4.99 Middle School Book: 1st Flag of New Hampshire
Recommended for ages: 9-13
NOTE: Author Stephanie Burkhart is interviewed by Author Regina Andrews about the 1st Flag of New Hampshire. This interview was originally published in APR 2012.
BLURB:
It’s the start of the school year, and Alyssa has to take American Studies for college prep. She’s paired with classmate Miguel De Soto to find the first flag of New Hampshire, but the flag has only flown four times in New Hampshire’s past. Can Alyssa and Miguel track the flag through history before time is up?
REGINA'S INTERVIEW:
REGINA: I'd like
to welcome fellow author, Stephanie Burkhart, here to kick off her blog tour
for her latest YA/MS release, "First Flag of New Hampshire."
STEPH: I'm so
excited to be here, Gina. I've done several blog tours now and I've noticed I
always start off my tours by visiting your blog in little Rhode Island first so
I was glad for the opportunity to do so again.
REGINA: You're
welcome! Tell us about the book.
STEPH: Alyssa and
Miguel are high school seniors at Central High in Manchester, NH. As part of
their assignment for American Studies, they're tasked to find out the four
times in NH history when the first flag flew and where it is now. Their
friends, Greg and Karen, challenge them to a friendly race, adding a sense of
urgency to the project.
REGINA: What was
the inspiration behind the plot?
STEPH: My
American Studies class. I rarely get inspiration from dreams, as I'm a very
heavy sleeper. It's funny, I can still remember sitting in the class and my
teachers, Mrs. Hussey and Mr. Lord saying this would be a class that would stay
with us the rest of our lives. At the time, I was 17 and just laughed, but they
were right. At the end of the school year, I knew this class would resonate with
me.
REGINA: How long
ago was American Studies?
STEPH: 25 years.
Can you believe that?
REGINA: Is there
really a 'first' flag of New Hampshire?
STEPH: Not
really, but I wanted to write a young adult/middle school mystery so I made up
the first flag. What I was striving to do was seamlessly blend fact and fiction
and I hope I've done that.
REGINA: How long
did it take you to write?
STEPH: About a month including the research.
REGINA: How did
you come to pick the setting?
STEPH: I grew up in New Hampshire. It just felt right to me. Actually, this is going to be a series. Alyssa and Miguel are going to visit all 6 New England states solving mysteries along the way.
REGINA: What are Alyssa's strengths? Weaknesses?
STEPH: She's determined and focused. Alyssa has a plan. I would say when a wrench gets thrown into her plan, it takes her a bit to work through it.
REGINA: What does
Miguel like about Alyssa?
STEPH: Miguel finds her kind with a pleasant disposition. Her determination and focus helps him do the same. His ability to work through a problem helps her do the same.
REGINA: Who did
the illustrations?
STEPH: Ginger
Nielson. Ginger is a true blessing. She's from New Hampshire, as well. I love
how her illustrations bring Aly and Miguel to life. They're perfect!
REGINA: How long
have you been writing?
STEPH: About 10 years now.
REGINA: What do
you find rewarding about young adult writing?
STEPH: The ability to inspire others – especially young adults and children - to read. I love watching young people embrace a good story.
BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIyKiMxpdU8
REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Amazon Customer: "I enjoyed Ms. Burkhart's First Flag of New Hampshire very much. The story was fast paced and fresh."
4 Stars, Cherl Maderadinos, Amazon Reviewer: "Readers who like solving mysteries or learning about the past will enjoy First Flag of New Hampshire. This would also make a great addition to a school library."
BUY LINKS:
PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE:
AMAZON:
BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-flag-of-new-hampshire-stephanie-burkhart/1039325547?ean=9780983801832&itm=1&usri=first+flag+of+new+hampshire
Congratulations on your new book, Stephanie! Sounds like an excellent teaching tool. best, Cheryle Williams
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