By AJ Eversole
Super excited to chat with debut author, Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams today on Cynsations. Reading An Expanse of Blue (Heartdrum, 2026) was a transformative experience for me. From the opening to poem I was hooked and ready to follow main character Aouli along on her journey. So far the young adult novel-in-verse has received a stunning three stars and released on May 19th!
By AJ Eversole
Today we have Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee) to discuss her debut novel, Raven Rising (Heartdrum, 2026). Raven, Rising has received two starred reviews ahead of its July release. Today Christine speaks to the heart of the story and how being Cherokee has shaped her life.
Raven possesses magical powers in the kitchen.
By AJ Eversole
Today we welcome author Byron Graves (Ojibwe/Lakota) whose debut novel, Rez Ball (Heartdrum, 2023) won the William C. Morris Award, the American Indian Youth Literature Award and multiple student-choice state awards. His new book, Medicine Wheels, publishes June 2 from Heartdrum.
What drew you to explore skateboarding culture after the success of Rez Ball?
by AJ Eversole
Today I get to chat with author Karina Iceberg. Her debut picture book, A Good Hide, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Heartdrum, 2026), is about what happens after the moose hunt, when community comes together to celebrate the sustenance the animal provides. In a starred review,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Karina Iceberg Celebrates Community Connection in A Good Hide »
By AJ Eversole
I was delighted to chat with respected Cherokee historian, Twila M. Barnes, about her latest release from Capstone, The Cherokee People, Culture and History. The book is part a wonderful Indigenous Peoples series from Capstone that seeks to showcase a deep look into various Natives across the present-day United States,
By AJ Eversole
Osiyo, everyone! Legendary Frybread Drive-In is finally here, and now we’re sharing conversations with the anthology’s contributors. This discussion explores how Sandy June’s, the famous drive-in that can be found across all reservations, came to life and the deep cultural significance woven throughout these interconnected stories.
Creation & Inspiration
What inspired the concept of Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In?
By AJ Eversole
I’m so excited to chat with David about his new imprint, Swift Water! David A. Robertson is one of the most celebrated voices in Canadian literature today. He’s a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner, a national bestseller, and the author behind beloved books like The Barren Grounds (PRH Canada,
Continue Reading Editorial Director/Author Interview: David A. Robertson Talks Swift Water Books »
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
By AJ Eversole
Spotlight image: Author Christine Day at the Dark and Stormy Night Storytelling event on Bainbridge Island, Wash.. Photo Credit: BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) of Bainbridge Island, Continue Reading Author Interview: Christine Day Enters the YA Fantasy Realm with Short Story in Faeries Never Lie Anthology »
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
By AJ Eversole
Today on the blog we get to talk to Diné author and librarian Danielle Burbank about her debut early reader, Navajo Code Talkers (DK,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Danielle Burbank On Sharing Family Legacies »
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
By AJ Eversole
Today we are hearing from Stacy Wells (Choctaw) about her new chapter book series, Tana Cooks,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Stacy Wells Weaves Tradition into Chapter Book Series »