Ask the Author: Michele Weber Hurwitz
Answered Questions (4)
Michele Weber Hurwitz
Hi Haley, my two newest books are Ethan Marcus Stands Up (2017) and the sequel, Ethan Marcus Makes His Mark (coming Nov. 27). Both books are narrated by a group of seventh graders, both boys and girls, and they're about inventing, sibling rivalry, and determination. Fun, funny, and lots of plot twists :) I'm writing another book now that will be out in May 2020. The title is The Girl and the Lake, but that may change. It takes place in a small town in Wisconsin and is about an adopted girl and her friends who try to save a contaminated lake. My creative process is a little messy (I'm a huge Post-it note person) but eventually I get it together! Thanks for writing to me!
Michele Weber Hurwitz
Hi Haley, I'm so glad you've read both books and liked them! I was inspired to write Calli Be Gold from my childhood experiences, and from what I saw as a parent. I grew up with two younger brothers and they were always playing sports but I was quiet and shy. Plus my mom really wanted me to play the piano, but I was terrible and hated it! When I had kids, I noticed many parents who seemed a little crazy about their kids winning and succeeding in their activities. So I blended both of those experiences for the book. Thanks for writing to me!
Michele Weber Hurwitz
Hi Eleanor, Thanks for your question. The idea for Thomas originated with my younger brother. He liked to wear superhero costumes when he was little. But that just gave me the spark of the idea for the character. As I wrote the book, Thomas came to represent the innocent goodness that kids naturally see around them, like when he thinks the penny is a magic coin. My younger brother definitely wasn't as sweet as Thomas! --Michele
Michele Weber Hurwitz
Hi Brian, Thanks for your question. Several schools and classrooms have incorporated the book into kindness activities. Students have kept a log or journal of 65 secret good things they've done for others. Sullivan Middle School in South Carolina read the book as a "one book one school" project last summer. Here's a link: http://sms.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/studen... The Girl Scouts of Michigan adopted the book as part of a community service kindness effort. Another school had students write their secret kindnesses on a big poster in the school entryway. I hope that helps! All the best, Michele
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