Kids love to see other kids as the heroes of the stories they read. It gives them motivation, confidence, and drive in a way that no other format can. Stories show rather than tell, and their messages stick. One such book that will stick with kids, particularly young girls, is Genny Faces the Green Knight by Darrel Gregory. Check out my interview with Gregory below.
About Darrel Gregory and his book
Author links (links will open in a new tab)
Genre: Children
Links to buy:
Genny Faces the Green Knight book summary
An adventure of courage, resilience, and self-confidence, Genny Faces the Green Knight features a young girl of African descent named Genny and her sidekick, Bug, who embark on heroic adventures together. Using her imagination, Genny transports from the magic tunnel in her bedroom to Arthurian times, where she meets Queen Guinevere, who calls for help to stop the Green Knight from frightening her people. Although Genny valiantly steps up to battle the Green Knight, she is unsure of her ability to succeed.
Book excerpt
“Come across this stream so that we may battle,” Genny said to the Green Knight.
“I cannot, good knight,” said the Green Knight.
“You must cross.” Genny turned to look at Bug.
“Is it safe?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” said Bug.
“It looks safe, but you never can tell for sure. I will tell you this—it will be scary at first, but you must try. And if you need help, remember that I am here.”
Genny looked at the Green Knight; then she looked at the stream she must cross, and then she looked down at her feet.
“Feet, get moving,” she said to herself. Genny summoned all her courage and took a step, and then another and another. She turned to look at Bug.
“You’re right, Bug,” said Genny. “It is a little scary at first, but I think it’s getting easier.”
Review excerpt
“Fast, tidy, and pleasing, Genny’s narration is direct and repeats challenging words to help with retention. Also more than once, she shares her fun and inspiring method for handling new and unnerving situations: she tells herself, “Feet, get moving!” – Foreword Clarion Reviews
Talking Shop
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
I want children to realize that in order to be brave and resilient, they must first imagine themselves to be brave and resilient. They can do that through story and their own play.
Name a fact or detail about your story that readers will never know is there.
When Genny falls and it looks like all is lost, she displays incredible resilience. She does this not by thinking about it. The usual “just believe in yourself.” Instead, she uses some important devices. She feels it grow inside her body. She connects to the earth and feels strength rising up inside her. She imagines it by the “boom, boom, boom” of the hammer striking the sword.
What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?
From a reader:
“I must say wow this book is freaking amazing my kid asked to read it daily and on her show and tell day at school. She took it with her and her teacher just loved it and asked to keep for another day.”
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
It took about three years from concept to illustrations to publication.
How long have you considered yourself a writer? Did you have any formal training, or is it something you learned as you went?
I’ve been writing for a long time. Most of my writing has gathered dust in a desk. That’s one of the things I tell kids when I read to them. For now, write just for the sheer joy of writing and telling stories. If your stories are pictures, do that too.
“What If” Scenarios
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
Joseph Campbell. His work on the Hero Journey was the inspiration for Genny & Bug.
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
Young girls of color in low-income households. Genny was based partly on my biracial granddaughter. I want girls of color to see themselves as heroes in stories.
Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?
For starters, breathe a little easier. Then speed up production on the next books.
Would you rather own your own bookstore or your own publishing house, and what would you sell or publish?
No brainer. Definitely my own bookstore. Everything but romance.
You have the means to hire a full time assistant to help you with your writing. What tasks do you give them to do?
Another no brainer, at least for me. Do all that marketing, social media, website stuff that I’m terrible at.
What famous artist or photographer would you want to create or capture your book cover image?
Maurice Sendak.
Just for Fun
Your trademark feature.
My backpack.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
That young girls discover how brave they are and how much potential they have.
A movie or a piece of music that changed your life.
Symphony No. 3 (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs) by Henryk Górecki.
Favorite time of/part of your day.
Definitely early morning. Drinking coffee and looking out my window.
A book that you recommend everyone reads.
Not everyone. Just men. Iron John by Robert Bly.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of Genny Faces the Green Knight here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
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This book looks so cute!
Great artwork