How do we help young (and not so young) truth seekers make connections, build context, and satisfy their curiosity? Nonfiction storyteller extraordinaire Candace Fleming joins us to discuss the power of nonfiction storytelling for building connections, the importance of asking questions, and the power of vital ideas in creating works of nonfiction that kids (and their adults) want to read.  Among her nonfiction titles are Giant Squid, Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart, and The Family Romanoff.. Most recently, she's published The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindberg, which won the 2021 YALSA Excellence in nonfiction and Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera, the winner of the 2021 Sibert Medal. She also just recently published Crash From Outer Spaceand Polar Bear. I had a wonderful time talking truth, fiction, and everything in between with Candace Fleming.

[01:41] Why write nonfiction? And how do you write for diverse audiences that range from preschool to high school?

The reason I write for middle school and middle school and high school nonfiction is because I think they have plenty of facts to hand, but they don't have any context. And I also think that that is an age group that are seeking facts. They're looking, actively looking. They are truth seekers. 

[05:27] How does creative nonfiction help build connections? Crash From Outer Space

 I ask myself, what does this piece of history have to say? What does this piece of history have to say to how we live today? What echoes? What hooks? 

[10:18] How do you structure nonfiction to keep readers engaged while providing confidence that what they are reading is factual?

[11:56] Building Creative Nonfiction Through Vital Ideas 

[14:25] What happens when research shifts the vital idea? Faberge Eggs and The Family Romanoff

[23:27] Sparking Science Wonder Through Nonfiction Picture Books or  Giant Squid, Honeybee , and Polar Bear, Oh My!

[32:10]  What is it like collaborating with real-life partner Eric Rohmann?

[34:57]  Origin Stories: Candy's "I'm a Liar" Story aka the Three-Legged Cat

[38:18]  Playful Learning, STEAM Connections, and Encouraging Storytellers Today

[40:48] What brings Candy joy?

[42:19] Penny & Pip and a Yearning for Delight 

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