By Dana Kaye
This week I’ve had the joy of having an intern. As part of her graduation from middle school, she is required to complete 35 hours of pertinent work experience. In addition to the free labor and sassy comments, the 8th Grade Intern has also been a big help to understanding how young readers choose books. Today, as her internship comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to interview her and share her wisdom with the Hey Dead Guy readers:
Dana Kaye: If you were stranded on a desert island, what three books would you take with you?
8th Grade Intern: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, and THE COMPLETE SERIES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES. Is that cheating?
DK: Not if you can carry them. Where do you buy your books?
8GI: Usually Barnes and Noble because it’s convenient.
DK: How do you find out about new books to read?
8GI: A lot of people suggest books and I take their advice. It’s risky to trust someone else’s opinion, but most of the time I like the book. Sometimes I just buy a book that looks interesting and see if I like it. This is usually in the “New Books” section in bookstores. I don’t usually branch out from my favorite genres, though.
DK: What are your favorite genres?
8GI: YA mysteries and fantasy (like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson). I’ve also started reading more classics, some for school, some not.
DK: Do you follow your favorite authors on Twitter and Facebook? Do you read blogs?
8GI: I follow my favorite authors on their websites and I’ll check in every once in awhile. If I find an author’s page on Facebook, I’ll probably “like” it but I haven’t been on Twitter long enough to find authors. To be honest, before my internship I didn’t realize just how many people post blogs! I’ve seen some of them that I am interested in so I think I’ll start reading blogs.
DK: As long as, Hey Dead Guy is one of them. Do you have an e-reader?
8GI: No, I like books better so I’m not planning on getting one.
DK: What is your biggest pet peeve in books?
8GI: I hate it when authors take a good book that they’ve written, and then they drag out the series so I don’t enjoy it anymore. That happened with one of my favorite books and it really is a bother.
DK: What is your advice for authors trying to reach readers in your age group?
8GI: Though it’s easier said than done, I think authors should try to make their books more original. I’ve been avoiding the YA section in bookstores because I’m becoming bored with the same storylines. If I come across a new plot or idea, I spend a lot more time thinking about that book.
Want more sage-like wisdom and wit from the 8th Grade Intern? She’s now on Twitter.
