Q&A with Izzy Aldridge on “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula

An Interview with Izzy Aldridge—Plymouth, Massachusetts

1. Who would you recommend “The Battle for Innocence” to and why?

I would recommend this book to all teenagers entering high school because it touches on important subjects and scenarios that many teens experience in life. It exposes the serious situations that teenagers get into on a daily basis like taking new substances or partying every night along with the consequences they behold.

2. Why is this book a helpful resource for teens?

This book can be a helpful resource for teens because it can teach them that staying grounded to morals, keeping your faith, and overall being true with yourself is very important. It teaches the readers the consequences of making bad decisions and following down an irresponsible path, as well as making good decisions despite what their friends may be doing. The book will expose healthy and smart paths for a teenager to go down. 

3. Who is your favorite character in this story and why?

My favorite character in the story is Jon because no matter what people may think of him or if he may lose friends he still decides to stay grounded to his morals in faith. Jon shows a good example as a leader and strong teenager. Also, when things went downhill in the story Jon was still able to rekindle his faith and relationship with God; he found his way back no matter what. The decisions Jon makes creates a very responsible and good leader. 

4. What was the most surprising thing about seeing the main characters’ lives in 7th grade?

Personally, the most surprising thing about seeing the flashbacks throughout the characters was that Chantal had so many problems and troubles with her own sister Cathy. I feel like siblings should not be fighting over boys the way that they were. I think that Chantals relationship with her sister and God should come before any boys that she is trying to be with. 

5. Why is it important for readers to know the backstory shared in this novel?

It is important for the readers to know the backstory that is shared in the novel because it allows them to understand the different paths the characters all took from seventh grade to high school. Different friends groups change a lot from seventh grade to highschool amongst all the characters. The flashbacks show how some characters have grown and changed and furthered their relationship with God and faith. Through each character’s own path, the reader can see how different influences can lead to poor decisions or dangerous situations. The struggles within main character Chantal, can allow the reader to see her path in depth and to analyze how she has grown and changed as a character.

About Izzy Aldridge

Izzy is a senior at Plymouth North High School, and she will graduate in June of 2024. In high school, Izzy has been a part of multiple sports teams, including soccer and lacrosse. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Her favorite subjects include marketing and English. Two of Izzy’s favorite hobbies are traveling and spending time with her family and friends.