Phil Hall is an elementary school principal who realized during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that young people needed more than anything to learn the value of prosocial behavior—acting in ways that benefit others. That is when he wrote the first draft of The Day the Children Saved the World, hoping he could spread his message to kids everywhere. Phil lives in Rutland, Vermont, with his fiancée, Alice. Between the two of them, they have four young boys—Jackson, Lincoln, Harrison, and LJ—and two dogs. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and playing with his kids.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: At the time I wrote the first draft of my book, I was working as a middle school administrator. One day, I was thinking about what I wish I could’ve taught my students when they were younger. I came to the conclusion that the one thing I wish I could teach all young people is the value of prosocial behavior. Helping other people makes them happier, which makes you happier. When we act for the benefit of someone else, both people benefit.
So many young people feel disconnected, and those students generally participate in risky behaviors that harm themselves and others. What better way to help students feel connected with their families, friends, classrooms, and communities than to teach them prosocial behavior? I wanted to write a book that illustrates the impact that everyone can have, even through small acts of kindness and selflessness.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: I think that writing is like anything else in that there are two things that you have to do to reach your goal. First, you have to start, and second, you have to keep going.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Harrison, Jackson, and Lincoln are my three sons.
Q: What is your favorite part about writing? Is it plotting out the story, creating dialogue, world-building, etc.?
A: Creating rhymes while maintaining flow is my favorite part of writing.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think in order to be a good writer, you have to have some natural talent, but you also have to work to develop your skills. Hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” —Dr. Seuss
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I am currently working on two new books.
Q: Is there an author you look up to? Why?
A: There are many, including Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, Dav Pilkey, Mo Willems, and Shel Silverstein. I think I would choose Shel Silverstein—I loved his books as a kid. I found his poems to be incredibly clever and witty. His books are kind of a mix of a poetry book and a joke book, and there are SO many. What a brain.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein The BFG by Roald Dahl The Lorax by Dr. Seuss One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Learn more about Phil Hall and his children’s book, The Day the Children Saved the World, at https://blueballoonbooks.com/bookstore/the-day-the-children-saved-the-world/.
