Karlin Gray

If you know Aura Lewis' work, you know two things—she writes about feminists and she's made pale pink into a power color. From her books Gloria's Voice and The Illustrated Feminist to her illustrations for the title sequence in the TV show Mrs. America, Aura's work pops. Her new book Dazzling Zelda, in collaboration with Farai Simoyi, is no exception.

 

Today Aura chats with us about turning her interest in fashion into a tribute to a trailblazing designer.

 
Can you describe your collaboration with Farai Simoyi in making this book?

I've always been interested in fashion and wanted to create a children's book about a fashion designer. After doing a lot of research, I discovered and became fascinated by the life of Zelda Wynn Valdes, a trailblazing black designer. I found her story to be inspirational and one that could connect with a young audience.

 

Since I don't have much experience in this topic, I reached out to Farai, who has worked as a fashion designer and in the fashion industry, and she was excited to collaborate!

 

I wrote the text and created the illustrations, and Farai wrote the backmatter and designed patterns, which I then painted into the book. It was wonderful to work together and bring our own perspectives into the process!

 

Was there one aspect of Zelda's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?

Yes! Zelda famously said, "I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful." This quote resonated with me so much, as it encapsulates her vivacious attitude, her vision for her life's work, and also a lovely and meaningful way to think about fashion. This quote definitely inspired me and served as the guiding statement throughout my writing and illustration process.

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?  

I was surprised and fascinated to learn that Zelda pioneered the coloring of tights and shoes to match dancers' skin, paving the way for acceptance and celebration of more diversity on stage.

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Dazzling Zelda?

I hope that kids can relate to Zelda's story of turning her childhood passion—fashion and sewing—into a successful career. I hope they are inspired by her tenacity in the face of adversity, and by the fact that she never gave up! Finally, I hope kids enjoy learning about fashion and design, and get inspired to create, too.

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

In truth, it was hard to locate information about Zelda, as there aren't a lot of sources about her. I dug around for bits of information wherever I could, and used whatever I could find

to puzzle together her life's story.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 

I knew I wanted to begin with Zelda as a child, and talk about as many of her career highlights as I could. Since there isn't one stand-out moment in her career, I chose the book to span over many years, hopefully giving an overview of her life.

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?  

Be truly excited about the story and topic you're researching! If you feel inspired and driven, you will find a way to share it meaningfully with others.

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a Dazzling Zelda storywalk, where would it be?

Oooohh, I think I would choose a walk down Broadway in NYC, and maybe through the fashion district, culminating in the site of Zelda's original boutique!

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Dazzling Zelda? 

It's so hard to choose! If you love picture-book biographies, there are lots of wonderful ones about women, from many fields and backgrounds! 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this dreamy and dazzling biography on four shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Fashion
• True Stories~Makers
• True Stories~Women's History
• True Stories~Black History

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Dazzling Zelda:

• February and September: Fashion Week in NYC! 
• February: Black History Month
• March: Women's History Month
• April 24: Fashion Revolution Day
• June 28 (1901): Zelda Wynn Valdes' birthdate

 

Aura Lewis is an author-illustrator and designer with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is inspired by fashion from around the world, playful color, vintage design and popular culture. Aura's work is featured in books for children and adults, on television, film, stationery, ad campaigns, branding, murals and editorial publications.
 

While there are several picture-book biographies on rock stars and other ones on court cases, I believe We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants(r) Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court is the only one that covers a musician's legal battles. (Let me know if there are others in the comments sections.) Fighting to trademark their own name, The Slants (R), led by Simon Tam, and their case went all the way to the Supreme Court. "Would the court allow Asian Americans to reclaim a racist insult for their own—and allow The Slants to turn a negative into a point of pride?" We Sing from the Heart is not only the book's title but also the band's song about their victorious court case. The song lyrics used with the book's illustrations create a rock-solid harmony.

 

Today author Mia Wenjen discusses how she transformed this true story into a children's book.

 

What sparked your interest in Simon Tam?
When Simon Tam was preparing his appeal for his court case to trademark his band's name, The Slants, he reached out to hundreds of Asian Americans to ask if they found his band's name offensive and, if not, if they would write a letter of support. Simon emailed me because I was an Asian American blogger and I made him meet with me on the phone to learn more. I remember him telling me not to share his phone number because his fans were very enthusiastic!

 

First of all, I was impressed by how well-written his email was. He writes so beautifully. Then, I found him so eloquent when I talked to him and he explained what was at stake. I wrote a letter of support and followed his case on social media. I was thrilled to see that he won his case. But it wasn't until I read his memoir that I realized that future generations of children needed to know about him, especially Asian Americans, so I decided to turn his story into a picture book, with his permission, of course.

 

"Whenever I wasn't playing a show, I was pretty much glued to my laptop. I sent messages to every organization that I worked with over the years, trying to see if they'd be willing to help us out by filling out a declaration. It often meant long phone calls or presentations explaining the nuances of trademark law and why their involvement was important. I also combed through legal archives and read every law review article I could find about trademarks, especially around the disparagement clause." (p. 116 of his memoir, Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court by Simon Tam).

 

Was there one aspect of Simon's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?
I didn't realize that Simon was bullied throughout his childhood for being Chinese American, given that he grew up in San Diego. It turns out that 54% of Asian American teenagers say that they were bullied in the classroom.* I think the bullying, as terrible as it was, made Simon a fighter and is the throughline in his life. He started an all-Asian American band because he didn't see representation in the media or the music industry. When his trademark was denied for being racist against Asian Americans, he knew this was bogus given that his band was made up of ONLY Asian Americans. It would have been easy to give up, but Simon stayed the course—a battle that took nearly 9 years because he refused to be bullied by the court system. There were times when he worked six jobs and had to decide whether to repair the band's van or pay for the mounting legal expenses of the lawsuit, but he made sacrifices to keep fighting because he understood that he was fighting for something bigger than himself. When I researched other Asian Americans who had cases brought before the Supreme Court, I realized that while the media often portrays Asian Americans as passive, we have a history of fighting back in the court system, particularly against structural racism.

