Upside of Ordinary Giveaway

Debut middle grade author Susan Lubner stopped by to tell us a little about how she came to write her novel “The Upside of Ordinary”.  She’s also giving away an advanced reader’s copy to one lucky reader.

Take one missing uncle, a lucky skull ring, a run-away tarantula, lots of pickles, and an “ordinary” family. Put it all together and you have my debut middle grade novel. The Upside of Ordinary is about eleven-year-old Jermaine— so enamored with the idea of becoming famous that she decides to make a reality TV show about her family.  The inspiration for this story came out of my own fascination with reality TV…not so much by those who watch the reality shows,  but by the many who give up their privacy (and sometimes dignity!) to participate in one.  One of the things that makes The Upside of Ordinary special to me is that it is my first middle grade novel. But I also love the main character’s  resolve mixed with her naiveté and the fact that even though Jermaine finds the idea of fame to be so glamorous and appealing, she eventually discovers what’s simple, but very special, about her own life.  

Thanks, Susan! Due on shelves October 1, you can win an advanced copy n0w by leaving a comment below.

Tricia Springstubb

writer

Tricia is the author of many books for middle grade, most recently "Every Single Second" (HarperCollins) and the third book in the Cody series, "Cody and the Rules of Life" (Candlewick Press). A frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and conferences, she lives in Cleveland OH. You can find out more about her and her work at www.triciaspringstubb.com