An interview about Passing Notes by Tammy Wilson for The Children’s Book Review.
Debut author Tammy Wilson on why understanding the why behind bullying changes everything.
In Passing Notes, debut author Tammy Wilson draws on decades of experience as an elementary school principal to tell the story of Logan, a boy with asthma whose differences make him a target for bullying — and Griffin, the classmate behind it. In this conversation, Tammy shares what inspired the book, the lessons she hopes young readers carry with them, and why empathy is at the heart of every page.
What inspired you to write a book, especially for middle grades, about bullying?
The idea really began with a conversation I had with a student. After retiring as an elementary principal, I taught as a substitute teacher for a while because I missed being with students. One day, while teaching, I told a class that I wanted to write a book and was open to ideas. After class, a student came up to me and said, “Please write a story about a boy who has asthma and gets bullied. But at the end of the story, I want there to be a celebration for him.”
When I paired that moment with everything I had seen over the years, I knew I wanted to write a story that felt real to kids, something that didn’t just address bullying on the surface, but explore what might be underneath it.
Middle grade is such an important age. Children are becoming more aware of social dynamics, friendships, and where they fit in, but they’re still learning how to navigate all of that emotionally.
And that’s where Passing Notes began.
How did you decide to make Logan’s asthma the trigger for Griffin’s bullying?
I chose asthma because it’s something that can make a child feel different in a very visible way. Logan isn’t able to participate in gym class like the other students, and that immediately sets him apart.
In many classrooms, it’s often the differences that get noticed first. And unfortunately, those differences can become targets.
Using asthma allowed me to show how quickly a situation can shift from simply being “different” to becoming the focus of unwanted attention, and how that impacts a child both socially and emotionally.
Was any of your book based on real-life experiences?
Yes. Many of the emotions and situations in the book are rooted in what I’ve seen and experienced as an educator. While the characters and storyline are fictional, the experiences behind them and the ways children respond are very real.
I’ve worked with students who struggled to fit in, students who acted out, and students who were trying to make sense of situations at home that affected how they showed up at school.
Those experiences shaped the heart of the story.
What message do you most hope that readers take away from your book?
More than anything, I hope readers walk away with a deeper sense of empathy.
It’s easy to label someone based on their behavior. But when we take a step back and try to understand why someone is acting a certain way, it changes how we respond.
I also hope students see that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference -sometimes more than we realize.
What advice would you give to readers who are currently experiencing bullying?
I want you to hear this clearly: what is happening to you is not your fault, and you are not alone, even when it feels that way.
I know it can be scary to speak up, but please try to find one person you trust – a teacher, a counselor, a parent, or an older sibling – and tell them what’s going on. You deserve support, and there are people who truly want to help.
And this is important: What someone else says or does to you does not define who you are. You are so much more than this moment. Please don’t forget that.
If you could add one more lesson or scene to your book, what would it be and why?
If I were to add anything, it might be a scene that shows more of the long-term impact of kindness, and how small moments can continue to ripple outward over time.
For example, I could imagine a moment where a new student is sitting alone, and instead of walking past, Griffin notices. There’s a pause, and he hesitates, maybe remembering what it felt like on the other side. And then he chooses to sit down or say something kind.
What would make that moment even more meaningful is what happens next. That student begins to feel included, and perhaps later shows kindness to someone else. It becomes a quiet ripple.
We see change begin in the story, but I think it would be powerful to show how those changes continue to shape relationships and choices beyond the immediate situation. Something small that shows the seeds planted in the story continue to grow long after the last page.
Because change doesn’t always happen in big, obvious ways. Sometimes the most meaningful shifts happen slowly, in the everyday moments we almost don’t notice.
What challenges did you face while writing about such an important topic?
One of the biggest challenges was finding the balance between honesty and hope.
Bullying is a serious issue, and I wanted to portray it in a way that felt authentic. At the same time, I didn’t want the story to feel heavy without purpose.
It was important to me that readers could see both the difficulty of the situation and the possibility for growth and change.
What role do you feel parents and teachers play when students are dealing with bullying — and how did you weave that into the story?
Parents and teachers play a critical role. They’re often the ones who can help students feel seen, heard, and supported.
In the story, I included characters like Miss Sophie, the school counselor, to show how important it is for students to have a safe space to talk and process what they’re experiencing.
Adults don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to be willing to listen and guide.
Can you tell us about the teaching materials available on your website and how they can be used to spark conversations about the book?
On my website, I offer a variety of educator resources, including literature circle guides, discussion questions, writing prompts, and activities designed to support social-emotional learning.
These materials are meant to help teachers, counselors, and parents go beyond the story and create meaningful conversations. They encourage students to reflect, share perspectives, and connect the themes of the book to their own experiences.
My goal is to make it easy for educators to integrate the book into both academic and SEL-focused discussions.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I would encourage readers, both children and adults, to pause and look a little deeper when they see behavior they don’t understand. What we see on the surface is often only a small part of what someone is carrying.
When we respond with patience, curiosity, and kindness instead of quick judgment, we create opportunities for connection and understanding. Even the smallest interactions -how we speak to someone or how we choose to respond can shape how they feel about themselves and others.
And those small moments are where real change begins.
About the Book
Passing Notes
Written by Tammy Wilson
Ages 8+ | 188 Pages
Publisher: Wildflower Prairie Press | ISBN-13: 979-8999731500
Publisher’s Synopsis: When an asthma diagnosis ends Logan’s hockey dreams, moving across the country feels like the final blow. At his new school, Griffin, the class bully, seems determined to make fourth grade miserable. But Logan has a wild idea: what if he writes anonymous kind notes to Griffin?
With help from his new friend Gabe, Logan launches a secret mission that could turn his worst enemy into a friend… or backfire spectacularly. As his plan unfolds, Logan begins to realize that everyone carries struggles unseen.
Can Logan’s risky kindness reach Griffin before his secret is exposed? Or will his plan make everything worse?
Perfect for classroom discussions, school counselors, and readers ages 8-12. Passing Notes encourages empathy, understanding, and connection.
Complimentary teaching materials and literature circle resources are available at TammyWilsonAuthor.com to support classroom use.
Passing Notes’ well-written chapters are the perfect length for a read-aloud book, making it an excellent choice for classroom use and discussions on modifying undesirable behavior.
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About the Author
TAMMY WILSON spent over 30 years in education as a teacher and elementary principal. She has always believed that every child has a story worth telling and every action has a purpose. Now she brings that relationship-first philosophy to her writing, creating authentic characters who navigate challenges of friendships, family, and identity. She lives in Rochester, Minnesota, and enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
For more information, visit: https://www.tammywilsonauthor.com/
