Many thanks to Deborah Kalb for her blog interview about my two latest books: Zevi Takes the Spotlight for middle grades.
"I wanted to write a fun book but a book that would get kids thinking about what fame really is. I started noticing that young people have gone from wanting to become scientists, or vets, or firefighters, to YouTube influencers. It seemed to me that fame had become the goal, not the result of hard work or inspiration. So, something to mull over."
Zevi Takes the Spotlight is out! Here it is on the shelf at my very favourite bookstore, McNally Robinson, in Winnipeg!
Zevi Takes the Spotlight is my first HI/LO novel, for readers with high interest but low vocabulary—so it's accessible for older readers who might need a quick and easy read, great readers who also like books that are fast paced and short, or even younger readers. Aimed at grades 4-6. Personally, I love short books that are also fast paced and exciting so in this case I was writing what I love to read.
I came to love Zevi who has been saddled with the "gift" of psychic abilities, which he doesn't want at all. He wants a simple life. Don't we all? And yet Zevi manages to always at least try to do the right thing and to help. But what to do when people don't want your help and won't listen to you? That's happened to us all at some point. Well, Zevi refuses to give up. And he has a best friend, and his family, who stick by him and help him through.
I decided to make all the main characters Jewish in this book so that the Judaism is just there, naturally, as part of their lives, but not the topic of the book. I liked that choice as well.
It was also the fun writing about acting and the world of film. I was an actor before I became a writer and it was great to dive back into this world that I love and respect so much.
And finally, what's the whole psychic thing about? Well, I've had some pretty startling experiences with psychic predications so I know there is something to it even if I can't explain how it works. Check out this post where I explore this topic further.
Hope you like the book!
“Action-packed, with danger and adventure in every chapter…the story delves into Zevi’s Jewish heritage and culture in a natural way that is enlightening and interesting for readers. Highly Recommended.”
⭐️ Zevi Takes the Spotlight:
“Zevi is Jewish, and this important part of his identity is skillfully woven throughout the narrative. This hi-lo title excels in the genre, packaging an accessible, dyslexia-friendly text with a compelling plot and likeable protagonist whose journey readers will happily follow."Highly recommended
Ready for preorder now:
McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnpeg, Manitoba
