By Bree Rae
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.
Continue Reading Cynsations Intern: Bree Rae 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 »
Beverly Cleary, beloved, iconic, award-winning author died on March 25 in Carmel, California. She was 104.
Obituary: Beverly Cleary from Publishers Weekly by Shannon Maughan. Peek: “Cleary’s desire to read funny stories about kids like herself is something that drove her as she eventually became an avid reader,
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.
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,
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!
By Bree Rae
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).
Continue Reading Author Interview: Corey Ann Haydu on Finding the Joy in Writing »
Norton Juster, beloved author, died on March 8 at his home in Northampton, Massachusetts after complications from a stroke. He was 91.
Obituary: Norton Juster from Publishers Weekly by Shannon Maughan. Peek: “Children’s author Norton Juster, widely praised for the wordplay in his clever and whimsical books for young readers,
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 &
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?
Continue Reading Author Interview: Joy Jones Jumps in to Share Stories »