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October 22, 2025 19 mins

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Join us on a thrilling spooky adventure as we sit down with J.A. Dauber, the creative force behind the new middle grade novel Press One for Invasion. Discover the intriguing world where a mysterious cell phone unlocks unexpected alien encounters and a mad adventure to save the world from destruction!

In this spooky season episode, we dive into Jeremy Dauber's Press One for Invasion, a middle-grade novel that brings spooky (and relatable) adventures roaring to life. We discuss the pairing of Matt, a young boy who discovers a cell phone revealing aliens in disguise, with dynamic female characters, such as Marcella and Mrs. McGillicuddy. Jeremy shares insights on relatable heroes, diversity, and the joy of reading, drawing inspiration from timeless series like Ramona. Jeremy is also the author of American Scary: A History of Horror from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond -- and we dive into a little haunting history as well.

Timestamps:

(0:00:03) - Meet J.A. Dauber (Jeremy) and his latest book, Press One for Invasion

(0:07:41) - Creating relatable protagonists without superpowers

(0:10:00) - What do Ramona Quimby and Stephen King have in common?

(0:19:01) - Finding Hope in Children's Enthusiasm

Links:

Purchase Press One for Invasion, Mayhem and Madness: Chronicles of a Teenaged Supervillain, and American Scary: A History of Horror from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond

Follow J.A. Dauber on Bluesky

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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