Official Website of
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writer.
about Melissa.
Melissa Savage is a middle-grade author and former licensed family therapist dedicated to empowering children and families. With an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University, she has authored four middle-grade novels published by Crown Books, a Penguin Random House imprint.
Melissa's literary journey began with "Lemons" in 2017, followed by "The Truth About Martians" (2018), "Nessie Quest" (2019), and "Karma Moon Ghost Hunter" (2020). Each book weaves adventure with issue-driven narratives, underpinned by themes of healing and hope.
Melissa discovered her passion for storytelling in second grade, weaving tales of cryptids, ghosts, cursed treasures, and talking ponies. As she became a therapist, her writing evolved to explore deeper human experiences. Her books blend mysterious adventures with authentic portrayals of childhood challenges like grief, anxiety, divorce, disability, and illness. Through diverse family representations, she emphasizes resilience and finding hope in difficult times. Beyond writing, Melissa co-founded two organizations: the Tobin Scott Foundation, supporting families facing pediatric illness or loss, and Hearts in Harmony, a virtual, creative arts space fostering mindfulness and artistic expression. Her work embodies her belief that stories are essential to human identity and possess healing power.
Based in both Phoenix and Minneapolis, Melissa continues to inspire and uplift through her work. Readers can connect with her through her website or Instagram.
"A Crayola masterpiece. Five stars!"
- Melissa's Mom
BOOKS.
Lemonade Liberty Witt
"It's an important name. The most important name in the whole world. I say it out loud every day so the world remembers how important it is. And that it still matters to someone. And also so it doesn't disappear. Like she did."
The search for Bigfoot gets juicy in this funny and touching story that’s perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo’s Flora & Ulysses and the movie Smallfoot!
Lemonade Liberty Witt’s mama always told her: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But Lem can’t possibly make lemonade out of her new life in Willow Creek, California—the Bigfoot Capital of the World—where she’s forced to live with a grandfather she’s never met after her mother passes away.
Then she meets eleven-year-old Tobin Sky, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives Inc., who is the sole Bigfoot investigator for their small town. After he invites Lem to be his assistant for the summer, they set out on an epic adventure to capture a shot of the elusive beast on film. But along the way, Lem and Tobin end up discovering more than they ever could have imagined. And Lem realizes that maybe she can make lemonade out of her new life after all.
"Melissa Savage's astoundingly good debut novel is packed with humor, mystery, friendship, family secrets, and even Bigfoot! I think you'll love it, too." —Karen Cushman, Newbery Medalist for The Midwife's Apprentice
Mylo Affinito
"Someone needs to do something. And I think that someone should be us."
THINGS TO BRING ON A MARTIAN HUNT
1. ONE SLINGSHOT. CHECK.
2. A TOKEN OF PEACE AND GOODWILL - A FLAG. CHECK.
3. A CANTEEN OF WATER. CHECK.
4. BUCK ROGERS ATOMIC DISINTEGRATOR PISTOL. CHECK.
5. KIX CEREAL ATOMIC BOMB RING. CHECK.
"Lovers of adventure stories paced with humor, mystery, and secrets will race through Savage's clever mash-up with great pleasure. We might not actually have discovered the truth about Martians when we get to the end of the book, but we have been highly entertained meeting Mylo and Dibs and sharing in their adventure. - South China Morning Post.
Ada Ru Fitzhugh
"Words may seem innocent enough, but I'm here to tell you that they're a way bigger deal than people know. They are so powerful, in fact, that they can change us in a single solitary second. Words can propel you so high that you could fly straight up to the sky blue. Or can seem so heavy on your shoulders that you think you'll never stand straight again. And there's one reason for that. Words make us feel. And feelings are everything."
GONE ON A MONSTER HUNT!
There isn't a real creature in this deep, black lake . . .
Or is there?
The race to find the elusive Loch Ness monster is on!
"
"Savage places relationships at the forefront: Family ties, found friendships, and community support give this novel its heart. Darker issues, such as the impact of drug addiction on child-rearing, near-death experiences, and the marginalization of the blind, are tenderly explored alongside the exhilarating fun of the Nessie Race. Nessie may elude us still, but this friendship-driven quest should not do the same' - Kirkus Review
Karma Moon Valenari
"Here's an opportunity to tell website visitors a story and share something memorable that catches their attention. Click to edit and customize the text."
While staying in a haunted Colorado hotel for her father's ghost-hunting television series, Karma Moon must battle her anxiety, interpret the signs of the universe, and get footage of a real ghost--you know, the usual.
Karma Moon is a firm believer in everything "woo-woo," as her dad calls it. So when she asked her trusty Crystal Mystic if the call asking her dad to create a ghost-hunting docuseries was her dad's big break, it delivered: "No doubt about it." Because the universe never gets it wrong. Only people do.
Karma and her best friend, Mags, join her dad's Totally Rad film crew at a famous haunted hotel in Colorado over her spring break. Their mission: find a ghost and get it on camera. If they succeed, the show will be a hit, they can pay rent on time, and just maybe, her mom will come back.
Unfortunately, staying at a haunted hotel isn't a walk in the park for someone with a big case of the what-ifs. But her dad made Karma the head of research for the docuseries, so she, Mags, and a mysterious local boy named Nyx must investigate every strange happening in the historically creepy Stanley Hotel. Karma hopes that her what-ifs don't make her give up the ghost before they can find a starring spirit to help their show go viral--and possibly even get them a season two.
"With a witty, authentic lead and a story line that’s just spooky enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, this is a perfect read for fans of Patti Kim, Ellen Oh, and Neil Gaiman alike." —School Library Journal.
Coming soon . . .
Appearances and More.
REaders ROCK.
Thank you to all the amazing Readers who have shared your
Artistic visions from my stories! Keep reading and keep creating!
Other stuff.
The Tobin Scott Foundation uplifts critically ill and grieving youth through storytelling. Founded by Melissa Savage to honor her late son Tobin, this non-profit helps children and teenagers aged 5-18 who are facing life-limiting illness or grief to write their own books. By publishing and distributing these young authors' works globally, TSF amplifies voices that are often unheard. The Toby Crew is carrying on Tobin's legacy by bringing comfort and meaning to kids navigating profound loss. Learn more about their empowering work by visiting the link below.
