I’ve been feeling those almost-time-for-book-release jitters lately, so two pieces of happy SUGAR AND ICE news were especially welcome today.
First…School Library Journal called it "delightful" in the December issue and said:
Messner has a flair for depicting engaging characters who are imperfect without being quirky. The dialogue between classmates and siblings is realistic, and the intergenerational or extended family relationships are interesting. The author shows the intensity of the world of competitive skating without dwelling on its rough edges, making it accessible not only to tween readers, but also to those who might have Olympic aspirations.
Then I found out that SUGAR AND ICE has been named one of Amazon.com’s Best Books for December. I was floored to see there were only three kids/YA titles on the list and more than a little delighted to see my book next to Ally Condie’s MATCHED, which I just loved.
SUGAR AND ICE is also on the Winter 2010-2011 Kids IndieNext List, so it should be available at your favorite indie bookstore as well as Borders and Barnes & Noble on December 7th. If you have plans to purchase, I’d love it if you supported your local bookstore if you can!