The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew

Author Interview: Jill Tew On Writing Dystopian For A New Generation

Posted on

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!

By AJ Eversole

I have seriously loved every title I’ve read that comes from the JoyRevolution imprint, and this YA Dystopian—featuring Black main characters who have to bring down the corporate overlords all while riding a forbidden,

Continue Reading Author Interview: Jill Tew On Writing Dystopian For A New Generation »

Throwback Thursday: Melissa de la Cruz’s Path to Publication & Writing Page-Turners

Posted on

Congratulations to Melissa de la Cruz on The (Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society (Disney Hyperion, Sept. 5, 2023), the first book in a new middle grade series. From the promotional copy:

You only get in if you’re Extraordinary….

After passing an intense exam, Edwin Edgefield becomes one of the lucky few to attend an exclusive weekend at the mysterious high-tech institute of the uber-famous-ultrabazillionaire-genius-recluse Onasander Octagon.

Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Melissa de la Cruz’s Path to Publication & Writing Page-Turners »

Guest Interview: Laura Sibson Talks to Katherine Locke About Approach to Craft

Posted on

By Laura Sibson

When I first met Katherine Locke through a Philly author group, I was struck by the sheer number of ideas they have for stories and their ability to write across age groups. From picture books to middle grade anthologies to young adult novels with fantasy elements, Katherine can do it all.

Continue Reading Guest Interview: Laura Sibson Talks to Katherine Locke About Approach to Craft »

Nonfiction for Older Readers: Kekla Magoon on How Discovery is in the Details

Posted on

Photo of Kekla Visiting an Oakland Museum of California exhibit on the Black Panther Party. The wall images are spreads from The Black Panther, the Party’s weekly newspaper.

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

Today I am thrilled to welcome Kekla Magoon to talk about the process of researching and writing her multi-award winning book Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People (Candlewick,

Continue Reading Nonfiction for Older Readers: Kekla Magoon on How Discovery is in the Details »

Nonfiction for Older Readers: Maureen Charles & Ashley Walker Talk About Collaborating on a Nonfiction Project

Posted on

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

Today I am excited to introduce our Cynsations readers to Maureen Charles and Ashley Walker who recently collaborated on a nonfiction project for older readers. Their book Music Mavens from Chicago Review Press comes out this fall as part of their Women of Power series.

Continue Reading Nonfiction for Older Readers: Maureen Charles & Ashley Walker Talk About Collaborating on a Nonfiction Project »

Nonfiction For Older Readers: Gail Jarrow on Digging Deep into Research

Posted on

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

Today we kick off a series of posts about writing nonfiction for older readers. In her book Nonfiction Matters (Stenhouse, 1998), Stephanie Harvey explores nonfiction reading and writing in the classroom with an emphasis on the process of discovery. She writes:

“As we studied,

Continue Reading Nonfiction For Older Readers: Gail Jarrow on Digging Deep into Research »

New Cynsations Reporter Veeda Bybee

Posted on

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

Today we welcome Veeda Bybee to the Cynsations team as a reporter. With a background in journalism as well as someone who participates enthusiastically in conversations surrounding the kidlit community, she is well-suited in this role. Veeda has contributed to the anthologies Rural Voices, edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter (Candlewick,

Continue Reading New Cynsations Reporter Veeda Bybee »

Announcing the #KidsLoveNonfiction Campaign

Posted on

This morning, Mary Ann Cappiello, Professor of Language and Literacy at Lesley University, and Xenia Hadjioannou, Associate Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the Harrisburg campus of Penn State University, sent the letter below to The New York Times requesting that the paper add three children’s nonfiction bestseller lists to parallel the existing picture book,

Continue Reading Announcing the #KidsLoveNonfiction Campaign »