My first Skype chat was with a classroom in Texas. I traveled the “long” distance from my bedroom to my office, and one-by-one, the kids came up to the screen to ask me questions. Since then, I’ve enjoyed many more video chats. At first, I sat at my computer with a tiny camera attached to the screen.
Continue Reading Guest Interview: Pro Tips for Online Author Visits »
Rob Justus
What first inspired you to write for young readers?
After not drawing for about 15 years, I picked up a pencil for the first time and rediscovered my love for creating. I would say I’ve always had a quirky mind that would go to outlandish places,
Alex Sanchez is a successful tween-YA author with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Interview with Yamile Saied Méndez by Adriana M. Martínez Figueroa from Boricua Reads. Peek: “I write for my young readers who are seeing themselves in an adventure in which they’re the heroes for the first time.
Tomie dePaola (pronounced da-POW-la), celebrated and beloved author and illustrator, died March 30 in Lebanon, New Hampshire after complications from surgery following a fall. He was 85.
Obituary: Tomie dePaola, ‘Strega Nona’ Author and Illustrator, Dies at 85 by Iliana Magra and Julia Carmel from The New York Times.
Compiled by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Check out this list of Native children’s and young adult (teen) books along with supplemental educational and/or entertaining resources. It reflects only a few highlights from the quickly growing, engaging body of literature for young readers, created by Native authors and illustrators. The books were selected in part due to their curriculum tie-in potential and in part due to the tie-in activities,
Continue Reading Home & Classroom Teaching: Native American Children’s-Teens’ Books & Resources »
By Kim Rogers
Today, I’m happy to welcome David Heska Wanbli Weiden to Cynsations.
David is the author of Spotted Tail, illustrated by Jim Yellowhawk and Pat Kinsella (Reycraft Books, 2019), a middle grade biography which traces the life of his tribe’s famous Lakota leader.
Continue Reading Native Voice: David Heska Wanbli Weiden on Writing Inclusive Books For Kids »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Fraser-Pryce Shares Her Story in Poignant Children’s Book by Lois Elfman from Amsterdam News. Peek: “I’m a young girl from an inner city…and there are many girls and boys like me who are trying to get to where I am.
By Amy Alznauer
Discovering a New Magic at the Heart of the Creative Life
As artists, we spend most of our time alone in a room writing or drawing. On our bad days, we wonder if our efforts are nothing more than a narcissistic pursuit of a private vision.
I spent many days like this as I worked for over a decade – pre-agent,
Continue Reading Guest Post: Author Amy Alznauer on Artistic Collaboration »
By Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rocky Callen
Cynsational Note: Today we are honored to welcome two YA debut authors, Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rocky Callen, who talk about the importance and representation of mental health issues in YA literature, specifically their novels.
Nora: Hi, Rocky! I’m so excited to chat with you about our books.