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?
Simon walked away from a $4 million dollar recording deal with a major label because they required that he replace his lead singer with someone white. He literally tore the contract up and walked out. This was at a time when the money could have funded retirement for his elderly parents. 

 

Why do you think kids can relate to We Sing from the Heart?
I think all kids can relate to what it would feel like to be bullied in school and how music would be a safe space. They might be surprised to learn that our court system, which is supposed to be the epitome of fairness, can also be racist. Kids can also relate to Simon Tam as a role model who fought for justice. Asian American youth are especially in need of strong male role models because the media emasculates them. 

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?
Simon Tam himself. I was so fortunate to have his support throughout the writing process. He read draft after draft. When a third-grade child in my community was called Asian slurs by a classmate, he agreed to do a Zoom visit with her class. It really hit home for me how in tune he is to handling Anti-Asian racism in the classroom.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 

I knew that I needed to center the story around his life as a child as the building block for how the court case unfolded. I decided the moment of truth was when he walked out of the Supreme Court after his case was heard not knowing how they would rule, and also not expecting popular support. He had teenagers from California who had been following his case for years skip school, fly out to Washington DC, and camp out to meet him. I used this moment to bookend the story for both the beginning and the end.

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?
For me, it's reading the nonfiction adult book which can be an information overload when trying to parse it down to a picture book arc. I find that I have to noodle it over for sometimes years before finding the way into the story. It is also a challenge to make sure that every aspect of the story is actually true, so it helps me to fact-check myself. For example, when I create the bibliography for myself and not the publisher, I pull out every quote that I used either as a quote or to reference something and put it below the book with the page number to remind myself that this piece of info is verified. 

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a We Sing from the Heart storywalk, where would it be?
On the lawn in front of the Supreme Court in DC.

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love We Sing from the Heart?
Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda Hall, especially the author's note which talks about how the U.S. government incarcerated 120,000+ Japanese Americans during WWII through Executive Order 9066. It was a shameful day for the Supreme Court in 1944 when they upheld the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII in Korematsu vs the United States. Korematsu's conviction was overturned in a Federal Court on November 10, 1983, but the Supreme Court decision still stands. Paper Son, the inspiring story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant, and Artist by Julie Leung because it showcases the Chinese Exclusion Act, which denied Chinese from immigrating to the United States and also made them ineligible to become citizens.

I Am An American: the Wong Kim Ark Story by Martha Brockenbrough. This is an interesting take for me because the story does not include how Wong Kim Ark returned to China after he won his case that gave birthright citizenship to anyone born in the United States. It is most likely that Wong Kim Ark returned home with his family due to death threats. "Leading up to the case, Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans had suffered repeated violence and lynchings by mobs, said Gordon H. Chang, a historian and senior associate vice provost at Stanford University." I would still recommend reading this story with an eye towards understanding the backdrop of how dangerous it was for Asians and Asian Americans in America during this time and the number of Chinatowns that existed but were burned down during this time. 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this biography on three shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Musicians & Singers
• True Stories~Activists
• True Stories~Asian and AAPI Stories

 

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for We Sing From the Heart:

 

• March 30: Simon Tam's birthday
• May: AANHPI Month
• July 7: National Day of Rock 'n' Roll 
• June 19, 2017: The day the Supreme Court ruled in Matel vs. Tam that prohibits the government from rejecting trademarks on the basis that they find it "disparaging" based on the First Amendment right to free speech.

 

 

Mia Wenjen blogs about parenting, children's books, and education at PragmaticMom.com and is the co-creator of Read Your World, celebrating Multicultural Children's Book Day, a nonprofit celebrating diversity in children's books. She is the author of Sumo Joe as well as several illustrated nonfiction children's books, including Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes, Asian Pacific American Heroes, and Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World. Mia Wenjen lives in Boston with her husband and three kids.

 

It's always fascinating to learn about the stories behind famous pictures. What was happening while these legendary images were being created? What are we not seeing?

 

In The Painter and the President, author Sarah Albee lets us into the room and shows us the drama (and comedy!) surrounding the making of the most circulated image—the portrait of George Washington on the one-dollar bill. Gilbert Stuart was the artist tasked with painting that picture. And it was quite the task! George Washington didn't like sitting still and he hated having his portrait painted since it took days to complete. Also, the President wasn't a big fan of the free-spirited painter. So how did that iconic dollar-bill image ever happen? Lucky for both of them that movement was Gilbert's muse. His unique way of painting allowed his subject to walk around and even talk with friends. Using a few tricks here and there, Gilbert captured the soul of the first American President in a one-of-a-kind portrait that just might be in your pocket right now!

 

Today Sarah shares her process in crafting The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart's Brush with George Washington.

What sparked your interest in Gilbert Stuart?
My favorite party trick is asking fellow grownups if they know who Gilbert Stuart is. Nearly always, (if they're honest) people say they don't know. But if they can see one of his portraits of George Washington, they say "Oh, sure, THAT guy!"

 

I have written about George Washington many times, and knew that Gilbert Stuart was the go-to portraitist of his day (and painted George three times) but it wasn't until just a few years ago, when I was researching a different project and reading Ron Chernow's biography of George Washington, that I learned that the two of them really didn't get along. And I knew right away that was a cool book idea. 

 

Was there one aspect of Gilbert's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?
Well, the underlying theme of the book is the power of art. And both Gilbert and George knew how much Gilbert's paintings of George mattered for both of their legacies. So that theme was in my mind as I considered every fact, every word, every scene, and determined whether or not it belonged in the book.

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?
The way Gilbert painted. He mixed his paints on the canvas, rather than on the palette, and he painted portraits so very quickly. Gilbert could nail your soul to a canvas in just a few hours, unlike so many of his contemporaries, who required multiple sittings, and who required their subjects to remain still as a statue. Gilbert encouraged his sitters to walk around the room, chat with friends, drink Madeira. I have no idea how he managed it. Lots of other painters envied his ability to do what he did.

 

Why do you think kids can relate to The Painter and the President?
Well for starters, I don't have to explain who George Washington is, so that's saved me from having to bore them with too much backstory. And the iconic Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington is right there on the dollar bill, so I think kids can see right away how relevant the story is to their own lives. Also, I hope they find the book funny.

