic ones, are magic, says author Tami Lewis Brown. “Young readers get totally immersed in great stories, and those stories have the power to change their lives.” Though becoming an author never occurred to her until she was in her 30s, Tami loves the idea that something she writes could open a…

Fiftieth anniversaries are always important, but for book to still be on the shelves 50 years after its first printing is more than impressive, it’s extraordinary. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Penguin Young Readers Group and Puffin U.K. are touting the success of a perennial children’s favorite — “James and the Giant…