Posts Tagged verse

WNDMG Author Interview: Khushboo Patel on her Verse Novel ALL THAT CHANDNI KNOWS

By on December 10, 2025   /   Author Interviews, Diversity, WNDMG  

 

Author Interview – Khushboo Patel

I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to author Khushboo Patel today. Khushboo is a debut author of a gorgeous new middle grade novel in verse as well as a couple picture books, and I had the honor of reading (and blurbing) her gorgeous MG book! Her title is called “All That Chandni Knows” which launches from G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers/ Penguin Kids on March 31, 2026.

I absolutely loved every bit of this book— the verse, the plot, the character, the voice. I find myself always searching for new verse novels, and I promise you—this one is magical!

 I was enthralled from the very first page of the book, and I know everyone will adore it too!

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

About ALL THAT CHANDNI KNOWS:

Description taken from online:

A powerful middle-grade novel in verse set in India at the turn of the millennium that follows a 12-year-old girl as she navigates new beginnings, difficult truths and a crush.

Perfect for fans of The Night Diary; Red, White and Whole; and Remember Us. 

For twelve-year-old Chandni, 1999 is the year everything must be perfect. And why shouldn’t it be?

Her parents are well-respected doctors in the community, she’s the leader of her friend group, and her crush is even hinting at liking her back. She also has her sights set high on a spot at India’s most prestigious boarding school for girls. If she stays focused and works hard, the dream just may be in reach.

But as the boarding school selection looms closer, Chandni is overwhelmed by a devastating secret that’s threatening to tear her family apart. With life and relationships spiraling around her, Chandni will have to decide between pursuing her ambitions and protecting her family.

Set against the vibrant turn of the millennium in India, this debut middle-grade novel in verse is a beautiful and vulnerable story about the seismic events that life throws at us and the love that helps us brave it all.

Interview with Khushboo:

I loved getting to talk to Khushboo about her new book and I know you will enjoy meeting her and Chandni as well.

 

SSS: What a wonderful book. I was interested right away, from the very first page and Chandni’s teasing of her secret! What is the inspiration behind Chandni’s tale (and only what you feel comfortable sharing) ?

KP: Thank you, Shifa! I so appreciate the care with which you asked this question.

This story started for me with these questions: What happens when the world as we know it is upended? What do we fear? What do we rely on? Where do we find comfort or relief? How do we navigate the push-pull between ambition and protection, and acceptance and agency, and perfection and freedom?

And as I was writing, more questions showed up (some that I wasn’t expecting), and I loved exploring and grappling with them. 

This book is very much a work of fiction, but like Chandni, I grew up in Vadodara in the late ‘90s, and I struggled with some of the things she struggles with. And while it is a story of pain, it is also a celebration of so many things I love—coming-of-age stories, mother-daughter stories, first-person stories, poetry, music, my childhood city, language, food and culture, middle-grade friendships and crushes, all the games we played, and just getting to show kids today—a life before the internet.

SSS: As a mom of three girls, I wanted to reach out and hug Chandni! Her voice and her personality are so sweet, and yet full of strength, and the clear care you took to craft a story that was both important and compelling was absolutely remarkable! How did you balance such a strong voice with such a heart-wrenching story?

KP:I think when you are dealing with some pain, it is easy for the character to slip into a complaining or whining tone. And when you are trying to write a flawed character, it can sometimes come across as brash or annoying. It’s all so tricky! I certainly see that now when I look back at the beginning of my first draft, and I think that’s normal because setting up the story is so hard craft-wise, and in the first draft, you are just trying to figure out the characters and the story problem on the page. Good thing we get to revise and revise and revise!

Voice can be such an elusive and inexplicable thing and it’s so often a writer’s unique way of looking at and expressing things, but I think a part of it is also working on craft and story.

I think what helped the voice here is the fact that Chandni is a complex character. She has such different roles at home and at school and so much is changing around and within her, that she is forced to act, even if she is doing some things all wrong. I think it helps to have a character with agency and enough things happening with the plot, which are not things one would usually think of when thinking about voice. Chandni came into her own when I put her through the wringer, and she had to react and do things.

And I am forever grateful to my brilliant critique partner and friend Lisa Carter, who told me that the trick is going to be conveying this story through the eyes and voice of a protagonist who is in pain, YET is innately positive, proactive, and making the best of her situation. It’s advice that I held close while revising.

SSS: I loved reading all the details about Chandni’s life, her food, her culture, and even the historical time frame that was so relatable to myself as a kid growing in America in the 90s/2000s!

