by Chana Stiefel & Picture the Books Friends
Recently, I was listening to a podcast when the interviewer asked, “When was the first time you saw yourself in a story?” And I thought to myself: NEVER! I’ve never seen myself in a character in a book. And isn’t that one of the main purposes of our writing: for kids to see themselves in books and to learn and grow from the experience?
Looking back to my childhood, it’s possible that I saw myself in books by Judy Blume. And maybe little Sal collecting blueberries in Robert McCloskey’s classic picture book is me.
But the question got me thinking: How can we as authors create characters or tackle subjects so that our audience can see themselves and be inspired? The answer: Start with yourself. Write your truth. Write the stories inside you that no one else can tell.
When I wrote the picture book MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH (illustrated by Mary Sullivan, HMH), I channeled all of my feelings of growing up with a hard-to-pronounce name. I used to get so frustrated when people mangled my name and called me Shayna, China, and Kahana. Plus, I could never find my name on a T-shirt. But I reflected on the power and kindness of my namesake, my great-grandmother Chana, and the Hebrew translation of my name, which means “charm” or “grace.” Now I wear my name proudly and hope that other kids with hard-to-pronounce names will too.
Recently, I dug even deeper. For the first time in my 30-year writing career, I have two Jewish-themed books coming out. This coming fall, THE TOWER OF LIFE (illus. by Susan Gal) will be published by Scholastic. It’s the true story of Yaffa Eliach, a Jewish historian and Holocaust survivor who traveled the world for 17 years to rebuild her town in stories and photographs, creating the Tower of Faces in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Tragically, like Yaffa’s family, my mother’s family was decimated during the Holocaust. Yaffa’s courage and hope in the face of unbearable tragedy spoke to my heart. Here’s a sneak peek of the art by Susan Gal (Scholastic).
On a much lighter note, this fall I’ll also be launching MENDEL’S HANUKKAH MESS UP co-written with my husband, Larry Stiefel (illus. by Daphna Awadish, Kalaniot), a funny Jewish holiday story about each of us having a spark no matter how much we mess up. Both stories are uniquely Jewish, but they also share the universal themes of empathy, community, and lifting each other up.
I can’t explain why it took me so long to write Jewish stories. But one thing is certain: I am now putting my heart on the page and expressing my true self. My Judaism is a major part of my life—it’s my heritage, my culture, my religion, my upbringing, my values, my family, my community. And I hope that by sharing my Jewish stories, not only will other Jewish kids see themselves in books, but children from ALL backgrounds will hopefully learn from them too.
More Personal Picture Books From the Heart
To help spark more story ideas, I asked my wonderful Picture the Books launch partners: How do you see yourself in your books coming out in 2022?
I hope their messages inspire you to dig more deeply and find that piece of yourself to lift up others. Only you can tell your story.
TOGETHER WITH YOU is a lyrical trip through the seasons with an adult and child. Together they face all kinds of weather and discover, in the end, what matters is being with each other. Authored by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Jarvis, it will be published by Walker Children’s Books in the UK in August 2022 and Candlewick Press in the US in January 2023.
Patricia says: Many of the seasonal activities in this book are those I shared with my own children. And now, as a grandparent, I hope my grandkids will make these fond memories with their parents and grandparents, too.
A PERSON CAN BE… (Kids Can Press, fall 2022) written by Kerri Kokias, illustrated by Carey Sookocheff, addresses ways kids can be different, seemingly contradictory things at the same time. Excited and nervous. Brave and afraid. Imperfect and treasured.
Kerri says: I wrote this book because when I was a kid I didn’t have the vocabulary to identify all of the things that I was, and all of the things that I was feeling. I love that emotional intelligence is more highly valued in today’s society and I wanted to contribute to kids developing in this area. I’m especially fascinated with how a person can feel seemingly contradictory emotions at the same time and so I thought it would be fun to expose kids to this concept.
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! written and illustrated by Jannie Ho (Penguin Random House, Fall 2022) is a story about the zodiac animals getting ready for Chinese New Year.
Jannie says: I’ve always wanted to write a story that related to my own culture and upbringing. When I had my own child, I saw a huge need for these types of books as an immigrant parent. Many details in the art/setting are from my parents’ house; it is very special for me to share a bit of my own childhood with the world.
WHEN YOUR DADDY’S A SOLDIER written by Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan, illustrated by EG Keller (Viking, October 11, 2022).
Gretchen says: I grew up in a culture so underrepresented in children’s literature that I never saw myself in print as a child. It wasn’t until I read MILITARY BRATS: Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress by Mary Wertsch as an adult that I felt that lightning bolt experience—an experience so profound that it forged in me a goal that I would do the same for military children. In 2022, Viking will release my picture book WHEN YOUR DADDY’S A SOLDIER. I am a daughter of a soldier and veteran of three wars. Choosing an illustrator with family military ties was essential to my editor, and illustrator EG Keller is the son of a veteran too. It is my deepest hope that military brats young and old alike will find themselves in this heartfelt story about a boy whose father goes off to war.
THE BEST BED FOR ME (Candlewick, Spring 2022) by Gaia Cornwall, is about a little girl pretending to be different animals instead of going to sleep. She really needs more room to spread out–like a whale in the ocean! Or maybe upside down like a bat would be better?
Gaia says: As the bulk of this story was started and completed during Pandemic Family Time at Home the increasingly frustrated Mama character is definitely based on myself, though I don’t always hold it together as well as she does.
While I think bedtime struggles are pretty universal, really I wrote this book for kids who have two moms. Though family structure is purposefully not the focus, this book is a big, giant hug to similar families in my life. I am lucky to see parts of myself represented in all kinds of books and I really want that experience for every reader.
WOVEN OF THE WORLD (Chronicle, Fall 2022) written by Katey Howes and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova, is a picture book that explores the global artform of weaving, while presenting each person as a tapestry, woven of many influences, their pattern and purpose unfolding in time.
Katey says: When I was small, I was certain I knew what I would become, what my life would look like “when I grew up.” But as time passed, and as I was blessed in the many people, values, traditions, artforms, and cultures that influenced my life, I watched my pattern and my purpose unfold in unexpected ways. I saw how intersections brought strength, and how beauty could be found in contrasts. I saw how the ties that bind us stretch through space and time. This book celebrates the epic art of weaving while also assuring each reader they are a work of art, a work in progress, a thing of beauty, warmth, and strength—a message I long needed to hear, and want so much to share.
VIP: STACEY ABRAMS – VOTING VISIONARY (HarperCollins, January 18, 2022) written by Andrea J. Loney, and illustrated by Shellene Rodney is a middle grade biography about lawyer, voting rights advocate, and bestselling novelist Stacey Abrams.
Andrea says: When I was young, most books about female Civil Rights leaders featured strong, bold, charismatic women who protested, struggled, and even bled for freedom and justice. While I admired their courage, I silently wondered, “Yeah, but what if she was just a quiet little kid like me? I want a fair world too, but I’m too little to change anything.”
So I was fascinated by Stacey’s journey from a tiny town in Mississippi to the halls of Georgia state politics and beyond. She’d felt the same way I’d felt—the way many kids may feel while reading about famous people—but she still found a way to make things happen. This book is all about a painfully shy girl learning how to hone her various talents, overcome her fears, and connect with unlikely allies in pursuit of freedom, justice, and fairness for all.
Chana Stiefel is the author of 30 books for children, both fiction and nonfiction. When kids read her books, she wants them to say, “Wow! I never knew that!” or “Awww!” or “Ha!” and always “More books, please!” THE TOWER OF LIFE: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs (illustrated by Susan Gal, Scholastic) and MENDEL’S HANUKKAH MESS UP (co-written with her husband Larry Stiefel, illustrated by Daphna Awadish, Kalaniot) will be coming out in Fall 2022. Learn how to pronounce Chana’s name (and more) at chanastiefel.com. Follow Chana on FB, Instagram, Twitter @chanastiefel.
Chana will be giving away a signed copy of her 2021 picture book, LET LIBERTY RISE! How Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty (illustrated by Chuck Groenink, Scholastic Press).
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
640 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 23, 2022 at 8:19 am
Lynn McCracken
Thank you, Chana. What a delightful read your blog was for me this morning! BTW my name is Lynn. I always wished for a more exotic name. I guess the grass is always greener somewhere else.
January 23, 2022 at 9:45 am
savoringeverymoment
SAME! my name is Sara and my middle name is Lynn! There were six Sara(h)s in my sixth grade class of 30!
January 23, 2022 at 9:38 pm
stiefelchana
Love this! There’s your story!
January 26, 2022 at 3:03 pm
hannahannkrueger
Chana! I’m Hannah!
January 23, 2022 at 8:19 am
Brigita O
Representation in books is so important. And the difficult name thing is so familiar! 😉 I was even told by an agent that she can’t represent me because I was ‘too different’, whatever that means.
January 23, 2022 at 9:39 pm
stiefelchana
What?! Keep submitting, Brigita! (I love your name!)
January 23, 2022 at 8:19 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Chana for inspiring me to write my own stories!
January 23, 2022 at 9:39 pm
stiefelchana
The world is waiting! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 8:25 am
allthingscreativeequal
Thank you! As I read your post my first thought was that my own story seemed pretty vanilla, but then a couple of ideas popped up of where to start. How fun!
January 23, 2022 at 9:40 pm
stiefelchana
How fabulous!
January 23, 2022 at 8:26 am
sherry fellores
I’m so glad you are writing the stories that you wish you had when you were a child! Wonderful post, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 9:40 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Sherry! Glad we’re in this together! #TeamMiranda
January 23, 2022 at 8:28 am
Andrea Mack
Love how each author uniquely shines through in their stories! You’ve inspired me to think more closely about what I could bring to my stories.
January 23, 2022 at 9:41 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 8:30 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you for the post—looking forward to reading all this upcoming work.
January 23, 2022 at 9:41 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 8:32 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing how you and all your friends put themselves in their stories.
January 23, 2022 at 9:41 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Bettie!
January 23, 2022 at 8:32 am
rozanark
Thank you for this and for sharing those lovely books! As someone who was/is rarely called by her real name, this really resonated with me.
January 23, 2022 at 9:42 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful!
January 23, 2022 at 8:39 am
rosecappelli
Thank you so much for sharing not only your story but those of other authors as well. Digging deep into who we are is certainly a place to find story ideas packed with emotion.
January 23, 2022 at 9:42 pm
stiefelchana
Couldn’t agree more! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 8:39 am
kimpfenn
Love this blog post on writing our own stories and I look forward to reading all these books!
January 23, 2022 at 9:43 pm
stiefelchana
Hooray!
January 23, 2022 at 8:40 am
kiwijenny
I want to order your books Chana. I don’t think I saw myself in a book until I read the hobbit. My dad is British and my mum was a New Zealander and I have hairy feet.
January 23, 2022 at 9:43 pm
stiefelchana
LOL! Definitely share your story!
January 23, 2022 at 8:41 am
lynjekowsky
Thank you, Chana, for reminding me to dig deeper into my childhood to tell my stories. I’m looking forward to reading your books, and the books you presented here.
January 23, 2022 at 9:44 pm
stiefelchana
Terrific! Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 8:42 am
thecrowsmap
Thank you, ladies, for giving us a glimpse into your lives.
Gail Hartman
January 23, 2022 at 9:44 pm
stiefelchana
Thank YOU!
January 23, 2022 at 8:45 am
rebeccacolby
Off to channel some childhood feelings. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing all these lovely books. Here’s to finding inspiration from how we see or want to see ourselves in stories!
January 23, 2022 at 9:45 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Rebecca!
January 23, 2022 at 8:54 am
Sarah Stuart
Inspiring post, thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:45 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 8:55 am
Nadine Poper
I got an idea while reading your post. Thanks Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 9:46 pm
stiefelchana
That’s fabulous, Nadine! So happy. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 8:59 am
Erica
I loved this post, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 8:59 am
Erica
I loved this post, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 9:00 am
Erica
I loved this post, Chana
January 23, 2022 at 9:46 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Erica!
January 23, 2022 at 9:02 am
SCody
I love that all of the personal stories are being told in picture books now!! Thank you for sharing your inspiration and all of these wonderful titles to look forward to this year!!
