All writing begins with one little spark: a unique and brilliant idea. Yet taking that idea from inspiration to the finished page takes a lot of shaping, nurturing, and even support from an enthusiastic community. In John Schu’s new picture book Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, the titular main character wakes up with one such spark — but how will she develop it into something she can share with the world? We had the chance to sit down with John to discuss the inspiration behind Ruthie Rose and how connecting young readers with encouraging books can help to positively shape their lives.
About John Schu
John Schu is the author of the picture books This Is a School, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, and This Is a Story, illustrated by Lauren Castillo, as well as the young adult novel Louder Than Hunger. He is also a children’s librarian at Bookelicious and a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University. He was previously the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs and has worked as a classroom teacher and school librarian. He travels all over the world visiting schools and meeting with students, teachers, and administrators as he advocates for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, schools, and the libraries — and librarians — that connect them. John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois. You can find his latest reading recommendations on his popular blog, Watch. Connect. Read.
Thank you so much for speaking with us, John. Let’s get started.
Can you briefly introduce our readers to Ruthie Rose and what’s going on with her at the beginning of the story?
Ruthie Rose has a joyful spirit! An enthusiastic spirit! She wakes up with an idea. A big, bright, beautiful idea. An idea that comes to her because of her love of poetry, poets, and possibilities.
Ruthie Rose’s idea is one that she hopes will bring creative thinkers and makers together to support one another. Why do you think the message of artists supporting artists is an important one, especially right now?
Thank you for recognizing that Ruthie Rose is a creative thinker and maker. My favorite thing to do during school visits and professional development presentations is to booktalk books I didn’t write. To lift up other artists. To celebrate my love of reading and libraries and poetry. To give away many books to hearts that need them.
I’m always thinking about the status of hearts. My rule is if I talk about a book during a school visit or professional development presentation, I try to give away a copy of the book. I read the room. I look people in the eyes, searching for a heart that is waiting to be inspired by this book. I ask myself which heart truly needs this book. It is a gift. It is an honor.
You’re known to many not only as an author but as a dedicated advocate for children’s literacy and the power of storytelling. Would it be a stretch to say that the story of Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea comes from a personal place?
Ruthie Rose started talking to me at O’Hare International Airport on a Friday as I was boarding a flight to LaGuardia Airport to work on Louder Than Hunger. She said, “I woke up this morning with a big, bright, beautiful idea.” I recorded that sentence in my notebook as I walked down the jet bridge. Around noon on Sunday, she told me that her BIG IDEA was to create The Poetry Place in her school library. I’m a lot like Ruthie Rose.
You recently also shared another very personal story with the middle-grade novel Louder Than Hunger, which fictionalized your experience with an eating disorder as a teenager. What drives you to share such authentic experiences with young readers?
During school visits, I always share that Kate DiCamillo’s The Tiger Rising was on my mind as I wrote Louder Than Hunger. I reminded myself not to put a tiger on top of my heart. I encouraged myself, as Kate DiCamillo would say, “to open up the suitcase of my heart.” I was vulnerable, open, honest, and authentic. It has been the biggest honor of my life to share Louder Than Hunger with readers around the world.
As a literacy advocate and a children’s librarian, what are your thoughts on the recent movements by some to have children’s books that address such “controversial” topics removed from school and public library bookshelves?
I advocate for stories that validate the uniqueness of each individual in our reading communities. During a keynote address, award-winning author Laurie Halse Anderson once said, “I don’t write dark stories. I write candles. I write fire.” I think about Laurie’s wise words often. They remind me of how her powerful and much-needed stories, her candles and fire, have helped so many students heal.
Unfortunately, Laurie Halse Anderson’s books have appeared multiple times on the American Library Association’s Top Banned/Challenged list. People fight to keep her words out of public, school, and classroom libraries. They fight to keep out books that could help so many heal from a variety of similar difficulties and trauma. When we purchase, promote, and read aloud books that honor our students’ individual journeys, we take an extra step toward creating possibilities for stories to heal their hearts.
What are the last three books for children that you’ve finished and immediately added to your “must-read” recommendation list?
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson, Snow by Meera Trehan, and At the Window by Hope Lim, illustrations by Qin Leng.
Finally, in honor of Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, what is your favorite space to create, and who are the supportive people that you share your work with first?
My favorite space to create is at 46th and Broadway in New York City. I know that’s very specific. I love the energy at that intersection. You’re surrounded by the energy and heart of Broadway. It fills my soul. I’m grateful for the supportive people in my life. My open-hearted agent Molly O’Neill and award-winning author Jasmine Warga are usually the first people to learn about new projects.
A big thank you to John for taking the time to talk to us! Be sure to find him online at JohnSchu.com, or on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Pinterest. Lastly, don’t forget to check out Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea and add it to your family’s TBR list!
To see some of our favorite kids books that encourage the spark of creativity, check out our article on Three Reads That Will Encourage Emerging Artists.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
