Q&A with Sydney Dunlap

 

 

 

Sydney Dunlap is the author of the new middle grade novel Racing the Clouds. Her other books include It Happened on Saturday. She is a former elementary school teacher.

 

Q: Why did you decide to focus on the impact of addiction in your new novel?

 

A: Ever since I was a young reader myself, I have enjoyed stories about real things that happen to real kids. My favorite authors while growing up were Katherine Paterson and Judy Blume because they addressed so many timely, relevant topics in their books that resonated with me.

 

I enjoy writing about difficult subject matter that is a part of people’s lives, but doesn’t necessarily get covered in a lot of books for young people.

 

In addition to building empathy and allowing readers in difficult situations to see reflections of their experiences, books can be great conversation starters, both at home and in the classroom. With the current opioid crisis, I thought this would be a topic that could be especially impactful.

 

Q: How did you create your character Sage?

 

A: I wanted to write about a character who is in a difficult situation but has ways to help herself through it. That’s how I decided that she should be a runner. Sage's love of running also serves to connect her with her mom.

 

And Sage's love of animals helps her through hard times too and makes it possible to bridge the gap with her grandmother.

 

Sage has conflicting feelings when she’s invited to visit the grandparents she has never met—and I thought it would be interesting to explore a character who struggles with guilt for something that really isn’t her fault, and then puts it on herself to try to fix a situation she had nothing to do with.

 

Sage has a lot of empathy, but at the same time, is very guarded with her emotions—and I thought having those traits in tandem could make for a very complex and interesting character.

 

She feels responsible for events out of her control and wants to make things better for everyone, and I thought it would be interesting to explore her journey toward realizing everything isn’t always up to her. 

 

Q: The writer Claire Swinarski said of the book, “Racing the Clouds is a powerful story about how someone who’s experienced devastation can once more get a hold on love and goodness.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I love it. I feel that it goes right to the heart of what I wanted to communicate through this story, and I’m thrilled and honored to have her endorsement in such lovely language. 

 

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

 

A: I hope that readers develop a greater understanding of the power of forgiveness. We all have times when we need to forgive others, and we also need to remember to show kindness and forgiveness toward ourselves.

 

I hope that readers also think about the fact that it’s never too late to make up with someone, and that it's possible to find common ground with people who may be very different from us.

 

I also hope Sage’s story gets readers thinking about the importance of stepping into other people's shoes for a while and having the difficult conversations, as well as how friends can be there for each other through the hard times.

 

I hope young readers also gain a better understanding about the dangers of opioids and how to stay safe from them and other dangerous substances.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m currently drafting another middle grade novel, this time told in two points of view. It tackles the theme of freedom both within the family and in society.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I enjoy connecting with readers at schools, libraries, bookstores, and book festivals. Please see the events section of my website for endorsements and what I can offer.

 

And thank you so much for hosting me! I really appreciate this opportunity to share Racing the Clouds with you and your readers!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Sydney Dunlap.