K10: The Maze Runner

The Kidliterati Ten is an interview series with young readers. We ask them about a favorite book and hope that you enjoy their answers.

Tell us a little about yourself: what is your first name, how old are you, and what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

My name is Olivia. I’m 8 years old, and my favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip.

What book did you read and why did you choose it?

I read The Maze Runner because Owen (my older brother) did, and because the movie was cool and I wanted to see how it compared to the book. 

Can you describe this book in one word?

Action

What was your favorite part of this story?

When the girl came up in the box and the boys were all surprised because it was the first time a girl was in the box.

If you had a problem similar to the main character's problem, what would you do?

Cry

What would you say to your best friend to convince them to read this book?

There's a lot of action and suspense and it was so interesting. I would tell myself that I was just going to read one chapter but then would end up reading more because I needed to see what was going to happen next.

What do you think about the book's cover?

It was cool how it showed the maze doors opening and two people running in.

Would you want to read another book about these characters? Why or why not?

Yes, because at the end of the book it said there were more stages of the test they were going through and I think it would be interesting to see what happens to them in the next stages.

Can you name another book that reminds you of this one?

No.

If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?

Where did you get the ideas for the characters?

In an interview with Slug Magazine, author James Dashner talked about how he develops his characters:

“It’s really kind of hard to explain how I come up with characters. I usually create two or three traits about the person like: this guy’s a smart alec or reckless, always late, can’t depend on him. Then I rely on my instincts to fill in the blanks and to create that person’s dialogue in a way that would seem natural. A lot of it’s just trusting my instincts.”

* * * Thank you, Olivia, for sharing your thoughts with us! * * *

The Maze Runner

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.