About the Book
This Indie Corner shares a Turning the Tide spotlight, which is a section of the site that highlights eco-fiction for younger audiences. In fact, this month’s author, Adrian So, had his novel accepted for publication at age 14. The Groundworld Heroes is coming out this August by Monarch Educational Services. Adrian So lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In his free time, he likes to read, write, hang out with his gang of crazy friends, and play soccer. He is currently a high school student.
Adam Rex, NYT bestselling author, said of the novel, “An original voice and a fun, funny adventure underground.”
When Groundworld is on the brink of extinction, it takes one mole with courage to save the day. When Benjamin, a junior mole digger, witnesses a human invasion of his homeland, he must find his long-lost courage and unite two culturally distinct realms to fight the intruders and save his kind from extinction. What perils lie before him as he ventures into the unknown? Can Benjamin go up against a rough bunch of illegal animal trappers before it’s too late? Meet the Groundworld heroes as they defend their country’s sovereignty and save their fellow citizens from capture and extinction. Perfect for fans of Kate Dicamillo and Roald Dahl.
Chat with Adrian
Mary: Hi, Adrian! Your upcoming novel, The Groundworld Heroes, comes out this August. You’re getting this novel published at age 14. What was that like, and how did it feel to start publishing so early? Huge congrats, by the way, for making it to the traditional publishing world.
Adrian: It is quite exciting to know that something you created will be going into print and be made available to the world. And, actually, I began writing the first draft of The Groundworld Heroes when I was 12, in seventh grade, and it only got picked up by a publisher after intensive edits at the end of grade eight. But it was still very exciting, and I can easily remember how happy I was the day I received an offer from my publisher. As for getting into publishing early, one good thing about it is the fact that I can witness how a book goes from being a manuscript to a bound book early, and I can say it’s quite satisfying overlooking this process.
Mary: I bet! How were you inspired to write this book?
Adrian: It sort of started when I ditched my first uncompleted manuscript and I was looking for something else to write about. And suddenly I stumbled across this idea of writing about an underground society of animals, and I think this idea stemmed from mowing the lawn with my dad and seeing all those animals in my yard running and digging about. It might’ve also been influenced by Fantastic Mr. Fox, another children’s chapter book that I enjoyed when I was younger. So yeah.
Mary: Can you let our readers know what is happening in the story?
Adrian: I’ve tried to explain the plot to people who haven’t gotten the chance to read my book but have failed miserably, so here’s my shot at this: Benjamin the mole is a resident of an underground realm called Soiland, but when a group of greedy animal traffickers dig their ways underground, the Soilanders have to evacuate from their home. On their way to refuge, they meet new wacky allies and massive obstacles. So read to find out!
Mary: Where does the story take place, or is the world completely imaginary?
Adrian: Groundworld is imaginary, but it might as well be my backyard, which is located in Winnipeg, Canada.
Mary: Can you talk some about your book’s characters and how you came up with them?
Adrian: Benjamin the mole is someone who isn’t very confident and is quite a serious character. Mr. Hare, the president of Soiland, is intelligent and considerate, and he is also a main character second to Benjamin. They are both based upon my brother, with all of his weaknesses given to Benjamin and strengths given to Mr. Hare.
Mary: What are some of your favorite books and authors, and why?
Adrian: My favourite books are those that are comedic; the quality I need the most from a book is always humour. So my favourite authors growing up are Roald Dahl, David Walliams, and Andy Stanton.
Mary: Anything else to add?
Adrian: I also like reading about politics, which people think is kind of weird, because it doesn’t match up with what I write at all.
Mary: Thanks so much, Adrian! We’ll be looking forward to your book in August.
