There are people out there who don’t die with their bodies. Their souls live on in the bodies of others. Some good, some bad—they are soul jumpers.

Nothing in Iris Brave’s world make sense anymore. Her father, Micah, is still alive—his soul survives in the body of a teenage boy.

It is up to Iris and a group of soul jumpers called the Sixteen to save Micah. To do so Iris must take on the unscrupulous leaders of the Council. Can she save her father? Will she survive?

The Sixteen is the second book in the series, right?

The Sixteen picks up where the first book, Iris Brave, left off.

I would read the first book in the series – Iris Brave – before reading The Sixteen. They are intentionally connected and important to each other.

What genre is this series?
My book series is middle grades fiction.

Most of the readers for my first book Iris Brave were nine to twelve year olds, but older and younger kids read it as well. I think the book appeals to both boys and girls who enjoy adventure stories and a little bit of the supernatural.

Tell us a little more about Iris.
I love Iris. She is smart and funny. She is an only child and lives in a small town with her widowed mother. She has lots of fears. She’s not a risk taker, preferring to watch the Ferris wheel instead of riding it. Her world is small and secure – but that changes quickly and Iris has to adapt. She’s loyal and caring, and those characteristics bring out her bravery. She is a kid that everyone can relate to.

Not just other kids?
Iris has a lot of my traits. Our fears aren’t the same, but we both have big, real fears. We are loyal and funny. Our relationships with the adults in our lives are how we are most alike. Iris is part me and little parts of many friends that I love.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a primary teacher in San Diego. I have a wonderfully supportive husband, two delightful kids and three very pampered dogs. My mom was a librarian and books have always been an important part of my life. I have to read. It is who I am. I get fidgety if I don’t have a good book to read. I’m a meticulous reader, and I love to reread my favorite stories. Writing is an extension of my love of books.

In that case, what are your favourite middle grade books – besides your own, of course.
Wonder by RJ Palacios
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (kinda spans the genres, doesn’t it)
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
The Dogs of Winter by Bobbie Pyron

Where can we find you online?
alibbooks.com
@alibreidenstein
facebook.com/alibbooks

What’s next?
I am currently at work on book #3 in the Soul Jumpers series.