Jay Hardwig is probably thinking about lunch.

I’m Jay Hardwig, a teacher, writer, and occasional napper based in Asheville, North Carolina. My middle grades novel, Just Maria, was published by Regal House in January 2022. I currently work for Buncombe County Schools, and also direct summer camps for children with vision loss. Browse on to learn more about my writing, teaching, or life.

School Library Journal says: “Readers will learn much as they fall in love with Maria and J.J. A terrific title that will be popular.” Just Maria is now available from your favorite booksellers. Order now from Regal House Publishing, Malaprop’s, Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshare, or wherever you get your books!

And: my hybrid reading at Asheville’s beloved indie bookstore Malaprop’s was great fun. Thanks to Malaprop’s and Allan Wolf. You can find the video here.

Just Maria is the story of Maria Romero, a blind sixth-grader who is trying her hardest to be normal. Not amazing. Not inspiring. Not helpless. Not weird. Just normal. Her task is complicated by glass eyes, rutabagas, rubber chickens, and a child gone missing on the streets of Marble City. I'll share my progress towards publication -- along with a few other stray thoughts -- on my brand-new blog, I Make a Book. That big blue button will take you there.

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