Author Interviews

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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Author Spotlight: Tricia Springstubb + a GIVEAWAY

By on April 4, 2025   /   Author Interviews  

Today, I’m excited to shine the Author Spotlight on children’s author, Tricia Springstubb! Tricia’s latest MG novel, How to tell a True Story, was praised by Kirkus as “A sincere and humane narrative that probes human complexity.” It released April 1 from Margaret Ferguson Books and is a 2025 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Learn more and connect with Tricia at https://www.triciaspringstubb.com/

Interview with Tricia

Welcome, Tricia! Thank you so much for being a guest on the Mixed-up Files! 
I absolutely loved How to Tell a True Story. It’s such an impactful book that will be sure to spark many important conversations about honesty, ethics, and whether it’s ever okay to lie to protect those you love. Can you tell me a little about the inspiration behind it?
I started to think about this book years ago when I attended a school assembly where a student whose house had been destroyed by fire was presented with a collection of brand new books. It was a lovely, generous gift, such a heart-tugging moment, and of course the child said thank you. Afterwards, though, I found myself wondering: what if she didn’t really want all those books? What if she secretly wished she’d been given toys or games instead, but she had to act grateful?

Mind you–I had no reason to believe that was the case! But a writer’s brain is a devious place. I began thinking about how complicated the acts of giving and receiving are. How kindness is always well-intentioned, but how, often, we expect something in return. I started making notes for a story about a girl whose community comes together to help her and her family after a fire, and all the complications that could arise from that.

About How to tell a True Story

You do such a great job maintaining an element of mystery in the story about what exactly happened the night of the fire. Was it difficult to craft this novel? What was your biggest challenge in writing it?
I love to read mysteries but have always failed miserably when I tried to write one. (I’m also really bad at telling jokes too–I always manage to give away the punch line!) How To Tell a True Story was different, because though it revolves around a dark secret, it’s a book that asks as many questions as it answers. Is the truth black and white? What makes a hero? If kindness is a gift, can we change our minds and take it back? How does social media affect the way we see and present ourselves?

It was hard to keep the story taut and suspenseful while making room for all these questions. Also, research is never my favorite part of writing, but to describe the fire, the burn treatments, and the legal aftermath, I had to do a lot of reading and interviews. I’m so grateful those details ring true.

You describe the experience of surviving a devastating event so authentically. It is such a difficult topic, and you handled it with grace, care, and sensitivity. I’m always interested in hearing how authors make tough topics accessible to young readers and would love to hear your thoughts on this.
I’m a ridiculously hopeful person—probably both my biggest strength and weakness. Also probably why I write for young readers. No matter how deep their troubles, most kids stay alive to possibility. Their friends, their crushes, their dreams of what they might do and who they might be—all that beckons to them. I love that! I try to honor it in my stories.

Characters

Along with Amber, I enjoyed your other characters a lot too. I thought Amber’s relationships with her peers were so real and relatable. Do you have a favorite secondary character? Who and why?
I love Amber’s friends!  Please don’t make me choose among them!  I will say that my editor found Mariah unlikeable and pushed me to make her nicer, but I like her exactly the way she is. And of course I love Clancy, Amber’s goofy sister. All my main characters seem to have little comic sidekicks–in my last book, Looking for True, it was Spider and Sophie, who adore potty jokes.

Takeaways

What do you hope readers take away from this story?
I hope they’ll have a great reading experience, meaning they won’t want to put the book down! Beyond that, I hope they’ll think about the questions I mention above, and about the notion of kindness. Kids are constantly urged to Be Kind and Choose Kind. Of course in the best of all worlds, humankind is both human and kind! But as Amber discovers, many things are easier to say than to act on. Most of us can be kind to people we feel sorry for, but it’s hard–very hard–to be kind to people we don’t like, to people we feel have betrayed us. I hope readers will think about what Max, Amber’s classmate (and nemesis), says, “If only some people deserve kindness, then it’s just a reward.”

Writing Process

Will you tell us a little about your writing process? Are you a plotter or pantser? Where/when do you prefer to write?
To be honest, Sydney, I always dread this question! My process is so messy, I’m not sure it even deserves the word. Mostly, I start with a situation, a setting or a character that intrigues me, then write my way into the story, following where it beckons. Obviously, I do a LOT of revision, but I really enjoy going back over drafts and finding the clues I’ve left myself. One of my favorite writing quotes is from Flannery O’Connor:  “Like the old lady, I don’t know so well what I think until I see what I say; then I have to say it again.”

Influences

What are some current books that have influenced you as a kidlit writer?
I read everything Kate DiCamillo writes. She is so deft–a great lesson for a blabbermouth-writer like me–and I love her dark sense of humor. When The Horn Book said Looking for True is “Because of Winn-Dixie for a new generation”, I about died.
Anne Tyler doesn’t write for kids, but she’s been a hero of mine for decades. Her quirky characters are so specific yet universal. Also, she just published her 25th novel at the age of 83–I’d love to follow in those footsteps.

