The Children’s Book Review | May 8, 2018
J. S. Puller is a playwright and debut author from the Windy City, Chicago. She has a master’s degree in elementary education and a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Northwestern University. She is an award-winning member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and is actively involved in researching the social-emotional benefits of arts education with the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. When not writing, she can usually be found in the theatre. Her play,WOMEN WHO WEAVE, was published by Playscripts, Inc.
I write because …
I love storytelling. My college mentor, Rives Collins, used to call telling a story to someone the same as giving them a gift. And I really love giving presents. I like to create surprise and joy. I love to invent new characters to become friends to the audience. There is just so much joy that comes with writing. Also frustration, anger, and moments of wanting to bang your head against the wall. But mostly joy.
I read because …
I like to visit new places, but I hate airplanes. Reading gives me the ability to travel to whole new worlds and times, without taking my shoes off at security. I also get to meet some interesting people. And as much as I like giving presents, I like receiving them more. Every time I open a book, I’m given the gift of a new story.
My latest published book is …
I wrote this book because …
I wanted to challenge myself. It originally started as a play. I was pleased with the way the play turned out and National Novel Writing Month was coming up. Since I didn’t have any projects in mind, I figured, “Why not see if I can turn this play into literature?” The hardest challenge of all was writing characters who live in the real world, in our world. I’m a fantasy nut and I’ve never tried contemporary. What a mental work-out!
Best moment …
In the story? Absolutely any time Janey’s father opens his mouth. In my life? I don’t know yet! Check back with me in fifty years or so.
My special place to write is …
Usually curled up on my couch. Although I’ve been known to get so inspired that I need to start writing immediately. People have seen me writing in planes, trains, and automobiles. And buses. So, so, so many buses.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
Empathy. Just like in theatre, it’s impossible to explore the inner lives of other people if you aren’t in touch with your own inner life and how you would feel in that same situation.
The person who has been my greatest writing teacher or inspiration is …
Mia McCullough, my first playwriting professor, basically changed the course of my life. Up until I started studying with her, I wanted to be an actor and nothing else would do. But the moment she taught me how to start crafting a scene in a script, I was absolutely hooked.
Currently reading …
Inkdeath, the third book in Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart Trilogy.
Favorite bookshop …
Pretty much any one that I’m in. But I have a special place in my heart for Bookends & Beginnings in Evanston, IL.
All-time favorite children’s book I didn’t write…
The Giver. No question. Final answer. I re-read it every couple of years and still weep like a baby when I get to the end.
Favorite illustrator …
Andrew Jackness is near and dear to me. Pamela’s First Musical was an incredibly important book in my childhood. So while he isn’t the most traditional illustrator, I always imagine his drawings when I think of picture books.
A literary character I would like to vacation with …
Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter books. The girl speaks my language. I’d really like her to be my life coach.
When I am not reading or writing I am …
Usually doing something embarrassing. Like jamming out to showtunes. Or participating in role-playing games. Or watching Star Trek. I love Star Trek.
To learn more, visit: pullerwrites.wordpress.com | Twitter | Facebook
Captain Superlative
Written by J. S. Puller
Publisher’s Synopsis: “Have no fear, citizens! Captain Superlative is here to make all troubles disappear!”
Red mask, blue wig, silver swimsuit, rubber gloves, torn tights, high top sneakers and . . . a cape? Who would run through the halls of Deerwood Park Middle School dressed like this? And why?
Janey-quick to stay in the shadows-can’t resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the mask. The answer pulls invisible Janey into the spotlight and leads her to an unexpected friendship with a superhero like no other. Fearless even in the face of school bully extraordinaire, Dagmar Hagen, no good deed is too small for the incomparable Captain Superlative and her new sidekick, Janey.
But superheroes hold secrets and Captain Superlative is no exception. When Janey unearths what’s truly at stake, she’s forced to face her own dark secrets and discover what it truly means to be a hero . . . and a friend.
Debut author J.S. Puller delivers an inspirational story full of heart, humor, and breathtaking revelations.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | May 8, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1368004275
Available Here:
Discover more books like Captain Superlative, written by J. S. Puller, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Bullying, Friendship, Middle Grade Books, Middle School, and Superhero Books; plus, be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series.
