An Interview: the Characters in "Bubba and Giganto!"

I've been priviledged to host author Lea Schizas this week for the Virtual Book Tour. The last time we talked she promised to bring her characters in for an interview.

I'd like to introduce you to Bubba, a great kid who has had to adjust to several schools, try to keep out of trouble and make new friends.

1. Bubba, do you like your name and if not what would you change it to?

Bubba: My name has been an embarrassment all my life. Now seriously, what were my parents thinking? Every time my dad uproots us to a new place, I hate going to school cuz I know the stares, giggles, and ridicule are just around the corner. A normal name, like Bruce, Brendan, Bobby…anything would have been better. The only person who thought it was kinda neat was Giganto.

And this is your friend, Giganto, who liked your interesting name. Welcome To my blog Giganto.

2. Giganto, do you like Bubba and if so why?

Giganto: Bubba’s nice. Took time to practice soccer with me, unlike some other kids who took extra time to make sure I knew I was overweight. But, what can you say? There’s a balance of good and bad I guess. Just wish the bad were less.

3. Bubba, other than soccer what is your favorite pastime?

Bubba: Wow, soccer’s like my life but I guess, and this is thanks to Giganto, I love to read more. Never was much into books and studying until the big dude opened my eyes and helped me realize that without an effort on my part, I’d end up hashing burgers the rest of my life.

4. Giganto, what’s your least favorite pastime?

Giganto: Eating. I know that sounds odd because of my weight, but eating at my house was always a ‘big’ thing, you’d think we were Italians the way my mom added plate after plate of various dishes to each meal. Love mom but to be totally honest, she really didn’t help my situation any.

I'd also like to introduce Jason, a talented and popular boy at school. Welcome Jason.

5. Jason, why are you such a bully?

Jason: I never really thought of myself as a bully. I mean, hey, we’re teens, making fun is just part of growing up, no? Giganto was cool with it until Bubba came to school. Besides, I never hit or pushed David. Names, yeah, but never hit him. So if that’s bullying…what do you want me to say?

Well, thank you for your honesty. I know you all learned from each other. I hope you'll come back again and chat with me boys.

Lea, I know you're proud of these boys. Thanks for bringing them along. I have one final question for you.

6. Lea, what’s your most memorable time as a writer?

Lea: Creating characters that readers can relate to. Everyone has a dilemma, an emotion, a place they want to escape to so as a writer if I can give them this small escapade out of their own daily life’s routine then I know I’ve done my job.

I certainly loved meeting these boys and learning from their experiences. Thank you for coming. I know that kids of all ages will love this book. Many of them have found themselves on one side or other of this bullying issue. If you know someone struggling with this issue, this book will help them sort through their emotions and may even lead them to improve their actions or reactions.

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