*Season #SIX (Summer 2019)
In addition, I would hope that children and their parents alike will leave with a sense of appreciation for everything they have been able to accomplish in this great nation of ours.
How did you research Efrén and the circumstances he found himself in?
A lot of what Efrén experiences comes from my own growing up in the same neighborhood where the story takes place. I did take a few trips to Tijuana, Mexico and visit Friendship Park to make sure I captured the setting accurately.
Do you and Efrén share any similarities?
You could say we share the same family. I pretty much based his family on mine own. Like Efrén, I too was forced to grow up well before my time. My parents also worked long hours and were not able to be home as much as they would have preferred.
What was the hardest scene to write about him?
The toughest scene was placing the character in harms way when he embarks on a solo journey across the border. As an author, it is up to us to add obstacles and tension to our work, but as a parent, it is difficult to even imagine anyone going through that trauma.
Who do you think was his biggest supporter and why?
Actually, I’d say he had an entire community of people watching over him. Lalo, the father living alone in Tijuana, Ms. Solomon, Mr. Garret, even Jennifer all provided Efren the help he needed to reach his journey.
Why do you think some young people, like Efrén, take on the responsibility of saving and/or fixing their family during difficult situations?
I believe that it is a simple matter of necessity. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve seen plenty of cases where fourth and fifth grade students were left in charge of younger siblings. In most of these cases, the parents are out working and don’t have any other options other than placing that burden on older siblings. I remember being in middle school and having to pick up my brothers from kindergarten and first grade on my bike. It was normal and commonplace, so I never thought it was unusual. I knew my parents were at work, provided for the family… the least I could do was my small part.
What do you think Efrén is doing as the present time?
I’d like to imagine Efrén in the reading a book in the bathtub, while enjoying a bag of Cheetos. However, knowing him, he’s probably helping to educate his community on their rights and helping to campaign for the upcoming presidential election.
SEASON #SIX (Summer 2019)
Interview #122 with Tamara Bundy (Author of Pixie Pushes On)
Interview #123 with Lindsay Lackey (Author of All the Impossible Things)
Interview #124 with Tae Keller (Author of When You Trap a Tiger)
Interview #125 with Jamie Sumner (Author of Roll With It)
Interview #126 with Hena Khan (Author of More to the Story)
Interview #127 with Phil Bildner (Author of A High-Five for Glenn Burke)
Interview #128 with Leslie Connor (Author of A Home for Goddesses and Dogs)
Interview#129 with Gillian McDunn (Author of Queen Bee and Me)
Interview #130 with Jody J. Little (Author of Worse Than Weird)
Interview #131 with Jenn Bishop (Author of Things You Can't Say)
Interview #132 with Kaela Noel (Author of Coo)
Interview #133 with Rebecca Stead (Author of The List of Things That Will Not Change)
Interview #134 with Gae Polisner (Author of Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me)
Interview #135 with Emily Blejwas (Author of Like Nothing Amazing Ever Happened)
Interview #136 with Joy McCullough (Author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost)
Interview #137 with Kim Baker (Author of the Water Bears)
Interview #138 with Erin Entrada Kelly (Author of We Dream of Space)
Interview #139 with Jess Redman (Author of Quintessence)
Interview #140 with Melanie Conklin (Author of Every Missing Piece)
Interview #141 with Lindsey Stoddard (Author of Brave Like That)
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