First Chapter Friday with the Word Nerd

Each Friday, Amanda Zieba, the Word Nerd, shares the first chapter of a favorite book for middle schoolers. In this episode she reads aloud the first chapter of Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus. Stick around afterward to listen in on an interview with Margi as Amanda asks her the below questions:

1. Many WWII books take place in Germany. How and why did you decide to set this story in Norway?

2. Cross Country Skiing plays a large role in this story. Do you ski? Is there a connection in your life that made you want to include this topic in the story?

3. I know that you did a lot of research for this book. Many times people assume "research" means books and the internet and the library, but did you use any unique research strategies for this book like interviewing or a research trip (or others)?

4. Kids in this book are not bystanders. They step up and take action. Even though WWII happened along time ago, this message is still very relevant today. What would you like modern readers to learn and take away from this story that they can apply to their own lives?

5. Would you say Historical Fiction is your favorite genre? Why do you feel pulled to write stories in this genre and tell these stories?

Friends of the St. Paul Public Library: 36 Finalists Blog

Each week leading up to the 33rd annual Minnesota Book Awards announcement, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library are featuring exclusive interviews with their 36 finalists. Earlier this month, they featured Margi and her nominated book, The Littlest Voyageur. Below are a few questions…

In a year defined by a pandemic and its fallout, virtually everything about our lives has changed in some way. How has COVID-19 impacted your writing habits and preferences? Has the unique zeitgeist of the past year influenced your writing output in any ways that you can pinpoint? 

Like a lot of others (from what I hear) I floundered for a while. With everything that was going on in the world it could be hard to focus on that 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. (I write the old fashioned way). In addition, my grown children came home to stay for many months which was a wonderful thing but the solitary task of writing took a hit. But I am back at it now and writing something completely different for me–a new challenge for a new time. 

Would you tell us one or two things about your finalist book that you are particularly proud of, and why? (Sure, it may feel a bit un-Minnesotan to say so, but it’s not boasting if we ask!) 

I don’t know how PROUD I am of it, but I am certainly pleased that northern Minnesota is a featured part of this book, and that at last, a little red squirrel, preeminent creature of the northwoods, gets to have his say–about everything! Also, the idea Jean Gentille hatches of the traveling, lending “book canoe”–I really think it’s going to take off…. Read more: https://thefriends.org/2021/04/07/36-finalists-blog-margi-preus/

You can also watch the authors in conversation with their fellow category finalists here.

April 1: Afternoon Book Discussion

April 1, 12:30-1:30pm

Dakota County Library: Heritage Library Afternoon Online Book Discussion - Village of Scoundrels

Discuss a variety of great books with other members of the community. This month’s title is Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. New members are welcome. Registration required to receive an email with the link to this online event. Geared for adults. Learn more at https://dakotacountylibrary.libcal.com/event/7345102

March 31: Evening Book Discussion

March 31, 7:00-8:00 pm

Dakota County Library: Heritage Library Evening Online Book Discussion - Village of Scoundrels

Discuss a variety of great books with other members of the community. This month’s title is Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. New members are welcome. Registration required to receive an email with the link to this online event. Geared for adults. Learn more at https://dakotacountylibrary.libcal.com/event/7343596

March 11: Redbery Books Children’s Author night

March 11, 6:30-8:00 pm

Redbery Books Children's Authors Night!

This author talk will feature three wonderful children's authors: Eliza Wheeler, Margi Preus and Amie Bissonette.  Hear about their newest books and where they find their inspiration for writing children's stories.  Learn more at https://www.redberybooks.com/event/cabin-fever-author-talk-childrens-authors-night