Q: Far more than being one of the world’s most prolific and awarded children’s authors, you’ve been an advocate for youth in numerous roles. Tell us what in your background led you to caring so deeply about youth.
A: I am by training both a teacher (B.Ed.) and a social worker (B.A. hons, specialized major in psych), B.S.W. and M.S.W. My career paths led me to working extensively with young people. In addition, I coached youth sports in both soccer and basketball. As well, my most joyous “role” has been as father and grandfather.

Q: How does that need to positively impact youth influence your writing?
A: My stories have covered some very difficult topics but I like to find a way for my characters to succeed. I think hope is the most powerful thing in the world and I like to leave my readers, and my characters, with that power.

Q: Do all your books contain messages/themes in this respect, and how do you consciously temper that to ensure you also sneak it by readers’ anti-lecture radar?
A: I’m always trying to tell a story, not deliver a message. Some books seem to go at it the opposite way and it shows. If a story is told correctly, the messages are a natural extension of what’s taking place. The themes that seem to be most pronounced in my stories are finding a place or sense of belonging, as well as hope.

Q: Many of your books are co-authored. Can you talk about what influences you to team up?
A: In collaborating, I get to do two of my favourite things at once – write and read at the same time! It is so exciting to see the other person craft the narrative while helping to shape your part of the story. Co-writing, if you choose the right partner, can be thrilling.
I’ve written with incredibly well-established writers: Teresa Toten, Deb Ellis and Kathy Kacer, and newer writers like Paul Coccia, and people who have never written a novel before. They are all exciting partnerships but very different experiences. In the case of two of my latest collaborations, with Wali Shah and Danson Mutinda, it has been my great pleasure to help these exciting, diverse voices emerge.
Both the Seven Series and Secrets series involved independent writing in a collaborative framework. They were a hybrid of independent and team writing.

Q: How we can persuade guys to read more, and why is that important?
A: With everybody it’s simply a question of getting the right book in the right hands at the right time. Expose readers to a vast variety of genres and formats and let them find the story that speaks to them. For me it was the Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. That book transformed my love of reading. I’d found my book.

Q: What helps you relax and rejuvenate from your super-busy schedule, and are you letting yourself slow down at all yet?
A: Slowing down isn’t much of an option. Between our children’s program in Kenya, I Read Canadian and upcoming books, I’m continually working away. I love spending time with my grandchildren and children and wife, listening to music and being on my paddle board.