Liza Wiemer asked M. Evan Wolkenstein:

I loved Turtle Boy. The title has a double meaning. The first relates to Will's physical condition and his "funny looking chin" and the other was Will's connection to endangered turtles. Were turtles something you were passionate about as a kid or did the interest come while you were plotting out the novel? Are there any other connections you hope readers will make with the title?

M. Evan Wolkenstein I had to learn a lot about turtles to write the book - You Tube videos, herpetology bloggers, and even my 6th grade bio teacher (he was shocked to discover that he has a fictional alter ego in a new novel!)

As for other connections - yes, at some level, we are all Turtle People...living in shells, soft insides vulnerable to the world. We are on a perpetual journey to leave the shell behind -- or even better, to discover that we bring a safe place with us, everywhere we go - within our heart and soul, and in the relationships we forge...

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