With a knack for the arts, Amelia puts her skills to use and creates a wooden frog that plays music! But, after Amelia sells her creation, will the wooden frog find a home that recognizes its value? In What If No One Hears Me? (2022), readers are reminded to find beauty in even the mundane things.

Author Jaida Powell chatted with Young Authors Publishing’s Assistant Editor, Brooke Shannon, to discuss the inspiration for her story, important literary tools, and more.

Brooke Shannon: What inspired you to write your book?

Jaida Powell: A gift given to me by a family member.

BS: What was one takeaway about writing you discovered while writing your book?

JP: That (creative writing at least) is a lot more fluid than I thought it was.

"... who you are and how much you are worth is not dependent on other people or where you happen to be."

BS: Who is your favorite author and why?

JP: Kelly Barnhill. Her books are so interestingly written and her fictional worlds are phenomenal. Her ability to personify inanimate objects is great as well.

BS: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

JP: That who you are and how much you are worth is not dependent on other people or where you happen to be.

BS: What advice would you give to young authors or creatives?

JP: If something seems interesting, try it! The worst thing that can happen is you don't like it and you never do it again. Otherwise, you might discover something new that you enjoy.