January 23, 2022 at 9:46 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 9:05 am
Midge Smith
Thank you for this inspiring post, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 9:47 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:07 am
Kimberly Marcus
Wonderful post! So thoughtful.
January 23, 2022 at 9:47 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Kimberly!
January 23, 2022 at 9:11 am
conlombardo
Very inspiring post! thank you!!
January 23, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for the post.
January 23, 2022 at 9:12 am
srkckass
Congratulations on your success! Thank you for the awesome post!
January 23, 2022 at 9:49 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 9:12 am
Suzanne Lewis
Great examples of how to create stories to help children develop emotional intelligence. Thank you, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 9:49 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much, Suzanne!
January 23, 2022 at 9:15 am
Rebecca McMurdie
Congrats on having so many successful ideas.
January 23, 2022 at 9:50 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:18 am
Maria
This is a wonderful and inspiring way to get ideas for stories. I remember not seeing myself in the books I read growing up. I think it’s one of the reasons I am quiet and on the shy side, I’ve always felt invisible. Now I keep my daughter and son in mind when writing my stories. I write so that my children (and hopefully, many other children) can see themselves in my stories. Thank you Chana.
January 23, 2022 at 9:51 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks, Maria. Maybe write for that quiet, shy child too!
January 23, 2022 at 9:19 am
Janie Reinart
Chana you rock! It is so good for us to remember why we write.
Looking forward to reading your new books.
January 23, 2022 at 9:52 pm
stiefelchana
Aw, thank you Janie! So sweet.
January 23, 2022 at 9:25 am
Lynne Marie
Thanks so much, Chana! We have enjoyed your books at our Mentor Text Talk over at RateYourStory.org. Here’s to heart!!!!
January 23, 2022 at 9:53 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you so much, Lynne Marie. That’s so wonderful to hear!
January 23, 2022 at 9:27 am
sullyweston
Great reminder of how important it is to create relatable characters, Chana – thanks for sharing and congrats on your recent/upcoming books!
January 23, 2022 at 9:54 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 9:32 am
michelemeleen
Lots of great books to explore, thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 9:54 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:35 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thank you for sharing your stories, Chana, and highlighting the other books and the inspiration behind them. So meaningful and important!
January 23, 2022 at 9:54 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much, Robin!
January 23, 2022 at 9:36 am
Monica Acker
So many amazing books to look forward too!
January 23, 2022 at 9:53 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:37 am
Mary McClellan
Wow. Great post! I look forward to reading these amazing books. Congrats and much success to all!
January 23, 2022 at 9:55 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you! You too, Mary!
January 23, 2022 at 9:41 am
anchance
Thank you, Chana! Beautiful words of encouragement!
January 23, 2022 at 9:55 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 9:41 am
anchance
Thank you, Chana! Beautiful words of encouragement!
January 23, 2022 at 10:05 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:43 am
savoringeverymoment
One of my story storm ideas is to write about having a super common name LOL. I’m Sara, and there were six of us in my sixth grade class of 30! Also my daughter and I love the Statue of Liberty and will definitely look up your book!
January 23, 2022 at 9:57 pm
stiefelchana
Oh, how wonderful! Love this idea. My son, Josh S, has a best friend named Josh S. and they look alike. Confusing for teachers. 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 7:59 am
savoringeverymoment
I had a best friend named Sarah growing up. 😁 My brother is Brian and that was almost as common. He had a best friend named Brian as a kid. My parents swear they didn’t know anyone named Sara or Brian when they named us 😆
January 23, 2022 at 9:45 am
KATHY Z PRICE
Thank you– Great list of books and hurray especially for books of heritage
January 23, 2022 at 9:58 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Kathy!
January 23, 2022 at 9:45 am
Joyce Uglow
I wanted to click love ❤️ instead of like on this post.
I love…
1. Your voice
2. Your vital ideas
3. Your critique partners’ beautiful books
4. Their voices
5. Their vital ideas
6. The ideas that blossomed for me today.
January 23, 2022 at 9:49 pm
stiefelchana
So wonderful, Joyce! Thank you! Glad this sparked some ideas. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 9:47 am
lizricewrites
Thanks, Chana – You gave me a lot to think about!
January 23, 2022 at 9:58 pm
stiefelchana
Terrific. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 9:47 am
Marla Yablon
Your comments about having a name that no one can pronounce just gave me a story idea. I can really relate as I listen for all the possible variations as I wait to be called for an appointment. Yesterday it was Marlene!
January 23, 2022 at 9:59 pm
stiefelchana
Yes! I can so relate!
January 23, 2022 at 9:48 am
andreesantini
Thanks Chana for you wonderful, inspiring post. I have a couple of ideas already.
January 23, 2022 at 9:59 pm
stiefelchana
Fantastic!
January 23, 2022 at 9:49 am
Louann Brown
My students helped raise money for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty! Can’t wait to share the news that there is a book about it. (We have a social media page to keep in touch!) Love that you shared your spotlight with others. Bless you.
January 23, 2022 at 10:01 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Louann. Wonderful that your students contributed to the restoration. My book is actually about kids contributing to the building of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal in 1885. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 9:50 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Love this: Start with YOURSELF. Write YOUR truth.
January 23, 2022 at 9:52 am
bgonsar
Thanks for helping to expose readers to different types of books!
January 23, 2022 at 10:01 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:55 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thanks for the inspiration, Chana! What a great post!
January 23, 2022 at 10:02 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:57 am
Kate Rietema
Thanks Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 10:02 pm
stiefelchana
My pleasure!
January 23, 2022 at 10:00 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for sharing such a wide variation of beautiful books to look for and congratulations to all!
January 23, 2022 at 10:02 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much, roomie! 😉
January 23, 2022 at 10:01 am
Catherine
Great advice Chana! “Seeing yourself in a story, write only the story you can tell” Very inspiring, thank you and Congratulations on your Books!
January 23, 2022 at 10:03 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks, Catherine!
January 23, 2022 at 10:03 am
Ellen
Thanks for the inspiration Chana! And best of luck with the new books. It was in Storystorm last year that I first learned about The Tower of Life book. It looks like you and Susan have done an amazing job. Kol hakavod!
January 23, 2022 at 10:03 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much, Ellen! 😉
January 23, 2022 at 10:11 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Chana, for sharing your writing journey with us. The marvelous stories you shared have sparked ideas for today’s Storystorm.
January 23, 2022 at 10:04 pm
stiefelchana
Fantastic! So happy!
January 23, 2022 at 10:14 am
annier1996
Thanks for the insights, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm
stiefelchana
My pleasure!
January 23, 2022 at 10:17 am
Shirley fadden
Thank you for sharing your and your launch partner’s true heart stories.
January 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:18 am
Leah Marks
What piece of myself can lift up others? I hope it is empathy. Empathy towards young children’s struggles. To offer words that feel like a hug or a simple nod of understanding. Thank you for your heartfelt messages.
January 23, 2022 at 10:07 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful, Leah! Thanks.
January 23, 2022 at 10:21 am
Alice Fulgione
I love that you advised us to write about our own truths. Thank you, as well, for recommending a fine list of books written by other authors!
January 23, 2022 at 10:07 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 10:23 am
Laura Bower
Thank you Chana! Your name is beautiful and I love how it was an inspiration to write MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH! I love the idea of finding yourself in your stories! Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 23, 2022 at 10:50 pm
stiefelchana
So sweet. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:26 am
Sharon Lillie
Thanks for sharing your insights
January 23, 2022 at 10:29 am
Marcia Parks
Digging deep…is an act of courage. Thank you for a very moving post.
January 23, 2022 at 10:51 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you! I never thought of it that way…but you’re right! Here’s to courage! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 10:31 am
Leigh Anne Carter
This was so lovely, Chana, thank you for sharing. And to share your group’s books and their reasons–extra meaningful!
January 23, 2022 at 10:33 am
Terri Epstein
Chana, I love the way you think. And the way you express those thoughts. Can’t wait to see your new Jewish themed books and add them to my Judaica collection. You’ve inspired me to submit mine, which have been languishing in the “ready to query” file. Thanks! And thanks for sharing how fellow writers mirrored themselves. Time to look deep into that “mirror, mirror, on the wall!”
January 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm
stiefelchana
Yes, Terri. Thank you! And good luck!
January 23, 2022 at 10:39 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you Chana. Thank you for sharing all these great books and ideas.
January 23, 2022 at 10:08 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you! My pleasure.
January 23, 2022 at 10:39 am
Jeanne Cherney
On to my childhood
January 23, 2022 at 10:09 pm
stiefelchana
Enjoy the journey! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 10:41 am
lmconnors
Thank you for this insightful post full of voice and courage to write for all children.
January 23, 2022 at 10:09 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 10:42 am
Cheryl Simon
Thank you for this meaningful post, Chana. We need Jewish themed books now more than ever. Congrats!
January 23, 2022 at 10:10 pm
stiefelchana
So true. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:42 am
Sue Newton
This is such a lovely post. It’s got me looking back to the first time I saw myself in a book and I think it was ‘George’ in the famous five by Enid Blyton. Having being made fun of for being too boyish it was inspiring seeing a tomboy character, who no one ever questioned, in a story (albeit very dated now when I look back!) That probably explains why I have a slight obsession in my stories with the theme of being your unique self!
Going to tap my memories now for more inspiration!
Thanks very much Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 10:16 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful, Sue! Good luck.
January 23, 2022 at 10:44 am
marty
You’ve sparked in me, Chana, the memory of the books I didn’t see as a child. Now I need to think about what story ideas of mine might rectify that. Thank you for helping us with so many truly amazing picture book examples. I can’t wait to get my hands on your book and theirs. Thank you, Tara, for inviting Chana to blog with 2022 Storystormers.
January 23, 2022 at 10:46 am
gayleckrause
Fascinating, Chana. Your question got me thinking. Now I’m on a search to find books that represent my culture too. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 23, 2022 at 10:48 am
Rachelle Burk
I absolutely love this post! So much resonates with me (even having a name that everyone mispronounces!). Thank you, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 10:15 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Rachelle! I’m with you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:55 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
I’m reflecting on your question and wondering if, because I’m a white woman, I didn’t have to look far to see myself reflected – and thus never thought about it as a reader. Because I’ve thought a lot about kids today seeing themselves, but I don’t EVER remember being conscious of that myself as a kid. And now I’m wondering if there are parts that are buried deep and need to be unearthed. Deep thinking for a Sunday morning – thank you for an excellent post!
January 23, 2022 at 10:14 pm
stiefelchana
Good luck on your journey!
January 23, 2022 at 10:56 am
tinamcho
Thank you, Chana, for SHOWING us how to write stories that only we can tell!
January 23, 2022 at 10:28 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you so much, Tina!
January 23, 2022 at 10:58 am
polly renner
Thank you, Chana, for letting us feel empowered to tell our own stories about our lives as a whole:>
January 23, 2022 at 10:30 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks, Polly!
January 23, 2022 at 10:59 am
beckylevine
Such a wonderful post. I just put in a request to my library to order The Tower of Life–I can’t wait to see this book.
January 23, 2022 at 10:30 pm
stiefelchana
Wow, Becky. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:59 am
Barbara Senenman
Thank you! Great post! I think I have an idea, though at the moment it’s from mom’s (my) perspective. Have to mull it over in my mind.
January 23, 2022 at 10:30 pm
stiefelchana
Very cool!
January 23, 2022 at 11:02 am
Lisa Healy
Thank you for the inspiration to tell my own story. I am already reading it in my mind!
January 23, 2022 at 10:31 pm
stiefelchana
That’s fantastic! Write it!
January 23, 2022 at 11:07 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
Thank you for the great post and including your crew for extra inspiration! Your post sparked a couple different ideas for me.
January 23, 2022 at 10:31 pm
stiefelchana
So awesome! Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 11:11 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Thank you for highlighting all the different ways that children’s lives might not be reflected in books. Raised without a religious identity as a child I felt like I bounced around with zero affiliation to anything. Other children would connect or declare their traditions and roots – I felt left out…. floundering. So it is interesting how many children feel unrepresented
January 23, 2022 at 10:29 pm
stiefelchana
So interesting. Sounds like a middle grade novel brewing. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 11:11 am
Kate Anderson
I saw myself in Project Mulberry as the side- kick with a big family and not much money. Felt it to my bones! I’m thankful for representation.
