Today we continue meeting more members of the MG Escapades group, this time chatting with debut authors who have fantasy novels publishing this year: Leslie Adame, Alby C. Williams, Carey Blankenship-Kramer, Sarah Mendonca, Christina Cornwell,
In Memory: Author Ken Mochizuki, Paper Engineer Gene Vosough & Publisher Katie Cunningham
Ken Mochizuki
Children’s and young adult author Ken Mochizuki died September 20 at the age of 71 in Maple Valley, Wash., according to Asian American Media News. Mochizuki’s first picture book was published in 1993, Baseball Saved Us, illustrated by Dom Lee (Lee &
Author Interview: Uma Krishnaswami on Series Writing & The Sunshine Project
Uma Krishnaswami is one of the best and most distinguished author/mentors in the children’s publishing industry. I have enjoyed the Book Uncle trilogy so much and feel honored to welcome her to discuss the third book in the series.
Your forthcoming book, The Sunshine Project (Groundwood Books,
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Throwback Thursday: Author Susan Fletcher on Childhood Influences
Congratulations to Susan Fletcher on the publication of Sea Change (Amulet Books, June 2025)! From the publisher’s website:
A girl torn between two worlds . . .
Turtle is scavenging a drowned town when she saves a stranger’s life. There’s something special about Kai—an attraction she’s never felt before.
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MG Escapades Authors Emily Deibert, Kerry Madden Lunsford, Sara F. Shacter & Jess Callans on Contemporary Middle Grade
Today we’re welcoming several middle grade authors to Cynsations: Emily Deibert, Kerry Madden Lunsford, Sara F. Shacter and Jess Callans, all middle grade novelists—mostly debut authors—collectively known as the Middle Grade Escapades. Their books fall into the contemporary,
Author Interview: Cordelia Jensen on a New Novel, a Decade of Writing & Teaching Verse
Today we are excited to welcome Cordelia Jensen to Cynsations to talk about her latest verse novel Lilac and the Switchback (Holiday House, 2025). Cordelia who is a Vermont College of Fine Arts alumnx has published lyrical and accessible verse novels for a decade.
Upasna Kakroo Discusses Peerbagh, a South-Asia-inspired Storytelling Organization
Upasna and I met online a few years ago. I was drawn to her charismatic personality and dedication to amplify and promote South Asian voices in children’s literature. Later, she invited me to Varta, a South-Asia-inspired storytelling festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I’m pleased to welcome Upasna Kakroo to Cynsations to discuss her non-profit organization,
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Author-Illustrator Nidhi Chanani Shares Her Process for Creating Graphic Novels
Today we are excited to welcome award winning author-illustrator Nidhi Chanani to Cynsations. I thoroughly enjoyed Nidhi’s debut Pashmina (First Second, 2017) for it was the first time that I encountered an Indian-American teen protagonist centered in a graphic novel for children.
Nidhi’s
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Contributing Authors on Community, Connection, & Expanding Indigenous Narratives: Legendary Frybread Drive-In
By AJ Eversole
A Conversation with the Contributors of Legendary Frybread Drive-In (Part 2)
Continuing our conversation with the contributors of Legendary Frybread Drive-In, we explore how Sandy June’s builds community across tribal nations, showcases diverse Indigenous experiences, and imagines Indigenous futures through art, music, and storytelling.
What makes Sandy June’s a place of safety and belonging?
Author Interview: Cynthia Levinson on Timely Topics & Finding Hope in Readers
I’m excited to welcome Cynthia Levinson back to Cynsations. Last month, I attended an Austin book talk with Cynthia and her husband and co-author Sandy Levinson discussing the new edition of their book, Fault Lines in the Constitution (Peachtree, 2025).
At most children’s literature events,
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