war & peace

I found out about The Book Wars when they reviewed Melena’s Jubilee last spring. I wouldn’t say I’ve given up on bloggers, but I blog less myself these days and know only a few book bloggers will consider self-published books. So it was encouraging when I reached out to the bloggers at The Book Wars and found one who was interested in looking at Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged. After that great review by Jane, I went on Twitter and saw that another team member, Nafiza, was looking for inclusive #ownvoices MG and YA titles. I asked if she was open to indie authors and she was; two fantastic reviews appeared on their blog this month! My books are rarely reviewed in Canada, so it means a lot to know there are at least a few open-minded members of the kid lit community up there now. It’s also clear she really understands what I’m trying to do with the City Kids series, and I appreciate her emphasis on the quality of the storytelling. Yes, I deliberately introduce social issues for the kid characters to address but I’m honestly not trying to preach. I want to present a range of viewpoints so that the reader can see just how complex social issues can be. Many readers expect fantasy fiction to provide an escape from reality, so I know my approach won’t be everyone’s cup of tea—but Nafiza “got it.” I especially appreciate that she pointed out how my books could be used in the classroom. Here’s an excerpt from the first review:

The Ghosts in the Castle presents a work that grapples with contemporary issues pertinent to children in ways that are accessible to children without once condescending to them. The book is not didactic–in fact, it encourages readers to question, wonder, and research. Above all, the book tells a story that is both engaging and entertaining. I recommend this book for both libraries and in-class use. It will be an invaluable resource for social studies teachers as well.

And here’s part of the second review:

The Phantom Unicorn has the traditional elements of a fantasy adventure story that will be familiar to readers of the genre. What sets it apart and makes it special is its awareness of the contemporary world and the issues currently being faced by children in marginalized societies. POC children will find mirrors in all of Zetta Elliott’s books but this series especially centres the problems and themes important to them without alienating others.

As I said about The Ghosts in the Castle, I believe The Phantom Unicorn to be potentially invaluable in classrooms and libraries. The City Kids series will prove to be essential springboards for engaged discussions about a plethora of subjects such as social activism, nonconventional family units, and discrimination. Lest you think, however, that the books are little more than didactic volumes, please know that the stories themselves are strong and feature well developed characters living complex lives.

You really need to get these books.

I’m not great at promotion but have been thinking about making a super short video to let folks know about these books. Kids are clamoring for inclusive fantasy fiction and with Dragons in a Bag coming out this year, I’m determined not to act like a debut author. I’m bracing myself for a certain degree of “Columbusing”—folks raving about Dragons (“Look at this great new author!”) without acknowledging my body of work. If I hadn’t found an agent last year, Dragons would have been part of the City Kids series, and I’m hoping to finish The Gryphons at the Gate in 2018. I said I’d cap the series at five books but The Phantom Unicorn leaves the door open for a sequel. Some days it feels like there will never be enough stories to make up for the books I needed but couldn’t find during my own childhood. I just need to remember that they don’t ALL have to be written by me…