Page 15 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 52

intellectual curiosity. Her transition from beloved children’s librarian to award-winning author exemplifies the power of pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of timing.
In this exclusive interview, Sommer shares fascinating insights into her creative process, research methodology, and the inspiration behind her compelling works. She also discusses her upcoming projects, including The Changeling and Octopus Capers, both currently with the esteemed Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.
We are honoured to bring you this candid conversation with one of contemporary children’s literature’s most engaging voices. Her story is not just about writing books; it’s about inspiring the next generation of readers and dreamers.
What inspired you to write ‘Her Eyes Were on the Stars’, and how did you approach researching Nancy Grace Roman’s life?
My inspiration came from a show about the Hubble telescope when Nancy Grace Roman was mentioned as “the Mother of Hubble”.
I had never heard of her. I wasn’t sure if she was still living, but found her email listed on the NASA website. My approach was as easy as emailing her and asking for a telephone interview. Our second interview was in person near Washington D.C. She was 91 years old at the time. Luckily, I recorded both interviews, because her actual quotes ended up being an
Sommer’s masterful storytelling and dedication to children’s literature have earned her well-deserved recognition and inspired countless young minds.
important part of my final manuscript. That was the beginning.
Could you share the process behind creating ‘Every Creature Eats’ and how your experience as a children’s librarian influenced its development?
I worked as a Children’s Librarian for nearly 20 years, mainly with school aged kids, ages 6-12. One of my favorite programs was an annual Mad Scientists Lab my department created as an alternative to a Halloween Party. We wanted to infuse an educational element while also making it fun. We dressed up as mad scientists in our lab coats and safety glasses, and spent the first part of the program performing science experiments. Then we served snacks to go along with the theme. Another after school program I held was the Gross Grub Club where I read chapters from an appropriately gross book to the kids each week and we enjoyed gross snacks. So, ‘Every Creature Eats’ grew from my desire to create that kind of experience for young children. In this case, a witch is having a party and serving all these disgusting-sounding treats that are actually very yummy.
How did your background in children’s literature and your MFA in creative
writing shape your writing style and choice of subjects?
We were encouraged to try different genres during the MFA program, but I always leaned towards writing non-fiction. Non-fiction books for children are so informative. In our children’s department at the library, we wrote book reviews and I gravitated toward writing those for non-fiction books, especially science subjects. I even served on the American Library Association’s (ALA) Sibert com- mittee that chose the best non-fiction books for children in 2016. So, I’ve read lots of non-fiction, and was very aware of the current market as well as the kinds of things that would be useful in our library. I love research, and as a librarian, I can research the heck out of anything. It’s a good fit for me. I have also written fantasy and historical fiction, which also require some research. Poetry, though, isn’t in my wheelhouse. ‘Every Creature Eats’ is probably the most rhyming you’ll see from me!
What challenges did you face when transitioning from a children’s librarian to a full-time author, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest concerns was going from a very structured schedule to having none. I knew I could easily let everything slide if I didn’t set up at least a bit of structure, so I prepared a home office, but found that I wasn’t always very productive working there. Writing at the library every day worked out much bet- ter. Joining three different critique groups kept me accountable. I joined SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and attended monthly meetings, as well as regional workshops in person and online to keep learn- ing. I also volunteered on ALA committees to keep current on literature for kids. Still, I don’t work full-time by any means.
How did winning the Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Award impact your writing career and confidence as an author?
It validated my decision to try and realize my childhood dream of writing. It proved to me that I could write, and write about some- thing that would interest someone else. The manuscript that won that award is ‘Octopus Capers’, a non-fiction picture book about octopuses and their behavior. It’s currently with my agent, Stephen Fraser of Jennifer
De Chiara Literary Agency. Any time a book wins an award, it boosts my confidence a little bit more, because this business is so full of rejection.
Can you discuss the significance of the Kirkus Star and being included in the Best of Indie Books 2024 for ‘Her Eyes Were on the Stars’?
What an honor! KIRKUS Magazine reviews thousands of books and gives a star to a small percentage of books considered to have exceptional merit. Libraries around the
This book chronicles Nancy Grace Roman’s journey from astronomy enthusiast to NASA’s first female
executive. Jennifer Sommer’s accessible writing and Sophia Kia’s narration effectively portray Roman’s challenges and achievements, particularly her role in creating the Hubble Space Telescope, though some parts feel rushed.
country use KIRKUS as a way to determine which books to purchase for their library. I had submitted ‘Her Eyes Were on the Stars’ for a review, and it came back glowing! It was some days before I even realized there was a star attached. The icing on the cake was when the e-mail came saying my book would be included on the Best of Indie Books 2024 list. I had to keep it a secret
for several months until the article was published, which was excruciating for me because I wanted to tell everyone!
What are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had during author visits and presentations, particularly those related to your books?
Probably my favorite event was one at a local observatory. I read ‘Her Eyes Were on the Stars’ to the group, which describes how astronomers wanted a telescope in space
due to the effects of the earth’s atmosphere which distorts what we see. There was a simple demonstration representing the effect and then the group could view stars through three different telescopes. I love this type of event that really expands on the book. Plus, I had a few kids show up to get a book signed by a real, live, author!
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to write for children and young adults, based on your journey and experiences?
I always encourage joining SCBWI and attending workshops to learn the basics of writing for these groups. There are lots of ins and outs, and trends that come and go. Also, critique groups are invaluable for immediate feedback. It might take trying out a group or two until you find a good fit. I’ve met great friends and writers through those groups
and workshops, and now my middle grade group has started to have getaways at my lake house in Kentucky for some intensive writing and critique time, which I also recommend.
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