The Children’s Book Review | December 17, 2018
Margaret Peterson Haddix is the author of many critically and popularly acclaimed YA and middle grade novels, including the Children of Exile series, The Missing series, the Under Their Skin series, and the Shadow Children series. A graduate of Miami University (of Ohio), she worked for several years as a reporter for The Indianapolis News. She also taught at the Danville (Illinois) Area Community College. She lives with her family in Columbus, Ohio.
I write because …
I get ideas I fall in love with, and I want to share those ideas and that love with others.
I read because …
It’s fun. And it makes me think.
My latest published book is …
I wrote this book because …
Well, originally I thought I was going to write this simply to finish the story arc of the Children of Exile trilogy. However, I started working on it during the 2016 presidential campaign, and my purpose shifted a bit. I wanted to explore how people (or perhaps just sentient beings in general) who see their world very differently can still find a way to work together and create a society that is good for everyone. I wanted to write myself into believing it was possible.
Best moment …
While reading? Any moment when I totally forget who and where I am because I’m completely lost in a book and feel as though I am seeing everything through the character(s)’ eyes. And while writing, it’s also when I totally forget who and where I am because I’m completely lost in the book I’m writing. (But for the writing moment to be the best, it’s also important for the words to be flowing well.)
My special place to write is …
My office in my own home. Usually surrounded by scraps of paper where I’ve scribbled notes that would be indecipherable to anyone else. (Truth check here: Sometimes they’re indecipherable to me, too.)
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
My brain. (I know—that sounds a little sarcastic. But really, I’m not picky about other writing tools.)
The person who has been my greatest writing teacher or inspiration is …
Hmm. I hesitate to single out any one person, since many were influential. So I’ll go with a thing or things instead: All the books I’ve read have been huge inspirations!
Currently reading …
CODE GIRLS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE AMERICAN WOMEN CODE BREAKERS OF WORLD WAR II, by Liza Mundy. At the moment I am not entirely sure if it is for research for a new book, or just for fun. (Regardless, it’s fascinating.)
Favorite bookshop …
All of them. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a bookstore I didn’t love.
All-time favorite children’s book I didn’t write …
Oh, my. So hard to choose. FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER, by E.L. Konigsberg would definitely be a contender. But so would about a billion other books!
A literary character I would like to vacation with …
Ms. Frizzle from the Magic Schoolbus.
When I am not reading or writing I am …
Traveling, swimming, hiking, watching movies, or hanging out with family and friends.
You can learn about Margaret Peterson Haddix online at HaddixBooks.com, as well as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Written by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher’s Synopsis: Kiandra has to use her wits and tech-savvy ways to help rescue Edwy, Enu, and the others from the clutches of the Enforcers in the thrilling final novel of the Children of Exile series from New York Times bestselling author, Margaret Peterson Haddix.
Since the Enforcers raided Refuge City, Rosi, Edwy, and the others are captured and forced to work as slave labor on an alien planet, digging up strange pearls. Weak and hungry, none of them are certain they will make it out of this alive.
But Edwy’s tech-savvy sister, Kiandra, has always been the one with all the answers, and so they turn to her. But Kiandra realizes that she can’t find her way out of this one on her own, and they all might need to rely on young Cana and her alien friend if they are going to survive.
Ages 10+ | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | December 4, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1442450097
Available Here
Discover more books like Children of Jubilee, written by Margaret Peterson Haddix, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Middle Grade Books and Thrillers; plus, be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.