How does Chandni’s setting of 1999 India impact her life, her friendships, and her family?

KP: This is such a good question, because the fact is that the story would not have worked if it was not set in this time period in this particular society. She would probably not have kept this secret as long as she did, or would maybe have felt less scared of societal expectations and norms, and then the stakes just wouldn’t be there in the same way.

And yet, the story also lives in a place that maybe feels liminal and timeless and relatable because a lot of these societal conversations (colorism, women’s safety, patriarchy, religious tensions, etc.) are still relevant today, not just in India, but in many parts of the world.

 

SSS: I absolutely loved how the mother was a doctor! I loved how you both critiqued society for the misogyny present in some spaces but also showed the resilience and strength of women that have always persevered and taken up space throughout any time and place. How did you strike this balance?

KP: I loved exploring that in this book—that mirroring of ambition and the pull of dreams, and staying true to oneself, even for the mother. How the conditions are always difficult, but we try to push boundaries for ourselves and future generations. And also, the tension of how that sits alongside the demands of motherhood. Life and society are not perfect, so then, what is the perfect choice? Which also ties into one of the main themes of the book.

 

Link to order here.

Writing Process

 

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

KP: I wrote just one chapter in prose in September, 2022 and shared it and the premise with Joyce (my lovely agent), who immediately cheered it on. Then the story mostly just sat in my head and in the form of a list of scenes as notes. In February, 2023, I did a workshop with SCBWI on beginnings and endings, and I then started drafting more seriously, this time in verse. From there, the first draft came out pretty quickly, and I shared it with some writing friends and then with Joyce in April, 2023, who loved it. I also sent it out for more critiques and then again, I just sat with the feedback and the story. So much of writing for me is also just thinking about the story and the many directions it could go in and working things out in my head before I put them on paper. I wasn’t feeling ready to put it out and wanted to revise more, but didn’t know how to begin, and I was also working on my other picture books and taking more courses and learning craft. Simone (my brilliant editor) acquired it in May, 2024, and it went through several intense rounds of revisions after that! Writing is never easy for me, but the whole process has been so rewarding, and I will forever cherish these years I spent working on it.

 

SSS: How is the process of writing a historical novel in verse? Was there anything specific you had to research, or did you write it from mostly your personal memories?

KP: Since it’s not a fact/history-heavy story, it was mostly from personal memories and mining memories of friends and family. It was so fun to go down memory lane! In terms of research, I did do some general search to nail down the specific year that would work best for the story, and I also spent a lot of time listening to music from that time, to find exactly what I needed for certain scenes.

SSS: Any advice for fellow middle-grade authors?  

KP: I’m not sure I know enough to give advice, but one thing that has really helped me is the support of my writing friends, so I’d say, find your writing community.

The writing process is so personal, so the best advice seems to be—try different things and do what works for you.

And here are some things I routinely tell myself:

Just try. This is a long game, rejection/ block is a part of the process, and endurance/ giving yourself grace is key. Read deep and wide and engage with different types of art (paintings, music, architecture, movies, etc.). See what you like, don’t like, lean into your taste, and trust your gut. Try new things and keep your mind open. Keep learning craft. Do the deep work. Ask for help. Let go of perfection, get past the cringe, and be okay with ‘failing’ publicly. And don’t forget to have fun!

All easier said than done!

Bonus!

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

KP: No, I think you covered it all. You asked such great, thoughtful questions!

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

KP: My picture book Stolen Colors, illustrated by Tara Anand (who also did the beautiful cover art for Chandni!) is out from Levine Querido on March 3, 2026. It is a book about body safety and consent, and I can’t wait for the world to see Tara’s stunning, powerful art.

And I have another picture book My House is a Muddy River coming out from Putnam/ Penguin Kids in Spring 2027, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu, which was actually my first book deal!  It’s a flood story set in India and I recently got to see the gorgeous first sketches.

I feel so grateful to get to work with such amazing artists and editors.

 

Thank you Khushboo for joining us- and again, I reiterate to everyone to go READ THIS BOOK!!!

 

KP: Thank you for having me! I so appreciate your kind words and support. You and your work are an inspiration, Shifa! All my best to you.

 

About Khushboo Patel:

Khushboo Patel is an Indian American author of children’s books. Before she found the courage to write, she was a lawyer and an entrepreneur. She currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. All That Chandni Knows is her debut novel.

