Interview with the narrator of Angela Shante's THE NOISY CLASSROOM

Illustration by Alison Hawkins.

What did you have for dinner? Did you go out or eat in? Alone or in company?

We like to cook in. Every night I help my parents cook dinner. We usually make something from Ma’s culture or Pa’s culture. Every night we feast on a yummy Afro-Latin/Caribbean dish. My favorite is empanadas and jerk chicken.

What's your biggest secret? What's the biggest secret you've kept for others?

When I started third grade my biggest secret was that I was scared to be in Ms. Johnson’s class. I didn’t know if I would fit in. And I thought Ms. Johnson was odd. I was worried that other kids in the school would think I was odd too.

What's your earliest memory? Good/Bad? What would you change?

Many of my early memories are during the winter. I liked snow and loved to go out and play in it. I remember being sad when the seasons changed because that meant no more snow. During those months I like to research other snowy areas in the world like Antarctica.

Who's your best friend? How did you meet? Memory that makes you laugh?

I don’t have one best friend. My best friends are Maia, Colin, and Brandon. We are in Ms. Johnson’s class together and were in the second grade together.

What's your favorite movie? Why? Who is your favorite actor/actress?

My favorite movie is The Wiz. It’s an adaptation of The Wizard of OZ performed, directed, and staring all Black and Brown actors. We watch it every year. I like the way they turned New York City into a magical world.

Learn more about Angela Shanté at her website, https://www.angelashante.com.