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Katie Mazeika is a children’s author and illustrator known for her advocacy for neurodivergent and disabled individuals. She has authored two nonfiction picture books, Beulah Has a Hunch! and Annette Feels Free, and illustrated three board books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies series, in addition to Is That the Bus? by Libby Koppanen. Her debut fiction picture book, Maybe Just Ask Me!, was released on April 22. Mazeika recently discussed her journey into drawing and writing, her commitment to featuring characters with disabilities, and her thoughts on the misconception of what it means to be “normal.”
Which came first, your love of drawing or writing?
From a young age, I was drawn to both reading and art. A standout book from my childhood was Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. It resonated with me, especially because I often found myself in hospitals, and I appreciated that Madeline was portrayed with a scar.
When I wasn’t immersed in a book, I would be sketching. However, it took me some time to realize that my early drawings were an expression of my desire to create “perfect” princesses. An insightful art teacher once mentioned that our art reflects who we aspire to be, and this revelation felt liberating to me.
In elementary school, I developed a strong passion for writing. I even won an award in fourth grade for a story about my kind neighbor, Mr. Harry, who kindly let my brother and me help in his garden. Sharing that story with my classmates and seeing it featured in a newspaper sparked my ambition to be a writer, inspiring me to pursue both writing and illustration.
How did you come to write nonfiction, including picture book biographies?
The idea to write nonfiction came from my first agent, who believed I would excel in that genre. At that time, many authors were focusing on Frida Kahlo, but I was intrigued by Annette Kellerman instead. As I researched her life, her story became increasingly captivating—particularly her disability and resilience. I felt a deep connection, as I too have faced challenges, and I know many children with disabilities share similar sentiments. I firmly believe that it is possible to shift one’s perspective and recognize a life before difficulties arise, giving way to growth and progress.
Both Kellerman in Annette Feels Free and Beulah Louise Henry in Beulah Has a Hunch had their minds set on making the most of their abilities to achieve great things. Can you tell us more about them?
Annette exemplified resilience, determined to pursue her dream of becoming a classical dancer despite being stricken with leg weakness at age six, necessitating the use of leg braces. While she couldn’t dance on land, she discovered her passion for dance in water and eventually pioneered synchronized swimming, which evolved into a recognized Olympic event. Furthermore, she designed her own swimsuit when traditional options were cumbersome, effectively creating the one-piece swimsuit for women, famously known as the Kellerman suit.
Beulah, on the other hand, was neurodivergent long before the term became mainstream. She was candid about her unique cognitive functions, including synesthesia and hyperphantasia. Despite a limited formal education, she invented more mechanical patents than any woman in history, showcasing how her mind operated differently yet successfully.
In Just Ask Me, you tapped into some personal experiences. How did this story take shape?
During my first Kindling Words retreat, a gathering for children’s book creators, discussions about disability arose, prompting me to share my own experiences losing an eye. I recounted how people often stared at me in public, which my mother addressed with a simple but empowering phrase: “If they’re asking nicely, you can tell them. But if they’re being rude, tell them to ‘Bug off!’” Reflecting on these experiences made me realize how much they shaped my childhood and impelled me to write about them.
The protagonist, Mazie, addresses the stares and rumors with confidence, emphasizing the importance of openness with her line, “If you really want to know what happened to me, maybe just ask me!” This sentiment mirrors Madeline’s spirited display of her scar, which I had always admired.
I noticed that if you flip both illustrations, they are laid out similarly but reversed. Madeline looks right, while Mazie gazes left, instinctively aligning with my subconscious, presenting her eye patch prominently.
Writing this book evoked many emotions tied to my surgeries and recovery, reminding me of my mother’s teachings. She consistently encouraged me, saying, “Life isn’t fair, but we must keep moving forward. We can’t dwell on the tough moments.” She also reinforced the belief that regardless of past challenges, we all have limitless potential.
What would you like your readers to take away from Mazie’s story?
Throughout my life, I grappled with the concept of “normal” and often felt disconnected from it. Wearing sunglasses was my way of concealing myself, enabling me to adopt a façade of normalcy. My surgeries left me with further complications, generating significant internal struggles as I sought an elusive “magical normal.” Now, through my writing and illustrations, I aim to help children recognize that such a notion is a fallacy that deserves to be dismissed.
Can you discuss your focus on disability representation in your books, your author visits, and your talks with teachers and librarians?
Despite strides made, data from the Children’s Book Council reveals that representation in children’s literature largely favors white, straight, nondisabled individuals. It’s crucial for children to see themselves reflected in the stories they read—regardless of their race, religion, or abilities. My commitment to addressing disability through my writing stems from a desire to foster empathy and understanding in a world where bullying remains ever-present. By promoting diverse narratives, we can help shape a kinder generation.
Maybe Just Ask Me! by Katie Mazeika. Beach Lane, $19.99, Apr. 22 ISBN 978-1-66594-989-7
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