In
my Sibert Honor acceptance speech for Sea Otter Heroes, I mentioned a
teacher who once defined nonfiction as the facts and fiction as the heart. I’ll
be honest; she hurt my feelings.
Written
like a mystery, Sea Otter Heroes explores
the idea that we don’t know what we don’t know. Marine biologist Brent Hughes
connected the dots to discover endangered sea otters are responsible for the
health of a seagrass ecosystem. Seagrass sequesters carbon, provides a nursery
for our food supply as it matures, and calms the waves that pound our
coastlines. Now consider the new White House proposal to gut the Endangered
Species Act. Without protection, sea otters and the benefits they provide could
be lost to us and future generations. I want my readers to understand the
effects of our actions.
books—part biography, part science adventure—tell inspiring true stories of
scientists who make a difference. I hope these stories empower children and
show them their voices matter, which the Common Core might tempt readers to
identify as the author’s purpose. But my purpose goes beyond “persuade, inform,
or entertain.” Just as fiction authors write about themes that resonate with
them, so too do nonfiction authors. My themes first have to light my fire with a personal connection, a
narrative, and a Wow! factor.
 |
| Standing in front of the soon-to-be completed performing arts center. The blue arrow points to me. |
I
was raised to care for myself, my family, and my community. My husband calls me
a professional volunteer. Building a performing arts center at my kids’ former
high school is my latest project. Time commitment: ten-plus years.
 |
| Hopping my way to victory on July 4th sack race |
As
a kid, I spent a lot of time outside. I played kickball in the street, hiked,
ice skated, built snow tunnels, rode my bike, fished, planted trees, and sailed
on Malletts Bay (hello fellow Vermonters). I collected bugs and pressed fall
leaves for my season-deprived friend in Florida. I even read outside.
 |
| Me (right) examining the skull of a long-dead elephant with a guide in Kenya |
Outside
was part of me. Clearly there’s a connection between my love of the outdoors,
my urge to volunteer, and my string of environmental titles. But there’s more
to it. Like fiction, nonfiction comes from emotion. For me, that usually means
feelings of injustice and confusion. Injustice over problems such as mountains
of marine debris or elephant and rhino poaching. Confusion over how my time
(and money) might be most effective.
challenge is to simultaneously tell the truth, inspire, and offer hope for
myself and my readers. In my books hope is synonymous with science.
used to volunteer for the San Diego Zoo, and traveled to Kenya on a safari led
by one of the zoo’s geneticists. During the trip I became fascinated by
elephants’ social relationships and cognitive capabilities. Eavesdropping on Elephants explores the value of listening to them in order to save
them from extinction. I’ve added QR codes to the narrative to bring kids into
the forest to see and hear the elephants as the scientists did. The closer kids
get to the wild the more they will care.
a zoo volunteer, I understood how zoos promote conservation, but many people
don’t. Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
braids together three fascinating success stories about endangered species
and the zoo scientists who protect them. The scientists go to incredible
lengths to save orangutans, black-footed ferrets, and black rhinos, but they
started out as kids who loved animals. Readers identify with that. One mother
wrote to say, “My son is now more than ever convinced that he wants to study
animals…you lit a fire in him with this book. For that, I am grateful!”
readers, I know kids have found the heart I’ve woven through the pages.
kids to seek connections to the real world. Titles such as SEA OTTER HEROES,
EAVESDROPPING ON ELEPHANTS, and NEEMA’S REASON TO SMILE encourage readers to
act and use imagination to solve problems. A Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient,
her books have received starred reviews, two Green Earth Book Awards, a
Parents’ Choice Award, been honored as Junior Library Guild Selections, and
included on Bank Street College’s Best Books lists. Her author visits are
described as “phenomenal,” “fantastic,” “mesmerizing,”
“passionate,” and “inspirational.” Visit her at www.patriciamnewman.com.
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7 Responses
Thanks for this inspiring post! These books are "must reads" for all children!
I feel exactly as you do Patricia! Both in why I'm inspired to write and what I hope inspires young readers. Thank you for your books and voice.
I love all of your books, Patricia, but I especially loved EAVESDROPPING–such majestic and sensitive creatures and the science was fascinating too!
Sorry, I'm a little slow on the uptake Maria. Thank you for your lovely comments. The elephants and I appreciate them. 🙂
You're very welcome, Ilsa. Sorry I'm so slow to respond. The planet needs all the voices it can get.
Thanks so much, Claire!
Thank you for posting this wonderful lady and her passions. I'm anxious to read them all. I'm sure I'll have a favorite.