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?
Besides the "usual" sources about Gilbert Stuart (you see the same primary sources in most books about him, as there aren't very many), my most invaluable source by far was my ongoing dialogue with a retired curator from the National Portrait Gallery, who also wrote the catalogue for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Gilbert Stuart retrospective, and who is a foremost expert on American portraiture. We had multiple conversations, both by phone and email, and I could not have written the book without her help. I also consulted with my go-to George Washington expert, Mary V. Thompson, who has recently retired from her role as research historian at Mount Vernon. She's helped me with several books about George Washington.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 
Ah, that wasn't difficult, as the two men's lives overlapped quite nicely. I mean, Gilbert outlived George by several decades, but the book centers on the time of their most famous portrait sittings.

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?
Use a combination of primary and secondary sources, because primary sources are so often biased or unreliable, and don't be shy about contacting experts. People love to talk about what they do, and I've gotten really bold about contacting THE foremost experts in whatever field I'm researching. They almost always agree—enthusiastically—to answer my questions and/or review parts of my manuscripts.

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a The Painter and the President storywalk, where would it be?
Somewhere accessible to as many kids as possible. A park near a kid-friendly museum, perhaps. Heck, why not somewhere near the National Portrait Gallery?

 
What other books would you recommend to readers who love The Painter and the President?
I love books that humanize iconic historical or scientific figures, that show kids the human side of "great men and women." There are so many examples, but to name just a couple: I love Lesa Cline-Ransome's brilliant biography of Harriet Tubman, Before She Was Harriet, and there's a new book by Loree Griffin Burns called One Long Line, that tracks the work of two very different scientists who studied processionary caterpillars, and kid readers can see their process and understand how their thinking evolved. 

 
TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this biography on one shelf in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Artists

 

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for The Painter and the President:

• Third Monday of February: President's Day
• February 22: George Washington's Birthday 
• August 8th: National Dollar Day commemorates the day Congress established the U.S. monetary system in 1786. 
• December 3: Gilbert Stuart's Birthday

 

Sarah Albee is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 150 books for kids, ranging from preschool through middle grade. Recent nonfiction titles have been Junior Library Guild, Bank Street College of Education Best Books, and Notable Social Studies Trade Books selections, as well as winners of Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards. She especially loves writing about topics where history and science connect. Learn more about Sarah on her website.

I have never solved a Rubik's Cube. Not once. Yet for some reason I don't view the puzzle with frustration. Maybe it's because I see it as a rainbowed piece of art . . . or a fidget toy before it's time . . . or a flashbulb moment taking me back to the '80s. In any case, I was delighted to learn more about its origin story in Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube, written by Kerry Aradhya and illustrated by Kara Kramer.

 

A professor of art, architecture, and design, Ernő Rubik was helping his students understand three-dimensional objects and how they move. He wondered...Would it be possible to build a big cube out of smaller cubes that moved around each other and stay connected? He decided to try it.

 

He failed, again and again, and then—unexpectedly invented the most popular puzzle in history. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic toy and today author Kerry talks about some of the building blocks of her creation, Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube (published by Peachtree Publishers). 

 

What sparked your interest in Ernő Rubik?

I was buying a Rubik's Cube for a family friend and found myself wondering how the cube had come to be. Of course, being a picture book person, the next question that popped into my head was "Has anyone written a picture book about it?" Once I realized no one had, I began researching and soon discovered that the prototype for the Rubik's Cube had been created the same year I was born. I was hooked! As I dove further into my research, I found Ernő Rubik and his story so fascinating that I knew I wanted to write this book.

 

Was there one aspect of Ernő Rubik's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?

I came across so many wonderful Ernő Rubik quotes while researching this book. I wrote my favorites down along the way and, when I started drafting the manuscript, used a handful of them as anchors. The quotes were still in the manuscript when it was acquired and later when it was sent to the illustrator, Kara Kramer (who is amazing). Because we were trying to keep the book to 32 pages, most of the quotes had to go in the end. But one—which happens to coincide with a pivotal moment in Ernő Rubik's creative process—made it into the book! 

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?

I was most surprised by the fact that Ernő Rubik never set out to "invent" a puzzle. As a professor of architecture at the time, he was simply trying to create a model that he could use to teach his students about three-dimensional movement. He had no idea he had just created what would become the most popular puzzle in the world! 

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube?

I hope that kids will relate to Ernő Rubik's passion, especially kids who may, like Ernő, be quiet, curious, and captivated by the world around them. I think most kids will also relate to Ernő's frustration when his first attempts at creating the cube were unsuccessful. I hope his story—his hard work and determination— will encourage them to keep trying when they encounter challenges in their own lives.

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

Early in my research, I read that Ernő Rubik had written an unpublished manuscript—possibly a memoir—in Hungarian. I wondered how in the world I would get my hands on it, and then how in the world I would even understand it if I did! Much to my delight and good fortune, Ernő Rubik's memoir Cubed: The Puzzle of Us All was published (in English!) before I started drafting my manuscript. Although many sources were valuable to me, this memoir was by far the most important, and special. I don't think I would have been able to connect with Ernő Rubik and his story in the same way, or to the same depth that I did, if his memoir hadn't existed.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 

It was really Ernő Rubik's creative process that intrigued me from the beginning, so it only made sense for me to end the book with the culmination of this process (although he did go on to tweak his design for the cube before eventually applying for a patent). I began the book with Ernő as a child, though, so that kids could see how influential his childhood passions and personality were to his creative process.

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?

Children's author Nancy Churnin gave a fabulous webinar (Writing Fact Like Fiction in Narrative Nonfiction PBs) earlier this year for members of Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, during which she mentioned that you need to feel a genuine connection with the person you are writing about and/or the story you are telling. That resonated with me SO much that it is my new #1 tip…both for myself and for others! In looking back at the nonfiction manuscripts I have written so far, I can definitely see a correlation between the strength of a manuscript and the strength of the connection I felt to my subject matter.

