Q&A with Sherri L. Smith

 

 

 

Sherri L. Smith is the author of the new middle grade novel Candace, the Universe, and Everything. Her other books include Pearl. She teaches at Hamline University, and she lives in Los Angeles.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Candace, the Universe, and Everything?

 

A: Initially, I was interested in the idea of a girl finding a notebook from a previous student that helps her navigate her friendships.  

 

But I quickly realized the notebook would not just be a “left behind” item, but something more unusual, which lead to the idea of the wormhole in her locker, and the link to earlier generations.  

 

From there, I leaned into different elements, like a bird I saw fly overhead one day that seemed to have translucent wings, and the “visual snow” I see when I stare into a blue sky. It looks like a boiling pot, so why not a portal?

 

Q: The writer Gene Luen Yang called the book a “delightful celebration of intergenerational friendship that blends history, mystery, and science!” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I’d say it’s pretty darn accurate!  Having read the book, wouldn’t you agree?

 

Q: How did you research the novel, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: As mentioned above, I learned that I see a blue sky differently from most people. I’d never heard of visual snow before, but it seems to manifest in different ways, so that was really interesting. We always wonder if we are literally seeing things the same way other people see them.  It turns out we’re not! 

 

Because interdimensional magpies play a role in the story, I did research by going on my first bird watching walk and a bird sit, where you bring a chair out into the wilds and draw the birds you see. 

 

From that I learned that not far from my house in Southern California, we get hundreds of species of birds, some from as far away as Africa! I think that’s pretty amazing.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I hope it opens them up the possibilities, writ large. I find there’s a lack of curiosity these days. People barely go past the first page of a search engine response. Think of what they’re missing out on! 

 

Talk to your grandparents, ask them things! Imagine “what if” in every situation. Whether it’s science-based, like in Candace, or purely imaginative, it will open up your mind and your world to engage with the possible. 

 

I also hope they get some laughs and a bit of “it’s going to be okay” for any reader going through their own friendship challenges.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I have a few irons in the fire right now. You can expect to see my first picture book next year, and there’s another graphic novel with the artist. And then I’m hoping to return to middle grade with a ghost story. Fingers crossed! I’ll be sure to let you know what happens!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: This is a hard time for books and librarians and teachers. Thank your book people, folks! They’re working hard to connect you with stories that will light up your life. Here’s to keeping both our minds and hearts open. Now, go hug a book!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Sherri L. Smith.