I had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha San Miguel about her book, Spineless, is being released out today. I received an advanced copy of the book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is about a young boy named Algie Emsworth who dreams of becoming a recognized naturalist. He does have a few things stacked against him, though. He has asthma in the early 19th Century. This can be severely limiting to his activities. However, Algie find that he has more strength than he ever imagined. His adventures take him to Florida where he meets new friends and confidantes who challenge him and help him. I don’t want to give too much away but here is the official synopsis of the book.
Dive into the beautiful, surprising, adventure-filled world of The Grand Hotel of Gilded Age South Florida with Samantha San Miguel’s debut middle grade, SPINELESS (On Sale June 7, 2022 | Union Square Kids), where twelve-year-old aspiring naturalist Algie Emsworth stumbles upon a brand-new species. Despite the protests of his overprotective family and the threat of his chronic asthma, Algie must face-off against a famous collector of exotic animals, as well as contend with a mysterious deadly red tide, to save the species—and the Grand Hotel’s guests—from destruction. For science nerds, historical fiction lovers, and fans of an underdog, this thrilling, immersive middle grade is Hoot for the Gilded Age, with a classic mystery-filled hotel as a backdrop, and some fantastical twists.
