Kat's Greek Summer
Soon to be high school freshman Kat Baker is all about training for the cross-country team this summer. Then her Greek mom knocks her off-course by dragging her to Greece. To meet the family. How can a girl train in ninety-billion degrees? And with a sharp-eyed Yiayiá watching her every move? Determined to keep her running dream alive, Kat embarks on a risk-filled odyssey, discovering that self-truth is at the heart of dreams, first love—even family—and that it is up to her to speak up and claim the heritage that is uniquely hers. (SparkPress, ISBN-9781684633067)
“sparkling… a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, family, and self-discovery with grace and insight.”
–Publishers Weekly, BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“relatable… sympathetic…The prose is detailed and descriptive. In the coming-of-age novel Kat’s Greek Summer, a girl embraces her Greek identity and begins to understand who she wants to be.
–Foreword Clarion Reviews (4 out of 5 stars)
“Mima Tipper excels at bringing to life the gentleness and fire of first love, as well as Kat’s dawning awareness that only she can stake her own claim in the world. A wise and charming debut.”
–Alison McGhee, New York Times bestselling author of “Someday”
“Meet Kat Baker. She’s not the girl you want to be; she’s the girl you are. Mima Tipper’s impetuous, likable protagonist learns that desire is a wellspring that spurs her forward like Artemis, the goddess she can be if she trusts her instincts and stays true to herself. Readers will love this fresh for-real heroine.”
–Julie Pidgeon, Principal and Middle School English Teacher, Folsom Education and Community Center, South Hero, Vermont
“Kat’s Greek Summer is the fantasy we all dream of … a secret romance in a Mediterranean paradise with the swooniest local boy on the Aegean Sea? Sign me up! With her unflinching portrayal of the challenges Kat faces, Tipper delivers a triumphant narrative that celebrates love and family while confronting the gritty truths of life.”
—Kristin Nilsen, author of the middle grade first crush novels Worldwide Crush and The Scott Fenwick Diaries.
“Kat’s Greek Summer is a charming tale of self-discovery, family, and first love set in a vibrant Greek village. With unforgettable characters and a touch of romance, it’s a perfect read for fans of heartfelt coming-of-age stories.”
—Keagan Calkins, Library Director, Worthen Library, South Hero, Vermont
“With lyrical prose and lush descriptions, Mima Tipper brings Greece to life through the eyes of rising ninth grade runner, Kat, in this relatable story that explores what it means to be “half Greek” and what it means to be a “good” girl. Readers who crave romance will delight in Kat’s adventures with sensitive, artistic Theofilus, and those who appreciate intergenerational family stories will be moved by Kat’s touching bonds with her Greek family. Kat’s Greek Summer is a valuable addition to the small but important category of young YA novels featuring ninth grade characters.”
–Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air and Keeping Pace
Channeling Marilyn
Seventeen-year-old Lexa Donovan’s timid, plus-size life goes sideways when the spirit of Marilyn Monroe takes up residence in her body in this laugh-out-loud funny paranormal YA tale perfect for fans of Lisa Schroeder and Ashley Poston.
High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life—and when she’s chosen to be part of her school’s spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she’s tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe.
Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: The spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears—ready and willing to be Lexa’s personal acting coach.
Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn will have to learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move forward—in life and in death. (She Writes Press, ISBN-979-8896363200)
“A playful supernatural coming-of-age tale with an impressive undercurrent of real heart.”—Kirkus Reviews
“‘Channeling Marilyn’ is both engaging and warmhearted, tackling fear and transformation but also delving into the unexpected ways we find courage—sometimes from the most unlikely sources.” —Publishers Weekly, BookLife
“A charming novel, ‘Channeling Marilyn’ follows a high school student’s momentous senior year achievements—garnered with a bit of supernatural help.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Original, clever, imaginative, and a deftly crafted blending of paranormal fantasy, coming-of-age, and highschool angst, Channeling Marilyn by Mima Tipper is a fun and memorable read from cover to cover . . .”—Midwest Book Review
“Tipper writes with real flair and empathy. Channeling Marilyn is lush and laugh-out-loud funny and moving. It’s a dazzler!”—Tim Wynne-Jones, author of The Maestro
“Mima Tipper’s insightful novel will appeal to anyone who’s felt torn between the opportunity to shine and the urge to disappear. Throw in the spirited ghost of Marilyn Monroe and you have an irresistible story that has all the feels – sometimes all at once. I loved it.”—Pam McGaffin, author of Shade of Wings
“Mima Tipper deftly navigates her characters through angst-filled situations and emotional turmoil with sensitivity and humor . . . This delightful and engaging tale of self-discovery, personal growth, and the disorienting nature of young romance is a delight to read.”—K. M. Huber, author of Call of the Owl Woman
“Charming and so original . . . Deftly weaving a theatre story, a love triangle, and a ghostly haunting, Tipper gives us nuanced characters, spine-tingling tension, and an instantly relatable protagonist.”—Mary Pascual, author of The Byways and Walk the Web Lightly
