What a gorgeous coming-of-age story steeped in realistic friendships, authentic empathy, and loaded with science!

I often begin my own new projects by getting to know a character that has come to life in mind, in one way or another. What is this character’s voice like? Do they have brothers and sisters? What are they striving for? Do they collect anything? What are they worried about? What sort of T-shirts do they wear? Is their handwriting neat? Do they crack their knuckles?

Eventually, this character study will lead me into the plot guided by an essential question, a big question —that second level to the events occurring on the page. What is this book REALLY about?

For GEORGIA WATSON AND THE 99 PERCENT CAMPAIGN, I was absolutely taken in with Georgia’s voice from page one, but what is really resonating with me, long after reading, is this question. This big, existential, wonderful question: Who is worthy of empathy?

Madeline L’Engle once wrote, “If a book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” I’ve been thinking about this a lot since finishing GEORGIA WATSON. Empathy can be difficult, for all of us. It’s a critical thinking skill, it’s a muscle that needs its reps, it’s a worldview challenge, it’s sometimes an entire paradigm shift. But it’s so important. Today. Now. Always. In children’s lives, and in all our lives. And I’m sure — absolutely certain in every way — that every reader, every librarian, every teacher — all of us, really —would appreciate and grow with a “99 Percent Campaign” in every facet of our lives. In our friend groups, our classrooms, our offices, our families.

Do yourself a favor. Read GEORGIA WATSON, and you will see exactly what I mean.