Known for her work for adults, Ann Hood's first book for children How I Saved My Father's Life (and Ruined Everything Else) is equally worthy of praise. On the surface, it may seem to be your typical young adult snapshot of a family trying to navigate a bad divorce, but this story has a few twists that make it memorable. How I Saved My Father's Life is actually more about a mother's unconditional love for her daughter and the beginning of a relationship stronger than the ability to make miracles happen. We will be giving away three copies of the book to the first three commenters who answer the question: "What book, television or film first introduced the topic of divorce to you as a young person?" Update: The book giveaway is now closed. Thanks for commenting!

YPulse Books: The main character, Madeline is obsessed with saints. How much research did you do on the lives of the saints and what did you discover that surprised you?

Ann Hood: I grew up in an Italian Catholic family and was actually quite obsessed with saints from a young age. I loved their stories, and had a romantic image of their lives. So my research was done as an elementary school student, in a way. However, as I have traveled as an adult, in particular in Europe, I am surprised to see how devoted people are to saints. Saint Therese of Liseux, Saint Bernadette in Lourdes, Saint Clare in Assissi, still have pilgrims visiting churches and hometowns, leaving prayer requests and tiny gifts.

YPB: Cody is sort of a side character but seems to be the most insightful at times. Do you feel that there is a naive wisdom in childhood that we lose as we mature?

AH: Children see the world without any filters, so that wisdom is really a pure reaction to their experiences. I was embarrassed the other day when my three-year-old daughter Annabelle asked a man in a cafe what his name was; he said, "John"; she said, "Hi John! Why are you so fat?" I wanted to disappear! But John said, "Because I eat too much and I'm related to Santa Claus." Now, whenever we go to that cafe he wants to talk to Annabelle.

YPB: Madeline blames the collapse of her family entirely on her mom. It's common for children experiencing a divorce to blame one parent exclusively. Why do you think that occurs?

AH: I think on some level children of divorce blame themselves. It helps them to think an adult is responsible. And often they turn against the parent they are with the most.

YPB: Madeline believes in miracles and specifically that she has the ability to make them happen. Is there an underlying psychological or emotional reason for this?

AH: Madeline is a creative, precocious girl with a wonderful imagination. I don't think that at first there was any emotional reason for her belief, but later the idea that she could perform miracles helped her to feel she had some power in a situation--the divorce--in which she is really powerless.

YPB: I really liked how you put Madeline and her friend Antoinetta together. What do you think are the main differences and similarities between their faith?

AH: While Madeline struggles with what to believe and how to believe it, both in faith and in her personal life, Antoinetta provides a constant. She is unwavering in her faith, and this gives Madeline hope.

YPB: What was your main inspiration for writing, How I Saved My Father's Life (and Ruined Everything Else)

AH: The novel began as a short story in which Madeline believes she saved her father's life in that avalanche. But the more I wrote, the more I liked Madeline. My husband has a daughter from a marriage that ended in divorce, so I have thought a lot about how children feel in a divorce. This allowed me to explore that through Madeline.

YPB:You've written novels for adults too, how is writing for young people different? The same?

AH: Writing for young people is no different. In fact, at first, this was a short story for adults. YA books ask tough questions, bring terrific characters to life, use complicated language, and explore the world of adolescents.

YPB: Do you believe in miracles?

AH: Every time I look into my children's eyes, I do believe in miracles! They happen every day, in the most ordinary places. We just need to keep our hearts open to them.

YPB: Thank you Ann. I enjoyed your book so much and look forward to your next project.

Posted by alli