Interview with Robb Pearlman, Author of “Pink Is for Boys”

What was your inspiration for writing this particular story?

I was at a birthday party for twin girls at an ice skating rink. There were about 15 girls and two boys in attendance. In order for the staff to differentiate the partygoers from the regular crowd, all of the party guests were issued pink wristbands to wear. One of the girls confronted one of the boys by trying to make fun of the fact that he was wearing a "girl color." I couldn't believe what I was hearing (and that I was the only adult hearing it), and waited to see how the boy would react. To my great surprised he looked at the girl, looked at his wrist, and then walked away. The look on her face, knowing that she was unable to get a rise out of him was priceless, and you can be sure I made sure she knew I'd heard what she'd said, too. I was struck, how even now, people--and even children--could see colors as gendered. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing this book?

I try not to talk about the books I'm writing (for fear of jinxing them), but I did talk about this one, just to get my friends' takes on it. I was surprised at just how common it was for people to have experienced shame or discomfort with secretly, or not so secretly, liking something that was traditionally associated for their opposite gender. Women who, as girls, kept their love of sports quiet, men who, as boys, couldn't admit that yellow or purple were their favorite color.

What lessons have you learned from writing children's books that you have brought to writing and editing books for adults?

I think the biggest lesson is to remember what I admire about four writers whose works I make a point to re-read every year: Dorothy Parker, David Sedaris, Oscar Wilde, and Harper Lee: Make Every Word Count.

What is your favorite color? 

Today my favorite color is the butterscotch blonde of my newly-groomed puppy, but it's sometimes blue and sometimes purple!

What's your latest pop culture obsession? 

I've recently started re-watching the Battlestar Gallactica reboot--it's pure comfort food during times like these where you're looking to leaders and community to get you through a terrible situation. But for new fun, I'm loving Dead to Me, Mrs. America, Penny Dreadful, and Upload.

Photo by Alex Ward