Just in time for #MiddleGradeMonday, I’m thrilled to welcome debut author, Marie Miranda Cruz, to Pop! Goes The Reader as we reveal the cover of her October 2018 contemporary middle grade release, Everlasting Nora! Coming to a bookstore and library near you October 2nd 2018 from Tor Starscape, Everlasting Nora tells the story of twelve-year-old Nora, who lives with her mother in Manila’s North Cemetery. After her mother’s sudden and mysterious disappearance, Nora, along with the help of her kindhearted grandmother, embarks on a dangerous mission to find her. The cover of Everlasting Nora was designed by Danielle Medina with accompanying illustrations by Adam Doyle.
About Marie Miranda Cruz
Marie Miranda Cruz obtained her degree in Biology from one of the oldest universities in Asia. By day, she works as a cytogenetics technologist and writes children’s books by night. She loves to knit fingerless gloves because writers need warm hands. Marie lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two grown up kids and a tankful of ferocious cichlids.
When I was growing up in the Philippines, I aspired to be an artist. I wanted to do something creative. When it was time to choose a college course, I decided to major in Fine Arts. But my parents, the practical people they are, asked ME to be practical and think carefully about my choice. My peers wanted to be engineers or doctors, and I, caught in the sway of their ambition, chose to major in Biology.
The choice to major in science had been a good one. Working in a hospital laboratory analyzing human chromosomes turned into an interesting, satisfying career. But I still wanted to do something creative. Textile art filled the need but I craved more. I was always an avid reader and when it was time to find books for my children, I noticed a lack of children’s books with Filipino characters. Actually, they were non-existent when my children were young. That’s when I found my creative drive. I wanted to be a writer.
This book has the distinction of not only being my debut, but it is also the very first novel I had ever written. I wanted to tell a story that showed the spirit and strength of Filipino communities, their resilience as a people, and their ability to smile and stay hopeful in their bleakest moments.
My brilliant editor, Diana Pho, and the Tor team did a fantastic job on the cover. Special thanks goes to Danielle Medina for the lovely hand lettering and to Adam Doyle for capturing Nora so beautifully. I hope you enjoy this book of my heart and love Nora as much as I do.
Title Everlasting Nora
Author Marie Miranda Cruz
Pages 288 Pages
Intended Target Audience Middle Grade
Genre Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Publication Date October 2nd 2018 by Starscape
Find It On Goodreads ● Amazon.com ● Chapters ● The Book Depository
An uplifting young reader debut about perseverance against all odds, Marie Miranda Cruz’s debut Everlasting Nora follows the story of a young girl living in the real-life shantytown inside the Philippines’ Manila North Cemetery.
After a family tragedy results in the loss of both father and home, 12-year-old Nora lives with her mother in Manila’s North Cemetery, which is the largest shanty town of its kind in the Philippines today.
When her mother disappears mysteriously one day, Nora is left alone.
With help from her best friend Jojo and the support of his kindhearted grandmother, Nora embarks on a journey riddled with danger in order to find her mom. Along the way she also rediscovers the compassion of the human spirit, the resilience of her community, and everlasting hope in the most unexpected places.
As an extra, exciting bonus, Marie Miranda Cruz has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win an advance reader copy of Everlasting Nora! One winner will be chosen at random at the conclusion of the giveaway and the prize will be distributed by Marie when ARCs become available. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!
