Reader Q&A with Mark Ballabon

Home is a moving and original story for readers 12+ by Mark Ballabon, with colour illustrations from Grant Macdonald. 

Covering themes of climate change, family and identity, this remarkable novel follows the story of Leah - a 14-year-old who loves stargazing, contemplating the big questions of life and who dreams of disappearing into the wild. 

One of our young reviewers - RomillyO aged 13 - described Home perfectly:

"This book had amazing illustrations set out in windows instead of chapters. This book told the story of Leah and her adventures through astrology, astronomy, climate change and friendships. This book is an adventure story and talks about very sensitive topics which would probably appeal to more older readers. Books that talk about climate change also makes people want to change the world around them so it is great to read if you want to do something about climate change."

Romilly had the chance to ask Mark some questions about the book and his writing - check out their brilliant Q&A below.

You can also read an extract of the book here and download a summer reading challenge activity pack for Home here.

reader q&A with mark ballabon

1. How long did it take for you to write Home?

Longer than I’d ever imagined! I started working on Home with the help of a few young editors when they were only 11 and 12-years-old. They are now 17 and 18! So it’s been over six years. But as all the characters in the book were inspired by real people, it took me time to get to know them better.

2. Do you like astrology and astronomy?

I’ve always loved stargazing and reading books about the facts and mysteries of the universe. When I was a teenager and found out that I was a Taurus, I started eagerly researching my star sign; I discovered that all the main features were just like me – loyal, caring, loving the luxuries in life and being way too stubborn! In the book, at summer camp, Leah is particularly fascinated by the 3 stars in what’s called the Summer Triangle. The secret is that my publishers use those 3 stars in a lot of their promotions, but no one knew… until now!

3. What part of Home was the most fun to write?

Ah. That’s difficult, because there are so many parts which I’ve really enjoyed writing. But if I had to pick one, it would be the Window (chapter) called ‘Voyage to the Stars’. It describes an experience I once had when I was 8 years old and one that a few teenagers have told me was similar to something which happened to them. Just imagining travelling among the stars is thrilling to me.

4. Where did you get your ideas from?

Mainly from working with teenagers. Young people inspire me all the time and amaze me with their insights and imagination. Plus I get ideas from a few wise friends who have been a great influence on my life. Apart from that, my ideas come from big questions which I can’t answer, and strange experiences which no one can explain.

5. Why did you want to write the story in windows instead of chapters?

Well, when I first saw some of Grant MacDonald’s beautiful illustrations for the book, I felt that they were like a window into a different world - Leah’s Universe. The illustration for ‘Window One’ for example, of the mystical island near where Leah grew up, is a window into her life when she was only 6 years old. And ‘Window Ten’ is Tanguy looking out onto a scene from his life in a village by Lake Chad in Africa.

6. Do you like to help the environment like Leah?

Since I was Leah’s age, I’ve always loved nature and used to write poetry and songs about it. Then I realised that humans were doing so much damage to the environment, that I had to do anything I could to protect it. We try to recycle absolutely everything and grow vegetables and fruit in the garden. I’ve also campaigned locally for years to help protect the green belt, natural habitats and biodiversity.

7. Would you make a series of these books with the same characters but different events?

Home is actually the first in the Leah’s Universe series. The next book in the trilogy will be called Dragonfly. I have just started writing it (hopefully I will write it a bit quicker than Home!). All I can say is that it will feature some characters from Home that readers have told me must absolutely be in the second book! You will find some characters you know, some you don’t and events which are very different. Leah is growing up fast. 

8. Do you think Leah and Maia will encourage others to do more about climate change?

I really, really hope so. I think Leah represents a young adult’s passion for solving climate change problems, and she offers a very fresh approach. Maia represents an adult’s passion for the same issues, and she totally agrees with Leah’s thinking. I hope that the scene at summer camp where they make a film about ‘home’, will inspire people of all ages to make some real changes to help the climate and the next generation who didn’t create this crisis.

9. What did you learn when writing Home?

Great question! Well, I believe I learnt a lot more about the fears and hopes of teenagers around the world. And in learning to listen more carefully to their mental and emotional needs, I hope that I’ve been able to empathise with some of their greatest challenges. I also learnt why home is such a vital place to find, in oneself, in living on a planet and in being a tiny, wonderful part of the whole universe.

10. In the book you talk about Leah’s brother Aiden getting bullied. What advice would you give to someone who is being bullied?

Well, in Window Two, Leah tries to give all kinds of good advice to Aiden, but it’s not what he needs in that moment. Each case is different and often very complex. But Leah’s Dad invented The Code of Five, which can help in dealing with these situations. The main starting place for me, is not to do with the bully. It’s to do with knowing how to avoid dangerous situations, handling your own reactions and not letting anyone wind you up.

P.S. Whoever asked these brilliant questions, thank you for inspiring me.

Mark Ballabon