Can the same big inspiration strike different people at the same time even if they’re not in contact? Indeed so. It’s called multiple discovery—also known as simultaneous invention—and supports the hypothesis that new concepts can arise concurrently among independent researchers. Famous instances of this far-from-random phenomenon include the independent discovery of calculus by Newton and […]
Do You Believe in Monsters? follows a thirteen-year-old boy who discovers a magical world hidden in the forest, where he transforms into a powerful wizard, leading him to question what world he belongs in. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The series is titled Dark Circles for a variety of reasons, some obvious and some more subtle. One of the obvious reasons is that in the fantasy world, it is dangerous for Charlie (the 13-year-old mentioned in your question) and his friends to succumb to sleep because the evil being who haunts the fantasy world attacks them in their dreams. Therefore, they are marked with dark circles under their eyes from going several days without sleep.
Charlie starts out as a timid boy, often bullied, who starts to gain some confidence after discovering his magical abilities. What trials did you feel were important to highlight the character’s development?
This question cuts to the core of Dark Circles. In the “real” world, Charlie is skinny and relatively weak and therefore has to rely on a healthy dose of pragmatism to survive. In the “fantasy” world, Charlie has been gifted extraordinary powers and therefore has to temper his pragmatism in order to truly believe that his new powers are real. Only then can he unleash their full potential. Seeing is believing.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Fantasy novelists balance this in several different ways: 1) The main characters’ powers emerge slowly, often taking half the series or more to master them. 2) The MCs’ powers emerge quickly, but the characters don’t trust them or understand how to wield them until deep into the series. 3) The MCs quickly master their powers but discover they are dwarfed by the powers wielded by the evil beings they are destined to encounter.
Many readers might disagree with me on this, but I’m not a big fan of number 1. As a reader, I find it frustrating. Therefore, my series is a combination of numbers 2 and 3.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Charlie Magus and the direction of the third book?
The quick answer is that you can find out for yourself because book 3 (Do You Believe in Miracles?) debuted April 21, 2024. But here is a breakdown of how the series unfolds:
Book 1 (Do You Believe in Magic?) focuses heavily on the real world, enhancing character development but also drawing a stark contrast between the real and fantasy worlds. This contrast is what motivates the characters and drives the narrative. Book 2 (Do You Believe in Monsters?) is more action-packed and war-driven, especially in the last few chapters. As a reader, you will fly through the last 50 pages for sure. Book 3 (Do You Believe in Miracles?) is the most introspective of the three and focuses on a long and arduous quest through plains, forests, and towering mountains. This sets up an epic climax filled with thrills and chills.
When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
AI… Meets… AI introduces children to the world of technology through the story of a young girl who helps a lost little robot find his way back to his lab. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story came from my nieces and nephew and the world they are growing up in. Baltimore, where our story is set, is home to amazing universities but also faces some of the highest disparities. I wanted to create a story that shows kids that they can be part of these prestigious institutions and create the next great thing in technology. The idea of a young girl helping a lost robot was a way to illustrate how technology and human connection can come together in meaningful ways.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important for me to share the ideas of AI and human emotional connections and how they can learn from each other. AI needs humans to guide it, and it’s crucial to highlight qualities like kindness and taking care of the planet. These themes are woven into the story to show that while technology can do amazing things, it’s the human touch that truly makes a difference.
Do you have a favorite scene in young Addy’s story? One that was especially enjoyable to imagine and write?
My favorite scene is when Addy and Jaz visit the museum. I enjoyed incorporating art and creativity into the book subtly. This scene emphasizes that no matter how advanced AI becomes, human creativity and culture are irreplaceable. It also highlights the importance of learning from the past to prepare for the future, making it a pivotal moment in the story.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside the next book in the Artificial Intelligence for Kids Adventure Series?
Of course! Our next book is called Let Kids be Kids, Not Robots. This story continues with Addy and her brother Nolan taking Jaz the AI to school. It explores what happens when AI is introduced to a school environment and the lessons that come from it. We also have a great song that we plan to release with the book. The book comes out on September 6th, and people can sign up for the waiting list on our website: aidigitales.com.
