By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: My Street Remembers by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Cathie Jamieson (Groundwood Books, 2025).
Author Interview: Twila M. Barnes Reflects on The Cherokee People, Culture, & History
By AJ Eversole
I was delighted to chat with respected Cherokee historian, Twila M. Barnes, about her latest release from Capstone, The Cherokee People, Culture and History. The book is part a wonderful Indigenous Peoples series from Capstone that seeks to showcase a deep look into various Natives across the present-day United States,
MG Escapades Authors Stan Yan & Angela Hsieh on Graphic Novels; Plus Sara Shacter on Creating a Debut Author Group
Today we have the final installment of the MG Escapades series with Graphic Novelists Stan Yan and Angela Hsieh. And we’re also chatting with the group’s founder, Sara Shacter about how the group got started in case you’ve been thinking about putting together a marketing group.
MG Escapades Authors Leslie Adame, Alby C. Williams, Carey Blankenship-Kramer, Sarah Mendonca, Christina Cornwell, Ryan James Black, Nicole Hewitt, Shana Targosz on Publishing MG Fantasy/Horror
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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