 

Website: https://www.khushboo-patel.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/khushboo_.patel._/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/khushboopatel.bsky.social

 

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WNDMG Wednesday- Author Interview with Marzieh Abbas

By on August 13, 2025   /   Diversity, WNDMG  

I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to author Marzieh Abbas. Marzieh is a celebrated award-winning author of so many books- from chapter books to picture books to beautiful board books. I have loved so many of her books, and my kids love them too!

And I am so excited to interview her about her debut gorgeous new middle grade novel in verse!

Her title is called “Aarzu All Around” which launched from Salaam reads/Simon Kids on July 29, 2025.

I love Muslim representation and verse novels, and I cannot wait to read this one!

About Aarzu All Around:

Description taken from online:

“Heartfelt and triumphant.” —Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor–winning Author of Red, White, and Whole

A cricket-loving Pakistani girl stifled by patriarchal expectations disguises herself as a boy to get a job to pay her sister’s medical bills in this “lyrical action-packed debut full of determination and grit” (Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Golden Girl).

Living with her aunt and patriarchal uncle in Karachi, Pakistan, recently orphaned twelve-year-old Aarzu detests the way she and her younger sister get treated like extras and excluded from all the fun stuff. Aarzu dreams of playing cricket, just like her male cousins and the neighborhood boys in the streets, but her uncle will hear nothing of it. According to him, girls ought to master the art of making round rotis, not play sports.

When her sister requires urgent medical treatment but finances are tight, Aarzu decides to earn money herself. She hears of a part-time job at a bungalow near her school—but it’s only open to boys. Aarzu has no choice but to disguise herself as a turban-wearing boy to get the gig.

Now, Aarzu must find a way to balance school, work, chores, and secret cricket practices—all without burning out or getting caught by her uncle—or else her dreams of making the girls cricket team and her quest to save her sister will crumble around her.

Interview with Marzieh:

I loved getting to talk to Marzieh about her new book and I know you will enjoy meeting her and Aarzu as well.

MA: Thanks for having me, Shifa! I’m currently using one of your books as a mentor text, so it feels extra special to be here, chatting with you today!

SSS: Thank you!

First off- what a gorgeous cover. I loved how you included cricket. I actually don’t know anything about cricket, and I am sure so many readers will be learning a lot about it! Did you set off knowing you wanted to write a book about this sport? (side question: do you play!)

MA: I love the cover too! Chaaya Prabath is so talented, and I love that she read (and loved) the whole book despite having a brief for the elements I wanted on the cover. I’ve been extremely lucky with all the talented artists and teams I’ve gotten a chance to work with.

Coming to the second part of your question, I’ve been getting messages from readers about how much they enjoyed learning about cricket. There’s a short section where I explain how it’s played and who doesn’t love learning about a new sport?

Some background to why I chose to write about cricket: I was born, and grew up in the UAE till I was 12. When we moved to Pakistan I turned extremely patriotic— suddenly, I felt like I belonged and it wasn’t hard falling in love with cricket in a cricket-crazy nation. I mean, I used to watch the game with my Abu, my dad, even when we lived in Dubai, but experiencing the atmosphere in Karachi during a match is a completely different experience. The whole muhalla, or neighborhood, throbs with excitement! When I decided I wanted to set the book in Pakistan, I knew I wanted it to center around cricket. I never got to play, though. In school, we played baseball and netball, and growing up, there wasn’t a girls cricket team in Pakistan. I used to watch the neighborhood boys play and remember wanting to, but not being allowed (by the boys) to play. After I got married, I played with my nephews and nieces sometimes, but never with proper rules, always just for fun.

SSS: As a mom of three Muslim girls, I love Muslim representation to empower them and make them feel proud of themselves. And I love the hijab on the cover too! How was the process writing the hijabi and Muslim rep in the book?

MA: Oh, it came very naturally to me. I’ve been wearing the hijab since I was nine. Despite living in Muslim countries, I have often felt judged for my hijab. I purposely didn’t want all the girls in my novel to be hijabis, because I wanted to show we Muslims aren’t a monolith in our practices. I also wanted to show girls who were curious about Aarzu’s hijab, because not everyone understands the significance it holds in our faith, and this was an opportunity to showcase my faith and beliefs. I hated being questioned about my hijab when I was younger and honestly got tired of answering questions like ‘aren’t you hot in it?” or “can you hear us clearly?” Even though those questions sometimes came from a place of curiosity and concern. My favorite thing to do once I’ve finished a book is write the dedication and this is what I have down for Aarzu All Around:

For all the hijabis.

