Whee! Today is the official release day for Circus Galacticus!

I am so excited that Trix and the gang are finally flying out into the world! I really tried to push myself with this book, trying new things. I think it’s got a bigger and more epic scope than my first two books, and a more complex range of supporting characters. And it was just so much fun to write! So I really hope that you all will enjoy it!

But Circus Galacticus would never have been written without a lot of help and inspiration from:

• The X-Men and New Mutants, which I fell in love with as a kid, who showed me that being different is okay, and that freaks can be superheroes. And that they can come in all colors…
• The science fiction tv shows, movies and books that made my younger self dream of exploring the universe: Earthseed by Pamela Sargent, Star Wars, Star Trek (especially the novels starring Uhura), EarthStar Voyager (does anyone else remember that one?), and most of all, Doctor Who!
• The Cirque du Soleil, for thrilling and daring feats of acrobatics and aesthetics!
• All the generous folks who read portions of the manuscript, including Karen Jordan Allen, R. J. Anderson, Geoff Bottone, Melissa Caruso, Megan Crewe, Erin Dionne, Robert Dunham, Megan Frazer, Robin Merrow MacCready, Patty Murray, Cindy Pon, Jon Skovron and Luanne Wrenn
• My amazing editor Reka Simonsen, and also Sarah Dotts Barley and Su Box, who both assisted in the production of the manuscript!
• The team at Harcourt, who put together such a lovely cover and have worked so hard to get the book out into the world
• Authors Lisa Mantchev and Elizabeth C. Bunce, who graciously provided blurbs!
• Amanda Coppedge, who put together the fabulous list of Discussion Guide
• My wonderful family and friends, who have given so much support through the ups and downs of publishing
• Everyone who has read my earlier books and been so enthusiastic! A writer is only providing part of the story: the reader brings the rest! Thank you to all my readers, and to the booksellers and librarians and teachers who have helped them connect with books!

And lastly, I’ll repeat a bit from the acknowledgements:

I wrote this book in an attempt to capture some of the wonder and awe I feel every time I look up at the stars. I would like to express my deepest thanks to the scientists, astronauts, and all the other men and women who have worked over the years to understand and explore our universe. I’d particularly like to thank (and recommend!) the folks behind www.astronomycast.com, who provide a wealth of fascinating, inspiring, and accessible information about all sorts of topics related to astronomy.

If you are interested in buying a copy of Circus Galacticus, I encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore, if you have one! And remember, if you want to read it but can’t afford to buy a copy, you can always check with your local library and ask them to consider ordering a copy.

If you’re in the US or Canada, you can comment to try to win a copy here at First Page Panda (through Nov 30th).

Or if you want to get a signed copy in person, I will be joining fellow middle-grade authors A. J. Paquette and Anna Staniszewski at a book event on Sunday December 4th at the Wellesley Booksmith in MA, from 12 to 2. There will be craft projects for kids!

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