You can’t tell by book sales. I’m not on the best-seller lists. I’m still able to safely walk through airports without being flagged for autographs.
But the other day I walked into my eight-year old daughter’s class (I was there to volunteer as a writing coach), and I had to wait. I was happy to wait, because Read-Aloud had gone late, and no one wants to interrupt Read-Aloud. Especially WHEN THEY ARE READING YOUR BOOK.
Can Stephen King say that? Has he ever walked into an elementary classroom and watched a whole room of children laugh at his words? Has he waited breathlessly while they try to guess whether Cleo is helping Timber or leading him into a trap, as one child so astutely summarized? (Wise students of literature, these third graders are.) I think not.
I have arrived.

That must of been a real highlight for you. To have them reading your book. Congrats.
It was pretty awesome! My daughter tells me nothing of her school day–nothing. She’d mentioned they were going to start the book. I had no idea they were halfway through.
It’s easier to get intel from the CIA then from kids and school work.
Congrats! And love the cat drawing 🙂