**Author Interview**

Below is my special interview with Author - Phoebe Stone.

About her book The Romeo and Juliet Code.

1.Why did you set your book in World War two time period?

World War II was a difficult and fascinating time and I have read a lot of books about it. I think whenever people work together for a great cause, great friendships and great loves are formed. It was a time of enormous tragedy and enormous horror and enormous love and enormous deeds. I think all that is extreme appeals to the writer in me. I am always looking to awaken my readers. No one sleeps or falls into dullness in extreme times.

2. Were any of the characters based on real people?

Well, all of my characters have snippets and threads of people I have known and loved. But I have decided that Uncle Gideon is reminiscent of a fifth grade teacher I had when I was in school in England. I had only just arrived in my new school and he was always teasing me about Americanisms. When I was just finished with a problem, I would say, "Mr. James, I'm through." And he would say, "Through the hedgerow, are you?" letting me know in a teasing sort of way that the British did not use "I'm through" for "I'm finished." Thinking back now, I realize my relationship with Mr. James played a huge part in "The Romeo and Juliet Code." I was very charmed by him and he taught me and showed me, with great humor, how things were done in England. All these years later, I'd love to have a chance to thank him. It's funny because when I wrote the book, I really didn't realize that he was even a part of it. It's only now, after the book has been published, that I recognize Mr. James in Uncle Gideon.

3. I was very interested in the thought of Queen Anne's secret voyage. Was the ship real? Did they really paint it all gray?

The ship was based on the ture maiden voyage of the great Cunard ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth. That ocean liner was indeed painted all gray, including the portholes. They did this so that no light would escape and betray the ship's presence to a passing enemy airplane in the night. The Queen Elizabeth did steal across the ocean, evading Nazi submarines and airplanes. It was being moved from England to the U.S. for safekeeping. The Queen Elizabeth ended up being used as a troop ship later in the war. My ship, the Queen Anne, was a fictionalized version that sailed in 1941 instead of 1940.

4. I noticed the many references to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In both it and your book there is a mysterious, ill young boy. Were the similarites between Colin and Derek intentional?

"The Romeo and Juliet Code" is kind of homage to Frances Hodgson Burnett. It intended it to be a kind of nod to her, which is why Felicity dressed up as Frances Hodgson Burnett for Halloween, why she is in the middle of reading several of her books, and why there is kind of light interplay and various references among the characters.

5. For what age group do you recommend your book?

Scholastic has marketed the book for ages eight to thirteen. I always try to write for all ages, for everyone.

Special Question: What was your one favorite book to read growing up?

Picking one would be impossible! I loved so many. In seventh grade I began to read the Brontes, "Wuthering Heights," "Jane Eyre," "Villette." I have always loved the whole family and all their books. I also loved E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little." And the E. Nesbit's books, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Beatrix Potter. Sometimes I think she may be the greatest of all.