Mandy Chilcote

Mandy Chilcote asked Ruta Sepetys:

As a middle school English teacher, Between Shades of Gray is one of my top recommendations for students who think they know WWII books. When I saw Salt to the Sea in the library, I snatched it immediately and am finding it hard to put down. I was surprised, though, to see another World War II book from you. Did the research for one lead to the idea for the other?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Mandy,

Thanks for your question!
The research for "Between Shades of Gray" didn't reveal the history behind "Salt to the Sea." It was a family connection. My father's cousin urged me to write about the Wilhelm Gustloff. She had passage on the ship but the day of the voyage, she could not board.

Thanks for recommending my books to your students. I'm so grateful!!

More Answered Questions

eli

eli asked Ruta Sepetys:

I met you at SCBWI and loved "Between Shades of Grey"! Are you planning on writing your next book (after "Salt to the Sea") as a historical fiction novel or do you want to experiment with a different genre?

Nancy Hawkins

Nancy Hawkins asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I have so enjoyed reading your books and recommend them to my library students at our school. Would you ever consider doing school visits in our area? We love your books!!!

Lucka

Lucka asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I read your book Between Shades of Gray (and Out of the Easy is already in my library :)) and I really liked it! It surely belongs among my favourite books and I want to ask you, do you have any your favourite book? Thank you :) Sincerely Lucie

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