Yay For Middle Grade Books! Interview With Sonja Thomas!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Sonja Thomas, the author of Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence, which is out now!

Would you please tell us a little about your book, Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence?

 

Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence is about a twelve-year-old scientist named Mira Williams who will stop at nothing to save her sick cat, Sir Fig Newton, when her parents can no longer afford to treat his diabetes. It’s a story about friendship, family, and the power of persistence.

What was the inspiration for the book?

 

The inspiration for Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence came from real life. My first cat Whiskey was diagnosed with diabetes and a co-worker had shared with his young son who has Type I diabetes that my cat was receiving insulin shots. His son was so excited, that he’d said, “If a cat can get insulin shots, then so can I!”

 

At that moment, I knew I had to write Whiskey’s story.

Random Question! What’s your favorite time of year?

 

Fall!

If you're able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

 

My short story “Lovebugs Bite” will be coming out this July in the fantasy/sci-fi anthology Beware the Bugs. Although I can’t get into details, I just wrapped up my third freelance project, historical chapter books to supplement fourth grade social studies textbooks. I also have some projects on submission, so keeping my anxious mind busy by focusing on school visits, speaking at various events, and daydreaming about new story ideas.

What are some of your favorite MG books you've read recently? And what are some that you're looking forward to reading?

 

Sadly, I’m way behind on my TBR pile, but the most recent middle grade books that I’ve read and loved are Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin, The House That Wasn't There by Elana K. Arnold, and JR Silver Writes Her World by Melissa Dassori.

I’m really looking forward to reading Every Bird a Prince by Jenn Reese, Dad's Girlfriend and Other Anxieties by Kellye Crocker, and Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann.

Thank you to Sonja Thomas for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: SONJA THOMAS (she/her) writes stories for readers of all ages, often featuring brave, everyday girls doing extraordinary things. Raised in Central Florida—home of the wonderful world of Disney, humidity, and hurricanes—and a Washington, DC transplant for 11 years (go Nats!), she's now “keeping it weird” in the Pacific Northwest.

 Ruled by coffee & cats, a few of her favorite things are

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• dancing to music blasting in the living room 

• traveling to new places and buying a magnet before leaving

• snuggling with her furry friend, Gabbie Lu (just don't let her roommate's 3 other cats know!)

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She's a contributing author for Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence is her debut middle grade novel 

Here are a few links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram