Love books that feature magical elements? Then check out Lauren Magaziner's "The Incorrutibles."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
In "The Incorruptibles," I built a world in which the people who wield magic oppress those without magic. Sorcerers are power-hungry, egotistical, entitled, and cruel. So much of that came from observing how people with the most power in our world often use it to punch down. But of course, I couldn’t have these evil sorcerers running rampant without resistance fighters to stand in their way, so I created Incorruptibles, a group of non-magical people who combat the sorcerers with nothing more than tech and grit.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
I like to think that reading is a contract between the author and the reader. To write with pride means that I create with empathy, love, and respect. Reading Rainbow means you are able to show up to the book as your authentic self — and find affirmation, warmth, and camaraderie inside the pages.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Stories are supposed to tell truths and be real. So, books should reflect our world, and our world is wonderfully diverse. When kids see themselves inside the pages of a book, they get excited, and they don’t feel so alone. But I also think it’s important that kids see people not like them on the pages. Understanding people who are different from you is the best way to foster empathy, and the world needs more of that nowadays.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
Near the beginning of "The Incorruptibles," the main character Fiora accidentally spurns two of the most notorious sorcerers. In return, they vow to kill her. Fiora’s only hope of survival is learning how to fight back at Inc Academy, where kids train to become full-fledged Incorruptibles. But it quickly becomes clear that a sorcerer spy inside the academy is sabotaging missions, and all eyes are on Fiora, as the new kid. It's up to Fiora to find the spy and prove she belongs with the resistance.
I really wanted to write the kind of book I wish I’d had as a kid: an epic ensemble fantasy series with an inclusive cast, where the queerness is ever-present, relaxed, and joyful. A world everyone automatically understands that people are who they are, and they love who they love.
What can fans expect from your book?
"The Incorruptibles" has immersive worldbuilding, action-packed plot, breathless pacing, and characters (kids and adults, both) that you’re going to be obsessed with. You’ll find so many queer characters: eight in book one, including our protagonist. If you’re in the market for a more inclusive boarding school, you’ll find it here. Inc Academy is a warm, compassionate, found family bubble inside a dangerous, high-stakes world.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I’m currently working on the sequel; "The Incorruptibles 2" will come out next summer. If you can believe it, I think it’s even more of an exhilarating ride. More surprises. More plot twists. And best of all: even more sapphic.