 

If you could pick the ideal place for an Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube storywalk, where would it be?

Oh, that would have to be Budapest, Hungary, where Ernő Rubik has lived his whole life! I would love to see his childhood apartment (where he was still living when he created the cube) and walk from that apartment to the Danube River, like he does in the book—and did in real life. 

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube?

Some other picture books about the invention of popular toys are The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow and Steven Salerno, Whoosh! by Chris Baron and Don Tate, and Pedro's Yo-Yos by Rob Peñas and Carl Angel. Readers who are interested in building with shapes might also enjoy biographies of architects, like The Shape of the World by K. L. Going and Lauren Stringer (about Frank Lloyd Wright) and the new release Mr. Pei's Perfect Shapes by Julie Leung and Yifan Wu (about I. M. Pei). 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this biography—the perfect gift for young puzzle lovers!—on two shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Makers
• True Stories~Teachers

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube:

January 29: National Puzzle Day 

Feb 11: National Inventors Day

May: National Inventors Month

June 13: Hungarian Inventors Day

July 13: Rubik Day/Ernő Rubik's Birthday

August 13: International Left Handers Day (Ernő Rubik is a leftie!)

 

Kerry Aradhya is the author of the picture book biography Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube (Peachtree, 2024) and more than a dozen poems in award-winning children's magazines. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and their cute but naughty pooch named Sofie. 

 

As a red-headed kid, I felt a special bond with the legendary TV star Lucille Ball. Now an adult living in Westport, CT (the setting for the last season of "I Love Lucy"), I often drive by the Minute Man statue that Lucy accidentally smashed with her car in the episode The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue. So I was thrilled to read LUCY! HOW LUCILLE BALL DID IT ALL! by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville and illustrated by Brigette Barrager.

 

A natural performer and jokester, Lucy grew up poor after her father passed away. But that didn't stop her from trying to make other people happy. Lucy set out on her quest to entertain the world even though she was told "You can't dance. You can't sing. You can't act." Lucy's confidence and sense of humor served her well, from radio shows to the theater, from movies to a new form of entertainment—television. Her show "I Love Lucy" was an instant success. Through her work, Lucy revolutionalized TV, became the first woman to run a television studio, and always got the last laugh as the beloved queen of comedy.

 

Today Amy and Jacqueline talk to us about creating the picture-book biography of trailblazer Lucille Ball.

 

What sparked your interest in Lucille Ball?
JT: I have so many fond memories of watching I LOVE LUCY in my Nana's frontroom. I loved learning about the story of Lucy's life. 

AG: I have always loved Lucille Ball and I LOVE LUCY from watching the show with my family. Her comedy is timeless and we wanted to make sure kids learned about this funny, fabulous lady. 

 

Was there one aspect of Lucy's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?
JT: From a young age, Lucy wanted to make people laugh. That guided her life.

AG: Her quote, "I love hearing people laugh," guided this book. Lucy was always willing to take a pie to the face and do silly things to get a chuckle. She was serious about comedy.

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?
AG: Lucy was a pioneer in numerous ways. She was the first visibly pregnant woman on television, the first woman to run a major television studio, and she is the reason we have Star Trek! According to NASA, the diverse and inclusive cast of Star Trek inspired generations of people of color and women to apply to be astronauts. Lucy influenced so many people to reach for the stars! 

JT: Lucy had lilac bushes planted around her California homes because it reminded her so much of growing up in Jamestown where a giant lilac bush was outside her bedroom window. It's my favorite flower/scent too! 

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Lucy!?
AG: Kids are naturally funny. Kids love laughter. Lucy celebrates things like putting on shows with your friends and using your imagination. Lucy's rise to fame is a classic story of determination and a reminder to do your best and never give up on your aspirations.

JT: Lucy's physical humor really appeals to kids – and adults too! 

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

JT: Lucy's own memoir. You can hear her voice so clearly and her stories are still laugh-out-loud funny and poignant. And watching I Love Lucy!! 

AG: Watching hours of I Love Lucy was the best research ever! 

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 
JT: There is such a clear connection between Lucy's childhood and wanting people to laugh and where she ended up making it big by making people laugh. She overcame so many hurdles to reach her goals!  

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?
JT: Finding a shared connection with your subject. We love to laugh too! This is a way to begin to understand Lucy. 

AG: We do a lot of research and search for the fun facts and special moments in the lives of our subjects that will make their story come to life! 

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a Lucy! storywalk, where would it be?
JT: Jamestown! This is the town in New York where Lucy grew up. It's on the shores of Lake Chautauqua. 

AG: Also Hollywood! It would be a great tribute to have Lucy's trailblazing story placed in the town where she ventured to realize her dreams. 

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Lucy!?
For kids who love Lucy and funny people, there are Little Golden Books about Lucille Ball, Betty White, and Carol Burnett. For kids who love to laugh, we love If You Laugh I'm Starting This Book Over by Chris Harris, with illustrations by Serge Bloch and The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, with illustrations by Hatem Aly, and anything by Ame Dyckman!

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this bright and bubbly (just like Lucy) biography on two shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Stage & Screen
• True Stories~Women's History

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Lucy!:

What are some important dates that tie-in with this book? (Birthday, anniversary of events, etc.)

• March: Women's History Month
• March 19: National Let's Laugh Day
• August 1-4: Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
• August 6: World Red Head Day 
• August 11: Lucille Ball's Birthday 
• September 8: Star Trek Day 
• October 15: "I Love Lucy" Day

Amy Guglielmo has written over 20 books about trailblazing women and artsy, innovative people. She is an educator, artist, and community arts and STEAM advocate. Amy lives with her husband in Mexico and New York. Jacqueline Tourville's experience working with children with autism as a public school teacher opened her eyes to the importance of inclusive stories for kids.

I've never been on a hot air balloon ride but it's definitely on my bucket list. When I do get the chance to step into that basket and float away, I'll know who to thank for making sure I come back.

 

In the late 1800s, inventors Mary and Carl Myers designed and constructed balloons, using chemistry, engineering, and meteorology. But it was Mary who took on the stage name "Carlotta" and performed balloon tricks for crowds—all while she recorded flight data! She experimented with different shapes and sizes of balloons, airflows, and fuels. From Mary's multitasking aeronautics, the Myers' determined that hydrogen was the best fuel to use. Mary and Carl also designed a propeller which made steering the craft more efficient. Sharing all their findings with the scientific community, this power couple helped improve hot air balloons and our understanding of flight, weather patterns, and the atmosphere.

 

Written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, SKYBOUND!: Starring Mary Myers as Carlotta, Daredevil Aeronaut and Scientist is the true story of the adventurer who sailed through the skies and stunned the world below. Today Sue tells us about the years of work that went into launching this picture-book biography.

 

What sparked your interest in Mary Myers? 

In 2017, I began a master's program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.  The program offered a Picture Book Intensive program for one semester which required me to write around four picture books a month. One of the assignments was for a picture book biography which was intimidating as I had only written fictional picture books. I began searching for a powerful woman who had been forgotten by history as my subject. Because of my interest in space and flight (you will find those themes in my other books), I ended up on a Wikipedia page that stated that Mary Myers was "the first US woman to pilot her own aircraft". This grabbed my attention as I was shocked that I had never heard of her. As I dug deeper, however, I learned this was not accurate. There have been other forgotten women who piloted a craft before her. Nonetheless, she was such an extraordinary woman, I wanted her to be known by kids (everyone, really) and to take her rightful place in history. (I see a postage stamp and Halloween costumes!)

 

Was there one aspect of Mary Myers—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process? 

During her first flying season, Mary hit a tremendous storm and rain soaked her balloon making it too heavy to fly. She crashed into the top of an 80-foot-high basswood tree. Stuck there, she beckoned some hunters below to help her as the storm raged on.  While they scratched their head, she directed them on how to get her down. She kept her calm and focus both during the storm, the crash, and through getting herself and her balloon safely down from the tree. The men said, "they never knew a woman could engineer a job so well before" and Mary's response was, "I guess maybe because they never caught one up a tree!"  This treetop view of Mary Myers held the spirit of the story for me.

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?

Mary once was batted back and forth 11 times between two heavily charged thunderclouds where her balloon acted as a conductor.  She was rarely terrified on her dangerous adventures and found most thunderclouds harmless as she approached them, but this event really rattled her.

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Skybound!?

I feel that the realistic, yet whimsical art of Iacopo Bruno will visually pull kids into the story right away.  I think that kids feel so earthbound and vulnerable in their lives, unable to control much, so there is great fantasy and appeal in the idea of flying off in a balloon. I think they will love Mary who found her way up both literally and metaphorically, ignoring the constraints of society.  I also think that the idea of soaring in a balloon holds such charm for both kids and adults.

 

Which sources were invaluable in writing this biography?

While Wikipedia is not considered a scholarly source, I found it a great place to start my research as it listed many books that feature Mary Myers.  Unfortunately, both Wikipedia and the books I found echoed several inaccuracies about her and her life.  I really studied information on Ancestry.com and other genealogy sites. I also reached out to friendly folks at local museums near where she lived.  My favorite source, though, was Mary's autobiography. There is nothing like finding your subject's own words.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 

It was a difficult choice on whether to narrow the camera lens and focus on a specific timeframe from her life or pull back wider and tell the bigger story.  I wrote over a hundred drafts over several years, trying to get many of the extraordinary events of her life into the story. Then I decided to keep the story to the unfolding of her first flight and put the rest in the backmatter of the book.

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?

Keep track of your research from the start. Since I was on such a speedy timeframe during my graduate school program, my research was frenzied and all over the place. I had word docs, newspaper articles, website links, museum documents, and more flying around my head, desk, computer.  I have had to spend a lot of time backtracking and organizing all of it since.

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a Skybound! storywalk, where would it be?

It would be at: 128 Cemetery Rd., Frankfort, New York which is the site of the five-acre Balloon Farm where Mary Myers and her husband Carl ran their historical balloon manufacturing business.

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Skybound!? 

• A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785 by Matthew Olshan (Author) and Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

• Fly, Girl, Fly!: Shaesta Waiz Soars around the World  by  Nancy Roe Pimm  (Author) and Alexandra Bye  (Illustrator) 

• Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman's Dreams Took Flight (A Sweet Blackberry Book) by  Karyn Parsons  (Author), R. Gregory Christie  (Illustrator)

• Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine by Heather Lang (Author), Raul Colón (Illustrator) 

• Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed (Author), Stasia Burrington (Illustrator)

 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this uplifting and informative picture-book biography on three shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Makers
• True Stories~Science
• True Stories~Women's History

 

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Skybound!:

• March: Women's History Month
• June 5: Hot Air Balloon Day
• July 5 (1880): Mary's first flight
• August 26 (1850): Mary Myers birthday

 

Sue Ganz-Schmitt is a children's book author, musical theater producer, SCBWI member, and philanthropist. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and young adults. Sue has performed in RENT on Broadway, run a marathon, and pursues other improbable and exciting challenges—as often as she can. To learn more about her other books, visit her website.

 

Married to a big sports fan, I know how excited people get about March Madness. But I didn't know anything about "Linsanity" until I read the true story If Lin Can, written by Richard Ho and illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên.

 

In February 2012, Jeremy Lin went from sitting on the bench to leading the Knick's victorious six games in a row. The frenzy over his meteoric rise to fame inspired the world and a whole generation of young Asian Americans. Told in second-person, If Lin Can is both a biography of a champion and a cheerleader for the reader.

 

Today author Richard Ho discusses creating this unique book.

 

Was there one aspect of Jeremy Lin's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?

There's a great anecdote about Lin sleeping on his teammate Landry Fields' couch during his first few weeks with the Knicks. His status with the team was so tenuous that he didn't even bother to get more permanent housing. Why rent an expensive New York City apartment when you might get cut any day? Of course, in the span of two weeks, Lin went from an unknown bench player to one of the most famous celebrities in the world. It's a classic rags-to-riches tale (or maybe couch-to-court?) that emphasizes both Lin's humble origins and the sheer unlikeliness of his rise.

