PHOTO: Kathryn Erskine, an award-winning author whose captivating stories inspire readers of all ages to think, laugh, and dream.
Exploring Themes Of Resilience, Identity, And The Courage To Speak
National Book Award-winning author Kathryn Erskine shares insights into her creative process, research, and the power of authentic storytelling to connect readers with complex emotions and transformative narratives.
Kathryn Erskine has long been a voice of empathy and reflection in the literary world. Her stories, brimming with authenticity and compassion, resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Whether portraying the struggles of a child navigating Asperger’s syndrome in Mockingbird or exploring the pulsating vibrancy of Miriam Makeba’s resistance in Mama Africa!, Erskine continually invites us to delve into the hearts of her characters and, in the process, our own.
What sets Erskine apart is her acute ability to translate complex emotions and experiences into accessible narratives. From the layered introspection of Seeing Red to the enchanting curiosities explored in The Incredible Magic of Being, her works not only entertain but also challenge readers to grapple with themes that are as timeless as they are necessary—hope, fairness, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Her meticulous research and emotional transparency infuse her books with an undeniable sincerity.
It is this dedication to truth and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of stories that makes Erskine’s contribution to literature so significant. Born of her rich experiences across continents and cultures, her works remind us that good storytelling isn’t merely an art—it is a gift, crafted to encourage understanding and inspire action. Her stories affirm the belief that every individual, no matter their age, has a voice that deserves to be heard.
In ‘Mockingbird’, how did your personal experiences influence Caitlin’s portrayal of grief and Asperger’s syndrome?
At my age, one has experienced deaths of loved ones. Authors draw on their first hand experience to translate feelings to the page. Dealing with death is different, of course, for a child, and for a child on the autism spectrum. My daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s as a young child, so I had day to day experience with a wide range of issues. Still, I believe in research and did not want to make this book about my daughter. All kids on the spectrum are different. This is a fictional story about just one. I spoke with other parents and teachers who were regularly interacting with young children on the spectrum. I read volumes and went to workshops, both to help me as a mother, and to make my writing as authentic as possible.
‘The Incredible Magic of Being’ features a boy with anxiety who believes in the universe’s power. What inspired Julian’s unique perspective?
Julian, like many of my characters, started as a voice in my head—a voice that never stopped because he talks a lot! He really the child I was—curious, imaginative, thoughtful, and somewhat anxious—but unlike Julian, I was very quiet. I loved science, the stars, and quantum mechanics, though I didn’t know what that was. I remember wondering, for example, if being awake was really a dream, and going to sleep was the real world, and if I went to sleep and woke up in a totally new world, would there be one of me back there in the other worlds while I was in my current life? I do think children wonder about amazing things and I hope all the fun science parts of the book pique their interest.
‘Mama Africa!’ is a picture book biography of Miriam Makeba. What drew you to her story, and how did you approach writing it for children?
When I was young in South Africa, her music was banned. However, my mother was a fan and played her records as we danced in the kitchen. I loved her music, and I loved that she was a strong woman speaking out. I knew apartheid was wrong and ridiculous, and I couldn’t believe grownups would institute such a policy. Miriam Makeba’s music helped me see that you can always fight what’s wrong, even as a woman (no small feat in the 1960’s), even in the face of danger. I wanted kids today to know her story and realise they, too, have a voice, no matter what. Kids understand what’s right and what’s fair—and what’s not so I knew they’d appreciate her story.
‘The Badger Knight’ is set in the Middle Ages. What research did you undertake to authentically depict that period for young readers?
I read books many books about the Middle Ages, interviewed experts, found a map from my main character Adrian’s time at the Bodleian Library, and the flute, chessmen, and coins mentioned in the book at the National Museum of Scotland. I took Adrian’s journey from the Penrith area, past mounds and a standing stone, crawling under the pew at Carlisle Cathedral as he did (really!), researching at Lanercost Priory, and climbing over Hadrian’s Wall into Scotland. I even walked through the woods, dressed like him. I take my research very seriously!
‘Seeing Red’ addresses racism in 1970s Virginia. How did your upbringing influence the themes explored in this novel?
I spent part of my childhood in South Africa, Virginia, and Alabama in the 1960’s and 1970’s, when one didn’t speak about what went on in the family. One of the characters has a very difficult father, as did I. And I certainly witnessed racism in those places. It left quite a mark because it disturbed me so much. It still does, and that’s probably why the themes of fairness and understanding and doing what’s right crop up so often in my books. My husband says it’s my therapy.
‘Lily’s Promise’ focuses on a shy girl finding her voice. What message do you hope readers take away from Lily’s journey?
I hope readers will see that their voice is important. It doesn’t have to be loud. You can be a quiet person but still be determined and persevere. Making friends can be hard, but your people are out there somewhere waiting for you! I also hope readers also enjoy the snarky voice of Libro, the book itself, that speaks about the story, the characters, and even the author.
‘My Dad Is a DJ’ explores a father-son relationship through music. How did you decide to tell this story in picture book format?
Keith Henry Brown and I were about to work on a project that fell through, but we still wanted to work together. Keith’s artwork is gorgeous, and he also came up with the story, inspired by his own experience connecting through music with his sons (who are both musicians!). His musical expertise helped so much in writing the rhythm. I’d never worked jointly writing a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it because Keith is not only talented but a special gem of a person.
What advice would you offer aspiring authors aiming to write impactful stories for young audiences?
You’re likely already reading books for that age group. Take writing classes and attend conferences. Be truthful. Kids know when you’re hiding or sugar coating something. Be authentic. Really research—read, take classes, talk with people who’ve experienced a part of your story, interview experts, take in the music and culture you’re writing about, travel to the place you’re writing about. Immerse yourself in the the world you’re writing. Be your character. This is an extension of research. Walk like your character, talk like your character, act like your character, eat their favourite food, go where they go. If that means running down the street in the rain with no coat when it’s freezing, go for it. (Yes, I did that. At night, even.) Finally, join a critique group. Listen to the feedback. Incorporate it whenever it makes sense but if you don’t want to change it, don’t. You’re the author. Go write!
