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Effective immediately, the Cynsations digital magazine is on hiatus. We’ll return in December with more inspiration, insights and information on children’s-YA writing, illustration, literature and publishing.
At Cynsations, we celebrate Native authors and illustrators all year long, but we know more teachers and child-caregivers may be searching for titles with supplemental educational and/or entertaining resources during Native Heritage Month.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Free to Fly by Karina Iceberg, illustrated by Steph Littlebird (Heartdrum, 2026).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Fast Five Interview: Libba Bray by Amanda MacGregor from Teen Librarian Toolbox.
By Suma Subramaniam
Your newest picture book, Why Is My Skin Brown? (Red Panda Books, 2026), is a chapter book about colorism, belonging, and a girl who learns to love the skin she is in. What was your inspiration for this story?
I wrote Why Is My Hair Curly? (Westland Books) in 2020.
By AJ Eversole
We’re excited to welcome award-winning author Kevin Maillard to Cynsations to share the vacation story that became a picture book, The Ones Who Came Before, illustrated by Sibu TP (Roaring Brook Press, 2026). From the publisher website:
A Native American “city kid”
By AJ Eversole
Today we’re welcoming author Anne Broyles (Cherokee) to Cynsations to discuss her new young adult novel, Words Spoken True (Scholastic, Nov. 3, 2026). From the publishers’ website:
Award-winning author Anne Broyles weaves the lyrical story of fourteen-year-old Jane Bushyhead and her family’s forced removal, upon threat of death,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Ann Broyles Discusses Weaving Historical Fact into YA Fiction »
Today we’re chatting with Susan K. Holt, author, former school librarian and Nonfiction Ninja. She’s also one of my critique group buddies.
Your new book, There Once Was a Cowgirl (TCU Press, 2026), marks a couple of milestones in your career. Tell us about that.
I feel as though I’ve come full circle!
My conversation with Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Naomi M. Gruer, authors I’ve known for over a decade as part of a New Jersey SCBWI writers support group, continues.
Rebecca’s 10th book, I Wish that You Knew, illustrated by Alyssa Russell (Little Bee Books,
Spotlight photo: Authors Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Naomi Gruer with editor Lili Rosenstreich from Kalaniot Books.
Today we welcome two picture book authors to talk about their new releases. Rebecca Gardyn Levington’s I Wish that You Knew, illustrated by Alyssa Russell (Little Bee Books,
I first met Khushboo Patel through her books. When I read the announcements for Stolen Colors and All That Chandni Knows in Publishers Weekly, I was immediately drawn to both premises. After reading the books, I was even more impressed by the depth she brings to her characters. I’m delighted to welcome Khushboo to Cynsations.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Khushboo Patel on Writing Stories of Courage & Complexity »
Today we’re celebrating the upcoming publication of Gabriel’s Winter Count by Andrea M. Page, illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack Algeo (Charlesbridge, Oct. 6, 2026). From the publisher’s website:
A warm, intergenerational picture book introducing the Lakota tradition of winter counts and celebrating resilience, remembrance, and connection across distance. A moving story of love and tradition –
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Author Andrea M. Page on Creating Education Guides »