An interview about Energy Wars: The Awakening sponsored by Jodi Dee, presented by The Children’s Book Review.
In this interview, we sit down with Jodi Dee, author of the captivating novel Energy Wars: The Awakening.
With a unique focus on emotional intelligence as a superpower, Dee aims to inspire readers to master their inner state and be anything they desire. Through a compelling narrative that addresses both the personal and societal struggles facing young people today—especially in an era dominated by smartphones—Energy Wars explores how feelings, energy, and human connection play pivotal roles in our everyday lives. Drawing from her own experiences and integrating elements of physics and psychology, Dee crafts a story designed to empower readers to understand that happiness truly comes from within.
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration for the book – why did you decide to present emotional intelligence as a superpower?
Jodi Dee (JD): Emotional intelligence is one part of this superpower—if you can learn to master your state of being, you can be, do, or have anything you desire. I want to empower others to learn and understand that happiness comes from within—and how.
I think we’ve all railed against smart technology at one point or another, but it is also central to modern life. Why hone in on a smartphone as a central danger in the plot?
JD: It wasn’t so much an attack on technology as it was that it can be used against us – we are not only dependent on them, but it is everywhere we turn.
Is there a real-life inspiration for Myles and his schoolmates?
JD: Yes, my son is 14 now, and his friends and the wholesome nature of young boys as they grow up are the voices in my story.
I love the fact that the story merges physics, psychology, and spirituality into a holistic depiction of emotional intelligence. Can you tell us a little bit about the background research that went into developing the story?
JD: I have been studying emotional intelligence, the law of attraction, and many spiritual things since I was very young. I met Wayne Dwyer a few times. The mainstream understanding of emotional intelligence is limited to feelings; there is a much bigger holistic picture. Feelings are how we interpret energy—through our senses, it is how we experience life. But they don’t have to define us. Feelings are just energy we generate.
What lesson would you like readers to remember about human energy after reading this story?
JD: Feelings are just energy we generate, they aren’t “real”. We can control them and actually learn to master them to our benefit.
A lot of the negative energy being flung around in Myles’ school is between kids, but the smartphone angle suggests that those kids are themselves victims of broader systemic attacks on our energy and interactions. Do you think it is the responsibility of individuals, institutions, or a bit of both to manage our current social issues with focus, positivity, and human connection?
JD: It starts with us as individuals. We are a collective sum. It is the responsibility of the individual to master themselves first.
The illustrations really help readers imagine energy as a real, tangible force. Was it challenging to find an illustrator who could translate your concept of energy into images on the page?
JD: Steve Goad is absolutely amazing. He illustrated one of my children’s books, The Little Green Jacket. He is one of the most talented, unrecognized artists out there. I am grateful I found him!
What advice do you have for readers struggling to react empathetically to others even though they want to?
JD: Empathy can’t be forced. What I recommend is trying to “contain” your reaction. Sometimes, we don’t want to be nice, and that’s okay. Sometimes, we don’t like someone or something, and that’s okay. What is not okay is spewing all your negative energy on anyone and everything around you. That is our responsibility.
What other favorite superpower stories would you recommend to readers who have enjoyed Energy Wars?
JD: Like most people, I love Marvel movies, but my favorite superpower stories are the Percy Jackson series.
What comes next? Will Myles continue his battle against negative energy in high school?
Myles has to travel to California and his world becomes much bigger. The energy wars expand beyond Middle School. He and his friends must stop a large corporation from stealing users’ life sources.
About the Book
Energy Wars: The Awakening
Written by Jodi Dee
Ages: 8-13 | 200 Pages
Publisher: Jodi Dee Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 978-1736209363
Publisher’s Book Summary: Myles is an average thirteen-year-old boy until one day, Sally Munson shows up with purple pants on that look like a Halloween costume. As classmates tease and make fun of her, Myles starts to see these negative words as fireballs of energy being thrown at Sally. He finds himself in the middle of a war zone, invisible to everyone but him!
In a suspenseful, supernatural tale of self-discovery and friendship with constant, unexpected twists and turns, Myles tries to understand his newfound superpower. He not only learns about the energy exchange between humans but the energy of all things.
Myles and his friends discover the new ZS phone is stealing people’s energy. Follow Myles as he navigates this new reality and works to stop the theft of this energy with the help of his friends.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Jodi Dee is an award-winning author of the best-selling books The Dirt Girl and The Seeking Tree. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History and a Master’s in Education from Clark University. She is a dedicated mother of three with more than twenty years of experience in education. Jodi is a passionate advocate and teacher of self-love, self-awareness, emotional mastery, and empowering children to learn through independence, creativity, self-exploration, and discovery.
For more information, check out www.jodidee.com.
This interview—An Interview with Jodi Dee, Creator of ‘Energy Wars: The Awakening’—was conducted between Jodi Dee and Bianca Schulze.
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