If you have, good for you. If you haven’t, you should. And how lucky you are, since there is a brand new paperback version making its way into the collective circulation of middle grade literature! Today we’re happy for the opportunity to host the cover reveal! Look at this thing of beauty:
Colorful, eye-catching, just enough nods to the story to get the middle grade readers of the world either curious about what that story might be about, or to draw them back in a second or third time if they’re already familiar with an earlier edition. (If you’re interested in seeing more work from the artist, Risa Rodil, visit her web page at risarodil.com )
The story follows Sam, an strong and independent character looking to build an even deeper bond with her love of music, and particularly playing the drums. You would think the author of such a story would need to have a musical background. Mike Grosso is all over that. He answered a few questions about his writing experiences and love of music to help us launch the new cover:
Congratulations on the paperback release! What have been some of the most memorable things you’ve experienced going back to when the book first came out?
The most memorable was definitely the book launch party at Magic Tree Bookstore. It’s a tad bittersweet since Magic Tree is gone now, but they threw the best I AM DRUMS party I could’ve hoped for. They were so excited when I pitched the idea of the Grosso Brothers Rock Band performing songs from the I AM DRUMS soundtrack. People loved it so much more than I expected!
It has also been great getting to know my fellow middle grade authors. We’re a tight knit community and we care deeply about one another. Princeton Book Festival and NerdCampMI have been some of my favorite hangouts these past few years!
Sam’s interest and discovery clearly show your own interest in and deep background knowledge about music. Do you see themes related to music having a part in any future writing ideas you want to explore?
Definitely. I have a proposal almost ready to go for a nonfiction graphic novel about weird instruments. It’s based off a blog series I ran the month following I AM DRUMS’s release -- it featured instruments with particularly inspired designs. One of my favorites is the theremin, an instrument controlled by proximity sensors so you don’t have to touch it to play it. I own a theremin now, and I’ve had a blast bringing it to school visits.
If Sam stayed with drums for another ten years or so after the end of the book, who would be her five favorite players?
She’d definitely discover and feel a kinship with Cindy Blackman Santana. She mixes jazz and rock so well, and those are two huge influences on Sam. She’d also have embraced Carla Azar from Autolux and Janet Weiss from Sleater Kinney, and she’d still harbor a sweet spot for Jon Bonham since his drum solo in Moby Dick was what launched her passion. Buddy Rich would be on her list, too, but I suspect it would’ve developed into a love/hate thing after learning what a jerk he could be.
Do you know any good drummer jokes?
I know a few!
Did you hear I’m rewriting I AM DRUMS in the style of Dr. Seuss?
It’s called GREEN EGGS AND FLAM.
How late does the band play?
About a half beat behind the drummer.
How can you tell if a drummer is at your door?
He doesn’t know when to come in.
How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb?
Five -- one to change it, and four more to talk about how much better Neil Peart could’ve done it.
Good luck with the release, Mike!
1 comment:
...a half beat behind the drummer... ahaha!!
Awesome cover! Really eye-catching.
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