Bella Olson

Bella Olson is making her debut as an author with her novel, Trapped, at only 11 years old! She is also the founder of Avocado Awesomeness, a YouTube channel dedicated to all things fun, creative, and just a little bit extra. Bella is a SLAY Brazilian-American fluent in both Portuguese and English. A musical theater enthusiast, she has brought characters to life in The Lion King, Descendants, Matilda, and many more—and she can perform the Hamilton soundtrack start to finish without missing a beat.

What does Ava’s invention of herself as a “brave problem-solver” reveal about how children naturally approach fear and uncertainty?

I think kids are actually way braver than people sometimes realize. A lot of times, kids don’t wait until they feel completely confident before trying something; they just jump in and figure it out as they go. Ava is scared constantly, but her brain naturally switches into problem-solving mode because she wants to survive and help her friends. I think that’s something a lot of kids do in real life, too. Even when things feel overwhelming, they still try.

How does humor—especially through elements like a magic, party-hat-wearing chicken—help reframe danger and make bravery feel more accessible to younger readers?

Humor makes scary things feel less impossible. If everything in the story were serious all the time, it would feel too heavy. But when you add weirdness and ridiculous moments, like Rocco existing, it reminds readers that even during scary situations, there’s still room for joy and silliness. I think laughing can actually make characters feel braver because it takes away some of fear’s power.

In what ways does Dr. Heynis function as a classic “mad scientist” archetype, and how is that trope reinvented for a modern middle-grade adventure?

Dr. Heynis definitely has the classic mad scientist energy. Strange inventions, creepy experiments, giant traps, dramatic entrances, and weird hair. But I also wanted him to feel unpredictable and oddly funny at times instead of just purely evil. In middle-grade stories, I think villains are more interesting when they’re scary and bizarre because kids imagine things in such creative ways. He’s dangerous, but he also fits the strange, chaotic tone of the story.

How do Ava’s inventions and problem-solving skills reflect the idea that creativity can be just as powerful as physical strength in overcoming obstacles?

Ava doesn’t escape because she’s the strongest person in the room. She escapes because she keeps thinking. She notices patterns, invents tools, adapts quickly, and looks at problems differently. I wanted readers to see that creativity is a superpower too. Sometimes the smartest or weirdest solution is more powerful than brute strength.

What role do Ava’s parents’ lessons play in shaping her decisions once she is trapped, and how does this highlight the lasting impact of everyday parenting?

Ava remembers little things her parents told her throughout the story, especially when she’s scared. I really wanted those moments because parents don’t always realize how much small conversations stick with kids. Advice that seems simple at home can suddenly become really important later. Ava’s bravery is connected to the love and encouragement she grew up with.

How does the story balance high-stakes tension (traps, clones, shark pools) with comedic moments to keep readers engaged rather than overwhelmed?

I always wanted the story to feel exciting instead of stressful. The humor gives readers a chance to breathe between intense moments. One second, Ava might be escaping sharks, and the next, there’s something completely ridiculous happening. That balance makes the adventure feel fun and unpredictable instead of dark. I think middle-grade readers especially love stories that can be suspenseful and hilarious at the same time.

What does Rocco the magic chicken symbolize beyond comic relief—could he represent imagination, confidence, or unexpected support systems?

I think Rocco represents the unexpected things that help us through difficult situations. Sometimes support doesn’t come from where you expect. He’s also a reminder that imagination matters. The world of Trapped is weird and chaotic, and Rocco fully embraces that weirdness instead of apologizing for it. In a way, he helps Ava believe that unusual things and unusual people can still be important and powerful.

How does Ava’s journey redefine what it means to be “brave,” especially in moments when she is still scared but chooses to act anyway?

To me, bravery is not being fearless. Bravery is doing something even while your hands are shaking. Ava is scared throughout almost the entire story. She’s claustrophobic, she hates the dark, she doubts herself sometimes — but she keeps moving anyway. I think that’s more realistic and more meaningful than a character who’s never afraid.

In what ways do Ava’s new friendships inside the facility reinforce the idea that connection can be formed even in the most unusual or dangerous circumstances?

Ava, Luna, and Maya are all very different, but they need each other. I wanted their friendship to show how quickly people can bond when they’re honest and vulnerable together. Even in a strange and dangerous place, they find ways to trust each other, laugh together, and support one another. Sometimes, difficult situations can actually bring people closer.

At its core, what message does the story offer about embracing individuality—especially the “weird” parts—as a source of strength rather than something to hide?

One of the biggest messages in Trapped is that being weird is not a bad thing. The characters’ unusual qualities are often what help them survive. Ava’s creativity, Luna’s personality, Rocco’s randomness, all of it matters. I think the story encourages readers to stop seeing their differences as flaws. The things that make you different can actually become your greatest strengths.

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Website: https://www.bellaolson.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebellaolson/​

Link to purchase the book: 
https://www.amazon.com/Trapped-Bella-Olson/dp/1637748701
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