Before reading this book, be sure to read the review of ‘Run Like A Girl’ to understand the novel’s story, and then return to read this Q&A!
We were afforded the opportunity to interview Amaka Egbe, author of ‘Run Like A Girl’, a YA coming-of-age novel about a young girl navigating identity, family, and the expectations of those around her when she is brought to live with her estranged father away from her old life.
For Amaka, writing Dera, the protagonist, came naturally. She had been developing the character for years, and shaping the story becomes less about creating challenges and more about showing how Dera responds to them. As she explains, “It wasn’t always fun to write the challenges she went through, but it was interesting to see how she responded to pressure based on how I grew to see her.” This focus on character growth sets the stage for much of the protagonist’s story.
Central to Dera’s story is her community. Amaka emphasizes how important it is for readers to see the support systems that surround her and allow her to flourish. “It’s so important to have a community of people who have your back… especially for young readers who may be navigating some real challenges in their lives,” she says. Through friends, family, and teammates, Dera finds guidance and encouragement from this support network, and we as readers watch the positive impact it has on her.
Representation is another key theme in this novel. Amaka wants to show that Black girls do not fit into a single mold and that their stories are diverse and complex. She reflects, “I want people to see that there are different types of Black girls out there with different types of stories… I want to create stories that fully flesh out the Black experience, whatever that looks like for a particular character during a particular time.” This approach allows the book to challenge stereotypes and create literature for young Black girls that doesn’t conform to cookie-cutter representations in the media, while allowing them to explore the wide array of character types and dynamics within the novel.
Even the ending of Dera is thoughtfully considered. Amaka writes about how she experiments with different possibilities, weighing Dera’s goals in sports, friendships, and family relationships. “Ultimately, the ending that makes it into the book balances a lot of her motivations without sacrificing other ones,” she says, finalizing an ending that feels true to Dera’s character.
Throughout the book, Dera’s friendship with Rosalyn, the school journalist, adds another interesting and unique layer to the plot. Through this relationship, Amaka explores how teens navigate identity and control the narratives others try to impose on them. “Rosalyn really helps Dera understand herself and the different ways she can take the narrative people are trying to write for her and make it into something that represents who she is,” Amaka explains. It is a reflection of how young people today negotiate their identities in a world where social media often amplifies outside expectations.
Lastly, the question of Dera’s relationship with her father highlights the importance of portraying their rocky road to understanding. The author speaks to how Dera’s relationship with her father emphasizes reconciliation rather than blame. Amaka wants to show that cultural differences and misunderstandings often create tension in immigrant families, but that change is possible. “I want the story of Dera and her father to be a redemptive one… a change in perspective and willingness to make amends with your child can go a long way in rectifying the relationship,” she says.
Through Run Like A Girl and Dera’s character, Amaka Egbe presents an incredibly well-developed story that blends self-discovery, community, and family in a way that feels grounded and real. This Q&A makes clear the care she puts into every character and how deeply she hopes readers connect with the story and the experiences it portrays.
Thank you to the author, Amaka Egbe, for allowing me to ask these questions to get a better insight into the process and thoughts throughout the crafting of ‘Run Like A Girl’!