ABOUT THE BOOK
After a devastating Blight killed off all the trees, paper is worth more than just about anything. Juni's parents died when she was young, so now it's just her and Grandpa Edgar. When she's not in school, Juni and her friends Doler and Quaze turn to plifting—scavenging for any paper they can find. If Juni can find enough paper, she can pay for the health care Grandpa needs.
So when Juni discovers a book—the first one she's ever seen—hidden in a box in her grandpa's closet, she's both surprised and elated thinking of the money she could get for it. That all changes when she decides to read the book. Beyond opening her imagination, the book contains clues that point to what could be the last library on Earth.
The library's location has been hidden for more than a hundred years, but Juni and her friends are not the only ones looking for it. Ullred O'Donnell, head of R&D for Novexus, a megacorporation that replaced the government and now controls all information, is desperate to find the library as well. With an army of vicious robot dogs at his command, Ullred warns Juni to abandon her quest—or else.
Juni and her friends must find the library and share it with the world before Novexus claims it as their own. If reading one book could change Juni's life, what would access to thousands—or millions—of books do?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Frank L. Cole was born into a family of southern storytellers and wrote his first book at age eight. Sadly, he misplaced the manuscript and has since forgotten what he wrote. Highly superstitious and gullible to a fault, Frank will believe in any creepy story you tell him, especially ones involving ghosts and Big Foot. Currently, along with his wife and three children, he resides in the shadow of a majestic western mountain range, which is most likely haunted. You can learn more about Frank’s writing at frankcolewrites.com.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - How is The Legend of the Last Library similar to your other book series? How is it different?
Frank L. Cole - This book is similar to other series I've written because of the adventure and the humor woven in, but it is also way different than anything I’ve ever written. I’ve never delved into the world of dystopian and it was such a fun, and grueling process coaxing this story to life. I think the themes are a little darker than what I’ve written in the past, but there is so much hope as well!
Life Is What It's Called - What age groups would this book appeal to? Would it be appropriate for advanced readers (6–7-year-olds)?
Frank L. Cole - I think this book can work for younger aged readers, but truthfully, it is geared for upper elementary and middle schoolers.
Life Is What It's Called - How many books will be in this series?
Life Is What It's Called - What age groups would this book appeal to? Would it be appropriate for advanced readers (6–7-year-olds)?
Frank L. Cole - I think this book can work for younger aged readers, but truthfully, it is geared for upper elementary and middle schoolers.
Life Is What It's Called - How many books will be in this series?
Frank L. Cole - As of right now, only one, but I’ve pitched a sequel and I hope my publisher gives in.
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the cover of your book draws kids' interest?
Frank L. Cole - I love these covers! The artists I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years have truly captured the magic of my books. They’re so colorful and they’re always illustrated in a way that just shows the action that a reader can expect from the story.
Life Is What It's Called - What will kids like most about this book?
Frank L. Cole - Juni is such a real character. Probably my most authentic one to date. She’s tough, but sensitive, and I think readers will really be able to relate with her. They're also going to love Zeno and Doler and... well, I think these characters are so much fun and it's an adventure story with high stakes that will suck them in right from the opening page.
Life Is What It's Called - What was your favorite scene to write?
Frank L. Cole - I loved the scenes that take place inside the library itself. I can just imagine it being so cool and mysterious, but also maybe a little creepy too. I think libraries are like that in many ways and with this being the last library on earth, it for sure will have some ghosts.
Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the themes in this book and why is that important for kids?
Frank L. Cole - Family. Friendship. Legacy. Preserving books and helping make as many stories available as possible. This is a treasure hunt and a mystery and a love letter to libraries and books in general and it's a reminder to maybe unplug every now and then and curl up with the real thing!
Life Is What It's Called - How does this book stand apart from what else is on the market?
Frank L. Cole - I don’t know if there are many Middle Grade dystopian novels out there right now. I also envision this book as a sort of gateway to some of the other classics, like Fahrenheit 451.
Life Is What It's Called - What projects are you working on next?
Frank L. Cole - Hopefully a sequel, but I’m also dabbling with a middle grade horror and I do have another book releasing in less than a month called Vigilante Sasquatch.
Life Is What It's Called - If The Legend of the Last Library was a food what would it be and why? (Fun and cheesy like pizza, sweet like chocolate, etc)
Frank L. Cole - I think this book is more like a Sunday roast dinner where all the family is around and you just eat until you’re stuffed.
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the cover of your book draws kids' interest?
Frank L. Cole - I love these covers! The artists I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years have truly captured the magic of my books. They’re so colorful and they’re always illustrated in a way that just shows the action that a reader can expect from the story.
Life Is What It's Called - What will kids like most about this book?
Frank L. Cole - Juni is such a real character. Probably my most authentic one to date. She’s tough, but sensitive, and I think readers will really be able to relate with her. They're also going to love Zeno and Doler and... well, I think these characters are so much fun and it's an adventure story with high stakes that will suck them in right from the opening page.
Life Is What It's Called - What was your favorite scene to write?
Frank L. Cole - I loved the scenes that take place inside the library itself. I can just imagine it being so cool and mysterious, but also maybe a little creepy too. I think libraries are like that in many ways and with this being the last library on earth, it for sure will have some ghosts.
Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the themes in this book and why is that important for kids?
Frank L. Cole - Family. Friendship. Legacy. Preserving books and helping make as many stories available as possible. This is a treasure hunt and a mystery and a love letter to libraries and books in general and it's a reminder to maybe unplug every now and then and curl up with the real thing!
Life Is What It's Called - How does this book stand apart from what else is on the market?
Frank L. Cole - I don’t know if there are many Middle Grade dystopian novels out there right now. I also envision this book as a sort of gateway to some of the other classics, like Fahrenheit 451.
Life Is What It's Called - What projects are you working on next?
Frank L. Cole - Hopefully a sequel, but I’m also dabbling with a middle grade horror and I do have another book releasing in less than a month called Vigilante Sasquatch.
Life Is What It's Called - If The Legend of the Last Library was a food what would it be and why? (Fun and cheesy like pizza, sweet like chocolate, etc)
Frank L. Cole - I think this book is more like a Sunday roast dinner where all the family is around and you just eat until you’re stuffed.
REVIEW
In The Legend of the Last Library, a blight wipes out trees and changes the world where paper is valuable and highly sought after, books are nearly extinct, and a mega-corporation, Novexus, runs the world. Juni lives with her sick grandfather and scavenges for papers in abandoned and condemned buildings to help pay for food and medical supplies. When Juni opens a box her parents sent her a long time ago, she discovers clues to the last library on earth. Juni's not the only one looking for the library. Novexus is desperate to find it as well.
The Legend of the Last Library is a Middle Grade dystopian novel, but teens would probably also find it an enjoyable read. There are not many Middle Grade dystopian novels on the market, but I think this is a good introduction to the genre in many ways...it's adventurous and action packed, has a good overall message and theme, great world-building, likeable characters and good mission. I thought the ending was really cute for kids. It had a nice wrap-up and probably the best wrap-up that I've ever seen an any dystopian novel. If your kid is a younger-aged middle grade reader, I would recommend waiting until they're at least eight. This book has some emotional tugs and pulls, scary scenes, bullying, and a complex world. Overall, kids will enjoy this fun new book. To learn more, click here.
Please note that there are affiliate links in this post that help support this blog. I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post is in cooperation with the publisher.
