The Zee Files was the winner of the Middle Grade category of the 2022 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Tina Wells.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Zee Files. April 5, 2022.
What’s the book’s first line?
“You think they have Umami Burger in London?”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Zee Files is a spin-off of my series Mackenzie Blue. It centers on a Southern California girl whose family moves to London. She then heads to boarding school in the Cotswolds. It’s lots of change in a short time and we follow Zee as she navigates it all.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was inspired by the tweens I met who seemed to be dealing with the same issues as Zee. Gen Z is so inspiring and Zee is an example of their creativity, wit, overall good nature.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Her red hair and glasses for sure! She is all about being herself, and she reminds me of girls I loved growing up like Laura Winslow and Blossom. They were spunky, opinionated and tons of fun.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
To escape to boarding school, of course!