By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, Bree Bender and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Happy spring, Cynsational readers!
We’re taking a short break, and we hope that you can, too!
Wow, it’s hard to say no to more work these days. Though hope is on the horizon,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, Bree Bender and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Coquí in the City by Nomar Perez (Dial Books, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
#FactsMatter Primer: The What, Who, and Why of Middle Grade and Teen Nonfiction by Karen Jensen from School Library Journal.
By Bree Bender
I’ve heard it said that writers don’t choose writing. It chooses us. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a writer. So, in a sense, I believe that statement is true. It’s just something I was born with, something that is so deeply a part of me, I don’t know where it ends and I begin. I think that’s the beauty of it.
Continue Reading Cynsations Intern: Bree Bender on a Life of Writing »
By Kathi Appelt
This interview includes plot spoilers for Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum, June 1, 2021). You may want to bookmark and return to it after reading the story.
Cover art by Floyd Cooper (Muscogee); from the promotional copy:
Lily and Wendy have been best friends since they became stepsisters.
Continue Reading Guest Interview: Kathi Appelt & Cynthia Leitich Smith on Rebirth in the Neversea »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Daisy by Jessixa Bagley (Neal Porter Books, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
A Women’s History Month Chat With Graci Kim and Roshani Chokshi from Read Riordan. Peek: [Graci Kim:] “For those of you who hold story seeds inside of you…please feed them,
We’re pleased to welcome Kirstie Myvett and Aya Khalil to Cynsations.
Kirstie and Aya are founding members of KidLit In Color— a group that nurtures, amplifies, and advocates for diverse voices and equitable representation in the industry. Members who participated in this interview include Valerie Bolling, Tameka Fryer Brown, Lisa Stringfellow,
Continue Reading Interview: Kirstie Myvett & Aya Khalil on KidLit In Color »
Two of the new voices authors of Foreshadow (Algonquin Young Readers, 2020), Joanna Truman and Flor Salcedo, introduce the anthology and answer questions about the process of answering a call for submissions and getting your work out there when you want to be part of an anthology!
So, You Want to Submit to an Anthology…*insert Captain America gif here*
You open Twitter,
By Bree Bender
Today, I am excited to welcome the critically-acclaimed middle grade and young adult author Corey Ann Haydu to Cynsations. Corey Ann is the author of many books for middle grade and young adult readers including her Edgar Award nominated young adult novel Eventown (Katherine Tegen Books, 2019). Corey Ann’s latest middle grade novel, One Jar of Magic (Katherine Tegen Books,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Corey Ann Haydu on Finding the Joy in Writing »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Shonto Begay (Schwartz & Wade, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
I’m always inspired by authors who balance writing with running organizations that promote literacy, and I’m thrilled to introduce Cynsations readers to Joy Jones, author, non-profit director and double Dutch jumper!
Congratulations on Jayla Jumps in! The story has a lot of interesting layers. What was your initial inspiration for writing it?
Jayla Jumps In (Albert Whitman,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Joy Jones Jumps in to Share Stories »