Interview with Lee Y. Miao, Author of TAKE A SHOT, KIPP

Bicultural Mama is thrilled to interview Lee Y. Miao to discuss her latest middle-grade novel, TAKE A SHOT, KIPP! Released in July of this year, this book is the third one in the Ellie & Co series of stand-alone novels by Miao.

Official Book Description:

Kipp Wei Pettit, eleven at last, has one dream—to make the travel lacrosse league. Except he’s small. And he’s got these weird summer classes before school starts. When a hotshot rival tries out for the same attack position, Kipp steps up. His best buddies, sports-wannabe dog, and even his clueless dad pitch in to help. But right before the final scrimmage, absolutely nothing goes right. Kipp’s got to make the final cut. Maybe his athletic skills will help. Maybe those summer classes will. Nothing’s certain, unless he takes a shot!

TAKE A SHOT, KIPP also received a great review from Kirkus Reviews: “Over the course of this novel, Miao keeps the story moving at a brisk clip, weaving together humor, action, and heartfelt moments with ease. Kipp’s voice is authentic and endearing and his struggles with insecurity and parental expectations will resonate with young readers navigating their own growing pains . . . An energetic and relatable tale of sports, self-doubt, and the surprising ways that kids can rise to the occasion.”

Let’s go behind the scenes with author Lee Y. Miao!

What inspired you to write this story?

Lee Y. Miao (LYM): First of all, I’m thrilled to answer your questions, Maria! I wrote Kipp’s story after receiving feedback about him from readers of my first novel. Kipp is a small, first-time eyeglasses wearer who’s got many hurdles to try out for a travel lacrosse team. Writing his character traits was a bit easier as I had already portrayed him as an annoying little brother who’s a sports fanatic. Like many kids who have various goals, he discovers leaning on his friends and family is invaluable. Oops, I forgot his dog also plays a pivotal role!

The story features many activities such as lacrosse, gymnastics, violin, and soccer. Why did you include these?

(LYM): My family grew up in a community with tons of musical and sports activities for kids, so I attended many of their concerts and games. Sports newbies like me love soaking in new info and showing off what they learned. It’s conversationally boring, so books have to bear the brunt. I used lacrosse as a main plot and wove in the other activities as subplots.

The main character in the book is of mixed Asian descent. Why did you choose this background for Kipp?

My former community had many multicultural kids, so it was a natural decision. My first book explains a bit more about the family dynamics—the mom has Asian heritage from her parents, and the dad’s family is from Europe.

The book includes nods to Chinese culture. Why was it important to you to include this?

(LYM): I believe kids in upper elementary and middle school start having an interest in the world around them, so I included an international element in each book. The first two novels included settings in Hong Kong and Rome. As my kids have some Chinese heritage, this time I included Kipp’s mom and sister visiting Beijing. They give him information about the people and city that inspires him to seek out his own connections (sports and the solar system).

Kipp feels that he and his dad have little in common and that his dad doesn’t understand him. We see the relationship grow as the story develops. What inspired you to include this storyline?

(LYM): I noticed some boys turn more to their dads in areas like team sports during middle school. However, many families, including mine, have dads who aren’t sports aficionados. I tried to capture both the comical and endearing aspects of what happens when Kipp discovers this in his family.

What books have you previously written? 

(LYM): My three standalone novels are part of the middle-grade Ellie & Co series, published by &MG, an imprint of Clear Fork Press. “Wei To Go!” was the first, featuring Ellie and her brother Kipp, in an adventure that leads them to Hong Kong. “It’s a RHAP, Cat” is the story of Ellie’s bestie, Cat, who discovers she’s the doppelganger of a famous Raphael portrait. A shout-out to Penny Weber, who illustrated all three covers that have received numerous compliments.

Do you have other future books or projects?

(LYM): I’m trying to draft a new middle-grade novel with completely different characters. To be continued, as I have another bout of writer’s block. Thank you so much, Maria, for having me!

Where to Purchase TAKE A SHOT, KIPP

TAKE A SHOT, KIPP is ideal for readers ages 8-12 years. Find the book on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble.

Author’s Bio: Lee Y. Miao