This interview originally appeared in the September/October 2022 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers’ Previews: Fall 2022, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

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Attending a tech camp in West Virginia, Javari is introduced to the Holler of the
Fireflies by Cricket, a local (and mysterious) boy.

1. Did you ever have a secret friend? Or were you the secret friend?

To the best of my memory, I’ve never had a secret friend — though I think that would be very exciting. I’ve always tried to be careful when choosing who to spend my time with. I really do believe that those we surround ourselves with can influence us ­tremendously. Javari discovers this for himself in the book.

2. Have you seen those fireflies the boys do?

Unfortunately, the only synchronous fireflies I’ve seen have been online. But they are so magical and rare that I’ve fallen in love with them from afar. I hope to see them in person soon! Those wondrous fireflies do bring back memories from my own childhood summers when my friends, cousins, and I would chase lightning bugs around my neighborhood.

3. Last time it was LEGO, this time it’s a STEM competition — what’s your dream event?

An event in Appalachia where I could see those fireflies would be amazing. And I’d love to have a LEGO building contest. But if you know me, you know my dream event would be a cherry pie–eating contest. (My mother, God bless her, made a ­fantastic cherry ­cobbler.) Now I’m thinking I’ll have to write some pies into my next book…

4. Cricket and his community made me think about Virginia Hamilton’s M.C.
Higgins, the Great. Have you read that?

Virginia Hamilton is a treasure. You’re reminding me that when I was first researching Holler of the Fireflies, I actually borrowed M.C. Higgins, the Great from my local library and renewed it several times but, regrettably, didn’t read more than a chapter as deadlines were looming. Now that you’ve put it back in my brain, I’ll have to read the rest!

5. In your heart, are you a city boy or a country boy?

I’m not certain if I’m more “city” or “country,” though I’ve spent a lot of time in both areas. I love the varied cultures and vital energies of cities but also the peaceful beauty and rejuvenating vigor of nature. I probably land somewhere in between, which would make sense since I grew up in the suburbs.

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Photo (c) Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.