This will make you feel like a kid again🤸
As a books reporter, some of my favorite interviews have been with children's authors whose stories hold special meaning for generations of young readers. There was the time I interviewed graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier ('Smile' meant the world to this orthodontics-prone kid) and had a chance bookstore run-in with Dan Gutman, of the 'My Weird School' series.
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Louis Sachar, an author forever cemented into favorite-childhood-book lore with 'Holes,' 'The Wayside School' series and 'There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom.'
Sachar has maintained that he'll never write a sequel to 'Holes,' but he does have something new in store for longtime fans – his first adult novel. 'The Magician of Tiger Castle' is part cozy fantasy, part historical fiction, and it reads like a grown-up version of his zany, childhood stories. This magical book is so full of whimsy that I found myself giggling and gasping alongside his adventures like I did with Stanley Yelnats from "Holes" in middle school.
Last year, I embarked on a quest to find the best children's book. What is it about the stories that stay with us long after we outgrow playgrounds and bedtime tales? I asked parents, kids, booksellers and authors. While I didn't find a single, clear answer, I came away knowing the best stories are the ones that nurture, not coddle, young minds.
'Holes' tackled injustice, classism and racism, and in writing it, Sachar knew his young readers could handle difficult topics. It trusted us with humor without dumbing down the jokes. While 'The Magician of Tiger Castle' may be for grown-ups, it too reminds you to slow down and be silly, igniting that same feeling you had when you first picked up a great book.
What books make you feel nostalgic? Give me your recommendations at cmulroy@usatoday.com or reach me on Instagram. Thanks for reading USA TODAY Books this week.
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