Jeannine Atkins, an acclaimed author known for her works targeting young readers about courageous women, has released a new memoir-in-verse titled Knocking on Windows. This powerful book addresses themes of memory, healing, and her journey as a writer. Atkins' previous titles include Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science and Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math. She teaches writing for children and young adults at Simmons University and resides in western Massachusetts.
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Knocking on Windows explores the aftermath of sexual assault and the healing process through poetry. Atkins emphasizes the importance of revisiting her past as she responds to contemporary issues surrounding trauma and women's rights. She felt compelled to share her story in light of the changing societal landscape, particularly after the election of a sexual abuser to the presidency. This memoir allowed her to reclaim pride in her identity and extend compassion to others facing similar struggles.
In discussing her choice of format, Atkins notes that poetry resonated more deeply with her experiences as a college student. The fragmented nature of memory is mirrored in her poetic structure, allowing for emotional expression without clear connections.
Reflecting on the writing process, Atkins shared that revisiting painful memories elicited strong emotions, which ultimately contributed to her sense of empowerment. She aimed to balance the themes of trauma and beauty in her work, inspired by poets such as Maya Angelou and Sylvia Plath.
Atkins advises young women who have experienced sexual assault to allow themselves the necessary time and tenderness to heal. She believes in the transformative power of writing, stating, “To write is to find the courage to claim that we matter.”
Influenced by authors like Jacqueline Woodson and Laurie Halse Anderson, Atkins finds strength in verse memoirs and hopes to inspire others to confront their experiences. In light of current challenges, she encourages readers to find strength within themselves and recognize that they are not alone.