Tracy Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson has never shied away from the difficult parts of life in her books. She's tackled alcoholism, mental health issues, divorce, domestic abuse and growing up in care, but always manages to make her creations warm, witty and child-friendly.

Her books inspired the long-running Tracy Beaker TV series, which has recently been reimagined as 'My Mum Tracy Beaker', featuring Dani Harmer as a grown-up Tracy with a daughter of her own.

In this episode we talk about casting Tracy Beaker, coming out in later life and the sad story that inspired James' favourite Jacqueline Wilson book, 'The Suitcase Kid'.

Jacqueline's ‘3am Questions’:
Favourite book - The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Favourite film - Thelma and Louise
Favourite songs - Mythical Kings and Iguanas by Dory Previn

Follow us on Twitter:
@OliverPhelps
@James_Phelps

Normal Not Normal is a Stabl production.
Music: 'Not Normal' by Sebastian Forslund 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices