Last summer, I had the honor of interviewing both Jeff and Zack. You can check out those interviews here... Jeff interview Zack interview
Recently, I had a chance to catch up with author, Jeff Anderson to talk about this past year.
But first...
Here...
...is a sneak peek...
...of the cover of the new paperback edition.
Cover illustration by Andrea Miller
Isn't it awesome?!?!?
In addition to revealing the cover, author Jeff Anderson was kind enough to take the time to answer a few of my questions.
KS: Thanks for stopping by Kids Talk Kid Lit. Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth has been out in the world for almost a year. What has this year been like for you?
JA: Wow! What a year it’s been. I have to admit reading aloud to kids and talking to them has been a life highlight. And the letters I get about how readers relate to this character or that character or how their whole class still laughs often thinking of some of the zany situations Zack gets into with Janie, Marquis, and El Pollo Loco. Some, are touching about how they were bullied or how their parents are divorced and they have to live in two homes just like Zack.
KS: So many kids are reading Zack Delacruz. As you talk with them, what are they sharing with you?
JA: As part of my author visit, we talk about all sorts of things,—bullying, acceptance of others and self, the power of words, both positive and negative. It is so rich. Kids are so curious about everything. Many of the children I wrote the book for can’t afford to buy their own copy, so I thank librarians and the many Title I schools that bought books for classroom libraries and sometimes even for students. A sixth grader said, “This is the first book I’ve ever owned, and I get it signed.” The organizer of the event started crying and we all hugged. What a sweet memory. Another fifth grader named Jose said, “This is the first time I’ve ever seen a book with my name in it.” I have to say thank you to all the librarians, teachers, and administrators who purchased the book so they could hold a book that was about their lives, with people like them. And I am super excited that the paperback is coming out on July 5! More access for more readers. Yay, books!
KS Please finish complete these sentences.
I would have never imagined...how many librarians, teachers, and administrators would go to such lengths to get Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth into the hands of kids who need it—summer reading programs, tutoring, school grade-level wide reads. It couldn’t be read or touch kids without these caring individuals.
I'm most excited that...kids, like the students I taught in San Antonio, now have a book series to laugh and think and grow with. I’m most excited that I’m working on Zack 3 as we speak. I’m excited I have the honor to tell Zack and his friends’ stories.
If Zack could, he'd say...."Do you have any snacks?" But seriously, if he could articulate it, he’d say, "Pay attention to all the good that’s around you right now. It’s always there. You just have to look for it. Stop thinking about what might happen later and pay attention to what’s in front of you."—There’s some of that in Zack Delacruz: Just My Luck (Book 2).
Thank, Jeff, for stopping by to chat. I can't wait to continue to follow Zack's story!
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You can pre-order the paperback from your local independent bookstore, indiebound.com, bn.com, or amazon.com.
Also, Zack Delacruz: Just My Luck --book two (Sterling) will be available on October 4, 2016. Copies may be preorderd. (See above)
You can follow Jeff Anderson on Twitter: @writeguyjeff and on his website: www.writeguy.net
