When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.

I never want to be a role model.

Rob Horton, the main character of The Tiger Rising, was a secondary character in an adult short story I wrote, and he wouldn't go away after I'd finished the short story. I couldn't figure out what he wanted, so I wrote to find out.

It's a weird kind of disconnect that this whole story [he Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane] grew around a real doll of mine, and here he is, with his "Edward" expression on his face. It's kind of reality bumping into fantasy.

Edward knew what it was like to say over and over again the names of those you had left behind. He knew what it was like to miss someone. And so he listened. And in his listening, his heart opened wide and then wider still. (page 103)

I have been loved, Edward told the stars. So? said the stars. What difference does that make when you are all alone now?

All of that loneliness and longing in my heart got transferred into the book Because of Winn-Dixie, I guess.