Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Rose

Happy New Year!

Today we hear from Rose, an 8-year-old reader from Canada, who becomes so consumed by the stories she's reading that she doesn't even notice when her little sister stacks books on her head! Rose has a love for the humor in stories, and a genuine appreciation for the 1968 hit The Last Unicorn. But careful - don't cross her, because she has a strong streak of Queen Scarlet from Wings of Fire in her, and she just might be Prime Minister one day!

What are your three favorite books and why?

I like the whole Wings of Fire series (I’ve read them all) by Tui T. Sutherland. I don’t know why I like them so much, I just do. I also like what I’ve read so far of the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. I like them a lot because there’s so much adventure. It’s just… I can’t describe it. And finally, I like Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Did you know that there’s a new book? No spoilers! Anyways, all of the books in that series are hilarious, and that’s why I like them.

What do you like about reading?

I like the way it carries you off to another world. Once, my guardian, Heather, and my little sister, Deji, collaborated while I was reading. Here’s what they did: They piled a stack of very light books on my head, and I didn’t even notice!

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

I really love The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, but nobody in my class has ever heard of it! There are 22 people in it! Seriously!

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

My bed has books in it, but it’s so warm and comfy, so I love reading on our Kindle in my bed. I don’t really like the books in my bed, though.

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

This might surprise you, but I think I’m most like Queen Scarlet from Wings of Fire. Here’s why: I have, let’s just say, anger management problems, just like Queen Scarlet. I also kinda keep grudges, a bit like her, but way less intense.

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

Not really. In fact, now that I think about it, authors haven’t left anything out. Not from my point of view, at least.

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

I honestly have so many characters I would put here I’ll just put one character. Here he is: Firestar, from Warriors. As a side note, Warriors has cats as the main characters. Anyways, the books make it sound like he’s kind and caring and handsome (for a cat).

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?

When I notice the first signs that I’m not going to like it, I usually barrel on to see what’s going to happen. When the story takes a turn that I don’t like, I go on. Two more turns that I don’t like, though, and I’m done.

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

To add more funny bits to their books because kids love to laugh. If you’re doing books for older children maybe don’t follow this advice, but…… add some illustrations!

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!)?

Well, right now I’m debating between several jobs. Here they are: Artist, YouTuber, Prime Minister, Olympic swimmer and finally, one of those people who design book covers on their computers.

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