Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.
Congratulations to Anita Fitch Pazner on the release of Words Matter
How did you get the idea for your book?
My introduction to Hans and Sophie occurred while on a bike tour with my teenaged daughters on a trip to Munich, Germany. Their story never left me. I spent the next four years researching and writing about them. I read their diaries, letters—basically anything I could get my hands on. Then I returned to Germany with one of my sons and scoured Munich and Ulm, where Hans and Sophie lived, for any clues to who they were. As an American with German heritage, I needed to know there was goodness in the hearts of the German people. I also wanted to know how a progressive, democratic country could fall victim to the racism and horrors of that time in history.
Your novel is written in verse. How did you approach this and were there any challenges?
Funny story about that. I originally set out to write the story as a picture book, and I submitted it to several SCBWI-MI Critique Carousel agents and editors. I received fantastic critiques, and requests to submit. When I followed up and submitted the story, I received champagne rejections across the board. They just didn’t quite know where to place the story.
You see, Hans and Sophie were beheaded for using their words against the government. Not the best visual for a picture book, or so I’m told.
Ready to throw the manuscript in the proverbial drawer, I reached out to an editor at Groundwood Books who suggested it might be a middle-grade novel in verse. My first question was, “How much do I need to change to make it fit the format?” The reply was, “It’s pretty much written that way.” I know it sounds hokey, but it feels as though Hans and Sophie’s spirit helped guide the way I wrote the story. Just to be clear, the book is written in free verse rather than any formal poetic style.
What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?
After reading the book, I hope young people walk away empowered to know their words really do matter. Words can be beautiful, dangerous, uplifting and powerful. Most of all, words have energy all their own and live on long after a person is gone. In this fast-paced world of social media, it’s time to consider the words we use. I also hope this book encourages young people to think for themselves, much like Hans and Sophie.
What are your marketing plans for the book?
A book launch is scheduled for September 14, 2025, in Farmington, Michigan at THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED BOOKSTORE. After having received the SCBWI Regional Advisor Marketing Grant, I got busy planning my dream launch. There will be free food, bevies, giveaways and servers in lederhosen (AKA my son and his friend). I’m honoring any educator or librarian with a special gift package of swag. All attendees will be given a special something in memory of those who lost their lives speaking out against fascism. I’m asking anyone who plans to attend to reach out through my website and let me know they are coming. I want to make sure everyone leaves with something special.
What's next for you?
Great question. I have several novels in the works. One with a science-based game. Another about brothers that think they are going to die. And a fun graphic novel I’m trying to find a home for about a group of kids who discover a murder at an alternative high school for at risk kids. I can’t seem to get away from dead characters. Sigh.
Oh, and I’m still looking for just the right agent to be my partner in crime.
More about the book . . .
The White Rose Resistance was the German student movement that used the power of the written word to speak out against Nazis during World War II. They worked in secret to distribute leaflets condemning the government’s actions at a time when doing so meant putting your life at risk.
The story follows siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, who were instrumental members of the resistance. Words Matter transports readers through the world the siblings inhabited, from their idyllic childhood to becoming leaders in the Hitler Youth groups; the Nuremberg Rally; witnessing the arrests and murders of innocent people; and finally emerging as leaders of the White Rose Resistance ― while still believing in the goodness that lived in the hearts of the German people. The Scholl siblings were arrested and executed in 1943 but their legacy, and the words of the Resistance, live on.
Published by: Groundwood Books
More about the author . . .
Anita earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) and is the co-regional advisor for Michigan’s SCBWI region. She’s an author whose been working on the craft of writing most of her life. Research and revision are her superpowers. When not doing laundry or dishes, she spends her time gardening, walking in the woods and being bossed around by her demanding canine friend, Finn.
Anita, I can't wait to read this book. I hope to make it to your book launch.
ReplyDeleteAnita, thank you for bringing Hans and Sophie into our consciousness. This is a book of your heart; the best kind. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your book release, Anita! I can't wait to read it and feature you at Literary Rambles.
ReplyDeleteGo Anita! Excited for your book launch party!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! After reading a little about Sophie Scholl in another book, I'm eager to read more about her and the resistance in yours.
ReplyDeleteAnita, this is a much needed story, and I love the format you have chosen! It works so well for this age group and beyond with the space it leaves for a character’s questions and the reader’s opportunity to inhabit them.Congratulations on the marvelous launch plans as well AND the additional novels you have coming along next! Amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! This is a story that needs to be told and you are the right person to tell it. I am very proud to know you. Great interview too!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! This is a story that needs to be told and you are the right person to tell it. I am very proud to know you. Great interview too!!
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