The Kindling, by Braden Bell

So, my kids are still getting used to the idea that their Momma is a (soon to be) published author. It's not really real to them yet (Um, or real to me yet either. It's all the waiting that's tripping us up, I think. But it IS still happening. So yahoo!) so they frequently ask questions like,

"Mom, are you SURE you're going to get your book published?" (Positively Sure.)

"Mom, are you SURE you really wrote a book?" (I remember every word...)

"Mom, are you SURE you didn't make it all up?" (Maybe I dreamed the whole thing?)

Our most recent conversation was all about my author friends. See, my friend Braden Bell sent me a review copy of his book, The Kindling. It's a book geared toward the middle grade crowd so I was excited to let my kids read it. When Sam finished the book, he came up and told me he really like it. I told him I'd be sure to let Braden know. He replied,  "You mean, you KNOW the author?! As in, he's your friend?!" I felt like a little mini-celebrity just for having exchanged emails with the guy. It gives me credibility I think, since it's taking a while for my own book to hit book store shelves, for my kids to know that I'm friends with people whose books are already available. (You know. Since they can't seem to stop questioning the validity of my own publishing process... "Mom, are you SURE they're actually going to pay you for your book?" Appreciate the vote of confidence there, kids. Really. I do.)

ANYWAY, the entire point of this post is to tell you that three of my children, ages 8,8, and 11 all read The Kindling and loved it. At one point, I asked Jordan, who is most definitely the toughest critic, what he thought of the book and he said, "It's Awesome!" Of course, I read the book too. It's not generally a genre I read, but since Braden is a friend, (and because I know he will be just as courteous when my book comes out even though I have no idea if he generally reads women's contemporary fiction with a hint of romance) and because my kids all enjoyed it so much, I couldn't say no. Guess what?! I liked it too!

The Kindling is a quick paced, adventure packed magical journey that kids are sure to enjoy. That sounds a little like a canned statement, but I promise it's true. I loved that the book had clear delineations between good and evil and spoke openly about how evil can make you feel. More intuitive (read: older) readers will pick up on the parallels of good vs. evil in their own lives on their own. The concepts aren't so complex though that younger readers wouldn't get it if a parent were to lead a discussion on the subject. And I think it's a great book for such a discussion. The book is fun enough that it's worthy of being read for nothing but the entertainment value. But if a book can make your kids think about good and evil and what it really means, AND be entertaining? You can't beat that.

The other noteworthy thing about The Kindling is it's full cast of intelligent, kind, well respected adults. Obviously the kids have center stage, but I appreciated the presence of adults the kids looked up to, loved and respected. I'm weary of shows and books that make adults look like morons all the time. It was refreshing to see kids openly admire the teachers/parents/parent figures in their lives.

So. The Kindling is available for purchase right now this very second. You can learn all about the book, the author, and find out where you can buy your own copy by clicking on this link, right here.

The Kindling, by Braden Bell