Today we talked with middle grade author Dan Gemeinhart about writing, specifically with his novel, The Midnight Children.
Dan Gemeinhart is an award winning and bestselling author known for his heartfelt stories including Some Kind of Courage, The Honest Truth, Scar Island, Good Dog, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and most recently, Coyote Lost and Found. Dan is here with us today to discuss his middle grade novel, The Midnight Children, a tale whose plot and tone are seeped in secrets and mystery and of course, heart!
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Discussion
We would love to hear from our readers! What is your biggest takeaway from the podcast?
Writing Challenge
We challenge our listeners to write a dark and humorous poem that really establishes tone. Stretch yourself. Test your limits. See where your creativity takes you.
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Music credits: Will Saulnier
The Midnight Children
Macmillan Publishers describe The Midnight Children below:
The #1 New York Times and Indie bestseller!
From Dan Gemeinhart, the acclaimed author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, comes an extraordinary story about a family of runaways who take up residence in a small town, and the outcast boy who finds his voice and his people—perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Kate DiCamillo.
"Dan Gemeinhart’s best yet and that’s saying something." —Padma Venkatraman, Walter Award-winning author of The Bridge Home
In the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a small town curiously named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street, looking over their shoulders to make sure they aren't noticed.
But Ravani Foster covertly witnesses their arrival from his bedroom window. Timid and lonely, Ravani is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What secrets are they hiding? And most mysterious of all...where are the adults?
Yet amid this shadowy group of children, Ravani finds an unexpected friend in the warm and gutsy Virginia. But with this friendship comes secrets revealed—and danger. When Ravani learns of a threat to his new friends, he must fight to keep them safe, or lose the only person who has ever understood him.
Full of wonder, friendship, and mystery, The Midnight Children explores the meaning of "home," what makes a family, and what it takes to find the courage to believe in yourself.
* "A story of fierce friendship, bravery, loyalty, and finding—or making—a place to belong." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Equal parts Kate DiCamillo and Shirley Jackson, this book is unlike anything else I've ever read—you will love it." —Jonathan Auxier, New York Times-bestselling author of Night Gardener and Sweep: the Story of a Girl and her Monster
Looking Ahead
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See you next month!
S1 E8: Dan Gemeinhart on "Turning things up and getting the tone right"