January 23, 2022 at 10:32 pm
stiefelchana
Wow! Reading (or writing) a book and feeling it in your bones is everything.
January 23, 2022 at 11:12 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great post! I’m inspired by your courage to write from the heart! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:33 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Sarah! Here’s to courage!
January 23, 2022 at 11:13 am
Annie Guerra
The visiting bloggers lyrical book of seasons sounds so beautiful. I also love all the unique stories the author includes from other writers. Annie Guerra
January 23, 2022 at 10:33 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 11:16 am
thedayswehold
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 23, 2022 at 10:34 pm
stiefelchana
Good luck!
January 23, 2022 at 11:16 am
susaninez0905
Thanks for a wonderful post. Writing your truth is exactly what kids need so they don’t feel alone. What a great reminder with the fabulous examples you shared – including your own! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 10:34 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you so much!
January 23, 2022 at 11:17 am
Jennifer Phillips
It is wonderful to hear the personal stories behind these stories, including your own. Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 11:19 am
Meldaarts
I have a terrible memory so I don’t remember much of my childhood. So instead I’ve taken to writing down everything my niece does! Sometimes it triggers a memory of my childhood too.
January 23, 2022 at 11:24 am
Phyllis Mignard
Wonderful stories as they should be—because they are told from the heart. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 11:26 am
Janice Woods
Great insights! Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 11:27 am
N. Alison Colle
Thought provoking post. Thank you for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 11:30 am
ritaborg
Stories from the heart are usually the best stories. They are felt more and written even better.
January 23, 2022 at 11:30 am
sareenmclay
Thank you, I loved this post! I was very aware of growing up with an unusual name so I am really looking forward to reading your book. Congratulations!
January 23, 2022 at 11:37 am
Annelouise Mahoney
Hi Chana. Thank you for your advice, what inspires you, your personal stories, and highlighting other upcoming books. I wish you continued success and I’m looking forward to reading these books. Thank you again.
January 23, 2022 at 11:40 am
Armineh Manookian
So much inspiration from this blog post. Thank you Chana and Friends!
January 23, 2022 at 11:44 am
Judy Sobanski
Wonderful post, Chana! I love how you’ve delved into the parts of yourself that you want to reflect and share in your writing for kids. Bravo!
January 23, 2022 at 10:52 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Judy. Humor helps. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 11:47 am
jbbower
Thank you for sharing these ideas Chana! I am definitely going to take a trip to my childhood and see what fun things I can find!
January 23, 2022 at 11:47 am
Stephanie Owen
Thank you for the inspiration that my story is worth telling.
January 23, 2022 at 11:48 am
Claire A. B. Freeland
Finding the heart from our childhoods is a valuable lesson. Best wishes on your 2022 books. Looking forward to reading them.
January 23, 2022 at 11:50 am
Danielle Hammelef
I enjoyed reading about why the authors chose to write their books. I must brainstorm what I would have wanted to see in books as a kid.
January 23, 2022 at 11:54 am
lindakaychavezbooksLinda Kay Chavez
Thanks for the reminder to write what we know. We are all unique, and have stories that seem to be ours to tell. Love the look, feel, and sound of your book about Yaffa Eliach, and would love to read. Thanks for your insight!
January 23, 2022 at 11:54 am
Bethanny Parker
Congrats on your books. Keep writing!
January 23, 2022 at 11:54 am
Writer on the run
What a wonderful post! I have been ruminating about a family story for some time, not sure if it is of value- I think when you find what touched your heart growing up, you find the heart for your story.
January 23, 2022 at 11:56 am
Shannon LaPuma
Thank you for your thoughts and including the thoughts of other authors. Writing is a journey!
January 23, 2022 at 11:57 am
Leslie Santamaria
“Write your truth.” The farther along on this journey I get, the more I realize this is the key. Thanks, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 11:59 am
Poupette
hmm, so many subjects…thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Shanna Silva
Mazel Tov, my friend. I, too, can identify with a lifetime of mispronunciations. I wish I’d had a book like yours.
January 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
Chana, your post is so filled with inspiration. And your books sound diverse and informative. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, and kudos to you for reaching out to other authors and sharing their stories.
January 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm
wordwritermo
We are not alone. As much as we feel that way sometimes and we think that no one else is going through what we are…they are. Write it. A kid will thank you.
And as someone with a common name but an unusual spelling, I never got a pre-printed souvenir t-shirt, key chain, coffee mug, nothing! I feel this in my SOUL!
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 23, 2022 at 10:37 pm
stiefelchana
!00% Melisa! Wakawakaloch is all about the T-shirts! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Let’s all encourage each other to tell our own unique stories! It’s so important to share those on the off chance it’ll be what others may need to read.
January 23, 2022 at 12:07 pm
heidikyates
This was a great post! Thank you for sharing, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
Thank you for your post, Chana! I loved your reminder to tell the stories only we can tell.
January 23, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
We read My Name Is Wakawakaloch all the time in my house! Great post – thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Katie Marie
This is a wonderful post. Thank you for the inspiration and the list of upcoming books to read!
January 23, 2022 at 12:12 pm
brontebrown2
Your comment, I am a daughter of a soldier rang true for me. I am a daughter of generational soldiers (member of DAR). I have been thinking of writing a PB that represents not only my history but how many families, people- have a long history of making this country great. God, Home and Country. My stories are of simple people like my great, great grandfather who had a mill. He ground everyone’s corn, black and white for free, so everyone would have food for the winter. This is my story storm idea for the day.
January 23, 2022 at 10:38 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful!
January 23, 2022 at 12:13 pm
kathalsey
Chana, congrats on your 2 new Jewish-themed books. TY for challenging us to write what only we can. I enjoyed hearing how your PB Launch mates see themselves in their new books, too.
January 23, 2022 at 10:39 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Kathy!
January 23, 2022 at 12:14 pm
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
Oh, yes. I can’t wait to read MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH; names are so important. Ha! By the end of your post, I wrote down TWO story ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 10:39 pm
stiefelchana
That’s AMAZING! Hooray!
January 23, 2022 at 12:15 pm
kbottagaro
Your opening lines capture what I aim for – writing my truth, letting readers see themselves in my stories, and writing stories no one else can tell. Embracing these principles can help keep me on track when imposter syndrome starts to rear its ugly head.
January 23, 2022 at 10:40 pm
stiefelchana
You got this!
January 23, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Ellie Langford
Chana, thanks for sharing these personal thoughts and examples.
January 23, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Liesl Couperthwaite
Reading about other cultures has always been a passion of mine. I can see that it is important to share these stories. Thank you for this.
January 23, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Maria Altizer
I loved hearing about all these books coming out and how they came about. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:25 pm
leslieevatayloe
Thanks for sharing. Best wishes in 2022.
January 23, 2022 at 12:26 pm
greengirlblueplanet
Can totally relate on names which is why I go by Morgan. Much easier and I have less of an annoying day LOL love the lineup of books mentioned. Every story matters.
January 23, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Thanking for sharing your heart…and also allowing us into the hearts of your colleagues. Very inspiring!
January 23, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Michelle Dragalin
I listened to a webinar produced y SINC and one thing I remember about that webinar was that neither speaker had ever written a story where the MC was from their culture. They were asked why? Because Whitebread stories sold. It reminds o when I read “God, It’s Me Margaret” I partially relate because the little girl always talked to God, but I couldn’t relate to the characters. I think that there are men of us who read books about another culture because there weren’t any available for us. I’ve got some titles out of it!
January 23, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for sharing your story. I loved reading about all the books coming out. Congratulations on your new books.
January 23, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Paul Brassard
Great post, Chana! I am still amazed, even as I am speeding towards 70 years of age, just how little I know about the varied and interesting people who populate this big blue marble. Imagine how amazed children are — who are amazed at everything — when they learn through a picture book about little-known details of the lives of the people who live next door or on the other side of the planet.
January 23, 2022 at 10:42 pm
stiefelchana
100% As Rudine Sims Bishop famous says, picture books are windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors.
January 23, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Catherine Friess
I really enjoyed reading this post Chana – thank you for sharing so many authors’ inspirations!
January 23, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Cindy S.
Thanks for your post and the effort to share your fellow authors insights with us.
January 23, 2022 at 12:35 pm
kurtzmom548513
Chana’s article was chocked full of great examples of writers writing stories only they can tell. I think lots of times we look everywhere except close to home for story ideas. I am already brainstorming some ideas from my childhood and ancestors. Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 12:36 pm
kskeesling
Congratulations on all of your books! I am still working on how to put the negative feelings from childhood into a positive light, will definitely be looking at the books you mentioned as mentor texts. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:40 pm
cbcole
Thank you for sharing your background and the books by other authors and why they wrote them. I’m looking forward to acquiring these books when they come out.
January 23, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Jo Raderstorf
The concept of seeing oneself in the margins of a story really speaks to me. Just recently I’ve been looking at my own stories and I have many! Gratitude to you, Chana, for the compilation of other’s work!
January 23, 2022 at 12:48 pm
writeknit
Thank you for sharing your inspiration and journey along with other authors, reminding us we are all unique and have stories to share about our lives and cultures.
January 23, 2022 at 12:49 pm
sue macartney
Chana – What a wealth of diverse PB examples that express “that piece of yourself to lift up others” – your post was a lovely, inspiring journey – thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Chelle
Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for the great post. It’s inspiring to hear so many different ways that you and your launch partners have brought different parts of yourselves into your books.
January 23, 2022 at 12:54 pm
meilin418
Such an important reminder to dig deep within ourselves to tell stories only we can tell — the best way for our stories to resonate with readers. Thank you and thank you for sharing how other authors have done the same! I can also relate as my name has been butchered and hyphenated in many different ways…
January 23, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Sara Ackerman
Thank you for sharing, Chana! I love hearing everyone’s perspective about how their stories came to be and what inspired them.
January 23, 2022 at 10:44 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Sara! It was remarkable for me too to learn about the inspiration behind my friends’ books.
January 23, 2022 at 12:55 pm
marty bellis
A goldmine of great books and great ideas here today. Thank you, Chana, and launch partners, for sharing your unique stories and how they helped shape your stories.
January 23, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Laura N. Clement
Very inspirational. Thank you for bringing in so many voices/perspectives.
January 23, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind your book and other books coming in 2022. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Abigail Perry
I can’t wait to read your books!
January 23, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Jojo Kasala
Realizing that any time I have a childhood memory is seeing myself in a story is a wonderful idea!
January 23, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Tara Cerven
So much good information here. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Rona Shirdan
We share the familiar frustration of not being able to find your name on a T-shirt, and having your name mispronounced. LOL!
Thanks for your post and for your insight.
January 23, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Fantastic post, dear Chana! Thank you for including the voices of
your PTB 2022 sisters!
January 23, 2022 at 10:53 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, dear Gretchen. Can’t wait for your book to finally arrive!
January 23, 2022 at 12:59 pm
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Seeing yourself reflected in the pages of a book is so powerful, thank you for sharing these stories.
January 23, 2022 at 10:46 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you Sara!
January 23, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Faygie Levy Holt
Thank you Chana! This was great. I’m looking forward to your new books, and I enjoyed hearing what your partners had to say as well. Everyone needs to see themselves in books.
January 23, 2022 at 1:07 pm
nrompella
Thanks for sharing. Got my idea down on paper. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 1:10 pm
PATRICIA OPPENHEIM
It is so important for all children to be able to imagine themselves as the main character in a picture book. You and your critique partners have broadened the world for so many kids. Thank you.
January 23, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
CHANA: THANK YOU and your Picture the Books launch partners for INSPIRING us to dig deep within ourselves in order to “write [our] truth.” In order to “write the stories inside [us] that no one else can tell.” Being TRUE to ourselves and our story will MOST CERTAINLY help us be TRUE to our readers, and HOPEFULLY ENCOURAGE them to dig deeply within themselves to share their OWN unique stories, TOO!!! I LOVE your books, and CAN’T WAIT to read “THE TOWER OF LIFE: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs.” Just seeing that illustration spread gave me goosebumps. SO BEAUTIFUL! SO INSPIRING! THANK YOU for sharing your stories. THANK YOU for sharing YOU.
