Q&A with Sarah Aronson

 

 

 

Sarah Aronson is the author of the new children's picture book biography Abzuglutely!: Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug. It focuses on the life of Congresswoman Bella Abzug (1920-1998). Aronson's other books include Brand-New Bubbe. She lives in Chicago.

 

Q: Why did you decide to write a picture book biography of Bella Abzug?

 

A: Because she was my hero.

 

When I was young, growing up in a mostly Christian environment, where girls were shushed and rewarded for being demure, I was none of those things.

 

Lucky for me, an older cousin recognized that sparkle and introduced me to Ms. magazine, the feminist movement, and Bella Abzug. From the start, she motivated me to do more. Everything about her appealed to me: her low, gravelly voice, her insights, and of course, her hats.

 

Best of all, here was this loud, opinionated, Jewish congresswoman saying things that I agreed with. She was dynamic. Brave. Exciting to listen to. It seemed to me that she said whatever was on her mind.

 

I, on the other hand, felt overlooked. I didn’t really fit in. At a time when I was first starting to understand government and politics, Bella Abzug represented my vision of a just world. She showed me who I could be.

 

After I gained confidence in my ability to write a picture book biography, I knew I had to write about her. Writing this book was an honor. I really can’t believe I got to do this.

 

Q: How did you research her life, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: Deb, before I answer, I have to say something about research and how we can help new writers and readers be better consumers of information—since misinformation is everywhere.

 

It is going to be essential for nonfiction writers to talk to kids about research and how to find reliable sources and objective facts. I know, when I was a kid, there was a lot of effort placed on inference. I was encouraged to read into things. But now I think we may do a little too much of that—and many people have been taken in by false messaging.

 

Whenever I start a new book, I begin with primary resources. In this case, I listened to recordings of Bella speaking. I read speeches and books that she wrote. That helped me get a sense of her syntax and vocabulary and her amazing ideas about the world and her career.

 

When I was done doing that, I pivoted to secondary sources—books and articles about her. The best was Leandra Zarnow’s Battling Bella: The Protest Politics of Bella Abzug. After reading her book, I sent her a message. And she was gracious enough to write back and talk to me—which was amazingly helpful.

 

And of course, getting to talk to Bella’s daughter, Liz, was invaluable. I am so grateful that they were willing to talk to me. Please check out the work that Liz is doing at the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute. She continues her mother’s good work.

 

When I am in the fact-collecting phase, I look for corroboration. I want to find at least three sources for everything I include in the book. If I find conflicting information, I don’t accept anything. Instead, I dig deeper until I have some proof that what I am saying is correct.

 

For example, I found one source that called Bella the first Jewish congresswoman. (She was second.)

 

I also imagined that all these women who fought with Bella were really good friends and agreed on everything. Of course, that wasn’t true either. These trailblazers put aside their differences to work for a cause. (I think that’s amazing.)

Q: What do you think Andrea D’Aquino's illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Isn’t her art gorgeous???? Andrea’s illustrations strengthen the text. They give the book energy. I love how she drew Bella. The book is so joyful and exuberant. I love how she wove the text into the art. I also love how she depicted New York City.

 

Q: The Horn Book review of the book says, “The book ends with an inspirational call to action for readers in the twenty-first century to help fulfill Abzug’s vision.” What do you see as Abzug's legacy today?

 

A: Bella Abzug did what all trailblazers do: she paved the way for others to continue the hard work of justice. She also showed us how to use the energy of protest—for the greater good. And she modeled how to use our voices—to make change happen.

 

Sadly, she also showed us how to keep going after a tough loss. With determination. And humor. I love how much she loved her family, too.

 

Her campaign slogan will sound familiar: A woman’s place is in the house…the House of Representatives. I love that she predicted that young people and women would play a huge role in our nation’s leadership. That prediction sustains me—especially now. Long before we began to talk about the importance of diversity and inclusion, she fought for it.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I like to work on more than one thing at a time—and on books in different genres. I honor my creativity and curiosity by not worrying about what shelf the book will ultimately sit on.

 

I’m also an intuitive writer and I often need time to step away from the manuscript. I just finished a book about Marty Glickman, the voice of New York sports. I’m currently researching and drafting a book about the life of Christopher Reeve. (The new movie is tremendous.)

 

I’m also working on two middle grade novels—one about witches. The other is set in Chicago. And looking down the road, there is a YA novel idea I’d like to get to.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I don’t need to tell anyone that we are about to live through a very difficult four years. I am also sure that my heart isn’t the only one feeling defeated and broken. But as Bella would say: there is work to do.

 

A lot of teachers and educators are very nervous about the future. Our goals as creatives for children have never been more important.

 

I hope that soon, strong women and men will continue to fight the racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia that we are seeing all over our country and world.

 

I hope that instead of hunkering down, we start taking chances. On the page AND on the streets. That might feel rebellious, but creatively speaking, playing it safe will never be fulfilling. I am sure that Bella would urge us all to keep on battling and bellowing—the way she did. To keep fighting for what is right—the way she did. And to never give up.

 

So, over the next four years, I am going to get out there. And yes, of course, I hope to introduce Bella to many kids. (Stephanie Lucianovic and I even wrote a tool kit for young activists.) And I think we all need to talk about research and recognizing reliable sources.

 

I hope we will all vow to support others who are less fortunate. Bella’s family believed in tikkun olam, a term that means repairing the world. Bella and her family knew that charity was a great first step, but to get meaningful change, we must all be empowered.

 

For everyone reading this, I hope you find hope in my words and Bella’s vision of the country and world. Together, we can use this time to build a coalition of like-minded thinkers with big ideas. We can make a difference in kids’ lives. Because Bella was right: young people are our future.

 

Thanks for inviting me to answer your questions!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Sarah Aronson.