In Naomi Milliner’s new middle grade novel THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS (Quill Tree Books, 2025), middle schooler Becky faces significant challenges when her personal goals don’t align with her father’s expectations. At the same time, her beloved older sister is harboring a secret, causing Becky to question whether she should help her sister or betray her trust. This thought-provoking story explores a realistic, imperfect family and their struggles in a sometimes painful but honest way. I look forward to learning more about THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS. Welcome, Naomi!
In your new book, THE TROUBLE WITH SECRETS, Becky had a problem. She wants to pursue her goal of trying out for an honors band, but her father, a rabbi, insists that she needs to prepare for her Bat Mitzvah, which will not leave time for her musical pursuits. This sets up a very “grey area” dilemma. Readers might think her dad is unfair, but others think Becky’s resulting decisions are unwise. What challenges did you face as a writer in creating this situation for Becky? How do you think readers will respond to Becky and her dad?
It was definitely challenging! I wanted to make both Becky and her father sympathetic, and likable, but had to risk making them both unlikable because of the decisions they made. I hope that readers relate to Becky, but also understand where her dad is coming from. Either way, I think both characters change, and are changed by, their choices, and that they come to understand each other’s point of view.
Becky’s sister also has a secret from her parents. As a reader, I find it compelling that this is a loving family with flaws like all families, yet honesty seems to be such a struggle. Can you share some thoughts about that?
That’s an excellent point. I think all the characters in this book are fundamentally good people, and that Becky’s family is close-knit. However, as she explains early on, because her dad is a rabbi, the congregants are always watching. He has to be careful what he says and does (even eats!). “Trouble was, they were always watching the rest of us, too…”
I think because Becky and her entire family live under the pressure of constantly being scrutinized and judged, she and Sara feel like they’re forced to keep some things hidden.
You have a unique time frame that allows the reader to experience Becky’s full range of experiences and emotions. Was this the structure you planned from the beginning, or something that grew out of the revision process?
It was always divided into two parts (it was originally Before and After, but as I revised, it morphed into Before and Now). But the short “now” pieces interspersed in Part One evolved later. I added them for two reasons: first, and more importantly, I wanted to let readers know that, while Part One is mostly fun and filled with everyday goings-on, Something Bad Is Coming. I wanted to warn them so they wouldn’t feel completely blindsided when the tragedy does happen. Second, I hoped the dramatic, somewhat ominous, nature of the “Now” sections might generate curiosity and suspense!
What were your thoughts when you saw the cover illustration?
I loved it! The beautiful artwork, by the talented Violet Tobacco, includes every element I hoped for: the two sisters; the two secrets (represented by Becky’s flute and Sara’s hidden necklace); a picture of Becky and her best friend, Nipa; and even the plastic stars-covered ceiling.
Throughout the novel, Becky experiences love, loss, personal pain, and growth and healing. What do you hope young readers take away from Becky’s story?
I hope readers who have already experienced loss will feel seen and, if possible, find hope that – like Becky – they can also experience joy again. And for readers who have not yet suffered loss, maybe they will be more compassionate towards those who have, and maybe even be a little more prepared when they do experience it themselves. I hope that everyone who reads SECRETS will take away that, even when the worst thing happens, they can and will get through it.
Thank you, Naomi!
Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake and the King of Chaos and coeditor and contributor to On All Other Nights, a Passover anthology for middle grade readers. She created the Authors Book Club for her SCBWI chapter and has served on the Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads committee since 2009. Naomi enjoys mentoring children and adults, visiting schools (virtually or in-person), and reading everything she can get her hands on. She lives in Maryland with her family, countless books, and one very fuzzy cat. Visit her on Facebook and Twitter under Naomi Milliner and her blog at naomimilliner.wordpress.com.