 

What was the most challenging thing about creating this book?

Finding the proper balance between biographical snapshot and inspirational pep talk. This isn't a traditional biography that details Lin's entire life from birth to now and everything in between. Instead, I wanted to use Lin's story as a springboard to show how three young Asian American children are inspired by his sudden success. The challenge was to make sure that we were properly honoring Lin, while also emphasizing that his story is really every Asian kid's story.

 

While researching Lin, which fact surprised you?

How much racism he experienced as a player. I knew he dealt with taunts and jeers, but I never realized how pervasive it was. Growing up in the diversity of New York, I was a bit naïve to think that truly malicious racism was a thing of the past. Seeing the resurgence of anti-Asian sentiment in recent years, I realize how important it is for Asian children to have books like this, to reassure them that they're not alone.

 

What made you decide to use a second-person point of view? Did you write a draft in third-person at some point?

The manuscript was always written in second-person. I never tried a draft in third-person, because I wanted to speak directly to the Asian kids in the book—and to all Asian kids reading it.

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

There are some biographies of Lin that I found helpful, of course. But since the focus was more on the impact of Linsanity than the granular details of Lin's life, the most helpful sources were actually video highlights of Knicks games. Watching those clips brought me back to the heady days of Linsanity, and they were a great source of inspiration while writing.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book?

It was an easy choice to center the book on the two-week stretch of Linsanity in February 2012, and how watching Lin during this time inspires the three children to believe that their own dreams can come true. 

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?

Research is important in order to get the "who," "what," "where," and "when" down pat. But don't forget the "why." Why does this story need to be told? What makes it surprising or enlightening or inspiring? You're not just writing an historical account. Find the essence of the subject, the thing that makes it worth exploring, and build the story around that.

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a If Lin Can storywalk, where would it be?

Even though Lin is a California kid, his rise to stardom happened in New York. So I would say the streets of Manhattan, or maybe inside Madison Square Garden!

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love If Lin Can?

For sports, and basketball in particular, there are a few recently or soon-to-be published picture books about Wataru Misaka, a Japanese American player who broke the color barrier in the NBA and also played for the Knicks. (Rising Above by Hayley Diep and Naomi Giddings is out now, and Wat Takes His Shot by Cheryl Kim and Nat Iwata will be out in June.) For Asian empowerment, I recommend the Eyes series (Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and Eyes That Speak to the Stars) by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho (no relation to either of them).

 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

I recommend this pep-talk picture-book biography on four shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Basketball
• True Stories~Athletes
• True Stories~Activists 
• True Stories~Asian & AAPI Stories

 

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for If Lin Can:

• February 4: The New York Knicks played the New Jersey Nets on February 4, 2012. Lin scored 25 points and recorded 7 assists in a 99-92 Knicks win. That was the game that kicked off Linsanity.
• March: March Madness
• May: AANHPI Month
• August 23 (1988): Jeremy Lin's birthday
• November 6: National Basketball Day

Richard Ho has worked as a magazine journalist, a scriptwriter, an editor, and an author. His highly acclaimed picture books include Red Rover, The Lost Package, and Year of the Cat.

When I was a kid, I travelled to the Philippines and was fascinated by the sights, sounds, and flavors. A feast for the senses! So it was a treat to revisit the country through Jacqueline Chio Lauri's book Mami King, illustrated by Kristin Sorra.

 

A picture-book biography of Ma Mon Luk's journey from heartbroken street vendor to successful restaurant owner, Mami King is also a heart warming love story. By creating the perfect bowl of soup—Mami: "ma" for his name and "mi" for noodles—Ma Mon Luk earns his fortune to make a future with his true love. 

 

Today Jacqueline tells us how she whisked up this true food-origin story with a dash of romance.

 

 

Was there one aspect of Ma Mon Luk's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?

Vividly ingrained in my head until now is Ma Mon Luk propping a pingga bamboo pole on his shoulder. From both ends of this pole hang two vats containing the ingredients and wares for his mami noodle soup. Scissors strapped on his waste clinked-clanked as he plodded through the streets of Chinatown, Manila. He was an epitome of a hard-working immigrant street food vendor in the Far East. 

 

Anyone who has been to that part of the world would know how hot and humid it gets in the city. Walking outside, even for a short period, can be very uncomfortable. Imagine what Ma, a former schoolteacher in China, had to endure all day and every day in order to earn a living, so he could one day be deemed worthy of winning the hand of the woman he loved.

 

What was the most challenging thing about writing this biography?

It took me several re-writes before coming up with the ending. I wanted no misunderstandings about the message of the story without being too didactic. Although Ma found riches, how do I show where his true fortune actually lay while staying true to the story?

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?

That the Chinatown in Manila (Binondo) is the oldest Chinatown in the world! 430 years old! It was established in 1594 by the Spaniards, who ruled over the Philippines at that time, to keep a close eye on the growing Chinese population on the islands. Binondo Chinatown still stands today as a living testament of the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Mami King?

Though the story might be set in an unfamiliar time or place, I think most kids are familiar with, if not enjoy, a bowl of noodle soup on a regular basis. It gives comfort, nourishment, and in general, it's food that makes one feel good. I also think that many kids enjoy a good love story. Children see love between two adults, such as their parents, grandparents, or even in fairytales where the idea of happiness blooms when two people who are in love end up together. 

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

Book published in the Philippines, such as The Camino Real to Freedom and Other Notes on Philippine History and Culture by Jose Victor Torres. I also wove in historical details that I found from Philippine Culinary Vignettes and Period Recipes 1521-1935 by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? 

I started the story right after Ma's love conflict began—after he was rejected by the parents of the girl he loved and was leaving China for the Philippines with a broken heart. The conditions on board the ship that brought him across the ocean provided an opportunity to reinforce the core message of the story.

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?

For me, writing true stories is like trying to create a recipe from ingredients that are already given. Unlike writing fiction, there's no leeway to shop for more or use other ingredients. You just have to work with what you got. Most of the time, you'd have to sift through a huge variety of ingredients that don't blend well together. So for me, the key is figuring out the main ingredient—the core of the story. Would the remaining ingredients enhance the flavor of the main ingredient? Those that could, I stir them in. Those that don't, I leave out.  

