Q&A with Rosanne Tolin

 

 

Rosanne Tolin is the author of the new middle grade novel Freedom's Game. It is set during World War II. She also has written the book More than Marmalade. Also a journalist, she lives in Chesterton, Indiana.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Freedom’s Game, and how did you create your character Ziggy?

 

A: The inspiration for Freedom’s Game was, initially, from an article I read about a lesser-known WWII resistance fighter named Georges Loinger. His true story tugged at me for months, until I finally started drafting the story.

 

Overall, however, the motivation was from my parents. Unfortunately, they both passed away while I was writing it. As I began the book, I almost instinctively sprinkled in pieces of their families—especially on my mother’s side, since they’re from Germany.

 

As far as my father, he had a keen interest in Holocaust education, so I also wanted to carry on his legacy in some way.

 

Ziggy embodies my dad as a young boy—and, because my mother’s family was full of academics, he also has some of her studious, pragmatic traits.

 

Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: Since I’m a former journalist, the research came naturally! For a historical fiction manuscript to get off to a solid start, I think it’s important to feel comfortable with the subject matter. From there, building out the world is way easier.

 

It’s not necessary to be an expert—any bigger questions that arise, or smaller, detailed ones, can always be answered by turning to textbooks, newspapers, journals—in general, secondary sources are important starting points.

 

However, primary ones are excellent, and needed, too. Obviously, I couldn’t talk to Georges, but I could use my firsthand knowledge of France and the French language. I also sought the knowledge of history professors, watched documentaries, and observed interviews with Holocaust survivors to round out my research.

Q: The writer Stacy Nockowitz said of the book, “Freedom’s Game is so many things: an astounding true account; a tense thriller; a testimony to the evil- and the good- of which humans are capable; and, most of all, a story of friendship, hope and kindness in the midst of despair.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I was so humbled when I read that description from Stacy! She’s an amazing writer. I loved her MG book, The Prince of Steel Pier, which won the National Jewish Book Award two years ago.

 

I think she captured all the elements of Freedom’s Game with this description. It really is a story of hope and friendship that any middle grade reader can relate to, on many levels.

 

The protagonists, Ziggy and Elka, also do some super sleuthing! So, from that standpoint, the story is meant to keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

 

But, in part by nature of the overall plot and subject matter, it also has heavier themes about mankind, and how far we’ll go to care for one another. Or, on a darker note, the exact opposite.

 

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

 

A: Since the book is historical fiction, my intention is to have readers so immersed that they’re “there.” That experience, in turn, will help them become more empathetic individuals, by placing them in an unfamiliar place and time period, and making it relatable to their own lives.

 

I’m hopeful readers will realize that, as much as we all have our differences, we’re essentially the same at our core. We all love our families, our friends—and even when we feel anxious or scared, we can surprise ourselves with the courage that’s inside us.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Multiple projects at once! I have a MG fiction book out on submission per my agent, Elizabeth Copps. Additionally, I’m working on a MG mystery project—that I think could make a fun series—and I’m also revising an upper MG manuscript and thinking about rewriting a YA novel!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Freedom’s Game started out as a picture book. I focused solely on the climax of the book in a 32-page spread. But the feedback from my agent and critique partner(s) was that it “deserved” to be a full-length novel. At the time, although I knew they were right, I heaved a big sigh because I’d never tried my hand at writing historical fiction (only nonfiction).

 

But ultimately, writing the book was more emotionally gratifying than I could’ve ever imagined. So, to anyone out there who’s feeling a little intrepid about trying something new, writing-wise or otherwise—I say go for it!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was done in partnership with Rosanne Tolin as part of a book tour. Readers who follow the tour can enter this giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Freedom's Game and a brand new official World Cup match ball! Don't miss out on your chance!