SPARK on the Kids Indie Next List!

Just found out that SPARK was selected for the Summer 2019 Kids Indie Next List!!! Woohoo! Thanks so much, IndieBound! 

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781328973429

SPARK comes out today!!!

Today is the book birthday for SPARK!!!

SPARK is a fantasy adventure for kids, published by Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and I'm beyond thrilled that it's out in the world! I loved writing this book, and I'm so excited to introduce you to Mina and Pixit!

In SPARK, storm beasts and their guardians create perfect weather every day, and Mina longs for a storm beast of her own. But when the gentle girl bonds with a lightning beast -- a creature of fire and chaos -- everyone's certain it's a mistake. Everyone but Mina and the beast himself, Pixit. Quickly enrolled in lightning school, Mina struggles to master a guardian's skills, and she discovers that her country's weather comes at a devastating cost -- a cost powerful people wish to hide. Mina's never been the type to speak out, but someone has to tell the truth, and, with Pixit's help, she resolves to find a way to be heard.

If you're interested, more information can be found on my website, including the first two chapters: www.sarahbethdurst.com/Spark.htm

All books start with a spark. An idea, an image, a feeling, a wish... The spark for this book was three words:

Mina was quiet.

I wanted to write a book about a quiet girl and her lightning dragon. But I didn't want it to be the story of a quiet girl who learns to be loud. I wanted it to be the story of a quiet girl who discovers she's strong, exactly as she is.

Growing up, I was a quiet girl. I spent a lot of my childhood in my room, reading books. For the bulk of sixth grade, I was so shy that I barely talked to anyone. It took me a long time to discover you can be quiet and strong.

So this book is for all those quiet kids out there. And it's for anyone who has ever struggled to be heard, who has yearned to resist injustice, or who has simply dreamed of being friends with a telepathic lightning dragon!

If that's you or your kid, please consider taking a look at SPARK! Hope you're having a wonderful spring! And thanks so much for reading!

Books of Wonder on Sat 5/11

Very excited for this Saturday!!! I'll be at the fabulous Books of Wonder in NYC at 1pm on 5/11 with Sayantani Dasgupta, Laura Ruby, Fran Wilde, and Pat Cummings, talking about our new MG books. Hope you can join us!

http://booksofwonder.com/saturdaymay11thatour18thstore1-3pmfantasticmiddlegradereads.aspx

Excerpt from SPARK

It's one week until SPARK comes out!!! If you'd like a sneak peek, I've posted an excerpt on my website. Come meet Mina and Pixit! 

http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/Sparkexcerpt.htm 

 

Happy May!

It's May! Always my favorite month. This year, it's both my birthday month and my book birthday month. SPARK, my next book for kids, comes out on May 14th!!! I loved writing this book, and I can't wait for people to meet Mina and her lightning dragon Pixit!

Lovely present!

Got the loveliest present in the mail from my magnificent editor Anne Hoppe at Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt! An early finished copy of SPARK (my upcoming book for kids) and the paperback of THE STONE GIRL'S STORY! I love holding them in my hands for the first time! Kind of like holding a new baby. Except quieter.

 

GIRL Selected as 3rd Place Winner of Florida SSYRA Award!

Wow!!! Thank you so much, Florida SSYRA and Florida readers, for selecting THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT DREAM as the 3rd place winner of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award! I'm thrilled and honored! And big congrats to Gordon Korman and Jason Reynolds!

If you can't see the video above, you can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/FLSSYRA/videos/813663489015433/

Lovely Blurb for SPARK!

One of my all-time favorite authors (and absolutely wonderful person) Tamora Pierce blurbed my next book for kids! She called SPARK, "Exciting, timely, and world-shaking!" I am so honored and so grateful! Thank you, Tammy!

Starred Review in Booklist for SPARK!

In today's issue of Booklist... A starred review for SPARK, my next book for kids!!! Eeeeee!!! Thanks so much, Booklist! SPARK comes out from Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in just one month, on 5/14!

https://www.booklistonline.com/Spark-Sarah-Beth-Durst/pid=9712131

Interview in Locus Magazine

I've been subscribing to Locus magazine (an awesome SF/Fantasy publishing trade magazine) for 20 years. I've always dreamed of seeing my name on the cover someday. Check out the latest issue!!! Thank you, Locus! #bucketlist