We chat with middle grade author Melissa Hope about her debut novel Sea of Kings, writing, book recommendations, and more!

Hi, Melissa! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello, hello, hello! Thank you for having me. I’m a debut author of the action-packed middle-grade, Sea of Kings. Always a Canadian at heart, I have since moved South to Florida to be next to–you guessed it–the sea! I love to travel and I’m down for any adventure so long as I can sleep in a comfortable bed at night. 

How is your 2021 going in comparison to that other year?

It’s been wonderfully busy! Since the new year started, I’ve had a baby, moved into a new home, and now I’m launching my debut novel. I feel extremely blessed.

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about?

Ah! Okay…okay…. the first novel I remember reading was The Boxcar Children, the one that made me want to become an author may have been Harry Potter, and the one I have never stopped thinking about was Ella Enchanted.

When did you first discover your love for writing?

What a good question! My love for writing began with poetry and journaling. I journaled all the time as a kid, and it really helped me become familiar with expressing my thoughts and developing my author voice, but I didn’t pursue writing books until college. As I kid, I wrote poems for my family and entered a few national contests and was published. 

Your debut novel, Sea of Kings, is out April 27th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Epic Brother Adventure –Buckle Up

What can readers expect?

Author Andrea Wang may have described it best when she said, “Sea of Kings starts off with a bang–or rather, a skull–and this compelling, fast-paced middle-grade adventure will keep you reading until the dramatic end.” You can expect to laugh out loud or grip the pages in terror, sometimes even on the same page, and maybe even melt a little in your heart. 

Where did the inspiration for Sea of Kings come from?

My husband was tagging sharks in the Bahamas when he came up with the idea of island kingdoms. After sharing this with me, we wrote the first draft together and it just grew and grew from there! Our two royal brothers came quickly too, and I knew I wanted them to have a true swashbuckling adventure together. 

Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?

Oof, where to begin? Sea of Kings was my first completed novel, and I learned a lot about writing, publishing, and even developing productive writing habits during that time. My biggest challenge with Sea of Kings was probably with “Killing my darlings” as they say. I wrote the first draft before I knew anything about plot or character, so I needed massive edits, but I wasn’t prepared to give up all of the ideas I’d already written. It was a struggle at first to toss out the old to make room for the new. 

If it’s not too spoilery, were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

My favorite character to write is Dagan, or Dagan and Noa together. I love the sibling banter and the creative ways Dagan finds to cause trouble. Sometimes it’s so natural how they talk that it feels like they are writing themselves onto the paper! 

What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

It took about six years of writing and editing before Sea of Kings was picked up by Jolly Fish Press. At times, it was extremely disheartening, but even as I wrote other books, I knew I couldn’t give up on this one story. And I’m so grateful for Kelsy Thompson and Jolly Fish Press for taking a chance on me! 

What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?

Worst: “Just self-publish.” There is nothing wrong with self-publishing, but if an author tells you they want to publish traditionally, don’t try to persuade them otherwise. If they fail, so be it, but let them go after what they want. 

Best: That’s tricky…I’ve received so much great writing advice over the years… It’s probably the writing tips I’ve learned about plot structure. I think they should teach Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody in high school. I cannot believe how many years I spent not knowing the simple formula to all stories! 

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a few new projects, a middle grade, and several picture books, but I’m mostly keeping it slow and just enjoying this moment!

Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

There are so many great books coming out. A recent one I loved was “Alone” by Megan Freeman. This list has several amazing MG and YA books releasing in 2021 and it’s worth a look! 

Will you be picking up Sea of Kings? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Melissa Hope, Author of ‘Sea of Kings’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With a new (and hopefully better) year now in full swing, we are antsy to get our hands on so many books! Middle grade novels are upping their already strong game in 2021 with a plethora of diverse and inclusive plots. From thrilling sequels by household names such as Victoria Schwab and Hena Khan, to promising debut authors like Nicole Lesperance and Alyssa Colman, 2021 looks like a promising year for middle-grade novel lovers.

Want more 2021 releases? Check out our lists for Most Anticipated 2021 Books, 2021 Queer Book Releases, 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases, 2021 Romance Book Releases, 2021 YA Book Releases, and 2021 Queer SFF Book Releases.

Read on to discover the out-of-this-world novels that are heading your (or your kids’) way in 2021!

JANUARY

The Nightmare Thief by Nicole Lesperance
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the tradition of Natalie Lloyd and Ingrid Law comes a whimsical debut about a girl, her family’s dream shop, and a nightmare thief determined to change the course of her life as she knows it.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a trilogy filled with #blackgirlmagic, about a young girl who must earn a spot at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs in order to find her missing brother—only to discover that her unprecedented levels of potential and power have marked her as a suspect in the ongoing fight against an evil magical threat.

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this evocative and heartwarming novel for readers who loved The Thing About Jellyfish, the author of I Can Make This Promise tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again.

Clues to the Universe by Christina Li
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This #ownvoices debut about losing and finding family, forging unlikely friendships, and searching for answers to big questions will resonate with fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Rebecca Stead.

Unplugged by Gordon Korman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman comes a hilarious middle grade novel about a group of kids forced to “unplug” at a wellness camp—where they instead find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. Perfect for fans of Korman’s The Unteachables, the Masterminds series, and Carl Hiaasen’s eco mysteries.

