The Tiara and the Terrace
by Kristen Kittscher
HarperCollins (January 5, 2016)
Audience: Grades 5 to 8
Fiction * Mystery * Friendship
About the book:
In this funny, clever novel, perfect for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Gordon Korman and a companion to The Wig in the Window, tween sleuths Sophie Young and Grace Yang go undercover at Luna Vista's Winter Sun Festival to catch a murderer before he—or she—strikes again.
Sophie Young and Grace Yang have been taking it easy ever since they solved the biggest crime Luna Vista had ever seen. But things might get interesting again now that everyone is gearing up for the 125th annual Winter Sun Festival—a town tradition that involves floats, a parade, and a Royal Court made up of local high school girls.
When Festival president Jim Steptoe turns up dead on the first day of parade preparations, the police blame a malfunctioning giant s'more feature on the campfire-themed float. But the two sleuths are convinced the mysterious death wasn't an accident.
Young and Yang must trade their high tops for high heels and infiltrate the Royal Court to solve the case. But if they fail, they might just be the next victims.
Check out the Official Book Trailer:
The Tiara on the Terrace spotted live:
Several years ago, I had the good fortune to meet Kristen Kittscher at a YA event that I was a part of in Pasadena, California. Since then, I have had a chance to work with her on other local author events and to also support her books.
Recently, I got to hang with Kristen and the gang at the Live on Green event in Pasadena.
Kristen Kittscher with YA author, Ingrid Sundberg, and Once Upon a Time Bookseller, Romy.
Kristen in a deep conversation with young fans.
A photobooth was set up by Russell Gearheart Photography.
Photobooth in action.
Then on Sunday, January 3rd, I was able to attend her book launch party for The Tiara on the Terrace.
Kristen with fans.
More fun with the photobooth.
Kristen talking about her new book, The Tiara on the Terrace.
Kristen talking about her research and visiting the Wrigley Mansion in Pasadena. She based the Ridley Mansion in her book on the Wrigley Mansion.
Refreshments included root beer floats. If you don't know why, read the book.
A view from above. Kristen spoke to a full house at the Armory Center in Pasadena.
Kristen talking with one of the young actors from her book trailer.
Many books were signed.
Photo Credit: Alyson or Alethea (Read Now, Sleep Later)
Congratulations Kristen on the success of your book launch! Pick up a copy of The Tiara on the Terrace from your local indie bookstore or contact Once Upon a Time in Montrose, CA for an autographed copy.
About the author:
KRISTEN KITTSCHER is a former middle school English teacher and author of tween mystery The Wig in the Window (Harper Children’s, 2013) which garnered a starred review from School Library Journal and was named to ten Best of the Year lists. The 2014 James Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence and a graduate of Brown University, Kristen frequently presents at schools, libraries, and festivals. She lives with her husband in Pasadena, home of the Rose Parade—the inspiration for her most recent novel, The Tiara on the Terrace. Visit kristenkittscher.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@kkittscher).
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