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?
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?
Congratulations to our own Cynthia Leitich Smith on the publication of Firefly Season, illustrated by Kate Gardiner (Heartdrum, May 13, 2025)! From the publisher’s website:
Written by the award-winning, bestselling author of Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner (Nipmuck),
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Cynthia Leitich Smith Reflects on Craft, Career & Creativity »
Anita Fitch Pazner and I studied at the Vermont College Of Fine Arts together. I saw earlier drafts of this brand new book, and I’m thrilled for its release. Words Matter is coming to us from Groundwood Books in September 2025. It’s an honor to welcome Anita to the Cynsations blog.
Maria Marianayagam and I connected on social media over our common love for children’s books and South Asian children’s literature a few years ago. I’ve been a fan of her writing for a while now. Although we live miles apart from each other, she is fun to interact with.
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
I’m thrilled to welcome MG author Jenna Lee-Yun to Cynsations! I met Jenna at several SCBWI events in the Seattle area a few years ago,
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
Spotlight Image: HarperCollins Publisher and Vice President Rosemary Brosnan with Heartdrum Author-Curator Cynthia Leitich Smith
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
Don Tate is a successful children’s-YA creator 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.
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
Today we welcome authors Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith to Cynsations to discuss their collaboration on a new middle grade graphic novel series,
At the recent Texas Library Association Conference, authors Angeline Boulley, interviewed by Cynthia Leitich Smith, headlined the closing keynote. The authors appeared in conversation, discussing books, writing, and their shared love of libraries. I’m thrilled to share highlights from their conversation with our Cynsations readers.
Continue Reading Author Conversation: Angeline Boulley talks with Cynthia Leitich Smith »