January 23, 2022 at 10:47 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you so much! So wonderful to hear. Best of luck!
January 23, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Diana Marie Linton
I have often felt like I couldn’t see myself in the stories I read growing up, so much so that when I daydreamed, none of the characters in my head were that much like me either. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to put myself in my own daydreams and now I am determined to put myself and kids who I know are out there feeling and thinking the same way on the page too!
January 23, 2022 at 10:47 pm
stiefelchana
Wnoderful!
January 23, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Susan Cabael
Like you, Chana, I started writing stories about any childhood experience, and now I can seem to think only of story ideas that reflect my Filipino culture. It’s a good path to take! I love all the upcoming books you’ve shared as well.
January 23, 2022 at 10:48 pm
stiefelchana
Can’t wait to see your stories, Susan!
January 23, 2022 at 1:31 pm
Kim A Larson
Thanks for sharing your personal story, Chana. Congrats on the books. It looks like your group is made for each other.
January 23, 2022 at 10:49 pm
stiefelchana
Thanks Kim! It’s a wonderful group of authors. We started with our debut PBs in 2017 and have stuck together ever since.
January 23, 2022 at 1:32 pm
martyfindley
Thanks for the great post! A good book can reach a child when nothing else can.
January 23, 2022 at 1:33 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Chana, for this inspiring post. Hearing from all the authors who shared their stories, like you, have me wondering if I should explore my Irish roots. On another note, people have always mispronounced my last name, so I can relate with you and the character in your book.
January 23, 2022 at 1:40 pm
bevbaird
Congratulations Chana and to all the authors highlighted here. Great mentor tests to read and learn from. Thank you
January 23, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Evelyn C Dietz
Thank you for sharing your stories with all of us!
January 23, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Arlene Schenker
I can’t wait to read both of your new books, Chana. Mazal tov on finding your Jewish voice!
January 23, 2022 at 1:45 pm
karenlee
I love the background story on all these books! How inspirational! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Wonderful post! Everyone has special things to share with others. We just have to dig deep within ourselves to discover those treasures.
January 23, 2022 at 1:46 pm
heathercmorris
Thanks so much for your interview, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 1:48 pm
danielledufayet
Interesting story behind these books -thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 23, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Karen Lawler
I am one of 9 kids and the thought of writing from my experiences is almost scary… Everyone sees an experience differently even when you have grown up in the same house. I have to weigh my words 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 1:52 pm
leslievanzee
I love that it’s no longer a rule that stories have to apply to the majority! There is so much more truth when a story is about someone specific. And it’s truth that applies universally.
January 23, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Cassie Bentley
It’s a challenge to write the stories the only we can tell. Thank you for reminding me. I have some more digging to do to get to the core of my stories. The Secret Garden and Charlotte’s Web were childhood stories I remember being read by my teachers though I’m not sure I identified with any characters.
I cannot wait to read all the upcoming books you’ve listed. Great post.
January 23, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Deslie English
Thank you, Chana, for offering us a glimpse ahead at such a variety of books written from the heart.
January 23, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
I like the many examples you provided. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 2:13 pm
kirstenbockblog
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I can sympathize with the longing to see your name on a shirt or Keychain or just about anything! There were no Kirstens when I was a kid.
January 23, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Deborah Foster
Chana, thank you for the wonderful idea.
January 23, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Joy Wieder
Welcome to the Jewish Kidlit club 😘 I can’t wait to read your new books!
January 23, 2022 at 2:29 pm
Heidi Chupp
Thank you, Chana, for this reminder to reflect our hearts and selves in our writing work. ♥️
January 23, 2022 at 2:32 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Thank you for inspiring us to inspire others. Great post!
January 23, 2022 at 2:35 pm
jhall2018
Such a great post/examples. I’m excited to read THE TOWER OF LIFE! Evocative question – look forward to diving into that today.
January 23, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Jane Baskwill
A treasure trove of books. Thanks for sharing how we can share ourselves in our stories.
January 23, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Lots of inspiration here; thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Jasmine Ann Smith
Thank you for this inspiration–I can’t wait to read the new books!
January 23, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Great post, Chana! I started thinking: did I “see myself” in the books I read? Or did I “write” myself into the story? I think it’s the second – I could imagine myself on the sub with Capt. Nemo or as a Musketeer, or as a spy like Harriet … and definitely as a knight at King Arthur’s court. Why couldn’t a princess with glass slippers and a glittery tiara also slay monsters?
January 23, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Susan Twiggs
Chana,
I too am writing a book with a Holocaust survivor and discovering my Jewish heritage. I look forward to reading both of your books in 2022.
January 23, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Sheri Radovich
Chana, thank you for sharing your ideas and writing goals and those of your picture book group of authors also publishing at this time. I identify with “My name is Wachawachaloch” because no one could spell my name correctly in school and called me versions I didn’t like. But I loved the comedy of making her own t-shirts to sell. Your ideas about writing about your community and showing your identity to a faith community and has me thinking about feeling different in my neighborhood and yet part of a community. Thanks for this post.
January 23, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Susan Twiggs
I want to discover myself as I write for chileren.
January 23, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for the inspiration, and the reminder to write the stories I wanted as a child. I look forward to your new books!
January 23, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Susan Jobsky
Stories always took me away from my world and into a world I dreams of experiencing. Books were a portal through which I could travel anywhere, be anyone, and do anything my heart desired. Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 3:08 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Thank you for the inspiration and the reminder to write from the heart, Chana. Congrats on your upcoming books!
January 23, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Peggy Dobbs
What a beautiful and inspirational post! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 3:10 pm
lavern15
Just wonderful! I love when an author’s true self is captured in picture books. Continue celebrating you!
January 23, 2022 at 3:15 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Congratulations on coming home to writing about your culture. Your presentation today has been so thought provoking. Thanks for taking the time.
January 23, 2022 at 3:18 pm
annmdk
Great post! Looking forward to see all your upcoming titles.
January 23, 2022 at 3:19 pm
Donna Marx
Many ideas can be found from within. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Stephanie S
Thank you for the inspirational post!
January 23, 2022 at 3:28 pm
René Bartos
Thank you for this wonderful post and congrats on your new books!
January 23, 2022 at 3:33 pm
gpbellbooks
Great post! Thank you for sharing your story!
January 23, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Laurie Seaford
An extra bonus! In addition to a wonderful reminder to seek subjects that our audience can relate to by looking deeply at who we are, you also pointed the way to some wonderful books. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Fern Glazer
Thank you! I can totally relate to growing up Jewish and with an unfamiliar name. Thank you for sharing your story and the others’. Good inspiration, reminder what this writing thing is all about.
January 23, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Great post, Chana! Thank you for the inspiration.
January 23, 2022 at 3:39 pm
Gabi Snyder
Chana, thank you for the inspiration and the reminder to consider how to write so readers can see themselves in our books.
January 23, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Brittney
Thank you Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 3:48 pm
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for a great post! Your first question got me thinking right away! Don’t know as I’ve ever seen myself as a character in a book…I guess it’s time I think about her and the things she liked to do! Good luck in your endeavors, I wish you much success!
January 23, 2022 at 3:48 pm
kathydoherty1
It’s great to see my critique partner featured on Storystorm!
January 23, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Jay
Congratulations on your new books and thank you for the inspiration and reminder to write from our experience.
January 23, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thank you for the thought-provoking post!
January 23, 2022 at 4:01 pm
chardixon47
Inspiring and such positivity. Thank you, Chana, for sharing your deep dive into your childhood to create stories for readers to see themselves.
January 23, 2022 at 4:02 pm
geigerlin
There may even be an added benefit; exploring ourselves in this way can be therapeutic. Thank you Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 4:07 pm
TheHugBooks (@Hug_Books)
So many great authors in one post.
January 23, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Dianne Borowski
Mary Lennox of the Secret Garden was me. I read the book early in my life and somehow saw myself in Mary. I feel fortunate to have had that experience. I still have the book many, many years later.
January 23, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Brandy Dixon
Great insights! I like how you included others’ thoughts too.
January 23, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Maria Marshall
Chana, what a great post! Thank you so much. This portion really spoke to me – “putting my heart on the page and expressing my true self.” I loved the upcoming books that you highlighted and the author’s insight into how they refelcted themselves. Much food for thought.
January 23, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Angela H. Dale
So happy to see WHEN YOUR DADDY’S A SOLDIER coming out in 2022 – such an important, and overlooked, experience to mirror. Thanks.
January 23, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Linda Staszak
Wonderful post–thanks.
January 23, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Leah Moser
Great post! Thank you.
January 23, 2022 at 4:43 pm
jesseannabornemann
Chana, your post is a lovely reminder that we each have a meaningful story to tell—one that is unique to our experiences but potentially very inspiring to others. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Natalia Paruzel-Gibson
Thanks for the encouragement to dig deeper into ourselves, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Steena Hernandez
“Write the stories inside you that no one else can tell,” really resonates with me! Thank you, Chana for sharing this inspiring post!
January 23, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Thank you for such an inspiring post.
January 23, 2022 at 5:00 pm
writeremmcbride
Chana, you really touched my heart with your comment about writing from your true self, with all that has meaning to you. You are such an inspiration, and your post is filled with ideas and suggestions that helped me create a list (!) of ideas from this one entry! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and for those of your wonderful picture book launch group.
January 23, 2022 at 5:03 pm
8catpaws
The other side of the coin is having an ordinary, boring name that many other people have and does not lend itself to an unforgettable author’s name!
January 23, 2022 at 5:03 pm
Becky Walker
I enjoyed this so much! Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Very inspiring post, thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 5:11 pm
marsha weiner
Thank you. My in-laws were “graduates” of Alschwitz and Dachau. I know how difficult it was for many survivors to talk about their experiences to their children. And I have experienced the healing that has happened for my husband as he begins to tell his story as a child of survivors. NOT that that is for a book for children, but to the POWER of telling one’s truth. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 5:13 pm
Judy Bradbury
Thanks for this team-approach blog post. I enjoyed reading the various ways the writers you highlighted brought their personal experiences to their stories for today’s young audience.
January 23, 2022 at 5:22 pm
triciahinely
And just when you think all the ideas have been given…. Look in the mirror! I agree completely. So many good stories and if we remember how something influenced or affected us as a child, other children will see themselves. The hard to pronounce name=clever!!!! Thank you very much.
January 23, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Catherine Morgans
Can certainly relate to the name difficulties, no one could ever spell or pronounce my surname of ‘Tuite’.
I’ve been working on writing me in books without success, yet. You’ve inspired me to return to them.
January 23, 2022 at 5:37 pm
rosihollinbeck
Excellent advice. I have some thinking to do. Thanks for the post.
January 23, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Heather Stigall
I’ll have to search my childhood memories for today’s idea. Thanks for the advice!
January 23, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Diane O'Neill
Your books sound wonderful, and thanks so much for the reminder to dig deep and write about what makes us unique!
January 23, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Lynn Alpert
I enjoyed this post, thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 5:55 pm
nicolesalterbraun
You know I had to go to your website to see how you pronounced your name. I am in the medical field and try so hard to pronounce people’s names correctly. Thank you for the lesson!
January 23, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Jessica Coupé
Thank you for sharing how your ideas became books!
January 23, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Susan J Klaren
So good!
January 23, 2022 at 6:01 pm
EllenB
Thank you Chana. When I was a toddler one of my books was “The Little Red Lighthouse” — which I could actually see (the lighthouse) out my bedroom window (near the George Washington Bridge). Not a book about “me” but rather my environment, my world. Can’t wait to see your Tower of Life book, congratulations.
January 23, 2022 at 6:03 pm
Mary
Chana, Congratulations for channeling your inner you! I look forward to getting your books!
January 23, 2022 at 6:08 pm
Dannielle Viera
I love the idea of finding the universality in stories from one’s own life!
January 23, 2022 at 6:07 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you for the post and congratulations to you and your critique partner on all your wonderful books.
January 23, 2022 at 6:08 pm
stephaniemstories
Thank you for this post. It was very interesting to read about all of these books.
January 23, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Buffy Silverman
Wonderful advice–and so many books to look forward to!
January 23, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Diane M
Thanks for an interesting post and the intro to numerous writers.
January 23, 2022 at 6:14 pm
Meredith Fraser
My goodness what an amazing collection of books. I look forward to reading them.
Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us.
January 23, 2022 at 6:17 pm
lsheroan
Thanks for the great advice and the wonderful book recommendations!
January 23, 2022 at 6:23 pm
Jill Lambert
Thank you for all these wonderful examples of books from the heart!
January 23, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Great post! Can’t wait to read all of the books you mentioned! Thank you!!
January 23, 2022 at 6:30 pm
cathystenquist
Thanks for the great post. So many ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 6:48 pm
loricevans
Thank you for providing all those examples of people writing in ways where they see themselves in their stories, yours included. I often think nobody will be interested in how I was as a child but it’s true, there are always people who feel the same. It’s a good reminder to sit and think “what about my childhood will resonate with other children today?”
January 23, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Jnenie H.
Thank you for the wonderful inspiration. Excited to read all the books and to keep writing stories!
January 23, 2022 at 6:55 pm
Jeanette
What a beautiful post!
January 23, 2022 at 6:59 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thank you, Chana, for your own story and for those of the other authors’ that you shared. It helps to see all these examples of how writers connected to their unique selves and put that in books so that more children can see themselves reflected in stories.
January 23, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Huge congrats on all your upcoming publications. I didn’t realize how many books you’ve sold recently! I’m really happy for you, and also for all the other kidlit friends you showcased today. We definitely need to write from the heart and show help kids see themselves in story. Fabulous post, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 9:37 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, Pam!
January 23, 2022 at 7:05 pm
hfr2006
Congrats on all your books and thanks for a great post!
January 23, 2022 at 7:08 pm
Marci Whitehurst
I’ve always loved stories from the heart. Thanks for sharing these thoughts & congrats on your books!
January 23, 2022 at 7:09 pm
rindabeach
I’ve never thought of it in this way, but I find myself in everything I’ve written. I’ve been everyone from Neil Armstrong to a kid at the lake to a minor ant with confidence issues. Somehow I always come out in my characters.
January 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful! What a gift!
January 23, 2022 at 7:11 pm
karinlarson
I love the concept of writing one’s truth. Thank you for the great post.
January 23, 2022 at 7:12 pm
paulajbecker
Thank you, Chana! All very inspirational!
January 23, 2022 at 7:14 pm
Danni Schloss
Thank you for sharing your stories as well as incorporating multiple author’s voices, ideas, and insights. Wonderful post!
January 23, 2022 at 7:16 pm
claudia sloan
Thank you for the prompts and congratulations on your publications! Also thank you for gathering and sharing with us tips from your fellow author friends!
January 23, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Marie Chan
Thank you for sharing these insights and highlighting the importance of children from diverse backgrounds to see themselves in a book.
January 23, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Kaye Baillie
Great examples, thanks Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 7:47 pm
DaNeil A Olson
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 23, 2022 at 7:53 pm
viviankirkfield
Chana…I loved this post…and getting a chance to see some of the books launching this year from your Picture the Books group (do you remember that I was part of that group when we thought my debut book would come out in 2017?). Thank you for sharing all of those and highlighting how important it is for kids to see themselves in books!
January 23, 2022 at 9:35 pm
stiefelchana
Of course, Vivian! You are still an honorary member! xoxo
January 23, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Wow, did this post resonate with me! Growing up a very uncommon name (both first and last!) and an immigrant parent made me a very “atypical” kid.
Thank you, Chana–and the other contributors–for sharing the inspirations for all these wonderful books. I’m going to focus on finding inspiration from my childhood experiences when writing stories!
January 23, 2022 at 7:58 pm
amievc
Thank you so much for sharing your stories (and those of the Picture the Book Friends). So great think about how we bring ourselves to our books.
January 23, 2022 at 8:16 pm
writersideup
For me, I was never looking for myself in the characters of the books I read. I still don’t, though when I see similar characteristics, I KNOW what the character is feeling/thinking, etc., and appreciate that. I typically just enjoy “walking in someone else’s shoes” while reading. 🙂 Great post, Chana, and love hearing about everyone’s connections to their books ❤
January 23, 2022 at 8:17 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Loved hearing about everyone’s connections to their books!
January 23, 2022 at 8:23 pm
Andi Chitty
Beautiful post, I love reading everyone’s inspiration for their books!
The only book I ever saw myself in was “Jillian Jiggs” (of the famous “Jillian Jillian Jillian Jiggs, it looks like your room has been lived in by pigs!”), as a redhead with an ever messy room!
Thank you for opening your heart in this wonderful post, Chana!
January 23, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi Chana! Thanks for sharing your backstory with us. Only recently did I notice bits of me in a book. Currently, I’m writing several MGs that reflect parts of me.
January 23, 2022 at 8:31 pm
hcvagley
Thanks, Chana, for reminding us to champion our own stories.
January 23, 2022 at 8:40 pm
Megan Whitaker
Thanks for sharing your inspiration and congratulations on your successes!
January 23, 2022 at 8:42 pm
debjohnson21
Great post Chana! I loved reading the inspirations you shared.
January 23, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Tamisha Williams
Always good advice, “Start with yourself and write your truth”
January 23, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
beautiful inspiration!
January 23, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Christopher Lepage
Be true to yourself!
January 23, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
Very inspirational. Representation is important in books and needed. Thank you.
January 23, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Representation can come in so many farms. It’s not always a matter of external similarities; often it displays itself through emotional similarities.
January 23, 2022 at 9:09 pm
Cinzia
Thank you, Chana. Great inspiration for today.
January 23, 2022 at 9:10 pm
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
Very inspirational. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Linda Sakai
Thank you for your reminders to put ourselves on the page in ways that children can connect with. Also, appreciated your giving us books in which authors’ connected their own feelings with the characters.
January 23, 2022 at 9:14 pm
bookfish1
Great reminder. Thanks
January 23, 2022 at 9:19 pm
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Wonderful post, Chana. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Chana, for sharing your journey. I look forward to reading your books. And thank you for inviting your Picture the Books launch partners to discuss the books they wrote that were related to their childhoods. These will certainly spark some story ideas for me.
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 23, 2022 at 10:54 pm
stiefelchana
Thank you, you too!
January 23, 2022 at 9:29 pm
susanzonca
Thank you for all the book recommendations and for the recommendation to write from a place of authenticity. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
January 23, 2022 at 9:34 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Great post! You know we love your books here, and I’m definitely going to check out the others you highlighted. They all look wonderful!
January 23, 2022 at 9:35 pm
Yvette Pais
It is so nice to see to many representative books! Congratulations on your new books! Thank you for this post.
January 23, 2022 at 9:37 pm
Christine Graham
Thanks for a great post with so many ways to see ourselves and others.
January 23, 2022 at 9:39 pm
Kate
Your post speaks of the power of our truth. Thanks for sharing yours!
January 23, 2022 at 9:42 pm
Keri Collins Lewis
Congratulations on your forthcoming books. The Tower of Life is on my list — that part of the museum haunts me & I’m eager to learn about its creator! Thank you for telling this story!
January 23, 2022 at 9:52 pm
pathaap
Wonderful blog, Chana. Thank you so much for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 9:58 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
When I first started seriously writing picture books, I was so focused on the HOW and the WHAT that I forgot to think about the WHY. I wasn’t looking deep enough inside myself. Looking back so much of my early work are “cute” and “fun” but none of them reflect truly who I am or what matters to me. It’s only in the last several years that I have began writing from that more vulnerable place and, sure enough, that’s when my manuscripts began to sell. Thank you for this reminder to always remember who we are and write from our heart. I’m so thrilled for all your amazing successes!
January 23, 2022 at 9:58 pm
Julie Reich
Great post. Thank you.
January 23, 2022 at 9:59 pm
melissamiles1
Sometimes I think we fall into the trap of thinking we don’t have stories worth sharing, but honestly I think everyone does. Thanks for the reminder.
January 23, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Elizabeth
I like your idea of writing from the heart about something you wanted to change or someooe you admired as a child. If you admired something about your unique culture you could write a story about it and you would put yourself into the story. Finding something of yourself to others up. There are stories only you can tell. I loved the examples.from other authors and the books they wrote to illustrate the point.Thank you for a great post that gave me a push in another direction..
January 23, 2022 at 10:00 pm
Natasha Garnett
Thanks for all those book recommendations, Chana. My To Read list is ever growing. That’s a good thing!
January 23, 2022 at 10:15 pm
Amy Mucci
I love trying to see myself in characters and think of ways that my kids can see themselves in books too!
January 23, 2022 at 10:20 pm
Alison McGauley
Thanks for sharing your journey and all of these amazing picture books as well!
January 23, 2022 at 10:20 pm
Lonna Hill
What an inspiring list of books! I love reading about what sparks authors to write their own unique stories.
January 23, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Congratulations on your upcoming releases. My most recent draft had a little more of my experiences sprinkled in. I think I need to explore this even more. Thanks for the tip!
January 23, 2022 at 10:42 pm
littleseedsread
Your question: “When was the first time you saw yourself in a story,” is powerful and essential for us to ask ourselves. Thank you for reminding us that writing from the heart is the best way to connect with others.
January 23, 2022 at 10:51 pm
Karen Chun
Love the concept of finding yourself in your stories. We are all so unique. Thanks for the inspiration
January 23, 2022 at 11:02 pm
tinefg
Thank you Chana, put yourself in your story, what a wonderful way to look at it, and great inspiration! BTW, my sister, Inge, grew up with the “never finding your name” frustration as well.
January 23, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Thank you for telling us about your and your friends’ amazing books, and for the ideas! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 11:04 pm
https://katiewalsh.blog/
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 11:06 pm
Tracy Helixon
Thank you! This was so helpful. My mind is spinning!
January 23, 2022 at 11:15 pm
seschipper
Thank you, Chana, for sharing your story and ideas! Thanks for sharing the other inspiring books as well! This is a great post. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 11:18 pm
calliebdean
I love getting to hear all of these different origin stories. Thanks to the Picture the Books launch group, and congratulations on your new books!
January 23, 2022 at 11:23 pm
Liz Godfrey
Thank you, Chana! You’ve inspired me to take ownership of my stories and shae them with the world. It’s true – no one else can tell my story.
January 23, 2022 at 11:32 pm
Donna Rossman
Thank you, Chana and all the Picture The Books Friends for an inspiring post!
January 23, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Dani Duck
I’m so happy you are able to write the books you wish you had as a kid. Such an inspiring post!
January 23, 2022 at 11:42 pm
Julia Lyon
Excited to read your upcoming books and hear you pronounce your name!
January 24, 2022 at 12:33 am
kbrandyberry
Fantastic post. I love the idea of looking for ourselves in books, and when we can’t find ourselves.. to write it!
January 24, 2022 at 12:35 am
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Chana, for sharing your journey and also those of your Picture the Book launch partners. There’s so much to be learned from your post and I’m looking forward to looking back on my childhood for story ideas.
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 24, 2022 at 1:07 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Thank you, Chana for sharing your journey here. I look forward to reading your latest books!
January 24, 2022 at 1:13 am
Christine M Irvin
Write from the heart.
January 24, 2022 at 1:25 am
Carrie Tillotson
I loved reading about all the personal connections to everyone’s stories. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 1:38 am
sharongiltrow
Thank you for sharing so many great books and why the authors wrote them.
January 24, 2022 at 1:51 am
Hanna Geshelin
Thanks, you make some very important points.
January 24, 2022 at 1:55 am
wyszguy
What an amazing trove of books coming out! Congratulations!
January 24, 2022 at 2:20 am
Dena Davis
The Tower of Life sounds wonderful! I’ll look forward to reading it in the fall! Thank you for the reminder to write our truths. Love the other books and their inspiration, as well.
January 24, 2022 at 2:39 am
Rita Jane
Oh Chana, Susan’s illos for The Towerof Life gave me shivers. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
Thank you for sharing the voices of others here too. This post is full to the brim with heart.
January 24, 2022 at 2:58 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thanks for this post! Thanks for sharing. My name is not difficult, but growing up it was such a popular name, that I got sick of having so many Ashley’s in every class.
January 24, 2022 at 3:19 am
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Chana and Friends! I will look to think up books that represent a younger me – or those children who are under-represented or not represented at all. Congratulations on all of your successes, everyone! Xox Jen
January 24, 2022 at 4:06 am
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
Funny, I found myself writing a draft from another Storystorm inspiration this week with a grandma using Yiddish words sprinkled in and doing things of this culture of ours.. Not sure I can make it work. It’s been a long time since Yiddish words were part of my daily life, and I’ve been torn for longer about how to share that part of my upbringing and life – my beliefs have traveled outside of the religion but my culture remains part of me – now mixed in with any other parts. I think there are many similar to me, that don’t fit in neat boxes of identity, lots of ivtersectionalities happening, and beginning to think more about how to sprinkle the into some of my stories. My desire and attempts for decades has been to represent the diversity of kids I’ve known in my life, had in my classes, and to share the vision of the world I wish to be – but one book can’t do it all.
January 24, 2022 at 5:42 am
Krissy
Inspiring post! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 6:35 am
Kim Gutierrez
Your post is much like students I have daily. They don’t see their life as a story so they say they have nothing to write about. Sharing this story storm post with them will help them to see that their very breath each day is a story because they are the story. No matter how small (snuggles) or how big (tragic family history). Also I think representation in books for all kids is so important. When I buy books I look for unique or diverse ones so that all can be represented in my class. Thx for the tips.
January 24, 2022 at 6:57 am
CB Jarapa
I too have a difficult name to pronounce and I can relate to being frustrated when people often mispronounce it. Thank you for sharing your stories! Very inspiring! 😁
January 24, 2022 at 7:42 am
Mary Warth
Thank you Chana! Very inspiring stories!
January 24, 2022 at 8:02 am
Lindsay Moretti
Thank you for your inspiring post – and including multiple perspectives from so many wonderful authors!
January 24, 2022 at 8:53 am
Ruthie Kirk
Thanks for the inspiration, Chana! That illustration from The Tower of Life looks amazing! We met at the NF conference in New Paltz when Daddy Depot was in process. Congratulations on all your books that have followed!
January 24, 2022 at 9:01 am
Bea Brown
“Write your truth.” What a great place to start. Thanks for these words of encouragement.
January 24, 2022 at 9:02 am
Rochelle Y Melander
Great ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 9:10 am
Freda Lewkowicz
I can’t wait to read THE TOWER OF LIFE! I’m so glad to see another Holocaust- themed story in 2022. Mazel tov, Chana!
January 24, 2022 at 9:20 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Sometimes I feel like I have nothing unique in my culture, family traditions, experiences as a kid…..I need to dig deeper, I guess. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 9:30 am
Sally McClure
Thank you for sharing yourself!
January 24, 2022 at 9:47 am
Leila Boukarim
All these books and the stories of how they came to be are so inspiring. Thank you so much for this.
January 24, 2022 at 9:55 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
With a last name like mine, I know how Chana feels! Congrats to all on your new books.
January 24, 2022 at 9:57 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you, Chana! You’ve inspired me to write my truth, write from the heart. (I learned how to pronounce your name on your website, too!)
January 24, 2022 at 9:59 am
Mary Zychowicz
So important to remember that children want to see themselves in the books they read. A great reminder that as writers we have a lot of power to help children see themselves in positive ways that in turn give them power. Thank you for contributing this post.
January 24, 2022 at 10:11 am
Audrey Perrott
Thank you, Chana! I had a critique partner point out a theme in all of my stories that made me realize I do write my truths in each one, most of the time without even realizing it! I loved that, and now I notice it even more.
January 24, 2022 at 10:14 am
Joan Swanson
Thank you so much for writing your stories, and showing others how to do the same 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 10:21 am
Lisa
This post really spoke to me; I have so many stories inside me that are personal to my experiences, and it’s time that I let them loose! Great post!
January 24, 2022 at 10:32 am
Kris Tarantino
Love all the examples in this post! Thank you.
January 24, 2022 at 10:36 am
Poppy Wrote P
I love all your books Chana!
January 24, 2022 at 11:04 am
mdk45
Thank you, Chana. You shared some important strategies and were very helpful.
January 24, 2022 at 11:05 am
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Thank you, Chana, for all this inspiration and getting your critique group to participate too. Bonus for us! Congrats on your upcoming books.
January 24, 2022 at 11:23 am
Jane Martin
I spend all of my time getting ideas from the world around me. I’ve never stopped to just look in the mirror, inside of me and my own childhood experiences. I will definitely give this a try! Thanks so much to you all!
January 24, 2022 at 11:27 am
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing these books and your personal inspirations for your stories!
January 24, 2022 at 11:36 am
Linda Hofke
Great post. It certainly is mportant to have relatable characters. ALL kids want to see themselves in a book.
January 24, 2022 at 11:46 am
Darcee Freier
That’s a challenging question: how do I see myself in the stories I write?
January 24, 2022 at 11:46 am
David McMullin
Seeing oneself is so important! Thank you, Chana!
January 24, 2022 at 11:52 am
Jenny E.
This is fascinating–I don’t know if I ever saw myself in a book as a kid. Food for thought. I also love that this post has added so many books to my TBR pile! ❤
January 24, 2022 at 11:53 am
Daryl Gottier
You got me thinking about when I first saw myself in a book…Harriet the Spy perhaps? Thanks for your great post.
January 24, 2022 at 11:58 am
georgeandjohanna
So inspiring – thank you.
Johanna Peyton
January 24, 2022 at 12:00 pm
aidantalkin
Thank you for the ideas, and the introduction to so many marvellous new books coming out!
January 24, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Mary Nelson
OK. This is something I’m really bad at—being in touch with my kid self. Gonna take a lot of work!
January 24, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
I love these examples! Thank you!
(And, Gretchen… I see you!)
January 24, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
I think there’s always a little bit of the author reflected in our stories, so I love seeing growing diversity in the stories out in the world for children to connect with
January 24, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Angela De Groot
Chana, thanks for your post and for sharing all these wonderful books that are coming out this year. “I am now putting my heart on the page and expressing my true self.” Love that!
January 24, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Deb McGarvey
My great grandmother’s name was also Chana! It’s part of my Hebrew name, and I’m working on some Jewish themed stories too. Thanks for this reminder to write ourselves into our books.
January 24, 2022 at 1:04 pm
marybeningo
Thank you for all the great book recommendations. I am trying to think of a good storyline to represent me as a child – I think I may exclude the horrible bangs, however. haha
January 24, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
What an inspiring post. Thank you, Chana and the Picture the Books group and congratulations on all of these wonderful books!
January 24, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Lori Shapiro
Chana, thank you so much for your post. Although I am as yet unpublished, I hadn’t been writing Jewish stories until recently. Now it’s like a downpour. I appreciate you validating those things that are so true for everyone. Heritage, culture, values, family, etc. Congratulations on your success!
January 24, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Brandon Rodriguez
I love the idea of using your culture and history as a steppingstone for creating ideas. I’m gonna definitely check out your book, The Tower of Life. Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for your thoughts on creating books.
January 24, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for getting us thinking about our cultures.
January 24, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Anne Appert
Thank you so much for your post! This is a great way to get our stories to resonate for so many kids.
January 24, 2022 at 2:03 pm
Jessica Milo
This was such an inspiring post and I loved reading about the authors’ inspiration from their own backgrounds, self-reflections, traditions and values growing up. A great reminder to draw from your own well and write the story only you can tell. Thanks for this post!
January 24, 2022 at 2:17 pm
Abraham Schroeder
What a wonderful list of books! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Chana, (such a beautiful name) for featuring these wonderful stories that I look forward to reading.
Suzy Leopold
January 24, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Amanda
Your post really has me thinking about my own childhood and I’ve already come up with a few ideas to work with from it! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Jennifer Rathe
Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 2:35 pm
susan contreras
You made me ask an interesting question; which book did I see myself in or which book did I pretend to be in? Different answers, but equally important questions.
January 24, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Loved hearing from the various authors, and congrats on your success!
January 24, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Joyce Schriebman
I LOVE all the ideas you shared from your launch partners! Thanks…
January 24, 2022 at 2:52 pm
jensubra
What great questions to ask ourselves as pb writers! Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 3:04 pm
michelerietz
Thanks, Chana. As a Michele with one “l” and a difficult maiden name to pronounce and spell, I feel ya!
I wonder what things will come to mind as I try to make my stories relevant to children.
Congratulations on your picture book success.
January 24, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Beverly Smith
I like the idea of the hard-to-pronounce name book. My oldest had the same problem as a child and even now as an adult. Thank you, Chana, for your ideas to jump start creativity. I’ll be pulling out my dictionary!
January 24, 2022 at 3:16 pm
ramonapersaudwrites
Representation is so important and so tricky when you’re a bit mixed up. I’ll keep thinking on how to represent when you don’t fit in a box.
January 24, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Abby Wooldridge
What a beautiful post, Chana! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤
January 24, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Emily Bertholf
Coming from a family of very traditional, biblical names: John, Peter, Mathew, Michael; we gave our children nontraditional, unique names. They were not hard to spell or pronounce, but did I underestimate the difficulty people would have with them! This became a bit of a family joke and story. It also made me really regret being too shy and too insecure to ask people to repeat their name again so I can get it correct. Now I’m wondering what other family or personal stories I have to share too. Great post!
January 24, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Gabriella Aldeman
Thank you for sharing! I love the insight into all the books.
January 24, 2022 at 3:54 pm
kdgwrites
Oh my goodness. I don’t think I ever found myself as a character in a book. Food for thought. Thank you for this insight.
January 24, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Ann M Page
Chana,
Such an interesting post! And I love that you included your critique/pub buddies and their upcoming books. I’m excited to read LET LIBERTY RISE!, as I’m not familiar with the story of children saving the statue of liberty. Best of luck for continued success!
January 24, 2022 at 4:00 pm
dedradavis03
Love seeing all these new books! And I relate to the hard-to-pronounce names. I hated the first
Day of school because Dedra was always mispronounced—dead-ra, Debra, Dee-edra. It’s Deeeedra!
January 24, 2022 at 4:14 pm
mbtgroupcb
Thanks for sharing this post. My name Marianne is always mispelled to many different version and abbreviated. I have had to spell it all of my life!
January 24, 2022 at 4:40 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Thanks for all those great examples, Chans!
January 24, 2022 at 4:42 pm
chaunceyelephant
You and many others have suggested looking inside yourself – for me, I was not looking to identify myself in stories as much as to find stories that filled my hopes and dreams…. I’m going to explore that more. Your notes have redirected me…
January 24, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Anita M Banks
Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 5:03 pm
kidlitgail
Thank you, Chana (with a chet) for this inspiring post I will continue to send out my Jewish-themed stories!
January 24, 2022 at 5:20 pm
NC Karuzis
Inspiring. I can relate. As a kid my maiden name had some not-so-nice meanings that was made worse once kids knew how to spell it. MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH sounds like a fun approach to the problem.
January 24, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Sarah Meade
Thank you for this lovely post, Chana! My children and I just read and enjoyed MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH. Looking forward to reading all the other books mentioned here.
January 24, 2022 at 5:42 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
Interesting thoughts on seeing ourselves, easy for a white middle-class girl growing up in suburbia until I thought about the me that nobody saw. Another great idea for my notebook.
January 24, 2022 at 5:59 pm
dinatowbin
What a great post! Seeing yourself in a PB is wonderful! And sharing yourself is important too.
January 24, 2022 at 6:26 pm
TL Fales
The thing that makes me feel least “seen” or in which my point of view is often misrepresented is not something I would have considered for a PB. Now I’m thinking about how that could be done. Thanks for the food for thought.
January 24, 2022 at 6:51 pm
mona861
Thanks for this fun post. I just love saying Wakawakaloch. I hope I spelled it right though! I’ve got to think hard to put myself in a book.
