Mary Boone Shares her Creative Point of View on uGROnews
uGROnews is on Substack written by kidlit authors, Joyce P. Uglow and Kathy Groth
From Mary's Point of View
Mary Boone has hung out backstage with a boy band, DNA-tested salmon, and baked dozens of cricket cookies – all in the interest of research for her books and magazine articles. She’s written 70+ nonfiction books for young readers. Mary's recent books include PEDAL PUSHER (Henry Holt & Co.), SCHOOL OF FISH (Albert Whitman & Co.) and BUGS FOR BREAKFAST: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the World (Chicago Review Press). Other books on the horizon include a picture book biography entitled FLYING FEMINIST (Andersen Press, 2026) and a middle-grade collection of stories related to our oceans, UNFATHOMABLE (Bright Matter/Penguin Random House, 2026). Prior to becoming an author, Mary reported and edited for daily newspapers in Iowa and Illinois. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband, Mitch. Mary loves being outdoors, reading, and hanging out with her very stubborn Airedale Terrier, Ruthie Bader.
Website www.boonewrites.com
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/boonewrites.bsky.social
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boonewrites/
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From Mary’s Creative Point of View
Pedal Pusher: How One Woman’s Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the World, written by Mary Boone and illustrated by Lisa Anchin, was published on February 18, 2025, by Henry Holt & Co./Macmillan.
P: POTENTIAL POWER OF YOUR BOOK:
Mary, please share what your book is about and the power or impact it can have on readers. How does this story speak to you? to kids? agents, editors, book buyers, and stakeholders?
I have always loved picture book biographies. As a kid, I read every single one of them in my school library. For me, they were a glimpse into a bigger world and I knew that I wanted to write one.
PEDAL PUSHER tells the story of Annie Cohen Kopchovsky (AKA Annie Londonderry). When I first learned about Annie, I knew she had the kind of chutzpah that would appeal to children. In 1895, Annie became the first woman to ride a bicycle around the world. She did it on a dare because two men said no woman could ever tackle such a feat. Oh… she didn’t know how to ride a bike when she accepted the challenge.
I love cycling.
I love it when people tell me I can’t do something. Just watch me.
I love learning new things.
It seems Annie and I have a lot in common, so capturing her story in picture book form was a real joy for me.
O: OPINION:
The number of books published for children each year is mind-boggling. What did you do, and what can other creators do to make their projects irresistible to agents, publishers, and ultimately to book buyers?
It’s tough to know what’s going to hit with a publisher or a reader. For me, I want to tell stories that are layered (hint: this isn’t just a story about a woman who rode a bike). Those stories have to be written in a way that makes them enjoyable to read – I never want to write a book that parents hide because it's too long or too weighed down by big words, dates, or statistics. I also strive to ensure readers can relate to the story. If it’s a story about the ocean but you live in Iowa, why does it matter? Connectivity is important.
I: INSIGHTS GAINED:
What insights can you share about researching, writing, and/or illustrating this book? How can a person put their interests and/or background to work in creating a project?
I specialize in nonfiction picture books and middle-grade novels. For me, it’s all about the research. I need to read anything and everything I can get my hands on: books, journal articles, newspaper archives, diaries, etc. Whenever possible, I also want to do hands-on research, which can be more challenging with a historical story – but not impossible. I, for example, sought out a single-speed bike so I could remember what it’s like to pedal up a hill without the assistance of gears (not fun!), and I checked out some 1890s women’s fashion exhibits.
Then I let the research tell me where the story needs to go. The bits I find myself sharing with friends because they’re so memorable or remarkable are generally where I start. And when I sit down to write a first draft, I write all the way through. It may be ugly, but at least I have words on paper that I can polish.
N: NOURISH YOUR CREATIVE SELF:
I love the health and creative benefits of walking outdoors and pausing at a “Sit Spot” along the way to connect with nature. What are ways that you nourish your creative self?
I was a farm kid which, when I was growing up, meant doing your chores and then figuring out a way to entertain yourself. My sister, brother, and I built forts in the back timber and crafted mini golf courses in the moss in an old, empty silo. We made up games and taught ourselves tricks on the unicycle and pogo stick. We rode ponies and hiked. We were the opposite of over-parented and over-programmed. Having the freedom to roam has had a lasting effect on me.
Now, as an adult, I start almost every morning – regardless of the weather – with a walk. I find that gives my brain time to fire up. I also craft. I’m not an artist, but I feel like stepping away from my laptop and spending time with watercolors or stained glass is a really good way to connect with my muse. It allows me to be creative with no expectation of creating something wonderful.
T: TAKEAWAY:
What is the vital idea, takeaway, or message your readers will come to understand after reading your book?
This is a story about much more than a bicyclist who may – or may not – have circumnavigated the globe (you’ll have to read the book to learn more!) In the 1890s, men drove the cars or hitched up the horses. If a woman wanted to go to the market or to see a friend, a man had to take her. Bicycles changed that. They gave women freedom to travel on their own. Bikes also changed women’s fashion because long, billowing dresses were impractical for riding. Did I realize those messages would be part of my story when I first started researching? No. But I think they’re important, relatable takeaways.
Filled with captivating illustrations of the incredible globe-spanning journey, this celebratory picture book tells the story of an unsung feminist icon: the marvelous and resilient Annie Cohen Kopchovsky
VIEW: I want to thank you for featuring my story and my new picture book on your blog back in November. You are an inspiration to the writing community. You are so busy uplifting others on your Six Questions With Kidlit Creators Blog and writing books yourself. How do you have the time for your next projects?
I have another “strong women doing cool things” book releasing in Spring 2026 from Andersen Press. FLYING FEMINIST tells the story of Lilian Bland, the first woman in the world to build and fly her own plane – something she accomplished when Amelia Earhart was just 13 years old. The book was illustrated by Andrea Turk and her artwork is absolutely stunning.
More to the story…
Mary, besides your amazing Six Questions blog entries, do you offer other services to writers?
Yes, you can find links to my services below:
Picture Book Manuscript/Fiction or Nonfiction. Click here.
Critique- Query Letter. Click here.
Critique- Nonfiction Book Proposal. Click here.
Ask Me Anything Session- 30-minute Zoom chat designed to answer your questions. Click here.
Editing- I specialize in nonfiction and fiction picture book and middle-grade manuscripts. Click here.
Books for Writers These are the books I turn to all the time. Check them out!
Thank you, Mary! I loved Pedal Pushers! I can’t wait to get my hands on The Flying Feminist. Your super long list of books is on my TBR list! Here’s to you and your success.
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Great interview! Mary, you are an inspiration!👏
What fascinating books Mary has written! Congrats on her upcoming books!