Interview with Lauren Tarshis on the Latest 'I Survived' Release and Writing Journey

The 'I Survived' series, which has sold over 30 million copies, introduces young readers to crucial historical events through the eyes of relatable fictional child characters. These narratives cover significant moments in history, including the Revolutionary War, the sinking of the Titanic, and the September 11 attacks.

In an interview, Tarshis discussed her background, revealing her journey into writing was shaped by her upbringing and her parents' professions—her father being a freelance writer and her mother a teacher. Despite struggling with reading as a child, Tarshis found inspiration in her father's passion for storytelling and the educational environment fostered by her mother.

Tarshis articulated her goal for 'I Survived: The California Wildfires, 2018': to present a factual but engaging account of wildfires while instilling knowledge about their causes and impacts. She aims for her characters to demonstrate resilience, encouraging readers to move forward after facing challenges.

The series was conceived when Tarshis noticed a lack of narrative history books for younger readers. Through her work with Scholastic magazines, she realized that children connect better with history when it features a child protagonist, leading her to fill this gap in children's literature.

Her research process for each book involves extensive travel to historical locations, where she engages with local experts and individuals connected to the events. This groundwork ensures authenticity, enriching the stories with details that resonate with readers.

Recently, the series has expanded into graphic novels, which Tarshis finds rewarding. She appreciates how this new format brings her stories to life visually, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Tarshis believes the appeal of the 'I Survived' series lies in its captivating topics and the relatable characters, who face their struggles with courage, inspiring young readers to engage with literature.

For aspiring writers, she stresses the importance of practice and resilience in developing writing skills over time, emphasizing that making mistakes is integral to the learning process. Tarshis encourages writers to appreciate their progress and seek feedback.

In navigating the current global challenges, she prioritizes quality time with family and friends and values her connections within the teaching community, which fuels her passion for writing.

Looking ahead, Tarshis indicates that more 'I Survived' books are in the pipeline, along with a new adventure series she is planning.

Currently, she recommends the book 'Stamped' by Jason Reynolds and is enjoying 'The Canyon’s Edge' by Dusti Bowling, which is set to release soon.