I have known author Sara Shacter since we were both on the newer side to writing for children. I am so excited that I got a first-look at her debut novel Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign which just came out October 14, 2025.
About the Book
Hi Sara! Congrats on your debut middle grade novel! Can you give us a short summary about the book?
After years of moving, Georgia’s family is staying put. What’s the best part of her new forever home? Fellow science fan Izzy! Georgia feels lucky to be starting sixth grade with her first true friend. But when Georgia’s science project accidentally reveals a secret—one Izzy trusted her to keep—their friendship unravels. Even worse, Georgia’s archenemy swoops in to steal Izzy away, leaving Georgia cut off and lonely. How can Georgia fix her mess? She’s surprised to find the answer in a science fact: genetically, all human beings are more than 99 percent the same. Really? Georgia can’t believe she and the friend-stealer are even 1 percent the same! But as Georgia fights to win Izzy back, she discovers that enemies can struggle with loneliness too—and Georgia is stunned to discover why. It will take a 99 percent campaign to make things right.
Who did you have in mind when you got the idea for this book?
Honestly, this book started out as a completely different story. I don’t even remember when it began to morph into what it is today. So I guess my answer is that I just told the story in my head and trusted it would speak to kids.
About the Author
Did anything from your childhood/school experience help shape this book?
The photo of the writing is evidence of a series of stories I wrote as a kid: The Adventures of Inspector Toenail. He was a giant toe who (that?) solved crimes. Why was he a toe? I have no idea.
In third grade, I dealt with a girl who constantly picked fights with me and tried to get the other girls to stop talking to me. Georgia’s nemesis arose from these memories. With an adult’s hindsight, I understand that my tormenter was unhappy and made herself feel better by picking on me. Wish I had known that back in the day! But at least I’m able to make that point in my book: most unkindness comes from others’ unhappiness.
Do you share any personality traits with Georgia (or one of the other characters)?
Definitely. I enjoy science, just like Georgia, and I like asking questions. As an elementary school kid, I had many, many friend worries.
Is there anything in particular from your childhood that you snuck into the book?)
When I was at music camp, there was a big, muscle bound jock of a counselor who loved to yell at kids. I always tried to avoid him. Then one night, we had a faculty concert. The counselors and music teachers could perform for the campers. To my surprise, he walked out on stage. He sat down with his baritone horn and began to play. His eyes closed. He swayed to the melody and melted into the music. Everything about the moment was beautiful. I sat in my seat gobsmacked. In Georgia’s story, the character Zelco is modeled after that counselor, though Zelco is a visual artist, not a musician.
What authors (and/or books) would you say influenced your writing style and/or this book?
Judy Blume. I loved her books when I was growing up: contemporary, realistic, honest. (Don’t do any math if you know when most of her books were published…)
You shared with me that you began writing this book over fifteen years ago. (I had a similar experience with my first novel!) For those writers who are surprised, can you explain why it sometimes can take years for a novel (or even picture book) to go from start to finish? And can you explain why this could also be a good thing?
I started this book when my twin boys were in 1st grade. Now they’re seniors in college! One reason it took so long was that there’s a steep learning curve when one writes a novel. I had to learn how to juggle characterization, pacing, theme, etc. After the 7th draft, I found an agent and she submitted to four editors. They all had the same critique: the emotional stakes weren’t high enough and there wasn’t a marketing hook. I knew pretty quickly how to solve the first problem but it took five months to find my hook. At that point, I deleted half of the book and rewrote it from the ground up. Then my agent and I parted ways (amicably). So I started submitting to editors on my own. Two years later, Regal House Publishing bought it! Most publishing houses take about two years from contract to publishing day. And that’s how this project took fifteen years from start to finish.
Having it take so long wasn’t all bad. The book that’s now out in the world is exactly what I had hoped it would be. In addition, I’ve met many writers along the way, been to many conferences, and I know what to expect post-publication. I have PR/marketing ideas, school visit contacts, and relationships with people throughout the industry.
Besides, during those 15 years I wasn’t just writing. I was teaching, raising my kids, helping my parents, and volunteering. We all have many identities, and that’s essential in this business. No matter how thrilling the writing life can be, it can also be unbelievably frustrating. Everyone needs other outlets to achieve balance.
Research/Writing
What was your original spark for Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign?
I have no idea! The first scene I wrote was about people who aren’t in the book doing things that don’t happen in my story. I don’t remember when it started to resemble what young readers will actually be reading.
Did you need to do any research for this book?
Yes. I needed to delve into genetics/heredity, spiders, and the life of Thomas A. Watson.
Any scenes that you cut out? And why did you (or your editor) remove them?
Oh, yes! So many, and for so many reasons. One reason was that the external goal I had originally chosen for Georgia proved to be underwhelming. So all of that material got scratched. Her antagonist was also too mean at the outset. Unrealistically so. Hence those scenes got deleted and replaced. As Georgia’s character deepened over multiple drafts, I realized her actions were no longer true to her new self. More deleting and rewriting. I have to say, revision is my jam. The spark of creation is fun, but the molding and shaping is what I enjoy most.
I like how your antagonist is multi-layered. Any words of advice for writers on shaping antagonists?
There are few villains who believe they are villains. From their perspective, their actions make perfect sense. So crawl into your antagonist’s world and look around. What has shaped that person? What does that person value? What are that person’s goals?
For Teachers
Do you have a curriculum guide or discussion questions posted online?
Coming soon on my website!
Are you doing school visits related to this book?
Yes, and I LOVE school visits. I make sure there are good doses of active participation and humor. My presentation for Georgia is geared toward grades 3-6 and covers revision, genetics/heredity, the power of human connection, and the importance of believing in yourself.
How can we learn more about you?
Instagram/Bluesky/Twitter: @SaraShacter
Website: www.sarafshacter.com
Thanks for your time, Sara!
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