Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Brittany Mazique (Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied)!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Brittany Mazique
Brittany Mazique discovered from an early age that most of the characters in her favorite books did not share her skin color. So she just reimagined them that way instead. She is the author of The Little Mermaid: Adventures on Land and Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize. Follow her on Instagram @brittanymazique.
About the Book: Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied
The first installment in a hilarious and charming chapter book series featuring exuberant and irresistible third-grader Millie Magnus.
Millie Magnus has huge love for many things—her mom, her friends, her baby chicken, Extra Spicy, and even her hot pink rain boots. She loves school, too, and can’t wait for Field Day, when her mom—the mayor of Washington, D.C.—will be her partner in the three-legged race.
Millie Magnus DOESN’T love it when Buckley, a boy from school, makes fun of her curly hair, or her name, or her friends. And she can’t believe it when Buckley is assigned to compete against Millie and her mother at Field Day! But then things get even worse. When Millie’s plan to talk to Buckley about his bullying is ruined, SHE ends up in the principal’s office.
But Millie’s can-do spirit is hard to keep down and her big feelings come in handy when she learns something new about Buckley. She may even find a way to call him a friend.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
BKM: I wanted to create a story that empowers young readers to tackle life’s challenges with courage and heart—one imperfect, determined step at a time. And honestly, my oldest daughter Margaux’s witty mischief kept tapping me on the shoulder until I brought this character to life!
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
BKM: Lunchbox! I’m a mom and I know what it’s like to be carrying alllll the things all the time. I’m also human, and know what it’s like to need to carry things to help ease everyday anxiety. At first glance Lunchbox is a kid that is overly prepared and maybe has a lot of useless things with him. I see a kid that carries around comfort. And I like that about him.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
BKM: The novel for sure. If I could just write stories and submit as “Untitled” for everything I write I totally would!
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
BKM: When Millie Magnus decides Josephine Draper isn’t so bad after all. While Millie and Josephine’s back and forth is fun, it was important for me to show that people aren’t often who they appear to be. And usually the ones that take the longest to figure out, we might find to be the most interesting.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?
BKM: The illustrator Ebony Glenn is brilliant! She captures each of Millie’s friends so perfectly on the cover. And Millie’s stance- iconic!
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2025?
BKM: Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, Tia William’s YA romance novel.
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
BKM: Picture book: The Perfect Place by Matt de la Peña. I cannot stop thinking about Tia William’s romance novel A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. And I’ve needed to hear Nikki Giovanni’s voice one last time so I’m listening to A Good Cry, a collection of her poems on audiobook.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
BKM: Millie isn’t done causing mischief quite yet (and making the world a better place in her own way). Book 2, MILLIE MAGNUS FOR MAYOR, is out September 2025. I’m also working on book 3 for Millie Magnus and a few exciting projects that I hope to share soon!
YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
BKM: Definitely the scene where Millie confides in her mom. I’m not sure I was always as brave as Millie to share my feelings when I was that age. I wanted to show how hard it is to share something when your hurt and it be met with understanding and for kids- partnership. Then I wanted to be sure Millie knew that Mayor Maude could relate to her problem by sharing her own version of mean ole bully Buckley. It was such a tender moment for them both.
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
BKM: Your voice matters, even when it shakes. Speak up, stand tall, and always remember you’re not alone.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
BKM: Empathy is my superpower. I can also cry and laugh at the same time, which I’d like to think Millie Magnus might have that superpower as well.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
BKM: Absolutely—Life Pieces To Masterpieces. It’s a beautiful organization that uses art, mentoring, and storytelling to empower Black boys and young men in Washington D.C.’s most challenged neighborhoods. Their mission to transform lives and build strong communities deeply resonates with me, and I’m honored to support their work.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
BKM: Write the story you needed when you were younger—and don’t worry if it’s messy. Every masterpiece starts with a few smudges.
Book’s Title: Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied
Author: Brittany Mazique
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Release Date: 12/17/2024
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR
ISBN-13: HC – 9780593618776 ; DG – 9780593618783
Genre: Chapter Book
Age Range: 5-8 yrs
~ Giveaway Details ~
Five (5) winners will receive a copy of Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied (Brittany Mazique)~US ONLY
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
