Q & A About The Humming Room in Publishers Weekly

I chatted about the backstory for The Humming Room and what I'm working on now in Publishers Weekly

Second Starred Review for The Humming Room!

Publishers Weekly just gave The Humming Room a starred review, right on the heels of a starred review from Booklist.  Couldn't be happier!

The Humming Room —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Ellen Potter. Feiwel and Friends, $16.99 (192p) ISBN 978-0-312-64438-3

In a resonant novel inspired by The Secret Garden, Potter (The Kneebone Boy) pays graceful tribute to the spirit of that classic. The author borrows plot elements effectively, yet her strong characterizations, fluid dialogue, and evocative descriptions give the novel a vibrant life of its own. After Roo’s drug dealer father is killed, the 12-year-old girl goes to live with her aloof, widowed uncle in a rambling former tuberculosis sanitarium on the island of Cough Rock in the St. Lawrence River. Roo is a loner who hides to avoid others and often puts her ear to the soil, listening to the sounds of life underground. Other noises—mysterious humming and crying—lead Roo to twin discoveries: Emmett, a cousin she didn’t know existed, and a domed, dried-up garden in a remote part of the house. Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo’s uncle’s estate; it’s a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it’s drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart. Ages 9–12. Agent: Alice Tasman, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. (Feb.)—Publishers Weekly, starred review

The Humming Room —Booklist, starred review

"Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character—her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate—and linger—with young readers." —Booklist, starred review

The Humming Room is Coming Soon!

So excited! My newest book The Humming Room is going to be out in stores this February!