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Octopus Moon: Interview with author Bobbie Pyron

By on April 11, 2025   /   Articles, Author Interviews  

I’m a fan of Bobbie Pyron’s books, especially A Dog’s Way Home. When I learned she had a new book out, I asked her if I could read an advanced copy and interview her. When I got the book, I was intrigued by the cover art and title. And when I read the first page . . . I was hooked. I had no idea it was going to tackle the topic of depression. And through verse! So here is a behind-the-scenes interview with Bobbie about her wonderful new release Octopus Moon.

About the Book

Hi Bobbie! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Octopus Moon. As someone who has also written a book on mental illness (on OCD), I appreciate how you show the ups and downs of depression.

Can you give us a short summary about the book?

Octopus Moon is a middle grade verse novel about a ten-year-old girl and her struggle with depression and anxiety. For as long as Pearl can remember, she’s had times when a dark cloud descends upon her, and she also worries about everything. Still, she’s been able to manage these feelings by running, hanging out with her friends, and spending time at the aquarium where her mother works. But as fifth grade approaches, these coping mechanisms don’t work as well. And then, with all the changes fifth grade brings, Pearl becomes overwhelmed by depression. Octopus Moon follows Pearl’s journey from crippling depression to hope.

 

When you began writing Octopus Moon, do you intend it to be more of a window or a mirror?

Excellent question! I think when I began Octopus Moon, I was writing it for my ten-year-old self. Having struggled since about the age of five with chronic depression, it was a book that would have been incredibly reassuring to me: I would have felt less alone, and also felt a sense of hope. But as I took a deep dive into the second and even third drafts, I also wanted readers who don’t live with a mental illness, especially depression, to understand what it’s like. How it’s different from “being down,” or “having a bad day.” So yes, at the beginning, I intended for the book to be a mirror.

About the Author

I read in your Author’s Note that growing up, you experienced something similar to Pearl (I think it’s wonderful you share this with your readers). Did you set out to do this or did the story shape itself?

Photo by Todd Blackley

As a former librarian, I was all too aware of the lack of novels for middle grade readers in which the main character had chronic depression. They are abundant in the YA world. Middle grade, not so much. Yet, I knew from my own experience that children, even young children, can have chronic depression, and certainly anxiety too. Back in the ‘60s when I was a young kid, there was no concept of children having depression. As a matter of fact, back then, any kind of mental illness in anybody was not talked about! And taking a kid to therapy? Ridiculous! Needless to say, even though I was a passionate reader, I never saw myself reflected in a book. It took quite a few years (and having success as an author) to get up the courage to write such a personal book.

 

What books and movies have influenced your writing style and/or topic choices?

Hmmm…Well, I love novels in verse! So I thought I’d try to write Pearl’s story that way. I will say, it was much harder than I’d expected it to be! Still, I think it was the right choice for this story. I was also very impressed by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s novel FIGHTING WORDS, which is inspired by her childhood. It’s so very honest and beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful.

Guess which one is Bobbie?

 

Do you share any personality traits with Pearl?

I also live with this insidious illness, depression, so I share that with her. And like her, I wanted to be a mermaid when I grew up. I love the sea and all of its wonders. I also had a very close relationship with my paternal grandfather.

 

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Like Pearl, I need to be physically active. I hike, kayak, bike. I love working in the garden. And like Pearl, I love being with my friends.

 

Research/Writing

Little Bobbie and her beagle, Puck

What is something FUN from your childhood that you snuck into the book?

When I was young, we had a wonderful beagle named Puck. He was the most patient, loving, gentle, non-judgemental soul on the planet. I loved having him in my book!

 

Addressing Mental Health

You tackle a number of tough topics in this book—the main one being depression. I know it can be difficult finding a balance on what to include in a middle grade novel. Did you have any difficulty deciding how in-depth you wanted to go on the topic? And did you contemplate where to have Pearl in her journey with depression (having the book address diagnosis vs starting the book in the middle of managing depression)?

LOL, my editor, Stacey Barney, will be soooo glad you asked this question! I originally started the book on the first day of fifth grade. So right out the gate, the readers sees Pearl being overwhelmed by anxiety and depression. But my editor wanted me to back it up so that we get a sense of Pearl before things become so difficult for her. I think that was a brilliant suggestion.

Yes, I did have some difficulty deciding how in-depth to go into depression. I wanted to be honest and I didn’t want to sugar coat what living with a mental illness is like. At the same time, I wanted the story to be gentle and hopeful. I hope I achieved that balance.

 

What did you learn while writing this book?

First of all, I learned that writing a whole book in verse is very hard! In my book, Stay, half of the chapters are written in verse. It was fun and not that hard, so I thought, “Let’s do a whole book that way!” Ha!

I also learned that, while Octopus Moon is inspired by my own experience with depression, this is really Pearl’s story. I gave her things I didn’t have at that age: a supportive family, and a wonderful therapist. But I did have a dog.

 

For Teachers

Are you doing school visits related to this book?

I love doing school visits! I can usually tailor my presentation to what the teachers would like me to talk about. My presentations are best suited for grades four and up.

How can we learn more about you?

You can visit me on my lovely website www.bobbiepyron.com

I can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under Bobbie Pyron.

 

Thanks for your time, Bobbie.

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Grab Your Boots and Go! — Cover Reveal for 3 Weeks in the Rainforest: A Rapid Inventory in the Amazon

By on April 10, 2025   /   Articles, STEM  
3 weeks in the rainforest book

What one place on the planet has 40,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, 3,000 types of fish, 430 mammals and a whopping 2.5 million different insects?  The Amazon Rainforest!

And I am lucky enough to write about some AWESOME scientists who have dedicated their lives to protecting it.

This is my NEW book coming from Charlesbridge Publishing, this fall to a bookstore near you! (October 14, 2025)

 

3 Weeks in the Rainforest book by Jennifer Swanson

 

How did I get the idea for this story? I visited the world famous Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois. (See, museums not only have cool facts to learn, but you can also get ideas for a book there, too!)

 

The Field Museum of Natural History

 

The Field Museum is best known as being the home to Sue, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. According to their website, “Sue is the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. rex. At 40.5 feet long and 13 feet tall at the hip, SUE is physically the largest example of Tyrannosaurus rex out of the more than 30 less complete T. rex skeletons that have been discovered to date.”

But I didn’t want to write about Sue, instead I spent several hours in a different exhibit– one that showcased the awesome environmental efforts scientists at the Field Museum are doing to help preserve the Amazon Rainforest.

 

What is a Rapid Inventory? 

“​Field Museum rapid inventories are cooperative, rigorous surveys of the biological and cultural assets of a priority landscape for conservation.”– The Field Museum’s Rapid Inventory Website 

 

3 Weeks in the Rainforest intro

 

 

Why should we care about the Amazon Rainforest?

There are SO many amazing products that we use every day that come from the Amazon Rainforest! Plus, there are more species of animals in the Amazon than in any other place on the planet!

 

3 weeks in the rainforest book -- fish

 

The BEST part about a Rapid Inventory is that is involves SO many people collaborating to help protect the precious resource of the Amazon Rainforest. 

“Broad collaboration forms the essence of our inventories. We work with stakeholders at all levels—from host-country and international scientists, to local villagers, to government agencies and civil society—to build on already-existing efforts, elevate local and regional expertise, and gather crucial biological and social information. Constructing the inventory with partners from the start is crucial for successful outcomes, as it cements common goals, provides clarity of roles, and ensures that the inventory results feed directly into action.”

 

What does the SOCIAL TEAM do? 

The COOL part about a Rapid Inventory is that it’s not just about the biology of the area, but it’s also about the social aspect– the PEOPLE– that live there. They get a say in how the land is protected. This is a very important part of the process. Social scientists go into the villages and meet with the people who live there to understand how they are already living and protecting the areas.

3 weeks in the rainforest social team

Community members map their natural resources, sharing their deep knowledge of the territory.

 

I am SO excited about this book for many reasons!

First of all, I grew up going to the Field Museum as a kid. To be able to collaborate with them on a book, is just the stuff of dreams. Secondly, the Rapid Inventory team from the Field Museum has a lot of really AWESOME female scientists! And they do some really amazing things.

When I asked icthyologist Lesley de Souza if she was worried about there being anacondas in the waters in and around the Amazon.  She said something to the effect of: “I don’t worry about them. You just have to be careful not to let them get too far up your legs.”  😮😮

This book is packed with  many other escapades, including a night encounter with peccaries and meeting a snake in the makeshift restroom.

 

I hope you check it out! This book would be perfect for kids (of all ages) who love learning about animals, new cultures, conservation, and how to save our planet!

 

You can PREORDER the book HERE:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/3-weeks-in-the-rainforest-jennifer-swanson/1146960437?ean=9781623543167

 

 

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WNDMG Author Interview with Reem Faruqi on her book Zarina Divided

By on April 9, 2025   /   Articles  
Wndmg logo

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Author Interview – Reem Faruqi

I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to author Reem Faruqi today. Reem is an incredible novel in verse author, and I adore every single one of her books! Her newest title is Zarina Divided (HarperCollins), which launches on May 20, 2025.

I absolutely love the description of this book. It sounds so compelling, with much needed themes for our divided world, and the important historical story of Partition, which is so relevant to read and learn about, especially now.

I cannot wait to dive in!

I encourage everyone to buy a copy for themselves and their classrooms and libraries.

About Zarina Divided:

Description taken from online:

From the award-winning author of Unsettled, Reem Faruqi, comes a stirring coming-of-age story about a Muslim girl who, during the Partition of India, must learn to cope with loss, guilt, and change in order to grow. Perfect for fans of Amil and the After and The Partition Project and inspired by real-life events.

“A simultaneously gentle and gripping story led by a strong-willed protagonist eager to advocate for herself in a changing world.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

You can notice differences

if you look really close,

which lately everyone

seems to be doing.

Zarina loves her life in Poona, India. She spends her days happily hanging out with her best friends, Geeta and Jahana, and playing with her three brothers. However, Zarina and her family are given unsettling news: Muslims and Hindus are to separate by religion. Hindus are expected to stay in India, while Muslims are expected to move to a new land, Pakistan.

Zarina is heartbroken at having to move away from all she knows and loves, and after the frightening journey to Pakistan, she feels unsure that the unfamiliar country will ever feel like home. When an accident happens that leaves Zarina grappling with extreme guilt, she decides it’s best to attend boarding school far away, much to the protest of her mom. Will a fresh start at a new school give Zarina the chance to thrive in Pakistan, or will the divisions within herself and her family continue to widen?

From award-winning author Reem Faruqi comes a heartening coming-of-age story, inspired by her grandmother’s life, that reminds us that through overwhelming change can come the most beautiful growth.

Interview with Reem:

I loved getting to talk to Reem about her new book and I think you will enjoy meeting her and Zarina as well.

Thank you so much for having me Shifa! I love your books!

SSS: What a wonderful description. I was interested right away! What is the inspiration behind Zarina Divided?

RF: I’m so glad the description got your attention! The inspiration behind Zarina Divided is … my grandmother Zarina! 

 

 

She would tell us stories about her experiences of going to a British boarding school in Murree, the mountains of Pakistan, and the friendships she made there. I was intrigued by her journey and how she advocated for herself to go, especially when her mother did not want her to leave, after they had finally made it to Karachi, Pakistan from Poona, India. 

I also really wanted to know more about my grandmother’s Partition journey to Pakistan from India. She recalls how in Poona, India, the weather was cooler and beautiful and how her house was spacious compared to her new house in Karachi where everything felt hot, crowded, and dusty. I loved how she described her garden in Poona with dahlias the size of dinner plates. It sounded so lush and scenic. If you meet my grandmother, you would see that she loves gardens and flowers. I think the move made her really miss her peaceful home and the greenery that she was used to. My grandmother’s decision to leave her new home to go to boarding school impacted her: her mother didn’t talk to her for a year! To this day, my grandmother loves the mountains, long walks in fresh air, and has soft British undertones in her voice when she speaks. 

With all that said, the Partition was bloody. Many lives were lost. It was the largest mass migration of the twentieth century. Over the course of a year, an estimated fifteen million people crossed borders that were drawn up in a rush by the British Empire. A lot of bitterness remains. My grandmother remembered her time in Poona saying that they were used to serving the British, to being their “good little servants.” I made sure to weave that line into the story.

I hope that ZARINA DIVIDED inspires you and that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. By studying and reflecting on our history, we should aim to do better in the future.

SSS: As a mom of three girls, I love stories about girls and especially strong girls. How is Zarina as a character? Is she sassy and spunky, or shy and introverted? How does her personality affect the story, and the very real hardships she goes through?

RF: Great question and I can relate to having girls! Zarina is strong-willed and has a temper that her father counsels her on by telling her, “When you are in control of your emotions, you are in control of yourself.”  She veers more to the extroverted side and has two best friends Jahana and Geeta that she loves so much that they call themselves sisters. However, once Partition tensions strike, their friendships are fractured. As a result, after her agonizing move, Zarina becomes more introverted and less confident. Once she goes to a British boarding school, her confidence and spunk re-returns. She doesn’t take no for an answer! She also makes new friends.

Here’s an excerpt below of her father Abajan counseling Zarina on her anger.

SSS: As a Syrian-American, I think often about the themes of immigration and diverse stories. How does the move Zarina makes from India to Pakistan impact her life? How does she find belonging and hope in her new home?

Rf: Yes, as a Pakistani American immigrant, I think about these themes often too. It’s part of who we are. I pray all is well with your family and Syria. 

Moving majorly impacted Zarina’s life. Before moving, she felt at peace in her home and thrived at school. Once she moved she lost her friends and her nanny Khushboo. I had a nanny that I was very attached to (we are still in touch today!), but I remember the feeling of leaving loved ones behind is hard. Now, imagine leaving loved ones in a rush and not properly saying goodbye. That is quite traumatic!

When Zarina does make the journey to Pakistan, she becomes quiet at school and is not really present. Her teacher writes on her progress report failure to thrive. However, once she goes to  boarding school, in the fresh mountain air of Murree, she finds the greenery she longs for and new friends. She finally has space to think. Spoiler alert: she thrives!

Zarina does however feel a lot of guilt for leaving her mother behind, especially when her mother has an accident that she feels responsible for.  But with the help of her brother Wahab and her nanny Khusbhoo’s advice, she begins to feel less guilt. When she does return back  home to her family in Karachi, her reunion is better than she could have imagined. She realizes home isn’t just a house: home is her family and loved ones.

SSS: The subject of Partition is a relatively new one in MG, but one that is so important. Can you tell us more?

RF: 

Yes! I’ll be honest: I wasn’t always intrigued by the Partition. As a  young girl, we were told stories of how our grandmothers’ left, but I didn’t dwell too much on it. It just felt like a faraway old story. Once I grew older and realized how dangerous the journeys were and how my grandmothers thrived, I was impressed and wanted to know more. I wanted to write about this huge event that took place in their lives.

I remember watching Ms. Marvel and seeing the Partition train scene of so many people leaving in a hurry and sitting on top of the trains. My heart and eyes hurt to see such scenery. I also remember reading award-winning author Shirin Shamsi’s picture book THE MOON TO DEHRADUN and getting chills. It was told so simply yet beautifully depicted the sorrow a little girl faced from leaving her home in a rush and the sense of belonging she eventually feels at the end. I was in awe of how Shirin told such a  heartbreaking story in a few words. When I write in verse, I strive to do the same.

 If you want more partition stories, there are more beautiful books: THE NIGHT DIARIES and AMIL AND THE AFTER by Veera Hiranandani, THE PARTITION PROJECT by Saadia Faruqi, LION OF THE SKY by Ritu Hemnani, and one I haven’t read yet but just discovered, THE LINE THEY DREW THROUGH US by Hiba Noor Khan that just released.  I really want to read that one!

SSS: This story was inspired by real life events! Was it hard doing research and asking family members about this (what must have been) traumatic time?

RF: Yes!There are many stories in this book that are inspired by real life events. Both my grandmothers made the move from India to Pakistan. My paternal grandmother had passed away, but I am grateful my paternal uncle wrote down her experiences in a family album that I relied heavily on. I blended her experiences with my maternal grandmother’s Zarina experiences. For example, my paternal grandmother recalled the experiences on the train and the mobs that attacked as well as the process of being allotted a new house. Everything was chaotic as people took over each other’s houses. I described it in my book through Zarina’s eyes as a game of musical chairs: “Now, because India is splitting in two / we are packing bags, / scrambling  around the same way./ Muslims swapping places with Hindus, / Hindus swapping places with Muslims,/ and we don’t even know if there are chairs./ Angry voices take the place of music.” 

