Opossums, Octopuses, and Puffins -- Meet Ann Braden, a Judy Blume for this generation

Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Meet Ann Braden, a modern day Judy Blume, who has written the most wonderful, sensitive middle grade books about that time in your life when you're struggling between being a child and being an adult. Today we explore the inspiration behind The Benefits of Being an Octopus, Flight of the Puffin, and her latest book, Opinions and Opossums. Join us for a conversation that explores the challenges and joys of writing about real issues for this young audience and the importance of finding and using your voice.

[00:50] Discussion about Ann Braden's Writing Journey

• Discovering a passion for writing and activism.
• Self-doubt and early reluctance to write — and pivotal moments that changed things

[07:03] A golden age of middle grade writing

• Authors who inspire Ann
• Representation of diverse emotions and experiences.

[08:54 Inspiration for Ann's Characters

• The inspiration behind Ann’s unique heroines — and connections to the author

[11:30] How Opinions and Opossums reflects the author’s childhood and struggles with self-doubt and religion.

• Questioning societal norms and why adolescents often lose their self-confidence.
• Struggles boys also face regarding societal expectations and limitations.

[17:08] Opinions and Opossums origin story

[17:29] Ann’s writing process.

• Practice of jotting down one idea per day for two months.
• Bullet journals and colored pens
• Exploring Theme, Setting, Plot, and Characters.
• Connecting unique animals to the theme

[19:16] Flight of the Puffin

• Themes of unity and connection
• Importance of moving beyond surface-level discussions.
• Significance of finding ways to connect, act, and belong.

[24:30] Origins of Local Love Brigade

• Sending postcards with messages of love and support to counter hate mail
• Impact of acts of kindness and community engagement.
• Connecting to library camps

[29:31] Origins of #KidsNeedBooks #KidsNeedMentors

[32:05] Issues that inspire Ann’s activism.

{35:42] Current sources of joy.

[38:25] How to counter book banning

• Drawing parallels to Ann’s activism in gun control.
• The importance of finding like-minded individuals and standing up against bullies.

[43:41] Balancing sensitivity and strength.
Watch the episode on YouTube.

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