Brave Girls Collection moves to story of trauma, bravery, and finding your voice

In author Kimberly Behre Kenna’s first book, “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade,” we’re introduced to a young girl determined to save the environment. It’s the first of the Brave Girls Collection, and on Aug. 3, we get to meet the newest protagonist in the series, “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm.”

In this book, Jett is fighting two battles—one against the censorship of books at her local library. The second is her secret personal trauma, which reflects that of the author. In this interview, Kimberly and I talk about the choice to include her own struggles and how it shapes the character. We talk about central messages and what she hopes people take away from the story.

We discuss book censorship in the story and the motivations of those behind it, as well as how Jett fights back and the friends who stand by her side. Kimberly wrote “Jett Jamison” well before book censorship became the hot-button issue it is now and we give our takes on what’s going on in the world.

Libraries have been important places for both of us, and Kimberly talks about her younger years roaming the stacks looking for the perfect tale. She and I share our favorite books and experiences as young readers.