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C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Monday Miscellany: Move Over, Finn Finnegan is Coming

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Finn (not bleedin’ Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendants of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the AmandÃn, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the AmandÃn, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn’s survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of “fighting Irish.”

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You’ve read and loved Spencer Hill Press’ YA books. Now Spencer Hill Press would like to introduce you to a book for your sons, daughters, younger siblings, friends, students and other Midgrade Readers. Finn Finnegan is an adventure story that will grip even reluctant readers with goblins, cool weapons, realistic parent/child relationships and subtle themes of responsibility, friendship and racism. Action and complex characters make it a great read for grownups, too. (Go on and try to tell me that Finn’s teacher, Gideon, doesn’t win you over.)

Darby is a 7th grade teacher at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School in Colorado Springs (social studies). Her school is the 2012 Colorado Middle School of the Year, and was the runner up for the 2012 Middle School of the Year for the U.S. She’s available for radio, television and print interviews, as well as guest posts. 
WIN WIN WIN
Spencer Hill Press is offering a prize package to ONE winner throughout the tour that includes a copy of the book, a $25 Amazon gift card and Finn Finnegan themed temp tattoos. 

I’ll be posting my review of Darby’s new book as soon as possible. I’ve been charmed by her characters and shared her work with some of the younger readers in my family.

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I can’t see the name Finn Finnegan without hearing a brogue, so I thought I’d add a touch of Irish to this Monday Miscellany.  We’re only a little over a month away from St. Patrick’s Day, right?
Did you know that the Shamrock came to be associated with St. Patrick’s Day because of its three-leaves–a comparison to the holy trinity? I learned that in Catholic school from an Irish nun. Some things you just never forget.
Here’s my Irish wish to all:
Grant me a sense of humor, Lord, 

the saving grace to see a joke,
To win some happiness from life,
And pass it on to other folks.

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My favorite quote for this Miscellany Monday: “I’ve learned one thing–people who know the least anyways seem to know it the loudest.” Al Capp
What do you think of Darby’s series? Have you read any of her books? Share some Irish lore and get us in the mood for March 17. 

Comments

  3. This sounds like a a great story. Thanks so much for sharing it! I can't wait to read your review. The giveaway is so exciting! Thanks so much!

    Ramona the Pest and the other Ramona books are the first books I remember loving. 🙂
    ~Jes

  6. I haven't read her books, but they sound great. As for Irish… I'm married to a half Irish, is that enough? Oh… did I tell you he's also half polish? I tell people he get's mad and doesn't no why. 😀

  13. Congrats to Darby on her wonderful book and her impressive Middle School! I wish her lots and lots of success. 🙂

    (You may want to change "now" to "know" in the Al Capp quote. *wink*)

  16. Sounds like a great story! The name makes me think of Mr. Dressup (fantastic Canadian kids show that was on forever!) Thanks fro the tip and the chance 🙂

  19. Luck o' the Irish, with some corned beef and cabbage as the main course. Ah yes, I remember learning about the Trinity the very same way, and then teaching my catechism classes and kids the same thing too. Thanks for the Irish wish. Right back at you, on that score!