Kent, Wonderland, and Some Minor News Jennifer Nielsen May 5, 2020

Kent, Wonderland, and Some Minor News

I hope everyone is quarantining well…or doing well slowly moving back into public places…or isolating…or whatever is in the best interest of you, your family, and those  in your circles. Please be safe, be kind.

And be hopeful. We have faced hard times before and we have come through it. We will come through this as well.

Besides, I have a few bits of good news. But first – 

Today is a rather somber 50th anniversary, that of the Kent State Massacre in Ohio, when twenty-eight members of the National Guard opened fire on a group of anti-war college demonstrators. The history is documented exceptionally well by Deborah Wiles in her newest novel, KENT STATE.

There’s another novel I’m really excited about, though it doesn’t come out until Sept 8, THE LOST WONDERLAND DIARIES by J. Scott Savage. This is the lost record of Lewis Carroll’s true journey to Wonderland, discovered by Celia and Tyrus, and their journey through this dangerous world. This is a fabulous book, definitely worth checking out!

And some bits of good news.

The School Library Journal listed their top Ebook and Audiobook checkouts over recent weeks. A NIGHT DIVIDED is #13 for grades 3-6 and THE FALSE PRINCE is #18 for grades 5-8.

WORDS ON FIRE is nominated for a Lectio Award, and is a Middle Grade winner of the 2020 AML Award. 

Finally, I am currently working on Book 5 of the Ascendance Series, at about 50K words of the first draft. I am also thinking about a topic for my next historical novel. What do you think?

73 Comments
  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 5:06 am

    I would like to learn about the Cold War. I don’t anything about it and I bet you’ll introduce it to me in a fun and interesting way. Thank you!

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 5:07 am

    I would like to learn about the Cold War. I don’t anything about it and I bet you’ll introduce it to me in a fun and interesting way. Thanks

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 2:43 pm

    That’s so exciting! I think for the historical novel that something about the U.S. Civil War would be interesting. Or maybe something during pioneer times. Those have always been really interesting to me and my family.:)

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 3:29 pm

    I think I would most like to read about the cold war

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 4:32 pm

    The Cold War would be a pretty awesome book written by you, so that’s what I would choose. I also cont believe you’re on the fifth book!! I cannot wait to see Sage again in the fourth! The trilogy has literally changed my life (got me to start like reading) and I don’t know what I would do without books now. Thank you so much!!

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 5:22 pm

    Congrats on all the book achievements, Jennifer! That’s awesome. I’d like to see you write a historical fiction about the Revolutionary War. Be well! 🙂

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 5:38 pm

    I would say Cold War or unknown history!

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 6:21 pm

    All of those history time periods are so great; it’s hard to choose. I think a book set during the Cold War would make a suspenseful read. I can just picture the protagonist playing a vital role as a spy or double agent handling top-secret information.

    If I had to pick one of these time periods though, I’d go with the Civil War. I’m a bit partial to that one, since it’s my favorite period of American history.

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 7:01 pm

    I would love something about the Revolutionary war, I think that would be really fun to read! Also, I can’t believe you’re already writing book 5 of the Ascendance series! Any idea if that will be the last one, or if there will be more books after that? Thank you for writing such amazing books!

    • Reply
      May 11, 2020, 3:35 pm

      I think it will be the last one, but then again, we’ll see. I never say never where Sage is concerned.

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 7:03 pm

    I would love to read a book about the Revolutionary War

    • Reply
      May 5, 2020, 7:04 pm

      also an unknown history sounds really cool

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 8:12 pm

    ohhh I would love to read an American Revolution or American civil war novel written by you!

  • Reply
    May 5, 2020, 10:24 pm

    I think I would like to read something in either the Revolutionary War or the Cold War.

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 4:50 am

    Well, I’m actually thinking about the Vietnam War. It just seems like a interesting topic. I guess it would be part of the Cold War, but more on Vietnam. With Agent Orange and all.

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 5:04 am

    Also, congratulations on Words of Fire! It’s a really brilliant book, splendidly written!
    Stay safe from all this COVID-19! Stay home!

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 3:04 pm

    Hi! My name is Ashlyn Bertsch. I’m in Dee Yonkers class. I love your books! I love too read and have read lots of books about World War II but not World War I. So I think you should write about World War I.

