Hi. I’m Mike and I wrote this book, The Phantasmic Gumball Machine. I’ve found that when you write a book, people have a lot of questions. So I did my best to answer some of them below.
Q: Is this the book for me?
A: Hmmm…that’s like the toughest one! Are you cool? If so, I’m going to go ahead and say it’s probably the book for you. The Phantasmic Gumball Machine is a novel geared toward those in middle school. That said, I have heard from full-grown adults that like it, too, and that’s perfectly fine. No judgment here.
Q: What’s it about?
A: You know those movie trailers where they show you the entire movie so that by the time you see it, you already know everything that’s going to happen? Yeah, I’m not going to do that and spoil all the fun. But I understand you want to know what it’s about, especially if you’re considering buying it, so here’s the general idea:
There is at least one thing on which eighth grader Marcus Gross and his brother, sixth grader Oliver, have always agreed: “Nothing ever happens in Everton.” That is about to change, however, with the accidental discovery of a strange box – engraved with the words “Use at Your Own Risk” – buried in their backyard.
Outlawed in 1850 by U.S. President Zachary Taylor, the Phantasmic Gumball Machine presents the idealistic Oliver and the skeptical Marcus with a design and construction puzzle and a series of ancient riddles, leading them on an epic search for answers. As Marcus and Oliver begin to wonder whether their discovery of the Phantasmic Gumball Machine was really an accident after all, they’ll have to dig deeper to unearth the roots of the mystery.
Q: So is it, like, any good?
A: Here’s what the world’s most honest critics – tweens – have to say about The Phantasmic Gumball Machine:
“The Phantasmic Gumball Machine is an amazing read. I could not put it down. I loved how it included a sci-fi spin [with] the realism of being a middle school kid in the 2020s. It definitely resonated with me. It stresses the fact that no matter who we are, we are always connected…I would highly recommend this funny and fast-paced book.”
— Kendall M. (age 12)
“A fun read. There was always a little cliffhanger at the end of each chapter which kept it interesting throughout. The concept of the book was unique [and] never too predictable. The character development was excellent. I would recommend it.”
— Lucy F. (age 12)
“Weird, mysterious, and a total blast!” – Sarah K. (age “adult”)
Q: I’m in! Where can I get a copy?
A: The Phantasmic Gumball Machine was released in late October 2023 and is now available in many independent bookstores. If it’s not available at the one near you, you can also get it online here:
Q: What genre of book is this?
A: Great question! A mysterious adventure for ages 10 and up, The Phantasmic Gumball Machine is a sci-fi fantasy novel bubbling with intrigue. I’d say it has a magical candy core dipped in a fun coating of middle school realism. Not sure how helpful this answer is, though. If you figure it out, please let me know!
Q: Is this book edible and/or can I blow bubbles with it?
A: According to our dog, all books, including this one, are in fact edible. If you are a human person, however, it should not be mistaken as food.