It is such an honor to interview Julie Abe all about The Magic Library of Waterfall Way. Julie is such a middle grade queen! I know I can always read her middle grades to have the best time and this one is no exception.
The Magic Library of Waterfall Way
The Alterran Empire hasn’t had an Unremarkable born in centuries . . . until Lyra Hunt. All Lyra wants is a guild to call home—preferably one with a library full of storybooks—but because of her cursed fate, nearly everyone has rejected her.
Then Lyra stumbles upon the secretive Guild of Scholars in the cozy little village of Waterfall Way. With their tight-knit community and magical Library, this might finally be the perfect place for her. To be accepted, though, she must recover the Scholars’ crystal, the source of their magic that was lost in a terrifying fire. With the help of a mischievous new furry friend, Lyra will try to brave the Library’s cursed halls.
Lyra may have an Extremely Unremarkable past, but she’ll do whatever it takes to find a guild—and a home—where she belongs.
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Find The Magic Library of Waterfall Way on Goodreads, Storygraph, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.
Author Interview
Can you talk us through the inspiration for THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY and specifically the library aspect? Do you remember some of your earliest experiences with libraries?
Libraries saved me.
I love libraries so much. As a lonely kid, my elementary school library was my haven, and the books around me were my best friends. Even as I grew older and found friends, no matter what stage of life I’ve been in, there has always been joy to be found in libraries, and I’m so grateful for them. That’s why The Magic Library of Waterfall Way is my love letter to books and libraries, and I’m so deeply thankful for access to the libraries.
A major theme in your book is the idea of remarkability and the fluidity or rigidity of that identity. What drew you to this idea of being ‘un-remarkable’ and the world building of the magic aspect? How did you develop the idea of the guilds throughout the drafting process?
For young readers, I desperately want to tell them — no matter what labels people put on you, define yourself for yourself. Other people can label you however much they want, but only you can choose what labels you want to accept—if any.
The guilds were actually created for that physical division between Lyra and her future—because, if she doesn’t get into a guild, she’ll be banished. It ties into the theme of labeling of identity, but as Lyra finds out in the Guild of Scholars, even though the members are all “Scholars”, each of them have unique strengths that combine together really well.
You are a true middle grade queen, what do you think would happen if all your middle grade protagonists were to go on a quest together?
I WANT THIS TO HAPPEN. Oh my gosh, it’d be so fun. Eva and Ember would bring some cloudberry croissants, Tessa and Kit would bring shuriken to protect everyone, Alliana and Kabo would fly everyone around (riding on a dragon = flying in style, of course), and Lyra and Wishlight would pack a whole library for fun. They’re all incredible, and would be able to save the world.
Found family is a hallmark favorite trope of mine! What are some middle grade found family book which you love? What do you think continually draws you to this concept and particularly within the middle grade age group?
Found family is one of my absolute favorite tropes, too! Tamora Pierce writes such stellar books with people who may seem so different at first, suddenly connecting and becoming the best of friends, and she and her books have been an inspiration on so many levels. I’ve always loved the idea that “friends are the family you choose”. No matter what, even if someone doesn’t feel like they have somewhere to belong, when they find the people that understand them for who they are, not who someone else wants them to be—those possibilities fill me with such hope and joy.
You’ve written so many gorgeous and fantastic books, did you learn anything new about yourself as a writer while drafting this one? Is the process or your approach largely the same when you think of a new project?
I learn so much about myself as a writer and a person while drafting every book. For this story, I thought it was about prophecies and ranks—and it very much is—but at the heart of it, it’s a love letter to books and the power of the written word. My process is overall fairly similar from book to book, but I learn so much about writing with every story so it feels like I start over and have to learn how to write all over again, every time.
A keen eye may have seen a new listing for you THE MAGIC BOOKSHOP FOR WANDERERS AND WISHES online, are you able to tease anything or confirm?
You have a very keen eye! I’m so, so excited that the literary fun continues. The first book revolves around the magic library, so it only made sense (after a few drafts that are now trashed, hah!) to have Lyra and Wishlight work on creating their own bookstore in book two. The cover is unbelievably dreamy; Kevin Hoang, the illustrator, and Jeanette Levy, the art director, are incredible. Whimsical and cozy? Check. A bookshop I want to visit? Absolutely, check. I can’t wait for you to see the cover very, very soon!
About the Author
Julie Abe writes heartfelt, cozy stories for readers of all ages, including EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH, which was listed as a Best Middle Grade Book by Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and Book Riot; THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY; ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and TESSA MIYATA IS NO HERO. Keep up with Julie’s latest books and adventures on instagram.com/julieabebooks or sign up for her newsletter at julieabebooks.com/newsletter.