Margaret Willey Releases New YA Novel

Beetle Boy, published by Carolrhoda Lab, an imprint of Carolrhoda Books, division of Lerner Publishing Group, tells the story of a young man defined by his past as a child prodigy-or at least, as the child prodigy his father made him out to be. Margaret Willey's nuanced novel is sure to captivate teens and the adults who care about them alike.

After his mother left when he was seven years old, Charlie Porter just wanted his father to stop crying. So he told him a story about a talking beetle-a story his mother had made up, and a story that convinced his father that he could make some money out of it. The story became a book, and then it became school events and book festivals, a beetle costume, and a catchphrase, "I was born to write!" Because of the story, Charlie stayed seven until he was ten. And then it all ended. Or it should have. Now Charlie is eighteen, and beetles haunt his dreams. The childhood he never had is ending...but there's still a chance to have a story of his own.

Willey expertly creates a story of a broken family, the long shadow of neglect, and the light of small kindnesses.

Visit www.carolrhodalab.com for a free discussion guide.

About the Author

Over a decades-long career, Margaret Willey has published in many genres-picture books, fiction, and poetry. In 2002, Clever Beatrice won the Charlotte Zolotow Award for best picture book.

About the Publisher

Carolrhoda Lab is dedicated to distinctive, provocative, boundary-pushing fiction for teens. Carolrhoda Lab probes and examines the young-adult condition one novel at a time, affording YA authors and readers an opportunity to explore and experiment with thoughts, ideas, and paradigms in the human condition.

Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, creates high-quality fiction and nonfiction titles for children and young adults.

Follow Carolrhoda Lab Online:
Blog: carolrhoda.blogspot.com
Twitter: @CarolrhodaLab
Facebook: facebook.com/carolrhodalab

PUBLICATION DATE:
September 2014

$17.95 Hardcover, Jacketed
eBook also available
Ages 13-18
HC: 978-1-4677-2639-9
208 Pages ? 5 1/4 x 7 ½

To Purchase: Visit your local bookstore, order by phone at 800-328-4929, or visit us at lernerbooks.com.