|
|
| Jasmine Warga | |
Jasmine Warga is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of A Rover's Story and the Newbery Honor winner Other Words for Home. Her other middle-grade novels include the New York Times bestseller A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall and The Shape of Thunder.
Alessandra Balzer: Tell us a little bit about your new novel, The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan.
Jasmine Warga: It's about the unexpected friendship between Chase, a cheetah cub, and Finnegan, a rescue dog. The story is based on real programs at zoos across the country where rescue dogs are paired with cheetahs to help with the cheetahs' development and reduce their anxiety. This captured my imagination, and I was inspired to think about how two very different animals may end up being perfect companions.
Balzer: It's hard to believe this is your first time writing animal characters! Why was this story the right one?
Warga: I've always been a huge animal lover! I even did my fourth-grade report on Cathryn Hilker, the legendary cheetah trainer from the Cincinnati Zoo. Once I learned about the cheetah-companion dog program, I knew this was a story I had to write. I found a way to explore several themes that are important to me through these animals' journeys.
Balzer: Even though this is an animal story, it's one of your most personal. Do you want to speak to that?
Warga: In this story, Chase struggles with the pressure of feeling like she is the only cheetah at the zoo, and that her performance will determine the fate of cheetahs everywhere. I can relate to that. Growing up, I was often the only person from my ethnic and religious background, and I felt so much pressure to represent my community in the most exemplary way. A big part of Chase and Finnegan's story is learning that you don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love and empathy.
Balzer: How has meeting children in schools across the country affected your writing style?
Warga: It's made me more passionate than ever about writing books that are accessible to all kids. I was late to independent reading myself, and I strive to write books that have the thematic depth to engage readers, but enough white space and quick pacing to be welcoming. I'm also more inspired than ever to write books that let kids who feel different know there are people who will love them just as they are.
Balzer: What is your hope for the readers of this book?
Warga: I hope kids are reminded of how special and fortifying friendship can be--how sometimes the strongest friendships are forged with people who are different from us. With so many of our kids dealing with anxiety, I hope this book helps them understand they aren't alone in their struggle. And finally, I hope it encourages readers to think about the beauty of our world, and how we can work together to take better care of our planet and all its living creatures.