The Properties of Water
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Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A With Author Hannah Roberts McKinnon
Q: What inspired you to write The Properties of Water? Is it based on personal experience?
A: Water is fiction, through and through. But I can tell you what inspires me. Nature is an element in every one of my books. I feel a strong connection to the natural world and its creatures, so that's where the lake comes from. And you'll never read a book of mine without a great dog!
The title comes from my years as a fifth grade teacher when I had to teach a unit on water. I remember thinking, how dull! But once I started reading about water's properties, I was fascinated. Cohesion! Adhesion! Such personal properties, I thought. As people we are terribly cohesive; we bond with family, friends, groups we identify with. And adhesion: think of the ideas and beliefs we adhere to. The people we attach ourselves to, and the unhealthy attachments we form. Ultimately, I think it was the way that individual droplets of water can bond, and then pull away, that got me. Just like people. I've never looked at a drop of water the same way since.
Though I did know a student in my school who had experienced TBI, it was all new to me and required a tremendous amount of research. I was inspired by the patients I met who've experienced traumatic brain injury, and their bravery. It was a humbling experience.
In the end, this is a story about friends and family. About the ties that bind, and the ones that hold us back. It's about having the courage to step out of the shadows, and to live your own life. To be your best self.
Q: You have been an Elementary School teacher for over ten years. How has your experience with children shaped your storytelling?
A: I've often wondered why I didn't write sooner. But I realize that becoming a teacher was a very necessary part of my path to author. Reading and writing were my favorite subjects as a kid, and remained so as a teacher. But read-aloud was my favorite part of the day. I'd gather the kids on the rug and we'd dive into a novel together. Oh, the exposure to children's authors! I could match a book to any child in my class, and it was a passion for me. Books helped me reach my kids; books helped them through difficult times, helped them to express themselves, to live beyond the classroom walls. I saw such power in books.
But it was who Kate di Camillo changed everything. When I read Because of Winn Dixie to my fourth grade class, we laughed and cried together page by page. My students would shout, "Just one more page, please let us stay!" each time the bell rang for lunch. For lunch! Now that was powerful. When I eventually finished di Camillo's story, I was left standing in front of the class crying. It was a raw and poignant moment. After, when the kids had left, I wiped my eyes. And then kicked myself. This is what I wanted to do! So why wasn't I doing it? Her book made me realize I had to find a way.
Q: In a review of The Properties of Water, Publishers Weekly wrote that you have "created a cast of believably imperfect characters, and Lace's emotions ring true," and Booklist agreed, saying, "Lacey is a consistently sympathetic character throughout." How have you managed to get inside the head of a thirteen year old girl with such authenticity?
A: From the beginning I felt a strong connection to Lace. I don't have any sisters, but I've always been intrigued by the bond of sisterhood. So I tried to imagine what it would be like to have such a strong and influential older sibling like Marni. Someone so beautiful and popular. Someone athletic and talented. What a blessing. And what a burden, too! I knew Lace would be stuck in Marni's shadow. And I wanted her to step out of it. Which would be hard enough for any teenager to do. But what if it wasn't her choice? What if Lace was forced to step out of Marni's shadow before she was ready? Because what if Marni wasn't there any more to cast that shadow?
Relationships are complicated. They are lovely and fulfilling, and painful, too. And the relationship between Marni and Lace is no different. Add in a handsome swim team captain. And a zany but lovable best friend. And a mysterious visitor who seems intent on replacing Lace's mother. How would Lace balance all of that? What decisions would she be forced to face? These are the questions that drove me as I wrote the book. Lace is an ordinary teenage girl. But her circumstances are anything but.
