Hello, and welcome to Yellow Bird’s new ongoing series, Success In the Press. In each post, we will shine a spotlight on three of our published clients.
Moonshine by Justin Benton
From the publisher: Set in the Great Depression, a boy begins to question his and his father's illicit lifestyle brewing moonshine in the Tennessee wilderness and finds himself facing not only vengeful gangsters and a corrupt sheriff, but also the possibility of losing his Pa.
Our take: This middle grade novel is a thoughtful look at themes of family and obligation as the main character struggles to decide how much he can support his father’s dangerous decisions. With a vivid historical setting, suspenseful crime plot, and memorable characters, it’s a great pick for mature middle-grade reader.
From Booklist: “The smooth writing and... distinct narrative voice make this debut novel compelling from the start. Benton’s spot-on description of the sparse mountain setting with its social isolation and desperate poverty draw readers into the corrupt, complex times of the Great Depression. Though these elements are grim, they are balanced by strong themes of family and trust. When combined with the tense, realistic plot, a gripping piece of historical fiction emerges.”
Far Away Bird by Douglas Burton
From the publisher: Inspired by true events, "Far Away Bird" delves into the complex mind of Byzantine Empress Theodora. This intimate account deftly follows her rise from actress-prostitute in Constantinople's red-light district to the throne of the Byzantine Empire.
From a reader: “A powerful, evocative narrative, that draws you into the human rather than mythical aspect of the "notorious" Theodora from her early childhood to her return to Constantinople. It is as though Burton is channeling his subject as her life dances across the pages before you, the reader. You are drawn into her life as if walking side by side, her contemporary, her ethereal other self - her far away bird.”
Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King by Monk Inyang
From the author: Uko Hill is a twelve year old black boy in Newark suffering from the same nightmare every night - an army of terrifying skeletons breaking into his home and destroying everything. He's given up hope of ever having normal sleep until one night, in the middle of his nightmare, he meets Toni. She's part of a group called the Nightmare Detectives - a trained squad of middle schoolers that can jump into the nightmares of other kids and help stop them for good.
Our take: This illustrated middle-grade fantasy is about literally facing your fears when the protagonist becomes a Nightmare Detective. In the struggle to deal with his own nightmares as well as helping other kids with their own, he learns the power of courage. With an exciting plot and a wholesome message, it’s a great YA choice.
From a reader: “Overall, I enjoyed the book because the plot was intriguing and kept me captivated on every page. I was able to picture myself as Uko Hill and what he was going through with his nightmares but also by joining the detective group. The story was fast paced and flowed in a way that made you have nostalgia and feel like a kid again.”
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We hope you enjoyed this look at some of the Yellow Bird family’s success stories! Check back soon for more. If you are a former Yellow Bird client and would like us to consider featuring your published work, email info@yellowbirdeditors.com.