PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
New YA Novel Bicentennial Summer by Debut Author Chris Poore Captures Friendship, First Love, and Self-Discovery Amid America’s Bicentennial
Valley, NE—Chris Poore, a debut novelist and storyteller with a background in journalism, entrepreneurship, and technology leadership, launches his first novel, Bicentennial Summer, a nostalgic and heartfelt young adult romance set against the backdrop of America’s 1976 bicentennial. Poore’s novel follows three teenage friends as they navigate the exhilarating yet challenging road to self-discovery, balancing love, friendship, and the angst of adolescence in their small town of Cottonwood, Nebraska. The book is the first installment of the Cottonwood Chronicles, a three-book series aimed at capturing the timeless experience of growing up.
The idea for Bicentennial Summer arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a dinner conversation with friends inspired Poore to bring his lifelong storytelling passion to the page. His pandemic-era resolve fueled his creative journey, leading him to craft several award-winning screenplays before turning his focus to fiction. Released in Nov. 2024, Bicentennial Summer arrives at a time when stories of resilience, friendship, and hope resonate deeply, especially with young adult readers.
Poore shares: “Bicentennial Summer explores that pivotal moment when teens start to see beyond their small worlds and discover who they are. I wanted to capture the beauty and heartache of first loves and friendships in the nostalgic setting of America’s bicentennial. My goal was to write a story that feels timeless, of young people full of questions about their world. But I liked the idea of setting it in a simpler time, before the internet, cell phones, and social media.”
Bicentennial Summer lays the foundation for a broader story in the Cottonwood Chronicles, with the next two books slated for release in 2025 and 2026. The novel is now available for purchase on Amazon, offering readers of all ages a powerful reminder of the magic and challenges that define youth.
About the Author: Chris Poore has been telling stories in one form or another his entire life in a winding career including journalism, entrepreneurship, and technology leadership. He lives just outside Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Sue, their two children, and two rescue dogs. Releasing his debut novel at 53, Poore is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information, please visit www.chrispoorewrites.com or contact chris@chrispoorewrites.com.
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