Since my dad is currently considering a cochlear implant, I was keen to chat to the author, Helen Dunlap Newton, about her new book ‘Careful What You Hear’ which is currently on tour. You can read reviews on these other blogs, or scroll down to hear what the author had to say and a competition (sorry, it’s just for US readers) …

Blurb

After a surgical mix-up gave 13-year-old Noah Baker mind reading powers, he becomes a spy tasked with stopping the bad guys. Ever since he accidentally got an experimental cochlear implant, Noah and his secret agent partner, Lena, have been going on secret missions for the government. Now, they’re in for a reward for all their hard work—Space Camp! But all is not as it seems. When Noah accidentally overhears thoughts that reveal a plot to steal top secret plans from nearby Redstone Arsenal, he must make a choice.

A quick fire chat with the author

1. If you could chose any superpower, what would it be? Flying! I used to have dreams as a kid that I could fly.

2. What would be the worst thought you could imagine overhearing? The worst thoughts would be finding out someone I thought was my friend had terrible thoughts about me.

3. Do you have any personal experience with hearing loss (adults or children) that you drew on? Yes. There was a family in my childhood church. The husband and wife were both deaf but their children could hear. They were precious people and I was fascinated with how they communicated. I also had several students who were deaf and have friends who have cochlear implants.

4. If not, how did you ensure an authentic portrayal of hearing loss? Even with the experiences I described above, I also did extensive research.

5. Did you use/ consider using a sensitivity reader? Yes, I interviewed two people who have cochlear implants. In CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR, I introduced a character who is from the Lenape (Delaware) tribe. My husband is part Delaware and I have a friend who is Delaware. All of these people were sensitivity readers of my manuscript.

5. Are there more in the series planned? I am working on the third and final novel in the series. It does not have a title yet.

Giveaway to Win a $15 IndieBound e-gift card (to buy books with) (Open to US Only)*Terms and Conditions –US entries welcome. 

Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494607/?

About the Author

Award-winning author Helen Dunlap Newton is a veteran middle grade language arts teacher and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Both Night of the Amber Moon and Do You Hear What I Hear? were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award and received the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for backyard chickens and an energetic Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.