What Gives Debbi Michiko Florence Hope

More hope. From the kidlit community, to you.  

No matter where you are. No matter what’s going on around you. No matter what is pulling your attention or competing for space in your mind. May these next few minutes offer you rest, peace, and hope.

Hope - March 14, 2026

Debbi Michiko Florence, author of The Mastermind's Trap (Alladin), shares what is giving her hope today: young people and the connectors of readers to books.

Listen along:

About the Book:  The Mastermind's Trap (Last Chance Academy #2) by Debbi Michiko Florence. Published by Alladin.

In this sequel to A Study in Secrets that’s Only Murders in the Building meets The Westing Game, Meg must figure out the identity of the mysterious Mastermind to save her school and her friends.

After winning a scavenger hunt with her new friends—Tana, Zane, and Ryan—Meg Mizuno is looking forward to winter break and enjoying their grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to California. But after learning that their boarding school, Leland Chase Academy (called Last Chance Academy by students), is in danger of shutting down, it’s hard to enjoy the sun and surf.

When they return, the Head of School reminds the student body of their mandatory participation in the Student Showcase, with the goal of bringing in needed funds to the school. If that weren’t enough pressure, Meg discovers a new note: the Mastermind wants her to help him with one more scavenger hunt. This time, though, she must work alone, or else the Mastermind will not only ruin the school, but also publicly reveal secrets about all her friends that would turn their lives upside down.

More:

Visit Debbi Michiko Florence online at debbimichikoflorence.com

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting boydsmills.org. 

Transcript:

Debbi: "Fortunately, I feel like there are many things that give me hope. And I'm coming off a wonderful week of school visits at the American International School in Chennai, India where I interacted with Pre-K through eighth graders there.

And so I have to say: young people. Young people give me hope.

I was so warmly welcomed and the young people were so enthusiastic over just everything. Not just books and reading, but also their friends and their family and the school and learning. So being in that environment really gave me hope.

And also, of course, librarians and teachers give me hope 'cause they are the connectors. They're the connectors of words and stories and books to readers.

And I think that is just so important, especially now."