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 3:34 pm

    I can’t wait for the 4th Ascendance book, it’s keeping me sane these last few weeks. No just kidding but as for a historical novel, I’d like to see. Well, I’ve read many on world war II, I suppose I think it’s time for a change of pace. I’ve always wanted to hear some unknown or little known history or possibly history from places other than America and Europe since they’re so widely told, though none the less important. Just my thoughts, but I’d still read any historical novel you put out 🙂

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 4:13 pm

    For your next history book, what if you wrote a book on the 911 attack.

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 5:44 pm

    I would also love to learn about World war 1.

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 8:23 pm

    Hi Jennifer! Congratulations on your book’s nomination! I hope it wins *fingers crossed*

    Also, that’s so exciting that The False Prince and A Night Divided are on the School Library Journal list!

    Personally, I’d like to read a book either about the Cold War, or Unknown History (I think there’s potential for something unique and interesting in either subject).

    I hope all goes well with your fifth book in the Ascendance Trilogy; hope you have a great week! 🙂

  • Reply
    May 6, 2020, 10:14 pm

    Oh my goodness, the news about Words on Fire is very exciting. Congratulations! I think for me, I would love to read about the Cold War or maybe World War | because I have been really interested in World War || for the longest time but I would love to learn more about World War |. I really think they would all be really interesting to read about though.

  • Reply
    May 7, 2020, 1:46 am

    You should definitely write something about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII. I love reading your books and I really enjoy learning about this part of WWII, and I think you would do an incredible job writing a novel on this part of history.

  • Reply
    May 7, 2020, 5:45 pm

    I am thinking unknown history. I love learning about it and teaching it to kids. Although, The Cold War is getting to be unknown too. We talked a lot about it when we read A Night Divided.

  • Reply
    May 7, 2020, 11:18 pm

    I really think you ought to do another book about the Holocaust, which is an arc of the WWII. I know it must be hard to write about such horrific things, but I think it would help more people know about it, and the more people know, it will be another heart you have touched. After I finished Resistance, I had also finished the Harry Potter series, and don’t take it the wrong way, but they’re both equally gruesome, and yet so beautiful. The Holocaust would really help this generation know about the meaning of their words, because in just a few speeches, Hitler destroyed the world, as well as the lives of so many innocents. It would help people know the value of kindness and love, because even though hatred was in every corner in the Holocaust, love was there as well.
    Also, stay safe!

  • Reply
    May 8, 2020, 1:25 am

    I would love to read a cold war book written by you after all the WWII related novels you’ve done! I really like the way you bring awareness to the hardships of people in history through your books! Thanks for giving me books to read, some for the first and others repeatedly, through this quarantine:)

  • Reply
    May 8, 2020, 5:47 pm

    The Russian Revolution would be seriously cool to dig into more and read about! Whatever you choose, though, I’m sure it’ll be an incredible book. You’re my favorite author. I can’t wait to read more!

  • Reply
    May 8, 2020, 8:19 pm

    I would most love to see a historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of the french revolution. It’s a crazy time, and I don’t think there are very many historical fiction books set then. Also, have you ever considered a book series with time travelers?

  • Reply
    May 8, 2020, 8:21 pm

    how about the space race?

  • Reply
    May 8, 2020, 10:28 pm

    I think you ought to do another one on the Holocaust, or the Civil War. I read Resistance, and it was too much of a masterpiece to describe in words. I know it must be hard to write a tale as gruesome as that, but it would help more people understand how important it is that the Holocaust never happen again. If you create a book on the Civil War, I might as well scream (out of joy, of course!).
    Also, stay home and good luck!

  • Reply
    May 9, 2020, 2:19 am

    Ooh, I’d say “unknown history” or WW2!

  • Reply
    May 10, 2020, 1:39 am

    the unknown history. Also I am so excited for the next books in the Ascendance series! I cannot wait for Rescue!!!!! Thank you so much for writing such great books. You are my all time favorite author.

  • Reply
    May 11, 2020, 5:30 am

    Your next book should be about someone in Hiroshima during WWII. Love reading all of your books!!

    • Reply
      May 11, 2020, 3:27 pm

      Interesting idea!

      • Reply
        May 12, 2020, 2:24 am

        I love all your books and I really think anything you write will be amazing. I would like to hear about unknown history but I would also like to hear about the Russian side of World War two.

