The adage about kids who see their parents read turning into readers holds true with Jaycie Kimball, 11, our newest MN Reads reviewer. She’s the daughter of reviewer Ben Kimball and my sister Ericka, and happens to be my absolute favorite niece. Jaycie’s been an avid book lover since, well, birth I think. When she was a wee little toddler, she used to make me read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to her over and over again, and each time we reached the end she would say with shock and awe, “Ohhh, a beautiful butterfly.” Jaycie begins sixth grade in a few weeks and has already had the honor of meeting Judy Blume (and I’m not jealous about that at all).

What book(s) are you currently reading?
I just finished Cracker the Best Dog in Vietnam, now I am reading I Kill Giants.

Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Who?
I haven’t had any! 🙁

If your favorite author came to Minnesota, who would it be and what bar would you take him/her to?
Maybe Judy Blume or Kate DiCamillo, I would take them to Chili’s or Fridays.

What was your first favorite book?
My Pretty Vanity or the Lilly series.

Let’s say Fahrenheit 451 comes to life, which book would you become in order to save it from annihilation?
The Mysterious Benedict Society!

What is one book you haven’t read but want to read before you die?
Little Women