The Art of Imperfection: Crafting Complex Characters

In this insightful episode of the Book Club for Kids, host Kitty Felde sits down with author Donna Barba Higuera to discuss the narrative choices behind her novel, Lupe Wong Won't Dance. The conversation delves into the deliberate decision to create a protagonist who challenges the traditional expectation of being "instantly likable."

The Necessity of a Difficult Protagonist

One of the central themes of the discussion is the intentionality behind Lupe’s abrasive personality. Higuera explains that she wanted to write a character who was "very vocal," contrasting this with her own personal experiences of not speaking up against unfairness. By making Lupe a "work in progress," Higuera emphasizes that characters, much like real people, need room to grow. She acknowledges that Lupe does not always "cherish her friendships" or family dynamics in the way readers might expect, but these flaws are essential to her development. The author argues that not every character needs to be universally loved; rather, they should serve as a mirror for the "adversity" and struggles that help individuals become better people.

Endearing Qualities Amidst Flaws

Despite Lupe’s tendency to be "unlikable" at times, Higuera identifies specific traits that make her endearing. Lupe is described as someone who is "funny, but she doesn't know she's funny." Furthermore, her lack of concern for superficial status symbols—such as "fanciest clothes" or wealth—sets her apart from the pressures often found on social media. Her ability to remain "confident in herself" and her refusal to judge others based on "outer or surface levels" creates a genuine, relatable persona. Higuera notes that readers often see their own "big mistakes" reflected in Lupe, which ultimately aids in the reader's journey of learning to "forgive herself."

The Scarcity of Complexity in Middle Grade Fiction

Reflecting on the literary landscape, Higuera observes a "scarcity of difficult characters in middle grade novels." She admits that authors are often "afraid to write a difficult character" due to the fear that the book might not be well-received. However, she advocates for the inclusion of these flawed characters, asserting that they are more representative of "real life." By breaking the mold of the perfect protagonist, Higuera hopes to encourage young readers to embrace their own imperfections.

Future Ventures: From Sci-Fi to Storytelling

Shifting gears, Higuera offers a glimpse into her upcoming work, The Last Quintista. Unlike the gritty realism of Lupe, the protagonist Petra Peña is described as "far more likable." The story explores an "earth-ending event" where humanity must terraform another planet. Petra, a lover of stories, finds herself in a precarious position 300 years later when she awakens to a society where "everyone's memories have been wiped." As the sole carrier of human history, empathy, and stories, Petra’s journey highlights Higuera’s continued focus on character-driven narratives, even within the genre of science fiction. The author concludes by hinting at future projects, including a bizarre concept about a boy who turns into a drone, underscoring her commitment to following wherever her creative impulses lead.