Rebellion, Revolution, and Writing: Laurie Halse Anderson on Historical Fiction

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze interviews acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson about her writing process, experiences with young readers, and her latest book, Rebellion 1776. They discuss the importance of historical fiction in helping readers understand contemporary issues, and how Anderson crafts engaging stories that make history accessible to young readers.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠

Highlights:

• Anderson's Reading Journey: From struggling with dyslexia to becoming an award-winning author
• Writing Process: Anderson's approach to writing historical fiction, including her morning writing routine and research methods
• Character Development: Creating authentic historical characters that modern readers can connect with
• Rebellion 1776: Discussion of Anderson's new book set during the Siege of Boston and smallpox epidemic
• Research Methods: How digital access has transformed historical research compared to her earlier career
• The Importance of Hope: Anderson's commitment to including hope in all her books for young readers
• Historical Fiction as Adventure: Making history exciting and page-turning for young audiences
• America's 250th Anniversary: Why understanding our nation's founding is particularly relevant now

Notable Quotes:

• "I think [it's] immoral to write for children without including hope." —Laurie Halse Anderson
• "With a good friend by your side, you can get through anything." - Laurie Halse Anderson on the main takeaway from Rebellion 1776
• "You should never criticize yourselves with words or a tone that you would not use to talk to a five-year-old."— Laurie Halse Anderson on self-criticism during the creative process

Books Mentioned:

• Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson: Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson: Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park: Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Fault Lines in our Constitution by Cynthia Levinson: Amazon or Bookshop.org

• A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Sanders: Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Anatomy of a Story by John Truby: Amazon or .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}