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a Mami King storywalk, where would it be?

In a Chinatown or Little Manila/Manila town. 

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Mami King?

If readers liked the noodle part of it the most, Cora Cooks Pansit and Magic Ramen. If they liked the love story bit the most, Love in the Library. If they are looking for other books set in the Philippines, Sari-Sari Summers and Holding On.

 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

Sweet, savory, and satisfying, this picture-book biography is on four shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Foodies 
• True Stories~Makers
• True Stories~Entrepreneurs 
• True Stories~Asian & AAPI Stories

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Mami King:

• February: Month of love and Chinese New Year
• March: Noodle Month
• April: Filipino Food Month
• May: AANHPI Heritage Month
• June 9: Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day
• October: Filipino American History Month

 

Jacqueline Chio Lauri is a writer, anthologist, and editor based in Manchester, England. Her work includes The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from around the Globe, We Cook Filipino: Heart-Healthy Recipes and Inspiring Stories from 36 Filipino Food Personalities and Award-Winning Chefs, and articles on global media sites, such as Huffington Post and Epicurious. Born and raised in the Philippines, Jacqueline holds a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the University of the Philippines and earned multiple MBA-level Executive Certificates in Marketing & Business Strategies from Cornell University.

As a volunteer at my son's high school library, I was surprised to learn that one of the gazillon things that our librarians offer is card-making resources so that the kids can create their own greeting cards to give on holidays and birthdays. I was skeptical: would tech-obsessed teenagers really do this? Surprisingly, yes! They put down their phones and designed homemade cards, especially Valentines. Esther Howland would be proud.

 

Who is Esther Howland? The subject of Nancy Churnin's Valentines for All, Esther is the artist and entrepreneur who popularized Valentine's Day cards in the U.S. and became one of New England's first career women. Today Nancy shares how she crafted this lovely biographical valentine to the "Queen of Hearts".

Was there one aspect of Esther Howland's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?

I imagined her delight at receiving that first fancy valentine card from her father who had brought it back from a business trip to England. I thought of how that moment captured her mission to help others to feel that joy of receiving something that can speak for those who don't know how to put their love into words. Esther's valentines and the other cards she created helped people speak the language of emotions – love, friendship, grief, apology. Like a card "therapist," she transformed and elevated relationships, bringing people together and deepening their sense of being loved and valued. It is a full circle moment when Esther, who never had a partner that we know of, gives up her business to take care of her beloved and now aging and ailing father, who had given her that first valentine.

 

What was the most challenging thing about creating this book?

The most challenging part was staying focused on what the cards meant to Esther emotionally, while also showing that she also was an incredible entrepreneurial success. That was especially unusual for a woman in the early 1800s who was discouraged from working in, much less owning a business. Plus, she hired women, giving them their own financial resources, too. There was another challenge in the book, but one that was self-imposed. I decided to create little poems in the "Roses are red/Violets are blue" format to express Esther's feelings throughout the book. My hope is that these simple poems will encourage kids to express their feelings through poems, too. In the back matter, I describe different poetic forms so kids can experiment with the ones that they connect with most.

 

While researching Esther Howland, which fact surprised you?

I was surprised that the woman who became known as the "Queen of Hearts" in her lifetime never had a sweetheart of her own. However, she was devoted to her family, friends and customers, reminding us that there are indeed many wonderful forms of love and relationships. I also found it funny that her father had a paper business called "Howland & Sons" because he never expected his daughter to work. But ultimately Esther's cards became more profitable than his business.

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Esther Howland?

Kids have big feelings and a lot to say, just as Esther Howland did! They like to make things. And they like to collaborate with their friends. I'm hoping that Esther inspires kids to write their own words and craft their own cards for Valentine's Day and other holidays. I hope kids consider teaming up with their friends to make extra cards to give to seniors or patients or anyone who might appreciate a little extra cheer, including people at their school who might not receive cards or the message that someone cares.

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

There isn't a great deal that has been written about Esther Howland. I did a lot of my research by looking up old newspaper articles and studying images of her original valentine cards which are on display in museums. My best sources were the wonderful people at the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts, that are thanked in the book. The Worcester Historical Museum has a terrific permanent exhibit on Esther, who was a Worcester native, and an annual Valentine card contest for local children. They gave us permission to reproduce a couple of Esther's original valentines at the back of the book.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book?

I introduced her as a girl who liked to express her feelings, but that was just a quick prelude to a time frame that begins with her coming up with the idea for starting a card company and the moment when she finally decides to sell her business and spend the rest of her time caring for her father.  

 

What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?

Find a subject you love, trace their steps, and see if you can feel what they may have felt so that you can share their hopes, their fears, their dreams, their tears and their joy with your readers. 

 

If you could pick the ideal place for a Valentines For All storywalk, where would it be?

The Worcester Historical Museum! But really, any school or library or social service organization around Valentine's Day would be wonderful. It would be so cool if the storywalk could be complemented by original valentines created by kids and then donated to those in need of cheer. In one scene, we show how much it meant to soldiers to receive valentines during the Civil War. Wouldn't it be great to create and send valentines to those serving our country far away from home, too?  

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Valentines For All?

One of my favorite Valentine's Day books is Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli (illustrated by Paul Yalowitz, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). I love the way this story gently reminds us what a difference a message of love can make in how people feel about themselves and how they treat others. For readers intrigued by the history of popular celebrations, I also have two other books that are a good fit. The Queen's First Christmas Tree, Queen Charlotte's Gift to England, illustrated by Luisa Uribe, is the true story of how kind Queen Charlotte introduced the first Christmas tree to England in 1800, to delight a party of 100 children.Lila and the Jack-o'-Lantern, Halloween Comes to America, illustrated by Anneli Bray, is my first historical fiction, and tells the story of the Irish immigrants who brought their Halloween customs to America when they fled the Potato Famine in the 1850s. These books and Valentines for All, illustrated by Petronela Dostalova, are published by Albert Whitman. 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

This sweet book is on four shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Women's History
• True Stories~Artists
• True Stories~Makers
• True Stories~Entrepreneurs 

 

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Valentines for All:

• February 14: Valentine's Day 
• August 17 (1828): Esther Howland's birthday.
• First Saturday in October: World Card-Making Day

 

Nancy Churnin is an award-winning author of picture books, chapter books, and board books who writes stories about people who persevered to achieve their dreams and make the world a better place. She provides free teacher guides and a project for each book with a dedicated page on her website, to encourage and celebrate kids to be heroes and heroines, too. She's available for bookings through Authors and More.

