THE HUB: Many have pointed out how today’s teens have a higher propensity for outrage against prejudice, injustice, and intolerance. And the idea of accepting differences and creating change through goodwill is something that people can believe in, no matter what age they are. I choose to believe that a good number of people want to feel hope, especially over the last year we’ve all been through.
Hope can often seem like it’s in short supply these days, and while a novel like The House in the Cerulean Sea won’t fix the world’s problems, I hope it can at least serve as a small reminder that we are capable of so much when we stand for what we believe in and lift each other up. I wanted to write a story that reminded me of the cozy fantasies I read as a kid, books that not only made me happy, but allowed me to believe everything could be okay. Fantasy is often filled with grimdark stories (absolutely nothing wrong with that!), and we don’t get to see a lot of “happy” fantasy these days. KLUNE: I think there’s something not only topical about the story, but also universal in its messaging.
Why do you think this book works across so many ages? THE HUB: This book defies classification! Published as an adult title, winning an Alex Award for YA crossover appeal, it could also easily fit on middle grades shelves next to Harry Potter or the Penderwicks or the Melendy quartet from Elizabeth Enright. The book is a delight, and we are grateful to Klune for this thoughtful and inspiring interview! As Linus gets to know Arthur and these remarkable children, everything begins to change. Home to the most dangerous, highly classified magical children, this orphanage is run by the mysterious Arthus Parnassus. He lives alone with his cat, Calliope, and suffers the constant rain and near-daily harangues from his neighbor until one day, he is unexpectedly chosen to go on a month-long observational visit to an orphanage shrouded in secrets. His job as a caseworker sends him into orphanages designed for the care and keeping of these children with unusual or fantastic gifts, and his judgment on those facilities determines whether they stay in operation or not. The story focuses on Linus Baker, longtime employee of the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. The House in the Cerulean Sea is brilliant and gentle, the narrative slipping on like a well-worn sweater while performing a certain magic that makes it all feel fresh. One of the 2021 selections is The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Each year, the Alex Award committee works to select ten titles published for adult readers that might have special appeal to young adults, ages 12-18.
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