reply
Hi, Ruchama,
Not “Fake,” exactly, but fictional. Like the prison. The inspiration was simple: it was all story-driven. It may sound a little contrived, but once I had the characters and the idea for the “perfect” little town, the experiment, etc., the story almost developed on its own.
BTW, I think it’s great that your Dad is reading with you. It’s so helpful, and fun, to be able to discuss your thoughts as they come up. Lucky you! —–Gordon Korman—–