Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Natalie

My interview with Natalie is the first in what will be a weekly series. In the world of books, the spotlight is usually focused on the author and the writing process, and here it will be turned onto the readers themselves. We will get to hear about the reading process directly from kids. Most authors of children's literature out there would agree that one of the best parts of the job is getting to speak with children about the books they love. This blog will be a space in which authors and non-authors alike can enjoy that lovely experience. I'm so pleased that for my first interview, I'm presenting a kid I personally know and adore! Natalie is one of the most passionate, insightful, and voracious readers I've ever met.

Without further ado, here are some of Natalie's thoughts on reading and writing!

Natalie, 11, a reader from Connecticut

What are your three favorite books and why?

I have too many favorite books. Three books I really love are:

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest. I read it this summer and loved it. I like mysteries and adventures, and this was both. What I thought was really unique about it was that it is part graphic novel, and part words.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I read this in fourth grade. I loved the characters, the story, and the message it sends. It also stirs up good memories as I read it in my favorite teacher’s class.

The entire Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I read it years ago and I LOVED it. It was the first series I got addicted to, and that’s why I have to include it. I love the action and the Greek mythology.

Of course, I also love the Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games series, the Divergent series, Murder on the Orient Express, A Wrinkle in Time, and so many other books.

What do you like about reading?

It’s really relaxing to me, and it’s such a unique feeling to lose yourself in a story. It’s indescribable.

Is there a book out there that you think is seriously underrated? Tell us about it!

Thinking about this question, I realized I don’t read too many underrated books, or maybe I just don’t consider them underrated. I honestly don’t know one that is seriously underrated.

Where is your favorite place to read? Can you describe it for us?

I love to read everywhere, but my favorite place is probably in a cardboard box (I don’t know why) in the guest room, because it’s quiet there and nobody will bother me.

Which character in a book you’ve read is the most like you and why?

This is so, so, extremely hard because I identify with different aspects of so many characters. I guess… Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, because she is stubborn and strong-willed, curious and intelligent, and loves to read.

Is there any aspect of being a kid that you think authors don’t write about enough?

I think different authors write about different aspects of being a kid so that every aspect can be found. Pinpointing one aspect is really difficult. I think most authors know what they're doing, and focus on aspects that help and improve their story.

If you could be best friends with any character from any book, who would it be and why?

Annabeth Chase because she is smart and could teach me how to fight.

If you’ve started a book, but you don’t like it, do you force yourself to finish it, or do you stop reading? How long does it usually take for you to stop?

I usually force myself to keep reading, or I try to, but often I’ll lose interest if I really don’t like it. I’ll discover a book I enjoy more and stop trying to force myself to read it after a while.

If you, as a reader, could give advice to authors of kids’ books, what would it be?

Keep writing! I think all stories need to be told. Personally, I think fantasy and dystopian fiction are the best.

And lastly, what is something you dream of doing one day (from becoming a dog owner to running for President, nothing is too big or too small for this answer!)?

I want to publish my writing, definitely under a pseudonym. I want to publish a YA novel or short story. I love writing.

If you're a middle grade reader interested in being interviewed, please visit my contact page. :)