Middle-Grade Author J.J. Johnson

Clean Author Spotlight

Middle Grade Author J.J. Johnson

Middle-grade author J.J. Johnson takes center stage as our Clean Author Spotlight this month. Not only are his stories hilariously off-the-wall, but they also serve a greater purpose: promoting healthy literacy by “challenging parents to unplug and encourage their kids to read more.”

J.J. Johnson’s blog, Unplugged, offers a powerful collection of encouraging posts and resources to help parents and kids disconnect from screens. Through activities like reading and exploring the outdoors, J.J. inspires kids to cultivate literacy and imagination in engaging, independent ways.

I recently caught up with J.J. via email to learn more about his writing process and his latest series, Iggy and Oz, a quirky middle-grade saga about two brothers and their wild adventures.

Can you tell us a little about Iggy and Oz and what makes these books different from others?

The Iggy & Oz series follows two brothers whose lives take a wild turn when mysterious items from a local estate sale begin wreaking havoc in their suburban neighborhood. From a chest that brings plastic dinosaurs to life to soda pop that grants superpowers, or even a handkerchief that turns snot into a giant, living blob, there’s never a dull moment. Adventure and mystery are always just around the corner. Iggy and Oz stories are written specifically for those who don’t enjoy reading, or perhaps kids who only want to read Dog Man or Comic books. Short chapters, fast pace, etc.

Many writers have a message or theme in their story they'd like readers to see. What is yours?

Each of us has small flaws that if left unchecked can grow into bigger ones. They are stories about not allowing the world define you. The way you treat others matters. The way we help one another when we’re in a tough spot matters. Galatians 6:10 say “As we opportunity let us do good to all people…"

You have four books in the Iggy and Oz series: The Plastic Dinos of Doom, The Soda Pop Wars, The Living Snot, and The Great Ice Cream Heist. What are you working on now?

The next Iggy & Oz and a Middle Grade LitRPG story Im having a lot of fun with.

You can find J.J.’s books and blog in several places, and we encourage you to check them out! If you are waiting for stories that will promote literacy AND make your sides ache with laughter, these are for you!

J.J.’s Direct Store
https://lostinkpress.bigcartel.com