~CHARACTER INTERVIEW~ Author Tina Shepardson’s Interview with Main Character, Maddie, From WALKOUT

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Tina: Hi Maddie. Thank you for stopping by today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
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Maddie: Oh sure. I go to Walker Elementary School and I am the oldest in my family. The best part about school is I am in the same class as my best friend Stella. I see her every day, all day long.
 
Tina: What do you like to do when you are not at school?
 
Maddie: That’s simple. I love to draw with my crayons and markers and play with my friends. 
 
Tina: I heard you were part of a school walkout recently? Can you tell us a little about it?
 
Maddie: Yea, I was. Our school was having one but it was only for the big kids and I really wanted to walk out with them.
 
Tina: How did you become a part of it then?
 
Maddie: Well, it was School Safety Week and I just thought everyone should be included, not just the big kids.
 
Tina: That makes perfect sense. Did you walk out with the big kids by yourself?
 
Maddie: Oh no… I asked my friends for some help and everyone got together during lunch to make signs about safe schools. Even our teacher helped us. Only Stella didn’t.
 
Tina: I am sure she was just busy. 
 
Maddie: Actually, she was scared. Our principal told us it was for the big kids only. He even said so during announcements. She just didn’t want to get into trouble. 
 
Tina: I understand how she felt. Didn’t you?
 
Maddie: Yes, I did. But I also didn’t want her to feel left out. I really wanted all my friends to help the big kids stand up for safe schools so I kept asking her to see if she would change her mind. 
 
Tina: And did she? 
 
Maddie: That was a really busy week at school, plus I had homework every night too. If you want to find out if Stella changed her mind and even how you can help schools stay safe, you have to read WALKOUT.
 
Tina: That is a good idea Maddie, and thank you for telling us about your experience.
 
Maddie: Bye, see you later!

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