My parents were born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii, so I am familiar with some of the Hawaiian legends—from the pranks of the tiny Menehunes to the wrath of the volcano goddess Pele. But I had never heard of the true story of Maui's Three-Year Swim Club from the 1940s until I read Sakamoto's Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory.

 

When children of plantation workers were being reprimanded for playing in the sugar field's irrigation ditches, a local science teacher stepped up. Soichi Sakamoto took responsibility for the kids every day after school and trained them in competitive swimming, using the ditch's natural current to improve their strength and speed. Coach Sakamoto also taught his team about commitment, hard work, and believing in themselves. By transforming the Maui ditch swimmers into international champions within three years, Sakamoto became a local hero and one of Hawaii's true legends.

 

Today author Julie Abery takes us into the writing process for her picture-book biography, Sakamoto's Swim Club, beautifully illustrated by Chris Sasaki: 

 

Was there one aspect of Soichi Sakamoto's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?

Yes!! As a teacher myself, I was deeply moved by Sakamoto's unfailing commitment to the children he coached, and his life-long passion to give them the opportunity to be the best they could be—many of his swimmers went on to be accepted by U.S. universities on sports scholarships. He shaped the lives of so many in such a positive way.

 

While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?

Probably that Coach Sakamoto wasn't the best swimmer, but taught thousands of children to swim, and achieved so much throughout his coaching career!

 

Why do you think kids can relate to Sakamoto's Swim Club?

 I think most kids find a sport they are passionate about and can relate to the hard work and dedication of Sakamoto and his students, while at the same time being inspired by the success of the swimmers.

 

Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?

I was lucky to find a wealth of newspaper clippings collected by the Hawaii Swim Club to mine for facts, with many articles written by Coach Sakamoto and his swimmers. I was also fortunate to connect with Coach Keith at the club, who worked alongside Coach Sakamoto.

 

You write in rhyming verse. Do you create a draft in prose and then convert it to rhyme or is the rhyme in the first draft?

This is a funny story! When I started drafting the story I intended to write it in prose, but before long, spare rhyming verse ideas began to emerge in my text. I shared this once before, but I think it is worth sharing again:

 

This….

On Maui, also known as the Valley Isle, streams rush down lush mountain slopes. In the 1930s, water tumbled to the valley and flowed into irrigation ditches that nourished the island's sugar plantations. As the sugar cane industry on the islands had grown, so an influx of migrants had arrived. They toiled dawn to dusk, often leaving their children to fend for themselves.

 

Became this…

Valley Isle,

Lush terrain,

Migrant workers

cutting cane.

 

Dawn to dusk

they toil away,

Children left

alone to play.

 

Once I had these two verses, I continued in verse. I loved the rhythm. Reading it aloud I heard the strokes of a swimmer and the rhythm of cutting cane. It felt like a perfect way to tell the story and so, with my 'voice' set, I wrote the story.

 

How did you select the timeframe for your book? Was there a version that began with Soichi as a child or that character was always and adult in your book? 

In my mind I could visualise the story arc to be swimming in the ditches, becoming a coach, the formation of the Three-Year Swim Club and on to the 1948 Olympics in Wembley when Bill Smith won two gold medals. Even though Sakamoto is an adult MC I never envisioned a version where he was a child. For me, he was always the golden thread in this story for children about children.

 

How did you determine if elements should be included in the story or the backmatter?

As I mentioned, I was very clear what my story arc should be, but with such a pared-back text I felt the story needed a very detailed author's note, which acts as another chapter to the book. It fills in more story details, clarifies time passing, the meaning of the Three-Year Swim Club, Pearl Harbor, the war, and fighting for your country. Finally, the editor and I were thrilled to acquire a black and white photograph of the team courtesy of the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum to complete the book.

 

What's your number 1 tip for writing true stories?

The key to the writing process for me is being clear on the story I want to tell. I sometimes write a key phrase to keep me focused, this is what I wrote for Sakamoto's Swim Club: Science teacher turned swim coach, Sakamoto, takes a group of sugar-cane workers' kids from the irrigation ditches in Maui and trains them into Olympic swimming champions.

 

What other books would you recommend to readers who love Sakamoto's Swim Club?

I'd like to stay in Hawaii with Surfer of the Century (by Ellen Crowe, illustrated by Richard Waldrep) and Ohana Means Family (by Ilima Loomis and illustrated by Kennard Pak) and then head back to swimming with When You Can Swim by Jack Wong.

 

 

TRUE STORY TIDBITS

An inspiring read aloud with stunning illustrations, this book is on three shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:

• True Stories~Athletes
• True Stories~Olympics
• True Stories~Asian and AAPI Stories

 

To take a peek inside the book, checkout my BookTok.

 

Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Sakamoto's Swim Club:

• May 24: National Learn to Swim Day (date varies in May)
• July 27-August 11, 2024: Summer Olympics
• August 6: Soichi Sakamoto's birthday 
• September: Hawaiian History Month

 

A former preschool teacher, Julie Abery is also the author of two other biographies, Yusra Swims, and The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship, as well as the Little Animal Friends board book series and the Baby Dinosaurs board book series. To learn more about Julie and her work, visit her website.

 

*******

A note from Karlin Gray:

Like the rest of the world, I was horrified to learn about the devastation and deaths caused by the fires on Maui this summer. How can we help? West Maui has opened back up to tourism--if you are able to travel to Hawaii, consider Voluntourism. To learn about other ways to help, visit Maui Strong.