An Interview with Kimberly Behre Kenna

How does your teaching background influence your writing? 

I’ve spent most of my adult life working with kids in one way or another. My teaching years were filled with my own learning about the power of play, asking big questions, and finding connections, all of which infuse my writing. I loved my students’ sense of humor, their bravery, and I was curious about their shifting social dynamics! These firsthand insights help me craft characters and conflicts that resonate and reflect both the chaos and wonder of growing up. I write books that I would have used in my classroom to foster deep discussions and promote a sense of community.

What was your inspiration for “Lola Gillette,” the third book in your Brave Girls collection?

My two main inspirations were a visit to Gillette Castle State Park here in CT and growing up with twin younger sisters. My first visit to the park was during the pandemic, and as we hiked the trails with the castle in the background, I was enthralled by the beauty of the woods above the CT River and was intrigued by the castle and the life of its former owner, William Gillette. A perfect setting for a mysterious adventure! I’d always been curious about my twin sisters’ energetic connection as well as their stark differences, and I wondered how they’d survive if they were ever separated. As with my previous two books, I let “what-if” questions lead the way into Lola’s story.

What strengths do the characters in this book have? What does being quirky mean to you? 

In my opinion, being quirky is a strength. Having unusual interests, thinking differently, and connecting things that don’t usually go together leads to exceptional creativity in problem solving, the arts, and life in general. Some consider reclusive Uncle Milo odd because of his huge clan of cats, his interests in gardens and floral design, and his desire to sculpt wooden door locks that are puzzles to solve. Based on real-life actor and inventor William Gillette, Milo’s quirks are gifts for all. Lola is impulsive but insightful, and her self-awareness ultimately allows her to rely on her flawed but beautiful self as opposed to magic. My characters are resilient and open to learning beyond what they believe is true…once they get out of their own way!

Why do we need middle-grade novels that highlight difficult topics, and how do we write such books in an age-appropriate way? How can books provide validation and healing for struggling kids?

Middle-grade novels that address difficult topics help young readers see their own struggles reflected and named, offering both validation and hope. As an author, it’s my responsibility to balance authenticity with sensitivity and contain it all within an engaging story infused with humor and hope. Critique partners and sensitivity readers help me do this appropriately, in a way that draws kids in without overwhelming them. If readers share a character’s challenges, it reassures them they’re not alone. For those unfamiliar with those challenges, the characters provide insights into different ways of living that inspire empathy in readers. 

How can teachers, parents and social workers/therapists use fiction books as a way to discuss difficult topics, and why should they?

Fiction offers a safe, indirect way for kids to explore hard truths without feeling personally exposed. Discussing difficult topics via book groups or a family read helps children name emotions, ask questions, and build language for things they may not yet understand. It also supports connection and trust, showing that no feeling or experience is too big for conversation. These kinds of stories reveal various possible roadmaps for dealing with challenges, showing young readers that transformation and healing are possible. 

How are writing and reading transformative and empowering for all ages, but especially important for kids? 

Writing and reading allow people of all ages to make sense of their experiences, imagine possibilities, and find their voice, and for kids, this power is magnified. Writing gives them agency, a way to reshape their world via thoughtful questions and imagination. Just think, we can write about our past experiences and change those stories’ endings in whatever way we want! Sharing writing with others takes bravery, resulting in a deeper understanding of others and ourselves. Regardless of our differences, reading and writing are ways to recognize our similarities and the role each of us plays in this one gigantic web of life.

What’s next for you? Do you have plans to continue the Brave Girls collection?

I’m working on final revisions of a mystical YA novel that features a brave girl and boy trying to untangle mysteries in an unpredictable forest. A fourth MG is in the works, but I’m only on the first draft. That protagonist is still trying to teach me a few things, and she definitely has a lot to say!