It’s time for another cover reveal! Today on Pop! Goes The Reader I’m thrilled to welcome author Melanie Sumrow to the blog as we reveal the cover of her 2018 debut, The Prophet Calls! Coming to a bookstore and library near you November 6th 2018 from Yellow Jacket, The Prophet Calls is a middle grade realistic fiction novel about thirteen-year-old Gentry Forrester, a young girl raised in a polygamous community who begins to chafe against the strictures imposed against her by their Prophet, who continues to exact strict control over Gentry, her family, and her community from the prison in which he’s incarcerated. When the Prophet’s rules threaten everything she holds dear, it will be up to Gentry to reconcile her faith, future, and everything between in a coming-of-age story about following one’s dreams. The cover of The Prophet Calls was designed by David DeWitt with accompanying art by Colleen Tighe. Please read on to learn more about The Prophet Calls, including an exclusive cover reveal, a special note from the author and a chance to win an advance reader copy of the novel from Yellow Jacket Press!
About Melanie Sumrow
Melanie Sumrow received her undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and has maintained a long-term interest in studying world religions. Before becoming a writer, she worked as a lawyer for more than 16 years, with many of her cases involving children and teens. Melanie lives in Dallas with her husband, daughter and one very spoiled dog.
When I first started toying with the idea of writing a book about a polygamous community for middle-grade, I thought it might be too difficult to make it work for this age of reader. But then, I put myself there, right in my main character’s shoes, and started asking, “What’s important to her?” She has dreams just like everyone else. She loves her family dearly. But she also lives in a culture that doesn’t allow her to dream, that tells her how to think and threatens to take her family away at every turn. I knew I had my story.
In this day of more women speaking up, I’m so proud of this book. It’s one girl’s story of empowerment. She’s brave, loves her family fiercely, and follows her dreams, even though it means risking so much.
The Yellow Jacket team has perfectly captured my main character, with two of her sisters flanking her on either side. From their hair down to their dresses, it was a true collaboration between my editor, the artist, the designer and myself. I couldn’t have asked for anything better, and I hope you love the cover for The Prophet Calls as much as I do!
Title The Prophet Calls
Author Melanie Sumrow
Pages 288 Pages
Intended Target Audience Middle Grade
Genre Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
To Be Published November 6th 2018 by Yellow Jacket
Find It On Goodreads ● Amazon.com ● Chapters ● The Book Depository
Born into a polygamous community in the foothills of New Mexico, Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among God’s chosen. Here, she lives apart from the outside world and its “evils.”
On her thirteenth birthday, Gentry receives a new violin from her father and, more than anything, she wants to play at the Santa Fe Music Festival with her brother, Tanner. But then the Prophet calls from prison and announces he has outlawed music in their community and now forbids women to leave.
Determined to play, Gentry and Tanner sneak out. But once they return, the Prophet exercises control from prison, and it has devastating consequences for Gentry and her family. Soon, everything Gentry has known is turned upside down. She begins to question the Prophet’s teachings and his revelations, especially when his latest orders put Gentry’s family in danger. Can Gentry find a way to protect herself and her family from the Prophet and escape the only life she’s ever known?
This realistic, powerful story of family, bravery, and following your dreams is a can’t-miss debut novel from Melanie Sumrow.
As an extra, exciting bonus, Yellow Jacket has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win an advance reader copy of The Prophet Calls! This contest is open to residents of the US and Canada. One winner will be chosen at random at the conclusion of the giveaway and the prize will be distributed by Yellow Jacket when ARCs become available. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!
2 Responses
What a lovely cover. I can’t wait to read it!
so intriguing!