Middle Grade Reader Spotlight! An Interview with Maxanne

Today we hear from the delightful Maxanne, an 8-year-old reader from New York, who enjoys stories with the right blend of magic and real life, and loves to "sink into [her] soft cushions" as she reads a good book. One of her future dreams is to be a graphic novelist, perhaps partly inspired by her passion for Drama by Raina Telgemeier! Read on for Maxanne's lovely insights on the world of books.

Maxanne, 8, New York

What are your three favorite books and why?

11 Birthdays is one of my favorites because there's a balance of magic and real life. I like Dork Diaries 9 because the mean girl steals the diary, writes in it, and you get to see the story from her perspective. I really love Drama because of all the drama! I like graphic novels.

What do you like to read about the most?

I like reading about magic, drama, or basically anything that has surprises in it.

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

I don't know any books that are underrated.

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

I like reading at home on my couch with my legs stretched out. Normally the light is not so bright, and I like to sink into the soft cushions.

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

I feel like Chloe in Dork Diaries, who is the main character's BFF. My friends always get into some sort of problem, and Chloe is always really crazy like me.

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

Most books do a pretty good job of pretty much everything.

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

I would be friends with Callie from Drama because she's full of fun and creative ideas.

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 wait three or four chapters, and if the same thing keeps repeating, I find a new book.

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

I can't really think of anything to say to them.

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 be a mom to two or more kids. I want to be an actress and be a graphic novelist and a writer.

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