Louder Than Hunger: John Schu on Writing, Healing, and Hope

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca
Schulze sits down with acclaimed author John Schu to discuss his
powerful novel in verse, Louder Than Hunger. John shares his
deeply personal journey of transforming his own experiences with
anorexia nervosa, depression, and anxiety into Jake's story,
offering insight into the creative process behind this
emotionally charged book.


Listeners will gain insight into:


John's approach to writing about sensitive topics for young
readers

The balance between authenticity and fiction in crafting a
story based on personal experiences

The importance of self-expression and support systems in
mental health journeys

How novels in verse can provide a unique reading experience
for middle-grade audiences



John also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his writing process,
including his use of post-it note mantras and the challenge of
deciding which personal experiences to include or fictionalize.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in
middle-grade literature, mental health representation in books,
or the healing power of storytelling.


Join us for an inspiring conversation about hope, resilience, and
the transformative power of sharing our stories.





Transcription: You can read the transcription on
⁠The Children's Book Review⁠. Order Copies:
Louder Than Hunger on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Resources: Visit
John Schu online: https://www.johnschu.com/ Anxiety and
Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org


International OCD Foundation: https://kids.iocdf.org


National Alliance for Eating Disorders:
https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/


National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated
Disorders: https://anad.org/