May our stories be celebrated,

Our voices heard,

And our dreams realized.

Ameen.

SSS: I love reading books set in other countries. How was it writing the book set in Pakistan? Was it fun to include details?

MA: It was! I found myself rediscovering sights and sounds I used to find fascinating when I was new to Pakistan. The bazaars and alleyways are a vibe and I wanted to capture all the beauty in the chaos for foreign readers! The flowers, the birds, the foods, the scents, everything!

SSS: I know your book is about girls overcoming misogyny, which is a problem not exclusive to Eastern society but is present unfortunately in different forms around the world! Can you tell us a little bit more about how Aarzu deals with this issue?

MA: Aarzu and her younger sister, Sukoon, have to deal with a misogynistic uncle, in whose house she stays after her parents pass away in an earthquake. While this may come across as a stereotype to readers who only read the book’s description, I go into a lot of detail in the book to make it clear that not all eastern men are the way that the media frames them to be. We often confuse cultural norms with religious rulings, which is really unfair to Islam. I wanted to make it clear that Islam gives a lot of respect to women, and our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) lived this in his dealings with his daughter, Fatimah, and other women. I also draw upon other stories from the Quran and the strength of women mentioned in several chapters of the Quran, and significant women in Islamic history—- it is their stories of strength and resilience that Aarzu uses to eventually come clean… sure she makes some mistakes along the way, hiding her choices (and thus lying), but all along she feels the prick of guilt because she knows her religion teaches her better. But, I had to keep her character real, flawed, and believable.

Link to order here.

Writing Process

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

MA: I took about six months to write this novel. I was also simultaneously learning how to write this longer form– learning about where which beats in the story should fall and how to weave in backstory and all that fun stuff. So, no, I wouldn’t say it took long to write. I did spend a lot of time revising once i got the bones of the story down.

SSS: How is the process of writing a novel in verse different from picture books and chapter books?

MA: I feel writing longer form is challenging because of the number of threads and themes you have to keep track of. You also need to significantly develop side characters and keep track of what you reveal when. Since I was coming from a background of writing picture books (which are just 500ish words) and early reader chapter books (my Nadia & Nadir series), I needed a way to keep myself more organized. I set up a spreadsheet to keep track of the timeline as I revised and also used a wall in my house to colorful sticky notes for each act in the novel. This way I could move things around and add and subtract scenes as I revised.

SSS: Any advice for fellow middle-grade authors?

MA: I’d say find yourself 3-4 beta readers and do get feedback on your premise before you begin writing– it always helps to know what people think of your initial idea and what parts aren’t making sense and what parts are working. Once you start writing, I feel it’s good to hold off on feedback until you’re done with a first draft. With my current WIP I got feedback too early and now feel torn about which direction to go in. It’s back to the drawing board and some journaling for me to figure out what I really want my story to be about–what message do I want my readers to takeaway? What discussions do I want my book to spur?

Bonus!

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

MA:How is it living on the opposite side of the globe to where your book releases?

Answer: It’s so tough! I don’t get to physically see my book on bookshelves and don’t get to do readalouds or booksignings. It isn’t always convenient to travel and connect with your target audience. Everything has to be virtual and isn’t as special as it would be in-person! Marketing and getting booked for author visits is also a struggle, because it’s so much easier to reach out if you live/can travel to different libraries and schools in your vicinity. My books also take a while to become available locally and so even though I have friends wanting to support my work, there’s a big lag. But I’m so grateful to be doing what I do.

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

MA: I have a new nonfiction picture book, THE CAMEL LIBRARY, A TRUE STORY FROM PAKISTAN, and a board book, RADIANT RAMADAN, releasing this year.

Thank you Marzieh for joining us!

For more Pakistani rep in MG books check out these two interviews, here and here!

 

About Marzieh Abbas:

Marzieh Abbas is a baker turned award-winning author. She loves adding magic to her creations, from a seven-layered rainbow cake to the books she writes for children all over the world. Her work is inspired by her Pakistani culture and Muslim heritage. Marzieh is a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab and Children’s Book Academy. She is the author of the popular chapter book series Nadia and Nadir and the middle grade novel Aarzu All Around. A Dupatta Is… is her debut picture book and she has several upcoming board and picture books. She occasionally writes under the name Marzieh A. Ali. Marzieh enjoys learning new skills, jumping rope, sipping chai, and observing nature. She dreams of owning a talking parrot someday. But until then, she lives in Pakistan with her husband and children who inspire her daily. You can find her on the web at MarziehAbbas.com.

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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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