January 24, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Roxanne Troup
People always butcher my (first) name, too. Which is one of the reasons I go by my middle name. Thank you for sharing and writing. I can’t wait to read THE TOWER OF LIFE.
January 24, 2022 at 7:21 pm
yangmommy
So happy to hear about your upcoming books! Yes,looking in the mirror can certainly illicit a lot of great inspiration. Thx for sharing these other great books, too!
January 24, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Helen Lys
Congrats on your upcoming releases! Thank you for the post!
January 24, 2022 at 7:59 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I’ve got to be Me, I’ve got to be Me! Who else can I be!
January 24, 2022 at 8:03 pm
AC Perry
Still digging for the true me I want to share. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 8:23 pm
syorkeviney
Thank you for your inspiration… I do believe the more that children see the diverse and wonderful place that the world is the better place the world will be. By traveling the world, I’ve experienced so many cultures and experienced the beautiful aspects of so many of my friends religions to know of the universal themes of love, life and light that we must all embrace!
January 24, 2022 at 8:32 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thank you for the inspiration Chana. Surprisingly my name is also mispronounced as Marseea. My parents informed me it was the true way to spell Marcia (not Marsha). Always difficult. And then there is a well known and wonderful children’s book writer named Marcia Williams. Sigh. It took quite awhile to straighten that out on Twitter. I think it is very important for children to see themselves in books. An earlier post talked about the difficult stories that share childhood challenges of race, bullying, and intolerance. This fits right in with that. Let’s all celebrate our differences and lovely family stories no matter what composition that family has.
January 24, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Thanks for introducing me to your new books and those of your cohort, Chana. It’s great to hear how those books came from the depth of each writer. Much continued success to you all!
January 24, 2022 at 9:21 pm
Becki Kidd
Thanks for sharing your journey.
January 24, 2022 at 9:33 pm
Megan Litwin
Great reminder about how important it is for ALL kids to feel seen…and also just how many varied experiences there are out there. Books of all kinds are needed, and I loved hearing about yours and all the ones in this post!
January 24, 2022 at 10:06 pm
girlscout72091
this all sounds wonderful! cant wait to check out these books
January 24, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Trine Grillo
Great post! I, too have a name that is often mispronounced. And what a great list of story examples!
January 24, 2022 at 10:51 pm
sharonkdal
This really got me thinking about the importance of emotion and child appeal. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 11:41 pm
Saba Negash
congratulations on your publications!!!!! And, thank you for this inspiring post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:30 am
serenagingoldallen
Your latest books sound amazing! I loved reading the comments from all of the authors in your group.
January 25, 2022 at 1:31 am
debbiemoeller
A lovely post, Chana. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your new books.
January 25, 2022 at 2:12 am
Kristy Nuttall
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! Writing your truth is so important.
January 25, 2022 at 9:21 am
JannyLynn
Thanks for sharing. I totally understand the frustration over having a unique name. Mine is Jantha, which seems pretty simple to me, two syllables, but you wouldn’t believe the things I have been called. I wish your book had been around when I was a kid : )
January 25, 2022 at 9:26 am
Brian Burak
I had 5 Brians in my 1st grade class, Brians who spell it with a “y” are a bane of my existence and and I also despise (not really) the name Ryan. Great post! Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 10:50 am
Melissa Stoller
What a fantastic post filled with many gems! Thank you all! And Chana I totally agree…write the stories only you can tell! I’m looking forward to BOTH your new books!
January 25, 2022 at 11:14 am
Cristina Chan
I can relate, Chana. My name is Cristina with no H so I could never find anything with my name on it. Thank you for sharing your story and these wonderful books!
January 25, 2022 at 11:15 am
Cristina Chan
I can relate, Chana. My name is Cristina with no H so I could never find anything with my name on it. Thank you for sharing your story!
January 25, 2022 at 11:26 am
joanapastro
What a great reminder to search for story ideas within ourselves, Chana. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 11:29 am
allyenz
Thanks for sharing, Chana. Must be something quite universal with Blueberries for Sal, because that one always resonated with me too. Such a great reminder for us to write OUR truth. The Tower of Life looks gorgeous, and I can’t wait to read it.
January 25, 2022 at 11:48 am
libbydemmon
Thanks for highlighting so many great books coming out this year!
January 25, 2022 at 1:07 pm
donnacangelosi
Thank you Chana and Picture the Books Friends! What a beautiful post and great reminder to write stories from our own experiences to help kids see themselves in the pages. I’m so excited about all the wonderful books your group has created.
January 25, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
I’m in the (sometimes) hard to pronounce names club. : )
January 25, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for your post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:22 pm
storycatcherpublishing
Seeing the cover for Blueberries For Sal brought back so many childhood memories of reading that book and so many others during the summer reading program at my local library. Thanks for the memories!
Great post!
Donna L Martin
January 25, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Marilyn Wolpin (@MNW51)
Thanks for the post, Chana. Like you I am embracing my Jewish roots to tell only stories I can tell. I’ll be looking for your books.
January 25, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Debra Collins
Inspiring and empowering! Thank you, Chana!
January 25, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Marzieh Abbas
thanks for all these awesome idea springboards! It made me wonder about the real me!
January 25, 2022 at 1:44 pm
amckelle
Beautiful post! I love the reminder to come back to the stories that mean the most to me and that I see myself in. That isn’t my strength but lends itself to so many beautiful meaningful stories.
January 25, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Angie
Wonderful post! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions! Congrats on your books!
January 25, 2022 at 1:47 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Thanks and I just added books to my list!
January 25, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Penelope McNally
Thanks for this terrific post. Writing your truth is so important. My name is becoming more mainstream, but when I was growing up teachers would stumble over my name every year on the first day of school. Congrats on your books!
January 25, 2022 at 2:30 pm
annaluntbooks
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 2:50 pm
marshaelyn
Chana, thank you for reminding me of favorite PB “oldies” like Blueberries for Sal” and for introducing me to upcoming books with such engaging themes. Seeing ourselves in our main characters is a way to stay on track to “tell stories only we can tell.” Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success….
January 25, 2022 at 3:58 pm
Elayne
Ha! I feel you on the name. My name is pronounced differently by my two parents, believe it or not. My Mom says it “Ah-lane” and my Dad, “E-lane.” I go by either now (whatever is close enough) AND get to answer to “Mom,” too, just to add to the confusion in public settings. LOL!
January 25, 2022 at 5:28 pm
jimchaize1
So wonderful to read about all these authors and how their lives are alive in their stories. I am inspired to find a story in my life. Thank you all.
January 25, 2022 at 5:30 pm
claireannette1
Your post is a great source of inspiration, Chana. Thank you for sharing your perspective and that of other authors. It is so important for children to see themselves in the pages of books.
January 25, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Susan Schade
Congratulations on your books and thank you for the inspiring post!
January 25, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Chana, thanks for sharing this inspiration. I’ve also turned to writing more Jewish stories. It was such a big part of my childhood and it touches my heart. That’s what’s important to share with the world. Good luck with your new titles.
January 25, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Molly Ippolito
Thank you so much! Your post really spoke to me! I’m excited to cook up some stories that represent ME in the hopes that a reader can see themself in my words!
January 25, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Charles Richardson
My takeaway…tell MY story. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Your post touched my heart (and I do love Liberty Rising) – Congratulations on your new books.
January 26, 2022 at 12:41 am
Janet Smart
Loved your post.
January 26, 2022 at 1:31 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you for this encouragement to write from the heart.
January 26, 2022 at 3:00 am
Dee Crick
WAHOO. I started to think about what parts of me / my childhood have I not seen in the market yet? I’ve not got the story down on paper yet…but I have nailed a great piece of insight that if I execute it well… it should hopefully be gold. THANK YOU CHANA!
January 26, 2022 at 5:33 am
Tamara Rittershaus
Thank you for asking the question. I didn’t move around as a child, but rather as an adult. I wrote about the emotions I went through in my book Marie’s Big Adieu (about a child who moves abroad). I’ve often wondered if I’ll ever have another manuscript that I will feel so passionately about. Maybe. Thanks for the ideas.
January 26, 2022 at 7:10 am
Bev K. Taylor
These inspiring stories make me feel excited about telling stories from my heart. Thanks!
January 26, 2022 at 9:26 am
topangamaria
WOW! A whole lotta great books to look forward to reading.
January 26, 2022 at 11:04 am
triciacandy
Thank you so much for this post! A much needed reminder that all of our experiences and personal stories have a place.
January 26, 2022 at 12:35 pm
mariearden
What a wonderful list of picture books written from heart and depicting “stories of me.”
January 26, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Judith Snyder
Thank you for sharing your journey and the ideas that developed from it.
January 26, 2022 at 2:23 pm
mariamarianayagam
Thank you for sharing so much great advice!
January 26, 2022 at 6:04 pm
Joannie Duris
Thank you Chana and your Picture the Books launch partners for sharing the bits of your hearts that inspired your books. Inspiration for us all!
January 26, 2022 at 6:09 pm
shirley301
Thanks for such a wealth of ideas.
January 26, 2022 at 8:02 pm
supermario6
Your books sound wonderful!
January 26, 2022 at 8:37 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Chana for your post and letting us know about your group members’ books too!
January 26, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Beth Elliott
Thank you for this heartfelt and fulsome post. I can’t wait to read THE TOWER OF LIFE – my youngest daughter has always been very interested in WWII stories.
January 26, 2022 at 10:51 pm
Aimee Jenkins
So inspiring. Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 11:08 pm
Kristin Sawyer
Thank you for all the great work you bring alive in the world (and for sharing tips and ideas how the rest of us aspiring authors can do the same). I loved Let Liberty Rise, and I can’t wait for The Tower of Life.
January 27, 2022 at 12:21 am
amalia hoffman
Thank you Chana for this inspiring post.
January 27, 2022 at 1:46 am
Joanne Roberts
So many inspiring books! Thanks for the advice and the recommendations. I think I have a promising seed from today’s post. Thank-you!
January 27, 2022 at 3:01 am
Lisa Kingsford
Such wonderful heartfelt books to look forward to reading! I have a friend named Chana. It’s fun to see someone else with that name.
January 27, 2022 at 3:24 am
Rena Joy
I love using myself as a starting point to brainstorm.
January 27, 2022 at 10:32 am
Renata Wurster
The line from your post that most inspires me is “Write your truth”. Thank you for that nugget to consider.
January 27, 2022 at 11:25 am
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
Very practical advice. Thanks so much.
January 27, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Sydnie Kleinhenz
I enjoyed learning how you brought yourself into the story. I’ve already got a story idea!
January 27, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Tammi Beck
Thank you for your time and encouragement. ☺️
January 27, 2022 at 12:47 pm
reluctantspy
I’ve never seen myself in a book either. I was jealous of Sal because she got to eat all those blueberries and be free in the blueberry patch. I always hated it when a book character had my name. The characters with my name were never anything like me. And I was afraid other people who read the books would think I was like the book person who had my name.
January 27, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Tanya Konerman
I love that we know how important it is now to have both windows and mirrors for children in picture books. Great post!
January 27, 2022 at 2:10 pm
Jolie Stekly
I identify with the name issue so much. While my name might not seem so unusual now, before Angelina Jolie came onto the scene, it was so uncommon (and her version of Jolie is accented differently than mine). People couldn’t pronounce it, or spell it, and often they thought my last name was my first (Tracy was my maiden name). But I do love and appreciate the uniqueness of my name now.
January 27, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Marlena Leach
I love reading books that take me away on a journey. As I grew up, I put myself in the Nancy Drew mysteries. I felt like I was there inside the book. I will dig deep and see what is hiding inside of me. Thank you for this wonderful inspiration.
January 27, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Haley Thomas
Thank you so much for sharing!
January 27, 2022 at 7:29 pm
Diane O'Neill
Your books sound absolutely wonderful–I can’t wait to read them. Thanks for the reminder to dig deep and tell the stories that only you can tell. Thank you!!
January 27, 2022 at 8:04 pm
kathryn hagen
Thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to your books!
January 27, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Amanda
Thank you for this!!
