Author Interview: Mitali Perkins

I recently received the chance to review Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace. I LOVED it. Emily was originally released in 1950, and was re-released last month by Harper Perennial with a new foreword by author Mitali Perkins. Mitali was born in India, and in her foreword she recounts her discovery of Emily at a public library when she was relatively new to America.

The library I currently work at serves a lot of immigrant families and a large, diverse group of kids hang out at the library after school. I was especially touched by the Mitali's affection for books. I recently asked Mitali some questions about writing the foreword for Emily of Deep Valley, and I'm happy to have some new book recommendations for bored kids. (And bored me.)
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In the foreword you discuss how Lovelace’s books possess essential storytelling ingredients: people, place, and plot. Which Lovelace characters do you most enjoy spending time with?

I love how Betsy starts the school year with introspection, setting goals for her writing and life. But my favorite, of course, is Emily, because of her courage in a tough situation.

You enjoyed Lovelace’s books as a child—do you think they influence your writing?

Definitely! I strive to convey the uplifting values and hope Lovelace effortlessly intertwined into her excellent stories.

Your foreword tells the beautiful story of your childhood discovery of the Betsy-Tacy books and Emily when you were fairly new to America. Are there other books that spoke to you in similar ways? (Do follow the links for Mitali's thoughts on each of these books.)

Little Women. A Little Princess. Anne of Green Gables. And many, many more.

Did writing the foreword to Emily of Deep Valley come easily? What is prefacing one of your favorite books like?

It was a piece of cake because I love the book so much. And such an honor to be asked! I'm still floating.

How do you think Emily of Deep Valley and Maud Hart Lovelace’s other books measure up to contemporary young adult and children’s literature?

I think they're better than most contemporary novels, including my own. I'm organizing a tweet-read of the book this week where I'm asking people to comment on why this book earns the label of a classic, especially when it comes to issues of race, class, culture and gender. The hashtag is #kidclassic.

I must admit that I’ve never read your books. Do you have a favorite work or one you recommend starting with?

Why not travel to India with Jazz in Monsoon Summer? Or if you're looking for a quicker read, visit Bangladesh with Naima in Rickshaw Girl.

Please describe your newest book, Bamboo People, in three words.

Boys. War. Choices.

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Thank you, Mitali! You can find out more about Mitali Perkins at her blog. A list of her books can be found here.

Stay tuned for more Maud Hart Lovelace fun with Carney's House Party and Winona's Pony Cart--another book to gush about.