In Esty Schachter’s middle grade novel, ANYA’S ECHOES (Lewis Court Press, 2024) Lea is annoyed that her great Aunt Anya will be visiting. But when Lea discovers recordings of Aunt Anya telling stories about her life and the challenges she faced during the war, Lea begins to open her heart. This is a deeply personal story for Esty, and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to learn more.
Welcome back, Esty!
Can you tell me about your personal story that inspired ANYA’S ECHOES?
My aunt Rosie gave me a set of cassette tapes, explaining that she recorded conversations with a friend about how she survived the Holocaust. I had an idea percolating for a middle grade book about a girl figuring out how to stand up for what she thinks is right in a peer situation, and thought the two might somehow match. I listened to Rosie’s story and transcribed it, knowing myself well enough to realize I wouldn’t be able to listen multiple times. I learned about events and losses I had not heard about before, and so when Lea reacts emotionally in the story, it reflects my own feelings. I do think pairing Rosie’s story with a fictional story helped me tell both parts. The story about Lea’s friend group is based on a challenging social situation I experienced as a bystander when I was around that age. At the time, I just didn’t know what to do. Lea’s story is my way of rewriting some of those events, and perhaps encouraging others to follow their intuition and get help if they need it.
In the book, the relationship between Leah and Anya takes time, but as Leah learns more about Anya, she develops empathy, and ultimately, they form a meaningful connection. What do you hope young readers will take away from the story?
Lea is annoyed at first because Anya’s arrival means she’s suddenly sharing a room with her little sister, and Anya also reminds her of her grandfather, with whom she was very close. My hope is that readers think about the potential for understanding and change. Lea is able to work through her feelings of grief and see Anya for who she is, and Anya becomes a confidant when things in Lea’s friend group take a difficult turn. My hope is that readers will see the power of connection, and that small actions can make a huge difference.
What challenges did you face writing an age-appropriate middle-grade story about the Holocaust?
The book is written for kids aged 10 and up. I was concerned that certain parts could be upsetting, but the feedback I’ve received from young readers is one of understanding. They relate to Anya’s resilience, her ability to make it through very hard times, and her way of embracing life. Rosie told her story in a way that didn’t hold back what she endured, but also shared the moments of humanity and warmth that kept her going.
A different version of this book, written in third person rather than first, was published 20 years ago. Rosie so appreciated hearing any and all feedback I received about the book from kids. It was very meaningful to her to know that her story meant something to them, and I’ve held onto notes and artwork kids created for her.
How does your career as a social worker impact your writing, especially for a deeply emotional story like ANYA’S ECHOES?
I gave this a lot of thought! I think my clinical work has naturally led me to consider family interactions and emotional complexity and that’s reflected in my writing. I believe connection has such power to make a difference. Anya provides a kind of mirror to Lea, allowing her to see strengths in herself she didn’t know she had. Books can do that too, offering, in the words of Rudine Sims Bishop, mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors. Bibliotherapy is my thing, and I’m always on the lookout for emotionally impactful books to share with kids!
Thank you, Esty!
Esty Schachter is a writer, librarian, book reviewer, crafter and clinical social worker. (Why be just one thing?) She has published three novels for middle-grade readers: PICKLED WATERMELON, WAITING FOR A SIGN AND ANYA’S ECHOES. In PICKLED WATERMELON, Molly travels to Israel to meet her grandparents for the very first time, unsure of what to expect since they don’t share a common language. WAITING FOR A SIGN explores sibling bonds, friendship and grief, and also provides a window into Deaf culture. ANYA’S ECHOES is based on her aunt’s experiences, recalling how she was helped and survived World War II, combined with a present-day bullying story. Esty lives in Newton, MA and Ithaca, NY with her family.
What a coincidence. I just met Etsy on Saturday when the two of us were participating in the Newton, MA KidLit Book Festival. She is as warm as she is talented! Can’t wait to read Anya’s Echoes and Waiting for a Sign.
That is a fun coincidence! So glad you got the chance to connect in person.