      • Reply
        May 13, 2020, 1:55 am

        It would love to read something about the Bubonic Plague. We’re stuck in this, and that seem like a good connection. Or the Vietnamese War.

  • Reply
    May 11, 2020, 2:37 pm

    Yeah! I would love to read the American Revolution or Civil war that would be cool! But really any of the choices sound good.

  • Reply
    May 12, 2020, 3:40 am

    Oooh I would love to read a historical fiction about unknown history! Looking forward to Captive Kingdom!!!!

  • Reply
    May 12, 2020, 4:40 pm

    I just had a funny thought in the false prince did mrs turbeldy ever find out that he was actually the prince

    • Reply
      May 14, 2020, 1:57 am

      She heard a rumor about it, but she does not know, nor would she believe it.

  • Reply
    May 12, 2020, 5:47 pm

    Hey everyone, if you’re seeing this and you want a movie adaption of The False Prince, please sign this petition! Disclaimer: I did not create this petition, but I support it, and I really want a movie of the False Prince. So please sign everyone!
    https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/the-false-prince-movie

  • Reply
    May 12, 2020, 6:48 pm

    When will we get to know what topic you choose? Thanks for writing such great books!

    • Reply
      May 14, 2020, 1:46 am

      Hi Drea – I’m still collecting ideas, looking for the “right” idea.

  • Reply
    May 12, 2020, 7:32 pm

    I just binge read the entire ascendence series and traitors game series (plus a night divided) in 10 days. Thank you for writing these stories. My fifth grade class adores your books and introduced them to me. I’m SO glad they did.

    Your WW2 work is great, maybe American related this time? Revolutionary War would be perfect for 5-8 age range. That’s when they first learn about that history!

  • Reply
    May 13, 2020, 3:40 am

    Please write a book about the Cold War! That is my favourite time in history!

  • Reply
    May 13, 2020, 4:29 am

    This is yet another random question, but do you know when Sage’s birthday is? I looked it up and it said May 7th, but it never says in the books and I was wondering if he actually did have a specific birthday. Thank you!! ❤️

    • Reply
      May 14, 2020, 1:45 am

      It is May 7th, Katie.

      • Reply
        June 14, 2020, 5:03 am

        Now I got Sage’s birthday to celebrate, and Harry, and a few hundred more.

  • Reply
    May 13, 2020, 10:57 pm

    Your’ historical fictions has taught me more about those eras than any history class I have ever taken. Yes, I do pay attention and I really enjoy history. Thank you for writing such great books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Reply
    May 14, 2020, 3:20 pm

    Congrats on all the awards! And I am beyond excited for the return of Sage, not just once, but twice!

    As for a new topic, I think a pre 1700’s book would be cool. I love how well written the Ascendance trilogy and Mark of the Thief are; they really put me in the worlds of ancient rome and fantasy medieval Carthya and Avenia. It would be cool to read an “ancient” history book from you.

  • Reply
    May 14, 2020, 5:39 pm

    Thank you for writing such amazing books! The Ascendance series is my favorite of your series, but I really love your historicals too and can’t wait to read whatever you choose to write next. I was wondering about what Jaron’s life would be like if he lived in our world. What do you think his job would be/what would he do for a living? Also, the same question for Roden. Thanks, and can’t wait to read your next historical!

    • Reply
      May 15, 2020, 4:06 am

      Hi Delphina – Jaron’s job if he lived now? He’d be CIA, and that’s all he can say about his work. Roden would be in the military, probably training for the SEALS.

  • Reply
    May 21, 2020, 11:40 pm

    I think a book about the Civil War or the Cold War would be super amazing to read. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres!

  • Reply
    May 29, 2020, 10:44 am

    I’d like to see you write a book about the Cold War! I’m 10 years old and I love all your books!!

  • Reply
    June 1, 2020, 3:37 pm

    I think you should make a fictional war novel. like the traitors game, or the false prince. I would love to read another book like that!!!!

  • Reply
    July 25, 2020, 4:55 pm

    I would love to read another historical fiction book related to WW2 by Jennifer Nielsen.

    • Reply
      July 26, 2020, 12:49 am

      RESCUE – coming in Spring 2021 – is WW2 in Nazi Occupied France. I can’t wait to share it with you!

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