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 »
Today we are excited to welcome Rebecca Bendheim to Cynsations to talk about her debut novel, When You’re Brave Enough (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2026), which released on April 7th. In this hopeful, queer Bildungsroman, Lacey the protagonist’s emotional journey is so achingly real, with all her worries about traditions—whether they are the weird loving family kind or religious temple kind or school theater ones—that any teen would find it relatable.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Rebecca Bendheim on Author-Agent Relationships & Being Brave »
By Mitu Malhotra
Today we are excited to welcome National Book Award–winning author Shifa Saltagi Safadi to Cynsations to talk about her recent novel Sisters Alone (Putnam, PRH, 2026) which released on Sept. 8. This expertly crafted verse novel with its honest depiction of anxiety and intrusive thoughts will definitely resonate with middle grade readers.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Shifa Saltagi Safadi On Being a Vulnerable & Persistent Poet »
Today I’m excited to welcome Leslie Adame back to Cynsations. Last fall I chatted with Leslie and other MG Escapades Authors about their debut experience. In this interview, Leslie reflects on current events, imposter syndrome and tackling revision notes. Her new book, Chloe Vega and the Missing Unseen,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Leslie Adame on Writing MG Fantasy that Mirrors Reality »
By Suma Subramaniam
I first met Emily Young at Vermont College of Fine Arts back in 2015, and I’ve been a fan of her work ever since. It’s a joy to welcome her to the Cynsations blog to talk about her debut YA novel, A (Dead) Thing Like Me (Holiday House, 2026).
Welcome, Emily!
Your debut YA novel,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Emily Young Explores Humanity Through Paranormal Mischief »
Effective immediately, Cynsations is on summer hiatus. Read the posts from our most recent series here:
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Stories Are the Heart of the World by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt (Simon &
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 Gayleen Rabakukk
Author Andrea M. Page
Author Andrea M. Page (Hunkpapa Lakota) died March 5, 2026 at the age of 61, after a difficult battle with breast cancer, stated Walker Brothers Funeral Home. Andrea taught 6th grade English Language Arts for more than 30 years. During that time, she started researching the Lakota Code Talkers,
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.