A YA fantasy book that winks at adults too.
CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF YOUR BOOK?
As Red as a Munka Bean is a young adult fantasy about two underdogs who are teleported to another planet to represent Earth in the Interstellar Beauty Contest.
Fifteen-year-old Liam is the only deaf boy at his public high school. He is quiet and has trouble making friends, because he can’t always follow the quick banter in groups, and he lacks confidence. So does his best friend Absalom, who struggles with his weight. They are relentlessly bullied by the Enbesil, a gang of tough, cool boys.
But on Kamim, everything is different. Beings from across the universe have gathered for the yearly Interstellar Beauty Contest, and to them, Absalom is absolutely beautiful. And they communicate with sign language. For the first time, Liam and Absalom belong.
Topher doesn’t. He’s the leader of the Enbesil, who was accidentally brought along. No one on Kamim pays any attention to him at all. Still, Liam and Absalom have to find a way to interact with their bully, and they find he just may be able to help Absalom perfect his walk down the runway…
At times hilarious, at others deadly serious, this young adult novel will keep you hooked to the last page.
WHAT ARE YOUR BOOK USPs?
-In this book you will find: ties fantasy to real life, reader roots for the characters, characters who aren’t perfect or superheroes, but have real life struggles.
Reviews on Amazon described it as “quirky and imaginative”, “a highly enjoyable read!”, “as touching as it is entertaining”, “up-and-coming author takes the reader on an amazing interstellar adventure, all the while staying true to a higher message of diversity and inclusion.”
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
Kristin has always been an avid reader of many kinds of books: young adult, adventure, fantasy, travel, the classics. As with her reading tastes, the books she writes don’t adhere to just one genre. You’ll find elements of fantasy and contemporary, books for young adults and those for middle grade readers. Travel often figures into her stories as well.
Her stories begin with an idea which may come to her on a walk, in a dream, or in a brainstorming session, and they sometimes develop in ways which surprise even her. Most importantly, perhaps, are the characters, who Kristin hopes you’ll feel like you get to know and understand. Maybe one day you’ll say: So-and-so dances like Absalom or The cloudmakers are having a party! and smile.
Kristin grew up in a small town in Connecticut and began writing ten years ago after her daughter was born. She lives in Germany with her family, where she teaches English as a foreign language to adults.
Find out more about the author on her website, and follow her on her social media (X and Goodreads).