Advice

What is your advice for aspiring writers?
As anyone reading this probably already knows, the writing life can be hard. I recently got a rejection that really stung!  But I don’t know anything better to do with my one wild and precious life than to keep trying to see through other eyes and walk in other shoes–in other words, tell stories. Read, observe, question, open your heart!

What’s Next

Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?
I have a fantasy novel out on submission. This is a HUGE departure for me, so who knows what will become of it. I’m also working on a new project. Like How to Tell a True Story, it falls into the category of Young Teen Lit, that space between true middle grade and true young adult. So far, all I know is it centers on A Big, Complicated Crush.

And for the lightning round:

Coffee or tea? Coffee! More coffee!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset (only because I like to sleep in)
Favorite dessert: I eat ice cream every single day.
Superpower: I crave the superpower that would let me infiltrate the hearts and minds of those in power right now.
Favorite music: I’m bad at favorites questions, but today I’ll go with Motown!
Favorite book from childhood: Again, so bad at favorites, but I’ll pick Little Women. I’ll never forget my shock and grief when Beth died—my first experience of how enormously powerful a book can be.
Thanks again, Tricia! It was so much fun to learn about you, your writing journey, and your amazing novel! Learn more about Tricia on her website and follow her on Instagram.

For a chance to win a signed copy of How to Tell a True Story, comment on the blog!  (Giveaway ends April 11, 2025 MIDNIGHT EST.) U.S. only, please. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rebellion 1776: A Chat with Author Laurie Halse Anderson

By on March 28, 2025   /   Articles, Author Interviews  
As a contributor to from the Mixed-Up Files, I get the opportunity to interview various authors. When I heard that Laurie Halse Anderson had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance. I had first discovered her books at a children’s writers and illustrators conference where she spoke. I loved her talk so much that I bought a copy of her book Fever 1793 and had her sign it for me. It was an amazing book, and I was hooked and had to read Speak—one of her contemporary young adult books. I am excited to share that she has a new middle grade historical fiction novel, Rebellion 1776, coming out April 1. Here’s a brief summary:

In the spring of 1776, thirteen-year-old Elsbeth Culpepper wakes to the sound of cannons. It’s the Siege of Boston, the Patriots’ massive drive to push the Loyalists out that turns the city into a chaotic war zone. Elsbeth’s father—her only living relative—has gone missing, leaving her alone and adrift in a broken town while desperately seeking employment to avoid the orphanage.

Just when things couldn’t feel worse, the smallpox epidemic sweeps across Boston. Now, Bostonians must fight for their lives against an invisible enemy in addition to the visible one. While a treatment is being frantically fine-tuned, thousands of people rush in from the countryside begging for inoculation. At the same time, others refuse protection, for the treatment is crude at best and at times more dangerous than the disease itself.

Elsbeth, who had smallpox as a small child and is now immune, finds work taking care of a large, wealthy family with discord of their own as they await a turn at inoculation, but as the epidemic and the revolution rage on, will she find her father?

About Laurie Halse Anderson & Her Books

I am fascinated on your range of topics. You’re known for writing honest and relatable contemporary YA as well as accurate and engaging historical fiction.If you were to sum up your books/style of writing in four words, what would that be?

Photo credit: Susanne Kronholm

Books that open conversations.

 

What was your favorite book to write and why?

That’s like asking me which one of my kids is my favorite! Choosing one is impossible. Each book creates a unique journey through fascinating research and magical imagination.

 

About Rebellion 1776

You have some very vivid descriptions as to what smallpox was like. I’m curious of what types of sources you found most useful.

I started with modern information about the disease from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. Then I dove into 18th-century primary sources: letters written by people going through the inoculation process, and doctors’ records.

 

How did you choose the emphasis for the book as well as the lifestyle of the protagonist?

The dramatic events of Boston in the early days of the Revolutionary War dictated the emphasis. I like writing about ordinary kids caught up in extraordinary events; that’s why Elsbeth is a kitchen maid with big dreams.

 

Is Elsbeth based on a real person? 

Her situation as a kitchen maid whose father is missing, and mother is dead was inspired by almshouse records and indentures that legally bound unfortunate children to strangers. I also found a thirteen-year-old maid who was interviewed by the  imposing Committee of Inspection which suspected the girl’s master of being a spy for the British.

 

Research/Writing

What was your favorite tidbit you discovered while doing research for Rebellion 1776? 

The food! I combed through letters and newspapers to find out what was available and what was hard to find after the British fled, then I found recipes that were used back then. Writing about food allows authors to create a feast for the sense of their readers.

 

It’s always fun to learn the-behind-the-scenes for a great book. Thanks for sharing, Laurie! Rebellion 1776 comes out April 1. 

To learn more about Laurie Halse Anderson, find her on X (previously known as Twitter) @HalseAnderson or visit her at MadWomanintheForest.com.

To request an appearance for a school, university, conference or other opportunities, please fill out the request form at the Author Village.

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