Magic’s Most Wanted by Tyler Whitesides
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Magic is closer than you ever thought possible in this madcap middle grade adventure perfect for fans of James Riley and Chris Grabenstein.

FEBRUARY 

Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heartbreakingly hopeful #ownvoices novel in verse about an Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.

The Greatest Superpower by Alex Sanchez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fans of Alex Sanchez, the award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and the Lambda Award-winning novel So Hard to Say, will delight in his new middle-grade novel, which addresses the complexities of gender identity with honesty, humor, and heart. Readers will be encouraged to find their own superpowers thanks to Sanchez’s story, which gives face to a traditionally invisible minority and focuses on what it means to be yourself.

Ancestor Approved ed. By Cynthia Leitich Smith 
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enchanting fantasy adventure about the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and following your heart from a debut author.

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An accessible and beautifully written middle grade novel-in-verse by award-winning Irish author Meg Grehan about Stevie, a young girl reckoning with anxiety about the many things she has yet to understand—including her feelings about her friend Chloe. Perfect for fans of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, Star Crossed, and George.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told by His Brother) by David Levithan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan takes young readers on twisting journey through truth, reality, and fantasy and belief.

MARCH

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cassidy Blake takes on her most dangerous challenge yet in the latest book in this New York Times bestselling series.

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods in this whimsical and cheeky middle grade fantasy debut that is perfect for fans of Nevermoor and How to Train Your Dragon.

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the companion novel to the beloved and award-winning Amina’s Voice, Amina once again uses her voice to bridge the places, people, and communities she loves – this time across continents.

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Breathing Underwater is a sparkly, moving middle grade novel from the author of What Stars Are Made of, and a big-hearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.

The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

National Book Award finalist and Printz Honoree Elana K. Arnold returns with a powerful, heartwarming, unforgettable story of the mysterious ways in which we’re all connected, and what those connections mean. 

The Girl Who Stole the Elephant by Nizrana Farook
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins an exciting, page-turning tale in a lush, vibrant, fictional Sri Lankan setting and featuring themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism. A great middle-grade escapist novel and readaloud! 

APRIL

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back in this #ownvoices middle grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time.

The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This delightfully classic middle grade fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and The Book of Boy, follows an unlikely young witch as she discovers that she is the key to saving her kingdom.

Sea of Kings by Melissa Hope
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When their island kingdom falls under siege, royal brothers Noa and Dagan must follow a magical map and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before evil takes over their world.

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Any child can spark magic, but only the elite are allowed to kindle it. Those denied access to the secrets of the kindling ritual will see their magic snuffed out before their thirteenth birthday. Heartfelt, fast-paced, and utterly absorbing, The Gilded Girl is Alyssa Colman’s sparkling debut novel about determination, spirit, and the magic of friendship.

The Last Shadow Warrior by Sam Subity
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Percy Jackson meets Thor in a laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure inspired by Norse mythology.

Thornlight by Claire LeGrand
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Resourceful twin sisters and a desperate queen must find a new source of magic to stop their kingdom from being consumed by darkness. This classic fantasy-adventure from bestselling author Claire Legrand is full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. Thornlight is a must-have for fans of Tahereh Mafi and Diana Wynne Jones.

MAY

Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Ali Benjamin comes a poignant yet hopeful novel about a girl navigating grief, trauma, and friendship, from the award-winning author of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World.

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An extraordinary new novel from the Newbery Honor–winning author of Other Words for Home about grief, loss—and how friendship can be magical.

Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A moving middle-grade #ownvoices debut for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi
Goodreads | Mango and Marigold Press

Rea Chettri is on a secret quest to find her missing twin brother Rohan and she only has a few days. The clock is ticking in this fast-paced, thrilling and exciting adventure rife with evil creatures, a ruthless villain, and unforgettable friendships.

The Mending Summer by Ali Standish
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Orphan Island and Wishtree, The Mending Summer is the next stunning middle grade novel from Ali Standish—author of the Carnegie Medal nominee The Ethan I Was Before and August Isle, Bad Bella, and How to Disappear Completely—about a girl who is struggling to deal with her father’s alcoholism when she discovers an enchanted lake.

Lily’s Promise by Kathryn Erskine
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From National Book Award–winning author Kathryn Erskine comes a heartfelt, poignant novel that tackles grief, change, and the struggle to let your voice be heard. Perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Ali Benjamin.

JUNE

Almost Flying by Jake Maia Arlow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this unabashedly queer middle grade debut, a week-long amusement park road trip becomes a true roller coaster of emotion when Dalia realizes she has more-than-friend feelings for her new bestie.

Generation Misfits by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heartwarming Own Voices middle grade novel about an eleven-year-old Japanese-American girl who finds her true friends when she joins her school’s J-Pop club, from award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Best at It meets John David Anderson in this Indian Muslim #ownvoices debut about a champion underachiever who must start over in a new state with the help of three classic books.

The Double Life of Danny Day by Mike Thayer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A boy who lives every day twice uses his ability to bring down bullies at his new school in Mike Thayer’s humor-filled middle grade novel.

The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this new novel from the author of Where the Watermelons Grow and Beginners Welcome, an almost-thirteen-year-old with an almost-complete sentence for a name embraces her destiny to search for a forever home.

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the creator of Fake Blood comes another exceptionally charming middle grade graphic novel about friendships both near and far, far away.

What middle grade releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Incredible Middle Grade Book Releases To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.