THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST comes out in a little over two months and a friend was asking me recently what they should read while they waited, books that are similar in tone, feel and subject matter. My mind went blank for a few minutes — as it often does now while I juggle marketing, freelance work and the writing of my next middle-grade novel — then I thought I should put the question to the other people who know the book best: My critique partners, blurbers and publishing team at Simon & Schuster.
So, if you’re looking for middle-grade books to enjoy while you wait for THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST, try out these wonderful recommendations…
From my editor Sarah Jane Abbott at Paula Wiseman Books:
- THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman
- CORALINE by Neil Gaiman
- TUMBLE AND BLUE by Cassie Beasley
- THE NEST by Kenneth Oppel
From Simon & Schuster‘s sales department:
- DOLL BONES by Holly Black
- A MONSTER CALLS by Patrick Ness
- THE YEAR OF SHADOWS by Claire LeGrand
- THE JUMBIES by Tracey Baptiste
From author Janet Fox:
- LIESL AND PO by Lauren Oliver
- THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill
- DOLL BONES by Holly Black
- BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA by Lauren Wolk
From author Nikki Loftin:
- THE WILD ROBOT by Peter Brown
- ORPHAN ISLAND by Laurel Snyder
From author Liz Garton Scanlon:
- THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST is like “LIFE OF PI [by Yann Martel] meets CHRONICLES OF NARNIA [by C.S. Lewis]”
From writer and critique partner Gayleen Rabakukk:
- THE GIRL IN THE WELL IS ME by Karen Rivers
From author Donna Janell Bowman:
- THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST is like “THE BOOK THIEF [by Markus Zusak] meets movie CASTAWAY with a bit of HATCHET [by Gary Paulsen]”
Read these middle-grade books and pre-order THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST (click for more retail stores carrying the book). You’ll be all set for June 26.
How many of these have you read already? I’ve now got the ones I haven’t read on my to-read list. Have a look at the list on Goodreads and feel free to add your own suggestion there or in the comments below.
