Hi, Sydney! Welcome back! How have the past two years been since we last spoke?

Hi! Thank you so much for having me again! It’s an honor to be here.

The last two years have been very busy and so much fun. I’ve gotten to travel around the country and present at many wonderful events—book festivals, and state and national conferences including NCTE and AASL—and speak with thousands of middle schoolers about social media safety. My dream was to be able to share It Happened on Saturday’s themes about making wise decisions when going online with as many young readers as possible, and I’m incredibly grateful for the awards, state reading list placements, and overall reception Julia’s story has received. I’m also thrilled  to have an opportunity to put another book out into the world.

With it still relatively early in the year, do you have any goals or aspirations for 2025?

I have lots of events and travel planned already, so it’s already looking to be a busy and exciting year! I would like to try to finish drafting my current work-in-progress, maybe start something new, and also to continue volunteering in my community in the fight against child trafficking.

Your latest novel, Racing the Clouds, is out February 18^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Heartfelt hopeful story of resilience

What can readers expect?

Like my debut novel, Racing the Clouds takes on a timely topic that isn’t often addressed in middle grade literature. It explores addiction in the family through the lens of a middle schooler whose mother is dealing with opioid abuse. The main character, Sage, is thirteen years old, but she has never heard from or met her mom’s parents due to a falling out in the family before she was born. While her mom is in rehab, Sage has to decide if she wants to accept her grandparents’ invitation to visit them, even though it goes against her dad’s wishes. The story includes serious themes of the complexity of family relationships, forgiveness (of both self and others), and resilience, and there are also lighter moments with a silly, adorable dog, a concert with a great band, and a strawberry festival with people dressed as giant pieces of fruit!

Where did the inspiration for Racing the Clouds come from?

Like Sage, I have experienced the addiction of loved ones, and I wanted to explore how addiction’s effects can ripple outward through family relationships. Additionally, I know families who have experienced estrangement, and I started wondering what might happen if grandparents and kids connected on their own. This led me to a bigger story with a lot of other elements, including a bit of mystery about why Sage and her dad had to leave Philadelphia and what happened to her mom.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

As an animal lover with a houseful of rescue pets, I loved writing the scenes with Nicky, the stray dog who follows Sage home. Especially since my son’s dog, Barry, was sitting under my desk the entire time I was writing, just waiting to have a character modeled after him. I also enjoyed exploring the impact an animal can have on a family—particularly in bringing together people who might not connect on much else. I’m always amazed at how dogs can bring people together, and I liked having that as part of the plot. It was fun writing the completely awkward scene between Sage’s dad and her grandparents when everyone is desperately trying to make conversation but not succeeding at all and then thankfully, Nicky comes bursting in, and they all start talking at once.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Probably my biggest challenge was writing in the point of view of a protagonist who is not sharing everything with the reader. I wanted readers to go along on Sage’s journey toward forgiveness of herself as well as her mom, and for that to happen, I needed for the story to unfold gradually, leaving readers to piece flashbacks together, bit by bit. My editor, Meg Gaertner, was so helpful in this process.

What do you hope readers take away from Racing the Clouds?

Kate Albus, one of my blurbists, summed up my hopes for reader takeaway perfectly in her quote:

“Told with touching honesty and profound sympathy, Racing the Clouds lovingly reminds us about the importance of having the hard conversations, the value of standing in another person’s shoes for a while, and the extraordinary resilience of family.” — Kate Albus, author of A Place to Hang the Moon

What’s your pitch to adults looking to purchase or recommend Racing the Clouds to young readers?

This is a hopeful, heartfelt, character-driven story that encourages empathy and also equips young readers with a better understanding of the dangers of opioids and how to stay safe from them. It includes a Q&A at the end about fentanyl and how it is reaching people, and it could be very useful in enabling young readers to make smart, careful decisions that could help them avoid these dangerous substances, both now and in the future.

What’s next for you?

I am very excited for my upcoming launch events in Houston and also in northern Virginia, where I lived most of my life until my husband was transferred to Houston for his work. I’m looking forward to meeting young readers at upcoming school and library visits and also a museum event—and to take part in the Texas Tea with Authors in April at TLA and present with author friends at MLA/DLA. I am hoping to complete my next work in progress too!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up in 2025?

I love reading middle grade books my friends have written, so I’m especially excited about Tricia Springstubb’s How to Tell a True Story, Amar Shah’s Wish I was a Baller, and Stan Yan’s The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang.

Will you be picking up Racing The Clouds? Tell us in the comments below!

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Releasing on February 18th 2025, Racing the Clouds is available to pre-order on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Barnes & Noble, and directly from North Star Editions.

Here’s what Sydney had to say on her cover!

“For the cover of Racing the Clouds, the artist showcased Sage’s resilience and determination as she runs forward with the stray dog she rescued, letting go of what she can’t control by leaving the gazebo—and the difficulties in her family that it symbolizes—in the past. The result is a stunning scene set against the backdrop of a beautiful sky. I absolutely love the artist’s use of color and shadow, as well as the gorgeous setting sun in the background. The mood evoked speaks to the beauty all around even in the most difficult of circumstances and highlights the hope that forms the heart of Sage’s story.”

If thirteen-year-old Sage had done one thing differently that day last November, everything would be fine. Only she didn’t, so she and her dad had to leave Philadelphia for a new life in middle-of-nowhere Virginia. Her dad has never actually said he blames her for what happened, but how could he not?

Sage is determined to push it all out of her mind, but then, just before summer vacation, she hears from the grandparents she’s never met. They want her to visit, and she realizes this could be her chance to mend the rift that’s kept everybody apart.

When she meets Grandmother Marion, though, Sage is sure her trip is headed for disaster. Except she wasn’t counting on making a new friend or rescuing a sweet stray dog. With them by her side, maybe she can find the courage to face what she’s been avoiding all along.

Cover illustrator: Brie Schmida / Illustrator’s agency: Sarah Thomas at The Bright Agency / Cover designer: Kate Liestman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sydney Dunlap is an award-winning author and former elementary school teacher who has worked extensively with youth facing challenging circumstances. She enjoys reading and writing heartfelt, hopeful books that explore tough topics that aren’t often addressed in middle grade literature. Her debut novel, It Happened on Saturday, has received several medals and was named a 2025 OLA Masterlist selection and 2024 Crystal Kite Honor Book. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people. You can find her online at www.sydneydunlap.com.

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Hi, Sydney! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi! Thanks so much for having me on The Nerd Daily! It’s an honor to be here!

I’ve lived most of my life in the Washington, DC area but am currently in Houston for my husband’s job. After teaching elementary school for a long time, I now tutor kids of all ages. I love animals and have a houseful of dogs and cats. Some things I enjoy include running, yoga, horseback riding, and volunteering, especially in the fight against child trafficking.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I have a very specific memory from when I was nine years old, in fourth grade. It was SSR (sustained silent reading) time at school, and I was totally mesmerized by Beverly Cleary’s amazing character, Ramona. I couldn’t wait for school to be over so I could go home and keep reading that story!

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

The first book I remember reading was a very simple one called The Rabbit. It had lots of pictures of a cute brown bunny, and even though there were hardly any words, it was such a great feeling of accomplishment when I finished! Katherine Paterson’s heart-wrenchingly honest The Great Gilly Hopkins made me want to be an author. One that I can’t stop thinking about is Dan Gemeinhart’s beautiful The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.

Your debut middle grade novel, It Happened on Saturday, is out February 21^st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be? 

Journey from darkness into light

What can readers expect?

It’s a fast-paced story of a 13-year-old girl who narrowly escapes becoming a victim of human trafficking and must find the courage to speak up and share her experience with her friends so none of them end up becoming victims too. Many changes are going on in Julia’s friendships and with her family, and she meets someone online and is lured into a very dangerous situation. The first part of the book takes the reader through her abduction and escape, and the second part follows her journey through the aftermath, including her participation in a therapy group for other kids her age who’ve experienced trauma.

Where did the inspiration for It Happened on Saturday come from?

It grew out of my work with child trafficking survivors and my realization that kids need to know about this so they can be careful and aware, especially as they go online and on social media. I learned that thousands of youth under the age of eighteen are lured or forced into trafficking in the United States alone each year, counting toward a current worldwide total of about a million young trafficking victims, and many of them are in middle school. That’s why I decided to write a book that introduces this topic—in a kid-friendly and age-appropriate way—before or during the time readers are most vulnerable.

Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I love horses and, like Julia, my first job was working in a barn in exchange for riding lessons. So all the scenes at the stable were very enjoyable for me to write. A favorite moment for me is when Julia walks into the barn for the first time after everything that’s happened, and it’s just her and the horses in there. She is so relieved to be back with the animals she adores. She says “Hi everybody!” and a lot of the horses poke their heads out over their stalls with their ears pricked forward, showing that they’re glad to see her, and one of them nickers. I was recently meeting someone at a stable, and I got there first, walked in, and experienced a moment just like Julia’s. It was so amazing to feel like I was living out a scene from my book.

My other favorite part is when Julia and her best friend Nori finally both let their guard down and are completely honest and vulnerable with each other, and they realize that the friendship they share is pretty much the most important thing in the world. I’ve had the same best friend since elementary school, and every time I read this part, I tear up a little bit, thinking of the bond we share.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey of getting It Happened on Saturday published?

Sure! I began working on It Happened on Saturday after we’d been in Houston for a couple of years. Once I’d finished the first two drafts, I realized it was time I brave the traffic to go to an SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) event and get to know other writers in the area. Well, the first chapter meeting I attended featured agent Ann Rose as the guest speaker. It was serendipitous because I later had an opportunity to pitch my book to her, and it turned out that we were a great match. She helped me get the book ready for submission, and I ended up adding on the second part to make the story accessible to anyone who has experienced a traumatic event.

Do you have any advice for those who may have set some writing resolutions for the new year?

I know that some people suggest trying to find a time to write every day and sticking with it, even if you just aren’t feeling it. I will offer a different perspective. Instead of trying to balance writing time with other things each day, maybe try just going for it if the ideas are rolling! And then you can make up for whatever else didn’t get done during a time the ideas aren’t flowing as well. When I’m stuck for ideas, I’ve found that my most interesting thoughts come first thing in the morning when I’m not quite awake and not quite asleep, or when I’m on a walk. I recommend writing down any compelling thoughts or ideas while they’re fresh in your mind. I always think I’ll remember things later, but then I don’t! So I try to have a notepad and pen handy at all times!

What’s next for you?

I’ve got my first school visit and SCBWI speaking event booked, and I’m very excited for both of those and hopefully lots more! I’m currently finishing up another upper middle grade novel that also touches on a serious issue. I’ve also got some picture book ideas—a narrative nonfiction one that I’m working on with another writer and a fun fiction one, as well as an idea for a spooky story—so lots of ideas brewing!

Lastly, are there any 2023 releases our readers should look out for?

So many! I’m in a 2023 middle grade debut group, and I’ve already gotten to read a lot of the other authors’ books, and they are absolutely amazing!! I can’t choose just one, so I’ll share a link to the MG ’23 debut website!

You can learn more about Sydney at her website.

Will you be picking up It Happened On Saturday? Tell us in the comments below!

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