My grandmother Zarina remembered taking a ship and all she remembered of that journey was the name of the ship The Shirala.  I dove into research and found that the ship journeys were quite traumatic: there was a lot of seasickness, a lack of lights, and severe overcrowding on board. I see why she blocked it out! Researching heavy stories that actually took place was hard, but I’m so grateful the partition survivors had the courage to share their stories.

The partition happened in 1947, but if you want more information, the 1947 Partition Archives is a great resource and is trying to collect as many stories from survivors.

 I hope that Zarina’s story can shed some more light on the partition told from a Muslim girl’s perspective. Also, this is a work of historical fiction! My grandmother inspired many of the stories in this book. With that being said, as you know, a novel has to have a beginning, middle, and end. It has to have a plot and tension, so I took the liberty to fictionalize.

Link to order here.

Writing Process

SSS: When did you start writing the story and was the process a long one?

RF: So I was actually pregnant with my baby so I didn’t just have an editorial deadline, I also had a human deadline! I managed to complete the novel, edit it with critique partners, and turn it in within that 9 month window. I wrote the novel in 2023 and am glad that it is becoming a real book next month!

SSS: How is the process of writing a historical novel in verse different from contemporary?

RF: It’s SO different and much more time consuming. I was constantly fact checking and trying to make sure I had the environment and voice down. One can get easily lost in the research component, so I had to remind myself to keep writing as I researched. I had tons of tabs open in my google search. I also was exchanging a flurry of voice memos with my grandmother to make sure I had her stories right. I also found a Facebook group of my grandmother’s boarding school St. Denys’ so it was fun to show her pictures of her school and to look up old experiences. Sharing that with my grandmother felt special. 

SSS: Any advice for fellow middle-grade authors? 

RF: Publishing is a hard place to be. I feel like a duck trying to stay afloat in the publishing industry. It may look easy to see someone’s names with books attached to it but behind the scenes, I am editing, promoting, working, and most of all trying to write in these trying times. Publishing also seems extra slow these days, but I feel we all have important stories to tell. Giving up is so much easier, (don’t we all have so many other things we could be focusing on?!) but we really just need that one editorial yes! (This is advice I need to tell myself too !) 

Bonus!

SSS: Bonus question! Is there anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to share with us?

RF:

Where can I find you these days?

I’m not on social media or Instagram much these days, and I enjoy the quieter nature of Substack and the interactions between writers. I started a Substack here. I was recently interviewed by Heidi Fiedler for a motherhood interview and I wanted to share it, incase it helps any other authors who are balancing parenting young children and trying to write. I will always have my blog and I plan to feature Shehzil Malik, the illustrator of ZARINA DIVIDED, in a detailed interview very soon!

SSS: What else can we look forward to from you?

RF: As of right now, that’s all I have in the works for what’s next, but rest assured I am working behind the scenes! I have another novel in verse about a field hockey playing character who deals with high emotional stakes both on and off the field. I also have written a few lyrical picture book manuscripts and an adult book composed of micro memoir and bits of verse. I am hoping those stories become real books soon! Having stories on submission is both an exhilarating and terrifying time as those rejections can still sting. But I hope and pray to read and write many beautiful novels in verse soon.

Side note, my mother said if I have no more books I could change my career and go into something more lucrative like plumbing LOL! I told her, I’d keep on writing.

Shifa,  I can’t wait to hug your book Sisters Alone! I read it as a document, and it was STUNNING! Thank you so much for having me!

Photocredit : Tasnia Malek

About Reem Faruqi:

 Reem Faruqi  is the award-winning children’s book author of “Lailah’s Lunchbox,” a book based on her own experiences as a young Muslim girl immigrating to the United States. She’s also the author of “Amira’s Picture Day,” “I Can Help,” “Milloo’s Mind,” “Anisa’s International Day,” and four middle grade novels in verse, “Unsettled,” “Golden Girl,” “Call Me Adnan,” and “Zarina Divided” many of which received starred reviews. After surviving Atlanta traffic and the school drop off, Reem spends her days trying to write, but instead gets distracted easily by her camera and buttery sunlight. Reem Faruqi lives in Atlanta with her husband and four daughters. You can find her at www.ReemFaruqi.comor on Instagram or Substack.

Website: www.ReemFaruqi.com

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/ReemFaruqi

Substack: https://reemfaruqi.substack.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ReemFaruqi

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