Welcome to Day 8 of the 6th Annual March MG Madness, featuring Gary Schwartz and his book, The King of Average!
The King of Average by Gary Schwartz
James isn’t the world’s greatest kid, but he’s not the worst, either: he’s average! When he decides to become the most average kid who ever lived, James is transported to another world where he meets Mayor Culpa, a well-dressed talking Scapegoat who recruits him to become the new King of Average. He’s joined on his quest by a professional Optimist and his grouchy companion, an equally professional Pessimist. Together, they set out on a journey of self-discovery that leads them all the way from the Sea of Doubt to Mount Impossible, the highest peak in the Unattainable Mountains. When James stumbles into a Shangri-la called Epiphany, he uncovers the secret of who he really is.
Follow James on his hilarious, adventure-packed journey to find self-worth in this heartfelt middle grade novel by debut author Gary Schwartz.
Q1. What three words best describe your book, The King of Average?
Fun-Filled, Adventure, Self-Awareness
Q2. Grab a copy of The King of Average and answer the following:
Favorite chapter? Chapter 19 The Flatterlands
Favorite page? 216
Favorite setting? Serenity Spa
Flip to a random page and give us a 1-2 sentences teaser:
Kiljoy, the normally tiny grouchy pessimist, is transformed into an ogre by having his ego inflated by the Brat Boy-King, Onus the Great. Kiljoy quits the quest and abandons his friends in favor of being elevated to Prime Minister of Accusia and the King’s personal body guard.
Q3. Who are your favorite middle-grade hero and heroine? What is your favorite middle-grade book?
James HenryTrotter (James and Giant Peach) & Matilda (Roald Dahl). Favorite middle grade book – The Phantom Tollbooth
Q4. Why do you think middle-grade lit is so important?
At this age the world is opening up and what we read and enjoy makes a indelible life-long impression and can form your world view and view of your developing self. It did in my case. They are books that can change the future for impressionable kids.
Q5. If you were to create and bake a cupcake inspired by The King of Average, what would it look and taste like, and what would you call it?
My cupcake would be lopsided but decorated so outrageously that you’d have to take a bite. It would be super colorful with sprinkles and glitter and candy cane stripes, BUT when you bit into it, the sweetness would melt into your favorite childhood memories of butterscotch, fudge, caramel, soft-ice cream, vanilla custard, root beer and chocolate malted milk…and remind you of the best times of your life. Flavors that comfort you and make you feel full.
Gary Schwartz began his professional career as a mime at age 13, performing up and down the Hudson River with Pete Seeger and the great folk entertainers of the 1960s. In the 1980s he appeared in numerous film and television projects including the Oscar-winning feature film Quest for Fire. Schwartz has lent his voice to hundreds of film and TV projects and is the voice of several well-known video game characters, including Heavy Weapons Guy and Demoman in Team Fortress 2.
Schwartz has written for two children’s television series in which he co-starred: Zoobilee Zoo, where he played Bravo Fox; and the Disney Channel’s You and Me, Kid.
Schwartz studied with and became the protégé of Viola Spolin, the creator of Theater Games, the basis for improvisational theater in America. He is a passionate, dynamic improv coach and facilitator devoted to carrying on Spolin’s techniques.
The King of Average is his first novel. To learn more visit gary-schwartz.com.
Win a The King Of Average prize pack: paperback, ebook, audio cd!
Gary Schwartz has generously offered one (1) prize pack for one winner.
-US only
-ends 4/5/17
-winner will be emailed and must claim prize within 48 hours
-Word Spelunking is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen prizes
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5 comments:
this book is truly unique to me. I love the idea presented in the synopsis and will have fun reading along with this character's adventures. Everyone can identify with being average. I enjoy humor, so this is a must read for me.
This sounds like a great book for middle schoolers!
Excited to recommend this to my daughter!
This is a must have! I love the concept and feel like I know some of the characters personally. In fact, I am some of the characters! Thank you for sharing your book.
I'm pretty sure that my 12 year old brother would find this book a riot!
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