Jagger is worried about who to trust throughout the book. Do you think he’s too suspicious of other people? Do you have a sense of what factors in his life contributed to his struggle to trust people? How does Aria differ from him in this respect? Who do you think is right? Jagger or Aria?
Ancient Egyptian artifacts are peppered throughout the book. Can you identify five different artifacts that played an important role in the story? Which ancient artifact was your favorite?
If you were trapped in the Amarna period and couldn’t get home, what modern luxuries do you think you’d miss most? What would be the best thing about living in ancient Egypt? What do you think would be the hardest thing?
Acknowledgements
I’m not the first gal to amplify the old African proverb: It takes a village … Turns out, the same can be said for publishing a book. Assembling my village has, unexpectedly, turned into one of the most delightful experiences of my life.
The founding member of my village was my son, Gracian, who, at nine years old, bemoaned the fact that the world didn’t have a book about a kid who looked like him travelling back to ancient Egypt. Voilà—the idea was born. Our village quickly expanded to include my daughter, who inspired a curious, courageous, little sister character. Soren evolved into my most enthusiastic cheerleader and my first beta reader and editor. Our rescue dog, Caesar, was the next sweet soul to wander into our village. Admittedly, his contributions were minor, but his loyalty and constant companionship as I pounded out, edited, and reedited pages earns him a shout-out here.
Soon, the village was augmented by supporters outside our home’s walls, starting with Chicago’s beloved writing coach, Esther Hershenhorn, without whom I could never have fixed the many problems in my initial draft. I was also lucky for the support of my beta reading friends, Phoebe, Colleen, and Rosaria; my old grad school friends, Jackie and Solange; and the countless friends and family members who offered support and encouragement.
When the world’s greatest agent, Liza Fleissig, joined the leadership team, I knew my village was legit. I was thrilled when Liza pulled my publisher, Georgia McBride, into my orbit. As an unpublished author, finding professionals like Liza and Georgia, who are willing to take a chance on a new writer, is a blessing. I can’t thank these two enough for taking my feeble pages and turning them into this magnificent real-life book. There are many things to love about Georgia, but one of those things is that she connected me with Tara Creel, my editor. Tara’s patience, creativity, knowledge, and kindness has been a balm, and a blessing. The team at Month9Books has been supportive, engaged, and kind every step of the way, and I extend my appreciation to the entire team: Jennifer, Emily, Nicole, Danielle, Christine, Michelle, and Tom.
And yet, even with all these wonderful villagers, no story is truly launched until it finds an audience. So, my most heartfelt thanks are reserved for readers like you, who pick this book up and, I hope, enjoy the characters, magic, and adventure within.
XO,
Malayna
Malayna Evans
Malayna Evans is the author of a middle grade time travel series—JAGGER JONES AND THE MUMMY’S ANKH is book one in the series. Malayna earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago and has used her background to craft a tale loaded with historical details, attested ancient actors, and a magical adventure full of gods, mummies and wriggling creatures. Malayna enjoys a busy life of reading, writing, and playing in Oak Park, Illinois with her two kids, a spoiled rescue dog named Caesar, and a dwarf hamster named Pedicure.
Editor’s Note
Dear Reader,
I’m so excited you’ve picked up a copy of JAGGER JONES AND THE MUMMY’S ANKH. Say that ten times fast, and it may end up sounding like, “JAGGER JONES AND THE MUMMY’S UNCLE!”
When I’m looking for stories to publish, I can never escape my “mommy” hat. I’m always looking for books that my kids or my nieces and nephews might like to read-books they can see themselves in. Where THEY are the heroes and heroines.
JAGGER JONES is a great read for everyone who likes awesome books. Jagger and his sister Aria happen to be biracial, just like my kids. Unlike my kids though, they seem to get along most of the time.
I applaud Malayna for writing such an amazing story, and also wanting to tell it in an authentic way. We all worked really hard to make sure JAGGER JONES, our modern hero, was strong, capable, and unapologetic. This action-packed fantasy adventure is just what the doctor ordered for reluctant readers, advanced readers and kids who love magic. And, between you and I, the author even managed to sprinkle in real historical facts and references, so readers will learn something new as they journey to ancient Egypt with JAGGER JONES.
We hope you enjoy JAGGER JONES AND THE MUMMY’S ANKH.
From our family to yours,
Georgia McBride
Publisher
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