Michael F. Shaughnessy
Senior Columnist EducationNews.org
Eastern New Mexico University

1) Judy, your new book Minnow and Rose has just been released by Sleeping Bear Press! Where this book set and what is is it all about?

Minnow and Rose is set on the Oregon Trail. Two girls, one a native American and the other a pioneer, are first drawn together by their curiosity toward each other, but soon learn they have much in common and that friendship can be stronger than cultural differences.

2) Why the Oregon Trail?Why write about this time period and why write about cultural differences?

I've frequently traveled across the Western plains, following modern routes that approximate theOregon Trail route. I can't help but think about the pioneers crossing that expanse, and equally so, I can't help but think about the people who lived there before the pioneers came. The story's idea came to me when I was on a trip from Missouri where I reside, and which was the beginning of the Oregon Trail, to Idaho. I crossed much of the same terrain that the pioneers did in the first half of their trek to Oregon. 

Originally, I had a different idea about a story along the Oregon Trial. But when first researching for my original idea I found information about the native Americans helping the pioneers at river crossings. Often when writing, the original idea only gets you started, and you find another story as you go. That's what happened with Minnow and Rose. I wanted to portray three things: the difficulties of river crossings, the amicable relationship between the native Americans and pioneers who bartered services and goods, and that all kids, no matter what culture, are kids - curious about differences and yet wanting to be accepted. After I wrote Minnow and Rose, I went back to my original idea and wrote that story, too. It has been accepted for publication and will be released in 2011! Different story, different characters, but both stories got their start at the same time.

3) Where are these two girls heading?

Minnow lives in a native American village somewhere along the trail. I did not specify location purposely. There were several different tribes who helped the pioneers cross rivers and who also saved pioneers who would have drowned. In my mind, she is in western WY, probably Shoshone.

Rose will be traveling to Oregon Territory with her family. They had to have been brave and adventurous people to leave their homes, families and friends behind, and face a great unknown.

4) You have also just written a book entitled "The Lucky Star" again published by Sleeping Bear Press. This book received a 2009 Storytelling World Honor Award for Pre-Adolescent Listeners and will be featured in the April 2009 issue of Storytelling World/Storytelling Magazine. Congratulations!! Where and when is this book set?

The Lucky Star is another historical fiction picture book, set during the Great Depression. The story starts in the fall of 1933, the year the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) started. Again, since the depression affected millions of Americans all across the continent, I did purposely did not give it a specific place, other than a rural community. Ruth could have lived in your state or in mine, or in someone else's.

5) Who is the hero or heroine of this book and what is the basic story line?

Ruth is a ten year old girl who has always dreamed of being the first in her family to graduate from HS. When her school closes due to lack of funds, she feels the last lucky star in her sky has burned out, but with perseverance and determination, she finds she can be a lucky star for her younger sister and kids in the community by teaching them to read and write.

6) Is there a certain grade level for these books? Or a certain audience that you are trying to reach?

Minnow and Rose, and The Lucky Star are primarily for elementary age kids, K-5. With K-1 grades, they can be good read alouds, 2-5 can read them themselves, and they can be paired with nonfiction books in the classroom to supplement studies about that time period or other aspects about the subject. For example, Rutgers University in NJ selected The Lucky Star as a Top Five Book for the EconKids project, pairing fiction stories to illustrate examples of economic situations. The Lucky Star describes economic/social hardships. So, that book could be used in math, social studies, and literature lessons. But, I really write for anyone who loves to read, regardless of age.

7) What question have I neglected to ask?

Do I come to talk to schools? Yes! I visit schools all over the country, and have been fortunate to come to Albuquerque to speak at schools in both 2006 and 2008. You can read more about my school visits at www.judyyoungpoetry.com.

Published February 12, 2009