New Voice: Traci Sorell on We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

New Voice: Traci Sorell on We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

Traci & Frane in Tahlequah (Cherokee Nation Capital), June 2017

By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Traci Sorell is the debut author of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by Frané Lessac (Charlesbridge, 2018). From the promotional copy:

Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. 

Continue Reading New Voice: Traci Sorell on We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga »

Cynsations Return & Author Update: Cynthia Leitich Smith on Writing, New Releases, Native Voices & Allies

Cynsations Return & Author Update: Cynthia Leitich Smith on Writing, New Releases, Native Voices & Allies

Learn more about Cynthia Leitich Smith.

By Traci Sorell
for Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s Cynsations

As an New York Times bestselling author and the creator of Cynsations blog, Cynthia is well known to many. But after reading her upcoming YA novel, Hearts Unbroken (Candlewick,

Continue Reading Cynsations Return & Author Update: Cynthia Leitich Smith on Writing, New Releases, Native Voices & Allies »

Interview: Lee Francis IV on Native Publishing, Bookstores & Indigenous Comic Con

Interview: Lee Francis IV on Native Publishing, Bookstores & Indigenous Comic Con

Lee Francis IV

By Traci Sorell

Lee Francis IV is CEO/Publisher of Native Realities, owner of Red Planet Comics & Books store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Organizer of Indigenous Comic Con.

Native Realities swept the Middle Grade category of 2018 award winners from the American Indian Library Association.

Continue Reading Interview: Lee Francis IV on Native Publishing, Bookstores & Indigenous Comic Con »

Interview: Author Brad Wagnon & Illustrator Alex Stephenson on The Land of the Great Turtles

Interview: Author Brad Wagnon & Illustrator Alex Stephenson on The Land of the Great Turtles

By Traci Sorell

I’m delighted to feature Brad Wagnon, a fellow Cherokee Nation citizen and author of The Land of Great Turtles (Rowe Publishing, March 2018). He is joined by Alex Stephenson, the book’s illustrator.

I met Brad a few years ago in Tahlequah through his work for the tribe. Continue Reading Interview: Author Brad Wagnon & Illustrator Alex Stephenson on The Land of the Great Turtles »

Author Interview: Charlene Willing McManis on Mentorships & Believing in Your Work

Author Interview: Charlene Willing McManis on Mentorships & Believing in Your Work

By Traci Sorell

I first met Charlene Willing McManis at Kweli’s 2016 The Color of Children’s Literature Conference in New York City. (She’s dressed in yellow below.)

Native writers at Kweli’s
Color of Children’s Literature Conference in April 2016
Front: L to R: Charlene Willing McManis (Grand Ronde); Continue Reading Author Interview: Charlene Willing McManis on Mentorships & Believing in Your Work »