Diana Ma on Power Rangers and More
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As part of an ongoing series exploring different aspects, genres, and styles of YA literature, I’m thrilled to welcome author Diana Ma today to talk about something that doesn’t get so much attention: the consistently popular franchise novel. whether readers are fans of Stranger Things, Barbie, Star Wars, Five Nights at Freddy’s Or a whole host of other film, television, or toy franchises, possibly a young adult novel based on those worlds and using those characters.
Franchise novels have been a long-standing part of YA since the paperback era of the ’90s, and they remain prominent within the category. The most exciting and interesting part of these books is that they are a space that allows talented writers to play creatively with worlds that readers are already familiar with. They’re also an opportunity to expand those worlds and further develop characters and situations. In YA, this also means that these franchise novels have become more inclusive, inviting diverse voices to develop these stories.
Diana Ma is one of those authors who is bringing exciting franchise novels to young readers. she is the author of force of chaosThe first in the Power Rangers series for YA readers. The second book in the series, shatter the universeWill be available for sale next month on May 19th.
Without further ado, Diana shares her experience and some of her favorite YA franchise novels.
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Young adult novels based on beloved franchises allow fans to explore interesting possibilities that the original story may have only hinted at. Have you ever been curious how the story of a favorite franchise would change if it were told from a different perspective? Or want to learn more about a side character? Or wondering about a less-explored part of a character’s backstory?
I definitely have all these questions!
That’s why I was so excited to write force of chaos (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Book 1) and upcoming sequel shatter the universe (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Book 2). a young adult writing power Rangers Novel from the perspective of Yellow Ranger Trini Kwan mighty Morphin The team was a dream come true for me. Growing up, I was a superhero-loving fangirl, but I didn’t see many Asian American superheroes. Trini Cowan was one of those very few. This was an important representation to me, so I knew right away that I wanted to write Trini’s origin story.
But I also wanted to tell a new story – about what it means for an Asian American teen to grapple with racial stereotypes and come into her own, not just as the Yellow Ranger, but as a girl who learns to embrace her cultural history and identity.
This is why franchise tie-in novels are so much fun – they delve into the exciting interludes of the original franchise and explore new stories. Here are four novels that tell those untold stories in unique and exciting ways.
Hex Girls: A Wicked Thorn (Scooby Doo and Friends) by Lily Mead
The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn Centered on Thorne, lead singer of The Hex Girls, an eco-goth girl band who made guest appearances Scooby Doo Franchise. And if no eco-goth girl band turns you on, this is it Too The fact that Velma (my favorite of the Scooby gang) is a potential love interest. Oh, and did I mention magical magic, teen drama, and of course mystery! Thorn’s story of a nerdy goth teen trying to get into a new school while potentially being set up for supernatural destruction is a compelling and inspiring tale.
Magnolia Sword: A Song of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
technically, magnolia sword This is not a franchise tie-in novel as no franchise has created the legend of Mulan. The story of Mulan is a ballad rooted in centuries of Chinese history and culture, and Sherry Thomas’s novel honors that heritage beautifully. magnolia sword An interesting novel in the wuxia tradition (Chinese martial arts fantasy). My heart rejoices reading this Mulan retelling, filled with sweeping romance, epic swordplay, and thrilling adventures. As someone who especially loves the story of Mulan And As a fan of Sherry Thomas’s work, I had high expectations for this book, and magnolia sword Did not disappoint!
Avatar Legends: City of Echoes By Judy I. Lynn
city of echoes Takes a small but notable event in the “Tales of Ba Sing Se” compilation episode of Avatar The Last Airbender And a complete story of friendship, family, romance and political intrigue is woven in it. I loved the part of the episode “Tales of Ba Sing Se” where Zuko goes on a date with Jin, but I’m sad we never got to see Jin again. Luckily, Judy Lynn gave us a thoroughly enjoyable story with Jin as the main character city of echoes!
Ms. Marvel: Relics of the Past By Saadia Farooqui
I was an avid reader and viewer of Ms Marvel comics and Ms Marvel TV series, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it Ms Marvel Young adult novel by Saadia Faruqi. the memory Remains It is not only an exciting superhero adventure, but also reflects Kamala Khan’s Muslim identity in a thoughtful and nuanced way. I love how Kamala juggles faith, friendship, family, school, and maybe a teenage crush – everything while fighting crime and solving mysteries.
All of these novels enhance the worlds they build upon, and the magic of these books is not just that they tell untold stories – but that they reveal Why These stories must be told.
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Diana Ma is a Chinese American author of books ranging from middle grade and young adult to educational nonfiction. his first novel heiress apparent Was a finalist for the 2021 Washington State Book Award in Young Adult Literature. She was a 2019 We Need Diverse Books mentee and a 2021-2023 Highlights Foundation Muslim Storytellers Fellow. Diana teaches at a community college in Seattle. She believes it is important for all children to identify with themselves as the protagonists of the books they read. Her belief that diverse books help us create a better world drives her writing and teaching. More information about Diana can be found on his website.
Want to read more in this author series? You’re in luck! Explore the thoughts of Ryan Douglas YA retellings of the classicsCarolina Ixta’s role Books that fight apathy with action and hopeand Stacey Lee’s take on Gothic fiction and How it forces readers to sit uneasily.