A unique blend of natural and supernatural, this inspirational and highly educational novel provides up-to-date information about the environmental dangers facing young adults today and what they can do to respond as Earth- and Water-Protectors. This story is written for the middle grades. It makes a powerful read aloud for younger children and adults love it as well.
Sam and Maddie, neighbors in a rural town in Washington State are drawn unexpectedly into The Mother Tree’s powerful vortex, and find a portal where they meet SilverLight, a thousands-years-old master dragon, who begins to teach them Mother Earth’s Secrets as no mere mortal could. To train the two teens to become Galactic Guardian-Level Earth-Protectors, SilverLight magically transports them back and forth between the everyday world of school and family and the various Realms of Possibilities that exist in other dimensions.
Hello book lovers! Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so I am excited to tell you a little bit more about Elizabeth Flanders’s whose book Sam, Maddie, and the Mirror Dragon thrilled me from beginning to end! I personally would recommend this book to all of those that love fantasy and feel passionate about protecting the environment, but really the book can be read by anybody as it is flawlessly written and highly enjoyable. With today’s author spotlight, a biography of the author and an interview between me and Elizabeth Flanders will be shared, and I hope that you book lovers enjoy reading it! To kick this off here is an author bio about the wonderful Elizabeth Flanders!
After Elizabeth’s bachelor’s degree, she traveled internationally teaching English as a
foreign language. Arriving back in the U.S.A. she went to graduate school earning a
master’s degree in early childhood and special education. Her professional life spanned
40 years in public and private settings, as a teacher, administrator and creator of new
programs—often serving children and families made vulnerable to poverty.
She wrote this fantasy book for young people in the middle grades, like her grandson,
who are looking to better understand the environment and are on a journey to find their
special gifts to offer the world.
Now, how wonderful does Elizabeth Flanders sound?! Elizabeth Flanders is a truly exceptional writer and I hope that you lovely readers have a read of the author’s work because you will not regret it! Please see below an interview between me and the author and I hope that you enjoy Elizabeth Flanders’s answers to my questions, they are incredible and provide some great advice too!
Thank you for joining us today at Red Headed Book Lover! Could you please tell us readers about your book and what inspired you to write your book?
It all started during the early days of covid. My 10-year-old grandson had online school, and my daughter and son-in-law were working outside the home, so he and I zoomed a lot. One of the things we shared was a book about a boy and a dragon. It was a precious time and when he was able to go back to school, I missed our time together.
My grandson and I share a passion for nature and soon after he returned to in-person school, I spontaneously started writing a story, a love letter to Mother Earth which included a boy and a dragon. I wrote it because it made me feel so good and I shared it with a few people; the feedback I received was it made the readers feel good too! Then through a series of miraculous synchronicities, all the resources for publishing the book appeared. Clearly, this book was meant to be!
This story teaches young people about the interconnectedness and beauty of nature, “Magic School Bus” style. It’s inspiring–full of both awe and wonder and earth science. The young people discover their personal gifts, which along with their community, can help protect against the changes in climate that threaten our beautiful home.
What would your advice be for aspiring writers?
Write about what you know and are passionate about.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing about a book?
When the story takes me into another world and lifts me up.
What is your writing process like?
I write freely when the story comes to me, then I edit, allow some space from the text, then edit again.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
As the story comes to me, I research the details.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or do you only write when you feel inspired?
I only start a story when I’m inspired, then I schedule time for proofing and editing.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
Right now, I’m reading The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger which describes the current scientific research into plant sentience and Ecologizing Education by Blenkinsop and Kuchta. It makes a case for pairing nature and education for young people. My favorite authors of fantasy are Madeleine L’Engle and Anne McCaffrey.
Its official book lovers, I am obsessed with Elizabeth Flanders! If you have liked what you have read about the author and are interested in learning more, then please do have a browse of the links below! You will not regret it.
Goodbye for now book lovers,
Amazon US – Amazon UK – Goodreads
Author: Website
