Sandra W. Headen and Autumn Krause share their experiences crafting narratives around wartime injustices, revealing resilience in their characters and histories.
Autumn Krause, an acclaimed young adult author, has recently released The Gods Will Sing Our Song, a novel influenced by her family's experiences in the WWII internment camps. Her grandfather and great-grandmother endured internment at Gila River Camp in Arizona, while her great-grandfather valiantly fought with the all-Japanese 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Similarly, Sandra W. Headen brings historical depth to children's literature with her debut novel, Warrior on the Mound, which earned the prestigious SCBWI’s Emerging Voices Award. Headen's latest middle-grade offering, Roi and Me and the Double V, highlights two Black tweens who confront the duality of wartime struggles and homefront racism during World War II. Together, they reflect on themes of resilience against the backdrop of discrimination in their new conversation.
Headen: I'm thrilled to connect, Autumn. Our narratives center on injustices related to WWII, which feels especially vital to discuss today. My own journey into writing this story was unexpected. While anticipating edits for my debut, I found myself engrossed in sports in preparation for the Olympic Games, particularly track and field—a personal passion of mine. In my reading, I stumbled upon Fast Girls by Elise Hooper, which chronicles the experiences of the 1936 Women’s Olympic Team. This led me to grapple with the narratives surrounding Black athletes beyond Jesse Owens.
Out of these reflections emerged Marvel Zander, a 12-year-old sprinter, and her journey toward the Olympic dream, abruptly altered by historical events. As I immersed myself in research about the WWII era, the dynamics of her life transformed, urging me to delve deeper into the impact of Pearl Harbor on her and her best friend Roi’s aspirations.
Krause: It’s fascinating how characters take on lives of their own, isn’t it? In The Gods Will Sing Our Song, I drew inspiration from my family’s legacy to craft a poignant love story amid the haunting realities of the Japanese American internment camps. This is a narrative I felt compelled to write, embracing the pain of depicting the injustices faced by my loved ones while honoring their strength and resilience.
Oral histories revealed a striking contrast within the camps, where despite adversity, love blossomed, and strength emerged among the bleakness. Understanding this family tradition of finding love in hardship shaped my storytelling, focusing on two young lovers who navigate their deepening bond despite overwhelming adversity.
Headen: I opted for dual perspectives, believing it was essential to comprehend Roi’s experiences alongside Marvel’s ambitions as they’re interconnected in this historical context. Including Roi’s viewpoint was fundamental, especially since it allowed a nuanced depiction of the social injustices Black men faced during the era, particularly those who served in the military.
Roi starts off at 12 but witnesses profound injustices through his brother Charlie, who attempts to join the Army but faces discrimination. This pivotal moment demands Roi confront the implications of these injustices and their stark realities.
Krause: I mirrored that approach in my narrative by showcasing both Ren and Violet's perspectives. By doing so, I aimed to present a richer understanding of their world within the camp through contrasting cultural lenses and familial dynamics. Ren embodies the struggle of a young man torn away from his protective role, grappling with complex pressures, including the draft, which complicates his sense of agency and moral dilemma.
Violet’s perspective offers a critical lens on the gendered experiences within the camps, highlighting the stripped privacy and dangers they face daily, amplified by systemic neglect regarding women's needs. This duality allows for complex character development and a vivid depiction of their relationship and individual struggles.
Headen: Your portrayal of the camps highlights urgent themes. The term ‘Double V’ in my book stems from a historical campaign advocating for victory over fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home during the war. The oppressive context of segregation informs the struggles Marvel and Roi face, showcasing their rightful longing for social action amidst adversity.
This campaign served as a catalyst for community organizing, and historical parallels resonate powerfully in their story arc. The characters embody a youthful rebellion against the injustices they witness, utilizing their voices to combat local inequities.
Krause: Absolutely! In my book, the injustices depicted, including the unconstitutionality of internments of American citizens, encapsulate a tremendous violation of rights. The events unfold as these citizens had their lives utterly disrupted—frozen assets, stripped freedoms, and forced relocations—all simply based on race. This starkly contrasts their loyalty and love for the country they once called home.
Engaging with these historical truths has been enlightening for both of us, and it's exciting that our books are now out in the world. Readers will meet Marvel, Roi, Ren, and Violet, each standing as symbols of resilience and resistance amid adversity.
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