Sticks & Stonesby Abby Cooper
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: July 12th 2016
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, School
Ever since she was a baby, the words people use to describe Elyse have instantly appeared on her arms and legs. At first it was just "cute" and "adorable," but as she's gotten older and kids have gotten meaner, words like "loser" and "pathetic" appear, and those words bubble up and itch. And then there are words like "interesting," which she's not really sure how to feel about. Now, at age twelve, she's starting middle school, and just when her friends who used to accept and protect her are drifting away, she receives an anonymous note saying "I know who you are, and I know what you're dealing with. I want to help." As Elyse works to solve the mystery of who is sending her these notes, she also finds new ways to accept who she is and to become her best self.
Which came first, the title or the novel?
The title, and I’m so glad that it did! When I was writing and I got stuck, I thought about the entire “sticks and stones may break my bones…” expression, and the idea came to me – what if words literally hurt you? That’s how I thought of Elyse’s skin disorder, and the rest is history!
What do you like most about the cover of the book?
Everything! The cover designer did such an incredible job. I love the bright colors, the font, the way the words are written across arms. It’s such a wonderful representation of the book.
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2016?
There have been so many amazing 2016 books so far, and there are so many yet to come! I’m really looking forward to Bridget Hodder’s THE RAT PRINCE, Elly Swartz’s FINDING PERFECT, and Jill Diamond’s LOU LOU AND PEA AND THE MURAL MYSTERY.
What would you say is your superpower?
I am Opposite-of-Procrastinator Girl. (Is there a word for that? There should be a word for that.) I don’t know why, but I’ve never been able to procrastinate on anything; I have to do everything right away or else I feel really anxious. (Sometimes I actually wish I could procrastinate, though, because there have been many times throughout my life when I’ve done things way too fast or arrived places way too early. Once I was so early meeting someone for dinner that the restaurant wasn’t even open yet, and I had to sit outside in the rain for half an hour.)
Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
I’m a huge fan of the Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute (which has nothing to do with actual oceans, in case you were wondering!) It’s modeled after 826 National, and each chapter of the program takes on a fun, creative theme. Step inside and you’ll totally feel like you’re in a submarine exploring Minnesota’s long-lost ocean.
The organization provides creative writing field trips to students in 2nd-4th grade. The students work together as a class with volunteers to write, illustrate, and publish a book over the course of a couple hours. The kids have such great ideas and are so proud of themselves when they see the finished books. I’m honored to volunteer with such a special program.
What’s up next for you?
I’m finishing up BUBBLES, my 2017 book, and am writing another MG. I’m also getting ready for a ton of fun book events and school visits! I’m doing several events in Minneapolis/St. Paul this summer, as well as some in Madison, Denver, and Chicago in the fall. Check my website – www.AbbyCooperAuthor.com - for details and updates.
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Abby Cooper lives in Minnesota with her miniature poodle, Louis, and a whole bunch of books. A former teacher and school librarian, her favorite things in the world (besides writing) are getting and giving book recommendations and sharing her love of reading with others. In her spare time, she likes eating cupcakes, running along the Mississippi River, and watching a lot of bad reality TV.
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