January 27, 2022 at 10:08 pm
Brinton Culp
So glad you’re writing yourself into your books and sharing with the world. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 27, 2022 at 11:14 pm
Charlotte Glaze
Thank you for sharing
January 28, 2022 at 7:01 am
Eva NMN Felder
Thanks for your post Chana. I have a very short name, no middle name, just Eva and constantly people mispronounce my name.
Sharing your path and your friends journey inspired me into reflecting my own life instead of just looking for a story.
I am so glad that you started writing about themes related to our Jewish community. It is so rich and diversified, so many years in the building. I hope to be there some day.
I am looking forward into reading your NF stories.
Daddy Depot is so original, so funny, inspired in a conversation with your daughter.
Definitely I am substituting saying I am so angry for I am in a volcanic mood.
So much to learn about Pulitzer, Lady Liberty, and kids all over.
Thank you for inspiring me, teaching me, and supporting authors.
“The problem, my dear, is that you are a forward thinker, you must be backward seer too” awesome, always the VOICE.
Good luck with your next 30 years is fabulous writing!
January 28, 2022 at 10:25 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
This is such a powerful post. I tend to think of my own childhood as kind of boring, but I know there is deep emotion there if only I probe for it.
January 28, 2022 at 10:29 am
Jan Milusich
Thank you for sharing Chana. Your sincerity is so appreciated.
January 28, 2022 at 10:45 am
girlscout72091
thanks for reminding me of a great memory I need to write about!
January 28, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Lauri Meyers
Love all these individual inspiration stories!
January 28, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
What a great story idea to address kids with difficult to pronounce names.
January 28, 2022 at 2:37 pm
colleenrkosinski
Great post, Chana!
January 28, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Janet Halfmann
Love your inspiration go dig really deep!
January 28, 2022 at 5:15 pm
brittanypomales
Fabulous post!
January 28, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I love how your stories are getting to the heart of you — I think we’re all on that journey. I know I am!
January 28, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Jenny Boyd
Congratulations on your new books! It was very nice of you, too, to showcase some other authors and their characters/protagonists in your blog post.
January 28, 2022 at 5:54 pm
Michele Helsel
Lots of wonderful advice.
January 28, 2022 at 6:00 pm
goodreadswithronna
Like you, pronouncing my name has been a challenge for many. I’ve been called Rhonda, Rhoda, Ronnie and Rona, not Ronna like Donna. I just love how you not only shared your take on how you brought YOU into new stories, but how your colleagues shared that too. Thank you!
January 28, 2022 at 6:10 pm
kmajor2013
This is a excellent post! I was recently listening to a podcast that interviewed an agent. Her advice was to go back to your childhood memories to find ideas and your voice. Great advice mirrored in this post. Thanks!
January 28, 2022 at 10:12 pm
S. K. Wenger
Thanks, Chana! I can definitely connect with the name issue! It’s great to see how writing from our experience as a child can find its way into a book that can be shared with readers!
January 28, 2022 at 11:08 pm
lorisherritt
I used to pretend I was Margaret in “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret” and act out the chapters of the book in front of the mirror. I also used to imagine myself as a bit of an Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables, both speaking like her, using her metaphorical vocabulary and even choosing a boy in my class to be Gilbert. I used to cal him Gilly. He hated it. Maybe these experiences translate into a character for a middle grade novel…thanks for the inspiration! Mazeltov for your new books! I know I’ll be picking up copies of both!
January 29, 2022 at 2:04 am
Pauline Cleary
” Find that piece of yourself to lift up others!” I will remember this, Chana. Thank you.
January 29, 2022 at 7:18 am
Mina
Loved your post Chana! Thank you for the great advice and tips 🙂
January 29, 2022 at 10:20 am
Lucy Staugler
Chana, what a beautiful name and wonderful post!
Keep spreading your magic!
Lucy Staugler
January 29, 2022 at 11:38 am
Andrea
Thank you for your post, Chana! I think sharing a unique piece of ourselves, so that somewhere out there a child can see themselves, and thus feel less alone is the most important thing we as writers for children can do.
January 29, 2022 at 11:39 am
mimisheawrites
Thank you Chana.
January 29, 2022 at 4:20 pm
susan gruidel
write your truth. awesome advice. so much of the time, my ideas come from watching other people, my children, my parents, friends. how novel to focus on me. something i should do more of everyday anyway.
January 29, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Amy Newbold
Wonderful blog post, and congratulations on your books. I’ll look for ways to put myself into my stories.
January 29, 2022 at 6:24 pm
deniseaengle
How do I see myself in my books—a new question I will be asking myself!
January 29, 2022 at 8:43 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
It’s so important for children to see themselves in books! Thank you for all these wonderful titles. 🙂
January 29, 2022 at 9:47 pm
annettepimentel
It’s lovely to get glimpses into the inside stories of these books!
January 30, 2022 at 12:18 am
Yaa
Congrats, Chana on writing your new book. You are an inspiration to young people.
January 30, 2022 at 3:12 am
LaurenKerstein
What a fantastic post, Chana!!!
January 30, 2022 at 4:53 am
linafeli
What an amazing, personal journey!
January 30, 2022 at 7:49 am
Shan
I think I respond more to character similarities in book characters than to situation or outward resemblance. I identify deeply with characters who think and act like me. I’ll have to ponder what that means for my writing. Thanks.
January 30, 2022 at 10:18 am
Susanne Whitehouse
So important for kids to see themselves on the pages of books! Thank you, Chana. 🙂
January 30, 2022 at 11:01 am
adavis6385
Chana, congratulations on all your forthcoming books and for this important reminder to be proud of our unique selves (our name included). Thanks for sharing your insights and for sharing those from your launch group, too. So valuable!
January 30, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love all these stories of people’s stories in one! Thanks for gathering and sharing with us.
January 30, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I love your post because it requires us to do some deep thinking about ourselves and how our unique personalities, fears and joys show up in books.
January 30, 2022 at 4:22 pm
Zoraida Rivera
I know the feeling! My name changed when I moved to New York. Chana, thanks for sharing so many wonderful books.
January 30, 2022 at 5:53 pm
Elizabeth Metz
I’ve thought about this a lot as an adult, and the thing is that I saw myself CONSTANTLY in books as a kid– bookish, introverted white girls are a dime a dozen in middle grade novels. (On the other hand, I rarely saw myself on screen, because we quiet ones don’t make for good TV unless you have a voiceover narrator… but I digress!)
Coming to that realization as an adult only reinforced my belief in the importance of representation. I never had to doubt that books were for me. Every kid deserves to feel the same. Thank you, Chana and friends!
January 30, 2022 at 6:18 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
This resonated with me “How can we as authors create characters or tackle subjects so that our audience can see themselves and be inspired?” Thank you.
January 30, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Penny Schneider
Your post really resonates with me. Growing up I would have loved seeing myself in a book or television show, but fun jewish stories and characters were hard to come by. My family was also decimated in the holocaust and anything related to that subject gave me nightmares for weeks. I am working on a Hanukkah story that I am hoping to pitch soon and your post gives me hope for it coming to fruition. I am all about the funny with a lot of heart that you can relate to. Thank you so much for sharing.
January 30, 2022 at 6:49 pm
angelapadron
So many great and important stories – thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2022 at 7:06 pm
riverwoods21
Thank you Chana and your writing buddies for sharing their books and ideas. Congratulations.
January 30, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the important reminder!
January 30, 2022 at 9:33 pm
claudine108
What an interesting perspective! Thank you, Chana!
January 31, 2022 at 9:23 am
Melissa Hastings
A charmingly inspiring post. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:33 am
Ana Archi
Thanks for a a trip down memory lane for some good ideas and remembering a warm childhood.
January 31, 2022 at 12:39 pm
tarashiroff
Brilliant and I loved all of your wisdom.
January 31, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Terri Sabol
“Write the stories inside you that no one else can tell.” I really feel this has been my mission with my Oscar and Emmy Series. Telling important stories to help families with cats. Thanks for sharing, Chana.
January 31, 2022 at 4:09 pm
flinn321
This was great. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Judy Bryan
Wonderful post, Chana. This one has me deep thinking. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 5:14 pm
cinzialverde
Love this post and message. It’s so important for everyone to be able to see themselves in books. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Meghan Downs
I loved reading about how the different authors saw themselves in their books. These all sound amazing! And the message of writing your truth is so important!
January 31, 2022 at 6:53 pm
matike2209
Thank you so much for this wonderful post!
January 31, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Teresa Traver
This post gives me something to think about. Thank you so much!
January 31, 2022 at 9:44 pm
ingridboydston
I’m inspired mostly by your becoming a writer who is truly you! Thank you for sharing this, (and all the bonus tips)!
January 31, 2022 at 9:52 pm
Nazanin Ford
Earlier in my writing life, I had DECIDED not to include my heritage and culture in my stories. I didn’t want to speak for everyone. I didn’t want to be pigeon-holed. It’s funny that it took me so long to embrace the person who wanted to write so fervently. Thanks for the sharing so many anecdotes about how putting ourselves in books serves our readers too.
January 31, 2022 at 10:48 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for sharing! This was empowering.
February 1, 2022 at 12:30 am
Megan McNamara
I love reading everyone’s connection to their stories. Beautiful!
February 1, 2022 at 12:33 am
Anna Brooks
Thank you, Chana, for gathering so many authors to share how they help kids see themselves in books based on their own experiences. This is giving me a lot of ideas!
February 1, 2022 at 12:35 am
Jocelyn Rish
Love all the advice for being inspired by our own lives!
February 1, 2022 at 1:34 am
Jennifer Broedel
Thanks for your insights! I see some new titles that I need to look for, as well, so I appreciate you featuring them in your post.
February 1, 2022 at 3:58 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Thanks for all of your insight!!
February 1, 2022 at 8:54 am
Sheri Dillard
Thank you for this inspiring post! What a great way to start the day! 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 10:55 am
Susie Sawyer
Thank you, Chana! I’m looking differently at my memories of childhood, thanks to you. I had been focusing on events and tangible things. Your post, and some of your examples, opened my eyes to some of the internal struggles I went through. Thanks again!!
February 1, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Jennifer Hunt
What a powerful message–finding yourself in a picture book and finding your truth. Thank you for sharing.
February 1, 2022 at 2:40 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Thanks for this inspirational post! I’ve lots of ideas swirling through my mind.
February 1, 2022 at 10:54 pm
Charlene Avery
Thank you Chana for sharing and inspiring, but especially for writing books so Jewish people can see themselves in books! Truly needed!
February 2, 2022 at 12:06 am
Azra Rahim
Thank you for this post and for your generosity in sharing your space with others. Thirty books?! I can’t even wrap my brain around that…
February 2, 2022 at 7:33 am
Kellie
Very inspiring. Much to think about.
February 2, 2022 at 9:33 pm
angiecal76
I can’t wait to read every one of these books. There are so many wonderful perspectives shared in each post. Thank you!
February 2, 2022 at 9:54 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
Hi Chana, Thank you so much for sharing and I’m so glad you are creating the books of your heart! Congratulations!
February 3, 2022 at 6:01 pm
Karan Greene
I think the best stories contain a piece of ourselves. Thank you for sharing!
February 3, 2022 at 11:30 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Thank you!
February 4, 2022 at 2:33 am
Sylvia Chen
Wow, so inspiring in so many ways. Thank you!
February 5, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Janel Caverly
Seeing ourselves in books is so valuable!
February 6, 2022 at 3:48 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for your inspiration. I look forward to reading your two new books!
February 7, 2022 at 10:23 am
Anne Young
I am one of the lucky ones – as a child, I was given books close to my experiences. Still, there are aspects yet to be explored. I’ve also been fortunate to have learnt a lot about Jewish life from my critique group and am interested to read your upcoming books.
February 10, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Dea Brayden
Love this thoughtful and thought-filled post. Btw MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH is a fav here!
January 23, 2023 at 11:04 am
Lorraine
I was one of those kids who enjoyed stories where the underdog overcomes obstacles, but also felt it could never be me. Looking back, I did overcome many seemingly insurmountable things. Hmmm… ideas flowing. Thanks!