Hi Mr Stroud,

If I remember correctly, you're also an editor for a publishing company? I am curious as to why the series is designated in the catagory of 'children's' books?
I'm 42 and must say that this series is one of the most imaginative to come around, possibly since tolkien's work.

I inform friends of this series and remind them that even though this is found in the children's section of B&N or Brders etc, that it is a great read no matter what age you are. It seems like this series would have even greater exposure being categorized in 'Fantasy/SciFi'.

Hi there,

Yep, I totally agree with you! When I sat down to write Amulet, I thought that what I was writing would be great for young readers (say, 12 plus), but equally so for adults. I was writing something which I'd have loved as a kid, but also loved (just as much) as a grizzled 31-year-old. I've always wanted the widest perameters of readership, and the only way I've been surprised is that I've met a lot of REALLY young readers (8-9 etc) who have devoured the trilogy and know it better than me.

So I get pretty annoyed that some of my publishers expressly issue the books for a specific and very young category. In the UK it's often in the 9-12 section, which not only removes it from adult eyes, but also potentially alienates teen readers. Ideally it should be in (at least) the teen shelves and the fantasy/sci-fi section. I continue to make protests to this effect - in the meantime, I have to rely on word of mouth!

Glad you've enjoyed the series - and thanks for your question. I might print it out and wave it in front of my publishers!

J