Imagine a story where “Wall-E” is a robot on an adventure to understand humans, and a friendly kid helps teach it about feelings and the human world. This is what the Amazon bestselling early reader children’s book for kids aged 5-9 (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 year olds) is all about, carefully created by Amber Ivey, who loves data and AI.
In a busy city, an AI robot named Jaz gets lost because of a GPS problem. That’s when Jaz meets an energetic, curious girl named Addy Iris. Addy quickly decides to help Jaz understand the world outside the lab, and she’s excited to help her new AI friend find its way back home.
While they travel back to the lab, Addy and Jaz learn a lot from each other. Jaz starts to understand human feelings better, while Addy learns more about the power of technology. This book is a great way for kids to learn about both the growing field of artificial intelligence and important human values like kindness, friendship, understanding others’ feelings, and responsibility. These important parts of being human are things that Jaz learns from interacting with people.
The author, Amber Ivey, has written an exciting and touching book that introduces kids to AI and the power of human feelings. It shows that technology and people need to work together in a good way. It helps kids see that they can be not just users of technology, but creators and developers too.
Big companies like xAI, OpenAI, Google Bard, and Microsoft are making more and more AI products. These technologies are becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. This book makes learning about AI fun and interesting for kids. Plus, it highlights the important job people have in teaching and shaping AI for current and future generations.
A Different Lens follows a young skunk who struggles with his morning routine and schoolwork leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. What was the inspiration for your story?
As an educator and a mother, I have the privilege of connecting with many children. A few years ago, an extraordinary boy with ADHD was going through a particularly challenging period. One day he told me, “Don’t you understand? It doesn’t feel good at all to have a hard time!” It was at this moment my understanding of what Dr. Ross Greene has said, “Kids do well when they can,” moved from my head to my heart. I witnessed how empathy and support changed this child’s life. I also became keenly aware that so many people with invisible disabilities are negatively impacted because their challenges are misunderstood. I wrote this book so that readers of all ages could have the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of someone with an invisible disability. Given this experience, I hope they will see this population through “a different lens,” and be inspired to show patience, empathy, and support.
The art in this book brings the emotions of Simon to life so even younger children can understand what he is experiencing. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Zoe Bendoff?
Partnering with Zoe was a fantastic experience! It was a close collaboration. We live in the same town, so we met throughout the process. I shared hopes for each page, requesting simple images that focused on the emotions of the characters. Zoe blended in her ideas and added her signature style creating beautiful illustrations that truly capture the feelings of each character. She also embedded many personally meaningful “hidden nuggets.” For example, the handwriting in Simon’s journal and the word “Different” in the title are my son’s handwriting. She is extremely talented and was truly a joy to partner with.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As Dr. Stuart Shanker said, “When you see a child differently, you’ll see a different child.” What may appear to be off-task, attention-seeking, or defiant behavior is often the symptom of an invisible disability and outside the child’s control. Everyone wants to do well. When we assume positive intent and aim to support all children in a way that is individualized to their needs, they can be the best version of themselves. When this happens, those children and everyone around them benefit.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Book number two is in process and will be published in the spring of 2025. It is about a day in the life of one of Simon’s classmates- Robyn. Check back in the spring to find out more!
Every student, teacher, and parent needs to read this book about empathy and diverse learners. “A Different Lens” is: A must-have for every elementary school’s Diverse Book Club list A book for educators and administrators of 1st-5th grade classrooms supporting social-emotional learning A resource for parents to teach children about empathy, neurodiversity, and invisible disabilities, such as ADHD. A tool for enhancing adults’ understanding of the diverse abilities of children within their families, schools, and community Simon struggles to complete simple tasks at home and school, leading everyone in his world to feel upset and annoyed. Inevitably, Simon’s frustration reaches a boiling point and he makes a huge mistake in front of everyone! How will Simon ever recover? Why can’t he just do better? In the end, readers will realize that Simon, like everyone, is doing the best he can, and with a little support, the world can become a better place for all.
