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,
Continue Reading Upasna Kakroo Discusses Peerbagh, a South-Asia-inspired Storytelling Organization »
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
Continue Reading Author-Illustrator Nidhi Chanani Shares Her Process for Creating Graphic Novels »
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?
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,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Cynthia Levinson on Timely Topics & Finding Hope in Readers »
Hà Dinh and I have been friends on instagram for a while, and I loved her picture books. Now she has come up with a new chapter book series, Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-Up (Zonderkidz, 2025), illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop. I am excited to welcome Hà to Cynsations to share all about it.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Ha Dinh Discusses Her New Chapter Book Series, Ly-Lan »
Today I am excited to welcome Mika Song to Cynsations to talk about her upcoming graphic novel Night Chef (Penguin Random House, 2025), which releases on Oct. 28, 2025. The star of this book is an orphan raccoon who is also a spunky self-taught chef.
I first saw Mika’s illustrations in A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey (Chronicle Books,
Continue Reading Author-Illustrator Mika Song Shares Her Graphic Novel Journey & Night Chef »
By AJ Eversole
Osiyo, everyone! Legendary Frybread Drive-In is finally here, and now we’re sharing conversations with the anthology’s contributors. This discussion explores how Sandy June’s, the famous drive-in that can be found across all reservations, came to life and the deep cultural significance woven throughout these interconnected stories.
Creation & Inspiration
What inspired the concept of Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In?
By AJ Eversole
The resurgence of the YA paranormal novel has my whole heart. As a Cherokee teen who was Team Jacob all the way, seeing these concepts that meant so much to me rewired and examined for a BIPOC audience has been monumental. Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis (Page Street,
Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for Cynsations!
Effective immediately, the Cynsations digital magazine is on hiatus. Find links to posts from our latest issue below:
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Bright Lights and Summer Nights by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Zach Manbeck (Tundra Books,