Interview with Katherine Locke, Author of “What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns”

What would you say to people who think that children are too young to understand change or nuance in someone’s identity - and the changes in pronouns that may also occur?

Children are astute and observant, especially young children. Part of their job, developmentally, at that age is to pick up on nuances of expression and identity. Children are noticing these differences amongst themselves and adults, regardless of whether anyone is talking to them about these words and changes. As adults, we should be encouraging children to notice and interact with changes and facets of identity positively and with healthy, but polite, curiosity. Giving them the language to engage with identity helps with healthy boundaries, self-identity, and politeness when noticing aspects of others' identities or expressions.

What can adults learn from children like Ari - a child who is thoughtful, respectful, and interested to learn about others?

In general, I think that children are very comfortable with being uncomfortable. Kids are acutely aware that they don't know things. They go to school every day and confront things they do not know and learn them. They ask questions--incessant ones, sometimes. They are comfortable knowing they don't know things about their world, and that they can take steps to learn what they don't know. I think adults need to be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Ari isn't sure what their words are at the beginning of the book--and yet they're willing to talk about words for other people and sit in that discomfort until they know. They're willing to talk and learn and share and be open with others about their anxiety about not knowing their words. Adults can learn to become comfortable with discomfort, and with being willing to ask questions to learn things about the people around them instead of making assumptions (something I think comes from a place of valuing comfort over opportunity for growth.)

Do you identify with one or more characters in the book? If so, who and why? If not, what are some traits of one or more characters that you admire?

I hope that I grow up to be like Uncle Lior, especially for the little kids in my life! I love how confident and gentle and supportive they are.

Ari’s Uncle Lior seems to feel consistent in their identity and pronouns, but Ari feels a little more unsure and a little less confident. What do you think these characters can teach us about identity - and how we feel about identity?

Some people know their words, and some people don't, and some people's words change. And the changing of words may not be a phase--some people are genderfluid and their pronouns may not be constant. Even though Uncle Lior's pronouns stay the same, other facets of their identity may change. They might be excited one day and tired next. No one's identity is set in stone. We all change in different ways every day. Being open to how each others' identities are changing, in ways like gender but also mood and ability or disability and occupation and other descriptors is a way of building a more inclusive community.

You have written, contributed to, and edited books for audiences of many ages. What do you find most interesting, difficult, and/or enjoyable about writing for young children?

I love the challenge of telling a big story in a small amount of words! That's simultaneously the most interesting and the most difficult part of writing for young children. Every word matters and must be pulling its weight. But I have also loved getting pictures of young readers reading my picture books. Those are really special to me.