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 »
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 »
By Gayleen Rabakukk
Jane Yolen, author of more than 400 books for young readers, died on June 11 at the age of 87, according to the announcement on her website.
Cynthia Leitich Smith first had the pleasure of meeting Jane on a listserv for children’s authors. Cynthia said, “Along with Toni Buzzeo,
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: