Author Ronald Cree: official site of young adult mystery author Ronald Cree, whose first book, Desert Blood 10PM/9C, (Simon Pulse, 2006)(trade paperback) features an all-Latino cast and introduces 14-year-old Gus Gonzalez.

Congratulations to Jane Resh Thomas, author of Counterfeit Princess (Clarion, 2005), and Alison McGhee, author of All Rivers Flow to the Sea (Candlewick, 2005), who’re both winners of the Minnesota Book Award. Jane won in children’s fiction, and Alison won in young adult fiction. Finalists in children’s fiction also included A Bear Named Trouble by Marion Dane Bauer (Clarion, 2005). See all the winners and finalists.

Congratulations to Liza Ketchum, winner of the Massachusetts Book Award for Where the Great Hawk Flies (Clarion, 2005)(author interview).

Congratulations to Holly Black, winner of the Andre Norton Award, presented by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, for Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie (Simon & Schuster, 2005)(author interview)(excerpt). Holly is the first recipient of the Norton Award.

Emerson Gallery Native American Fine Art: official site of the illustrator Anthony Chee Emerson. His books include Songs of Shiprock Fair, by Luci Tapahonso (Kiva, 1999); see additional titles. Site also features his Navajo folk art, collographs, poster gallery, etchings, original paintings, monotype, pillows, greeting cards, prints, etc. Learn more about Anthony Chee Emerson.

How to Write A Children’s Book for a Very Specific Audience from screenwriter Steve Barancik. Dismayed by the computer-generated texts offered by so many “personalized children’s book” businesses, Steve encourages adults to write a children’s story specifically for the kids in their own lives. A fun exercise for parents, beginning writers.

“I Wrote It. Now What Is It?” by Jan Fields from the Institute of Children’s Literature. On deciding whether a piece is a picture book or magazine manuscript. Learn more about Jan Fields; visit Kid Magazine Writers.

The Interactivereader: a YA librarian’s blog from Jac. “While once intending this as a log of books, has now realized this to be a chronicling of her first apartment, her first job, her life 2,000 miles away from everyone she knows, and indeed, occasionally, about books.”

The Nature of Critique Groups by Uma Krishnaswami from Writing with a Broken Tusk.

Strong at Heart: How It Feels to Heal from Sexual Abuse by Carolyn Lehman (FSG, 2006). Official site in support of the book. As the introduction states, “Let’s get real about child sexual abuse. It hurts children and teens in profound ways. But people can heal—and go on to lead rich and interesting lives.” Includes information on featured interviews, contents, author bio, how to get/give help, and more. See also Carolyn’s blog.