Emma Shevah on My Name is Jodie Jones and contemporary real-world novels for early teens

We’re delighted to welcome Emma Shevah to the blog to discuss her latest novel, My Name is Jodie Jones, which we’re thrilled to have shared with our Macaw subscribers this month. This exciting and witty new book for early teens draws readers into the emotional world of Jodie Jones, a neurodivergent girl who is obsessed with collecting sentences and cherishes the magic of words. Grappling with family drama, school struggles, and the weight of unspoken memories from a day on the bridge five years earlier, Jodie Jones’s journey is both moving and empowering. Through her safe havens - her books and her best friend - Jodie Jones must navigate complex truths and find her own voice. My Name is Jodie Jones is a heartfelt celebration of individuality, resilience, and the transformative power of language. Here Emma tells us what inspired the story and which other contemporary real-world novels she recommends you read next.

What inspired you to write My Name is Jodie Jones?

I like writing about characters that don't fit the norm, and don't really want to, so freedom and individuality are often themes for me. I'm aware, too, that traumatic events stay with you always, and wanted to explore that in a novel. I'm a teacher so I'm aware of students and that what's going on in their lives can impact school and their academic progress, and the pressures they experience. But of course I also wanted to explore parents, and how damaging they can be. Obviously, including incredible books and writers was a joy.

Are any of the characters or events based on real people and their experiences?

Sort of, yes. I know people affected by traumatic events, and I know how tricky families can be. I'm open about basing Clyde on a writer I know - I asked him for permission and he knows about it! 

What do you hope young readers will take away from the story?

I hope mostly that readers will be aware of language and how wonderful it is; be aware of how to get help if they or someone they know needs it; be emboldened to accept and stand up for friends; and be inspired to look up and read some writers, poets and books.

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Jodie Jones and her family?

Nope. Sorry. They live on beyond the page and the reader fills in those gaps.

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

It's a change for me to write for teens but I know how it feels to be itching for freedom and learning about yourself. It's a very special age.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

Ideally at my big desk, but it's in parts in the garage. I like it when it's in a room upstairs by a window, looking down on a street or a garden. I'm currently at the kitchen table, so it's a bit sad. My current house doesn't have a space big enough for my desk.

Which other contemporary real-world stories for young people would you recommend our subscribers read next?

Hmm - that's tricky. I really love Why We Took The Car by Wolfgang Herrdorf and read it again this summer. I like Submarine by Joe Dunthorne, too. They're both very funny.

What book would you give Jodie Jones as a gift and why?

Hah - great question. I'd give her The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy because she would love the wordplay.

Do you have a favourite word, phrase or sentence you’ve discovered in a book you’ve read?

I have many: I made a word cloud of my some of my favourite words and talked about them in assembly this morning. I don't collect sentences but I should... 

Copies of our My Name is Jodie Jones pack, including a copy of the book and loads of fun activities to go with it, are now available for individual purchase. Grab a copy while stocks last!

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