Fake, by Peg Herring, offers an intriguing dive into the life of Kip Morgan, a seasoned con man forced to flee when his fraudulent schemes catch up with him. Landing in the quaint town of Bayville, Michigan, Kip finds himself in an unexpected predicament. Struggling to reconstruct his life, he stumbles upon a quirky detective agency run by two older women, a source of local amusement, who are on the lookout for an investigator. Sensing an opportunity to exploit these seemingly affluent and bored ladies, Kip uses his refined skills to secure a position with them.
The narrative cleverly unfolds as Kip integrates into the agency, which is a fascinating assembly of individuals with their own concealed pasts that rival his own. He inadvertently discovers a semblance of legitimacy in his craft as he joins forces with the agency to prove the innocence of a man convicted of killing his boss. The story follows this motley crew of societal outcasts as they attempt to outwit criminals and seek justice, all the while revealing their own complex backgrounds. Despite Kip’s initial portrayal as a calculating swindler, the author infuses him with a playful tone that renders him surprisingly endearing. His relentless pursuit of a scam is tempered by glimpses of depth and vulnerability, transforming him into a multi-dimensional protagonist. The inclusion of two older women, one of whom is paraplegic, in heroic roles adds a refreshing layer of diversity and depth to the narrative, challenging conventional stereotypes.
The gradual revelation of the characters’ backstories which are as compelling as the mysteries they unravel. The author skillfully peels back layers, exposing the hidden facets of each character, and enhancing the reader’s engagement and curiosity. This nuanced approach ensures that the personal histories of the protagonists are as enthralling as the cases they undertake, keeping readers invested in their journey. While the book embraces a thoughtful, measured pacing, which allows for in-depth exploration of characters through flashbacks, some readers might find these moments slow the momentum.
Fake succeeds in delivering a narrative rich in mystery and surprising twists. It underscores the notion that everyone harbors a story and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their desires. For readers who enjoy tales of underdog sleuths navigating the complexities of their past while solving contemporary mysteries, this book offers a captivating and entertaining read.
Rebecca Dietrich’s Scholar of the Arts and Inhumanities is a riveting debut collection that dives deep into the human condition through the lens of personal trauma and resilience. With an unflinching gaze, Dietrich explores themes of love, loss, and reclamation of self, delivering each poem with a potent blend of vulnerability and defiance. This collection is not merely a series of poetic reflections but a call to action, urging readers to confront their sorrows and emerge stronger.
Dietrich’s writing is visceral and raw, often unearthing the darkest corners of human experience. Poems like “Trauma Bond” and “Chokehold” reflect a harrowing struggle with toxic relationships and personal demons. Her use of stark, evocative imagery captures the complex reality of trauma, compelling readers to empathize deeply with her plight. This stark honesty permeates the collection, making it a cathartic read for anyone who has grappled with similar issues. One of the most striking aspects of Dietrich’s work is her ability to transform pain into a powerful narrative of survival and empowerment.
Dietrich’s poems serve as a testament to the strength and resilience required to confront and transcend adversity. Her words are not just poetic but are imbued with a sense of urgency that resonates on a deeply personal level. Dietrich also excels in blending the personal with the political. These poems critique societal norms and injustices, from the desensitization to school shootings to the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Scholar of the Arts and Inhumanities is a compelling read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in contemporary poetry that does not shy away from the harsh realities of life. Dietrich’s work is particularly resonant for readers who appreciate poetry that confronts personal and societal traumas with unyielding honesty. Her poetic voice is both haunting and hopeful, making this collection a poignant addition to the world of modern poetry.
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Can the same big inspiration strike different people at the same time even if they’re not in contact? Indeed so. It’s called multiple discovery—also known as simultaneous invention—and supports the hypothesis that new concepts can arise concurrently among independent researchers. Famous instances of this far-from-random phenomenon include the independent discovery of calculus by Newton and […]
“Ideally, a poem should happen to the reader.”
But here is a breakdown of how the series unfolds:
