Welcome, Literary & Creative Community

Cynsations: Celebrating Children’s & Young Adult Literature is sharing our new summer issue.

2024 is our 20th anniversary! We’ve shifted to a quarterly format with in-depth articles, interviews, and news roundup.

Finalists for the Golden Kite Award and Sid Fleischman Humor Award have been announced by the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators. “The Winner and Honor book for each category will be announced live at 7p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST/4 p.m. PST Feb. 21 via Zoom at the Golden Kite Award Ceremony. Finalists (four-to-six per category) include:

Picture Book Text: EMERGENCY QUARTERS by Carlos Matias (Katherine Teagan Books)

Picture Book Illustration: JOYFUL SONG, illustrated by Susan Gal, written by Leslea Newman (Levine Querido)

Middle Grade: A TWO-PLACED HEART by Doan Phuong Nguyen (Lee and Low)

Illustrated Older Reader: ROVER AND SPECK by Jonathan Roth (Kids Can Press)

Nonfiction Older Reader: THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE: INFINITE IDENTITIES AROUND THE WORLD by Lee Wind (Zest Books)

Nonfiction Younger Reader: FIGHTING WITH LOVE: THE LEGACY OF JOHN LEWIS by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Paula Wiseman Books)

Young Adult: KILL HER TWICE by Stacey Lee (Putnam)

Sid Fleischman Humor Award: ON A WING AND A TEAR by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum)

Visit the link in my bio for the full list.

#bookawards #childrensbooks #yabooks #picturebooks #humor #writinghumor #illustration #picturebookillustration

Hooray for the ALA Notable Children’s Books – 2025! The list features books by Traci Sorell, Michaela Goade, Dawn Quigley, Andrea Rogers, Rebecca Lee Kunz, Danielle Nayeri, Matt Rockefeller, Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal, Cynthia Harmony, Devon Holzwarth, Julie Flett, Lesa Cline-Ransome, Winsome Bingham, Molly Mendoza, Loren Long, Kate DiCamillo, Júlia Sardà, Deborah Hopkinson, Nik Henderson, Renée Watson, Euka Holmes, James E. Ransome, John Schu, Lynn Brunelle, Jason Chin, Hena Khan, Safiya Zerrougui, Billy Mills, Donna Janell Bowman, SD Nelson, G. Neri, Corbin Wilkin, Deidre Haverlock, Aly McKnight.

View the whole list: https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb

“Reads for the Rest of Us: The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2025” by Karla J. Strand from Ms. Magazine include LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum), SING THE TRUTH: THE KWELI JOURNAL SHORT STORY COLLECTION, edited by Laura Pengram (Authors Equity), BROKEN FIELDS by Marcie R. Rendon (Soho Crime), MEDICINE RIVER: A STORY OF SURVIVAL AND THE LEGACY OF INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS by Mary Annette Pember (Pantheon).

Whoa! My TBR list just exploded. Congratulations to the ALA Youth Media Award winners and honorees! Here’s a shout out to some of those that I’ve read and enjoyed. I look forward to diving into more. To find a complete list of awards and recipients, check out the link in my bio.

Mvto/gratitude to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna)! From the Navajo-Hopi Observer: “….she served as the first Native American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and to lead the department left an enduring legacy across Indian Country as a beacon of Indigenous leadership and a role model to many, addressing issues that included Indian boarding schools, missing and murdered people, land stewardship and conservation, climate change and sovereignty.” (Deb Haaland’s enduring legacy lives on at Interior Department by Pauly Denetclaw at Indian Country Today (Feb. 17, 2025).

Cover art for SHE PERSISTED: DEB HAALAND by Laurel Goodluck and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint (Philomel). Check the comments to find the article, more information about the book, and “Thank you, Native writers who gave us books about Secretary Haaland!” by Dr. Debbie Reese at American Indians in Children’s Literature, highlighting additional titles about Deb Haaland.

“We first met Helpful Narrator in the opening pages. There, it tells us (the readers) how to say yáadilá and how to convey it, too, with body language…wonderful book….I’m highly recommending that you get it for your public and school libraries, and for your classrooms, and your home library, too!” —American Indians in Children’s Literature (highly recommended)

KidLit TV’s Top 10 Diverse Children’s Books of 2024 include:

Tu Books Publisher, Founder Whitman Steps Down, Succeeded by McMullen-Ciotti by Emma Kantor from Publishers Weekly. PEEK: “Stacy Whitman, publisher and founder of the diversity-focused Lee & Low Books’ Tu Books imprint, is stepping down. She will be succeeded by senior editor Elise McMullen-Ciotti, effective immediately. Whitman is transitioning to editor-at-large….” Find the article at the link in my bio.

ATTN Central Texas readers! Join Libba Bray in celebrating the release of UNDER THE SAME STARS (FSG, 2025) at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at BookPeople in Austin, Texas!

ABOUT THE BOOK

From New York Times-bestselling author Libba Bray comes an evocative and groundbreaking young adult historical mystery that examines truth, rebellion, reconciliation, and what must be sacrificed for a better world.

It was said that if you write to the Bridegroom’s Oak, the love of your life will answer back. Now, the tree is giving up its secrets at last.

In 1940s Germany, Sophie is excited to discover a message waiting for her in the Bridegroom’s Oak from a mysterious suitor. Meanwhile, her best friend, Hanna, is sending messages too—but not to find love. As World War II unfolds in their small town of Kleinwald, the oak may hold the key to resistance against the Nazis.

In 1980s West Germany, American teen transplant Jenny feels suffocated by her strict parents and is struggling to fit in. Until she finds herself falling for Lena, a punk-rock girl hell-bent on tearing down the wall separating West Germany from East Germany, and meeting Frau Hermann, a kind old lady with secrets of her own.

In Spring 2020, New York City, best friends Miles and Chloe are in the first weeks of COVID lockdown and hating Zoom school, when an unexpected package from Chloe’s grandmother leads them to investigate a cold case about two unidentified teenagers who went missing under the Bridegroom’s Oak eighty years ago.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Libba Bray is the New York Times bestselling author of The Gemma Doyle trilogy (A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, The Sweet Far Thing); the Michael L. Printz Award-winning Going Bovine; Beauty Queens, an L.A. Times Book Prize finalist; and The Diviners series. She is originally from Texas but makes her home in New York City.

The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of 2025: Caroline Carlson Asks Dahlia Adler, Jashar Awan, Rachel Ekstrom Courage and Others About The KidLit They’re Most Looking Forward To This Year by Caroline Carlson from Lit Hub. PEEK: “To create Literary Hub’s inaugural list of the most anticipated children’s books of the year, we turned to the experts, asking authors and illustrators of books for young people to share which upcoming releases they’re most looking forward to reading. Here are their choices: a wonderfully eclectic range of books….”

Jennifer LaGarde’s Favorite Books of the Year for 2024 from Bookelicious include titles by Kekla Magoon, Molly Murakami, Kaylin Melia George, Mae Waite, Elana K Arnold, Magdalena Mora, Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal, Liz Garton Scanlon, Dominique Ramsey, John Schu, Kate Di Camillo, Melanie Crowder, Khoa Le, Carole Boston Weatherford, Khalif Thompson, and Paula Yoo.

Reminder! Pre-order Heartdrum’s January picture book releases:

TO WALK THE SKY: HOW IROQUOIS STEELWORKERS HELPED BUILD TOWERING CITIES, written by Patricia Morris Buckley (Mohawk), illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Lenni-Lenape)(Heartdrum. 2025). Ages 4-up.

YÁADILÁ! (GOOD GRIEF!), written by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan-Hidatsa-Tsimshian), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Diné)(Heartdrum, 2025). Ages 4-up.

Listen to author-educator Andrea L. Rogers and bookstore owner Calvin Crosby (both Cherokee) reflect on Native books of 2024 and more on Native America Calling. NOTE: more books discussed than those shown in the image.

Best Kids Books of 2024 from the King County (WA) Library System include:

NDN Girls Book Club Best Books of 2024 include YA fiction by Andrea L. Rogers, Darcie Little Badger, KA Cobell, Anton Treuer, and Angeline Boulley.

Visit @ndngirlsbookclub on IG for the full list.

“I did not have a good system set up for documenting research when We Move The World sold (in 2018). When I was asked to write backmatter, I basically had to start my research from the beginning. I learned a lot from that process! Now I use spreadsheets, save PDFs and utilize Pinterest boards.” —Author Interview: Kari Lavelle on Personal Connections to Nonfiction, Organizing Research & Community Support by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations. Visit the link in my bio to read the full post.

Reminder! Register for Native Ways of Knowing Webinar with Cynthia Leitich Smith on Dec. 19: https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/902-224595 (or visit the link in my bio to click over directly).

“Keep going! I firmly believe publishing is 60% persistence and 20% luck and 20% timing (which is also a kind of luck).” —Author Interview: Jenna Lee-Yun on the Intersection of her Work as a Clinical Psychologist & Her Writing Life by Suma Subramaniam from Cynsations. Visit the link in my bio to read the full post.

MISSION ONE: THE VICE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM by Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Molly Murakami (Candlewick) was named to the 2025 Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List by the Texas Library Association’s Children’s Round Table. Visit the link in my bio to find the full list.

“…in fairie bargains, the debts and exchanges often turn out to be uneven in value. Student loans can be similarly misleading, unfortunately.” —Christine Day Enters the YA Fantasy Realm with Short Story in FAERIES NEVER LIE Anthology, interview by AJ Eversole from Cynsations. Visit the link in my bio to read the full post.

“MISelf in Books is an annual list of inclusive books for Michigan learners…created by a committee of certified school librarians who are members of the Michigan Association of School Librarians (formerly Michigan Association for Media in Education). These recommendations are based on books that they see learners reading and enjoying in their libraries. The books have been published in the last two years and are selected with a focus on authenticity.” View the whole list at the link in my bio.

“The way law students are taught to consider multiple viewpoints…trying to understand opposing opinions inside-out…has been immensely useful to me as a writer. I approach revision with a mindset of ‘Is there another way to think about this?’ Lots of possibilities present themselves when we ask, ‘How can I make this different, not necessarily ‘better’?’” —Janet Wong, from Poet/Author Interview: Janet Wong On Poetry & Her Long Writing Career at Cynsations.

F 12/13

The Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature include my 2024 MG novel, ON A WING AND A TEAR, and STITCHES OF TRADITION by Marcie Rendon and Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (both Heartdrum) as well as books by Stephen Briseño and Sonia Sánchez, Jane Breskin Zalben and Thai Phuong, Kekla Magoon, Kaylin Melia George and Mae Waite, Traci Sorell and Michaela Goade, Renée Watson and Bea Jackson, Violet Duncan, David O. Bowles and Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Leslie Stall Widener and Johnson Yazzie, Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui, Darcie Little Badger, and Paula Yoo.

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2024 include three Heartdrum titles—THE UNFINISHED by Cheryl Isaacs, ON A WING AND A TEAR by Cynthia Leitich Smith, and RED BIRD DANCED by Dawn Quigley.

Register for Native Ways of Knowing Webinar with Cynthia Leitich Smith on Dec. 19: https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/902-224595 (or visit the link in my bio to click over directly).

Highlights from 2024 Recommended Books from American Indians in Children’s Literature. PEEK: “Though our list is organized by age/grade levels (plus a multi-age section for comics/graphic novels), we encourage you to use picture books with readers of any age, and we want every teacher and librarian to read all the books.”

Native Heritage Month is almost over, but you can keep celebrating and honoring through these resources:

Indigenous Reads Rising, American Indians in Children’s Literature, the American Indian Library Association, the National Indian Education Association, Native Knowledge 360° (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian), Cynsations: Celebrating Children’s and Young Adult Literature. Note: While Cynsations casts a wider net, Indigenous beat reporter AJ Eversole (Cherokee) interviews Native children’s-YA book authors, illustrators, gatekeepers, and publishing professionals.

New York Public Library Best Books for Teens 2024 include novels by KA Cobell, Dahlia Adler, Jennifer Jacopelli, Anton Truer, Gene Leun Yang, Leuyen Pham, Jen Storm, Ryan Howe, Nickolej Villiger,  Alice RL, Hana Bajramovic, Kim Johnson, and Renée Watson. Visit the link in my bio for the full list.

Congrats to the winners and honorees of the NCTE Children’s Book Award and Poetry Awards!

Mvto/thank you, cover artist Paula TopSky Houtz of LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum, and librarian-library activist Edith Campbell of Pearl’s & Ruby’s at School Library Journal. Author contributors: Kaua Māhoe Adams; Marcella Bell; Angeline Boulley; K.A. Cobell; A. J. Eversole; Jen Ferguson; Eric Gansworth; Byron Graves; Kate Hart; Christine Hartman Derr; Karina Iceberg; Cheryl Isaacs; Darcie Little Badger; David A. Robertson; Andrea L. Rogers; Cynthia Leitich Smith; and Brian Young.

Visit the link in my bio to find more information about the book at Peal’s & Ruby’s.

IG Follow: @whiteknifecreations @kauawrites @sailormarcella @angelineboulley @ka_cobell @ajeversole @jdotferg @makwa_giniw @katehartbooks @pawprintsinthesink @karinaiceberg @cherisaacs @dr.littlebadger @davidrobertsonwriter @andrealrogers @cynthialeitichsmith @byoungwrites @edicottonquilts @sljournal

 Goodreads And Parade Pick 26 Books For Native American Heritage Month.

“November is Picture Book Month, a tribute to the enduring importance of the picture book form. Dianne de Las Casas  @authordiannedlc and her team co-founded the month-long celebration to champion the power and beauty of picture books.” — The Children’s Book Council

“You are loved for the fire you carry, for the heroes you are and always will be.” —Cynthia Leitich Smith, from Another Way Forward by Edith Campbell from Pearl’s & Ruby’s at School Library Journal. Features words of encouragement for young readers from authors, illustrators, and storytellers.

“Compassionate narrations convey cultural identity, social issues, and coming-of-age themes that may inspire thoughtful conversations among teens and adults alike.” —AudioFile Earphones Award for Exception Audio, recognizing RED BIRD DANCED, written by Dawn Quigley, narrated by Jennifer Bobiwash and Darrell Dennis (Heartdrum, 2024).

Publishers Weekly’s Best Books 2024.

Highlighting 25 YA Books with Indigenous Representation from Epic Reads. Featuring books by Erick Gansworth, KA Cobell, Cheryl Isaacs, Jen Ferguson, Byron Graves, Angeline Boulley, Ari Tison, Dawn Quigley, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Darcie Little Badger and more. Find the whole list at the link in my bio.

Visit the link in my bio to check out the updated Heartdrum educator guides, created by Indigenous teachers.

Highlights from 68 New Books to Read for Native American Heritage Month from goodreads! Featuring books by Danica Nava, Marcie Rendon, Stephen Graham Jones, Cheryl Isaacs, Darcie Little Badger, Byron Graves, KA Cobell, Alina Pete, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Eric Gansworth, Jen Ferguson, and Illuminative..

Celebrating the autumn issue of Cynsations! Thank you to editor Gayleen Rabakukk, news reporter Gail Vannelli, Cynsational reporters Suma Subramaniam, AJ Eversole, and Mitu Malhotra, and all the authors, illustrators, and other writing-and-publishing professionals who shared their insights in the fall 2024 issue of Cynsations. Visit link in my bio to find the link to the whole issue.

!ndigo Best Teen Books of 2024 include two debut Heartdrum titles—LOOKING FOR SMOKE by KA Cobell and THE UNFINISHED by Cheryl Isaacs, plus books by Jandy Nelson, Aiden Thomas, Kristin Ciccarelli, Sher Lee & more! View the link in my bio for the full list.

“I adore alliteration which is likely why I am so drawn to the picture book form. As for the text, sensory food memories are a direct portal to my Iranian roots and I wanted to evoke the familiar scents of a typical Iranian family’s kitchen. This simple domestic moment represents some of my fondest childhood memories — doing my homework at the kitchen table while my mom made my favorite Khoreshteh Karafs (celery and beef stew) with saffron-topped basmati rice and crispy tahdik (which literally translates to “bottom of the pot” and is the crunchy rice at the bottom of the rice pot and the most coveted delicacy at every Iranian dinner table.)” —Author-illustrator Azadeh Westergaard from an interview by Mitu Malhotra from Cynsations

“For Navajo children, I hope they understand that they are from a strong, resilient nation. As for all children, I hope they learn about a part of US history from a Diné perspective.” —Danielle Burbank

Read Author Interview: Danielle Burbank On Sharing Family Legacies by AJ Eversole from Cynsations.

What an honor to be named among 265 candidates from 72 nations/regions nominated for the 2025 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award! The nominees include storytellers, reading promoters, illustrators, and fellow authors. Gratitude to the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) for all you do to nurture young readers.

10 New YA Books by Indigenous Authors by Anne Mai Yee Jansen from Book Riot. PEEK: “These new YA books by Indigenous authors traverse genres, from horror to nonfiction, from Indigenous futurisms to retellings of ‘classics.'”

“Once I found the courage to say yes to myself, writing for children was never a question. More a natural extension of my heart for service and my passion to spread joy even when things are hard.” —Stacy Wells Find the link in my bio to read Author Interview: Stacy Wells Weaves Tradition into Chapter Book Series by AJ Eversole from Cynsations.

Read Across America’s Books of the Month

“I felt the bass thump through my body and caught jokes and words and nuances I’d completely missed from the balcony. The song list was identical, but it came alive in a whole new way. And the sing along felt immersive – rather than simply hearing the music, we were the music as it enveloped the auditorium.

“And I immediately spotted parallels to writing. By zooming in and sharing specifics, we have the opportunity to bring readers in to experience the story along with the characters.” —Gayleen Rabakukk

Visit the link in my bio to read Reflections on Craft: Using Specific Details to Draw Readers into a Story by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

Evanston (IL) Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids List for 2024

“…believe in yourself enough to know there are stories that only you can tell. Trust that it’s just a matter of getting it into the right hands at the right time. Surround yourself with supportive people and keep the faith!” —New Voice: Ginger Reno on Believing in Yourself & Debut Novel, FIND HER, interview by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations. Visit the link in my bio to read more.

The 2024 winner and honorees of the Whippoorwill Award for Young Adult and Middle Grades Literature for books published in 2023! The award is given to the best books written for young readers that authentically and complexly represent rural people and places. This year, the award structure shifted from ten winners to one winner and nine honor books.

Winner: GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow (Penguin Random House)

Honor Books: FAULT LINES by Nora Shalaway Carpenter (RP Teens/Hachette); A LONG STRETCH OF BAD DAYS by Mindy McGinnis (Katherine Tegen Books); SAINTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD by Ari Tison (FSG); GAY POEMS FOR RED STATES by Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. (University Press of Kentucky); REZ BALL by Byron Graves (Heartdrum); THOSE PINK MOUNTAIN NIGHTS by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum); NORTHRANGER by Ray Tercieo and Bre Indigo (Harper Alley); FIRE FROM THE SKY by Moa Backe Astot (Levine Querido); and ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Sharon G. Flake (Penguin Random House).

“A major theme that inspired me while writing this story is the beloved Chinese ideal of 知己 (zhī jǐ)—literally translated ‘to know oneself,’ this term is often rendered ‘soulmates.’ Some people see this as a spiritual meeting of two minds or a platonic friendship between confidantes. To me, it’s a profound bond between kindred spirits that transcends friendship and even romantic love.”

—Author Interview: Sher Lee on Recreating Classics with a Queer Twist by AJ Eversole from Cynsations.

New and Noteworthy Children’s-YA Books of October 2024 from Publishers Weekly.

“The British fantasy fiction I read as a child left a lasting impression on me but I try to decolonize my imagination by unearthing buried narratives that center Black people’s humanity, agency and resistance.” —Zetta Elliott Visit the link in my bio to read Author Interview: Zetta Elliott on Prequels, Decolonizing Imagination & Creative Responses to Book Challenges by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

“You have to learn to think in moments, or snapshots, and build scenes from them. I would study other graphic novels to see how they were handled, how scenes were divided, when big reveals happened, how panels were varied…” —Hena Khan from Author Interview: Hena Khan on Learning New Techniques to Reach Readers Across Age Categories & in Various Formats by Mitu Malhotra from Cynsations

“Alaska Natives practice great respect for Elders and sharing among the tribal or village members. I share my experiences in these books with not only my children and grandchildren, but also with readers of other backgrounds.” —Author Mary Tony Visit the link in my bio to read Author & Illustrator Interview: Creative Team Mary Tony & Pyrce Raphael Share Their Alaska Native Heritage in Windswept by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

“…children’s book authors can write about tough topics for children in a way that is both accessible and age-appropriate without making the subject matter feel too heavy.” —Author Debbie Zapata

Visit the link in my bio to read Author & Editor Interview: Author Debbie Zapata & Editor Kristine Enderle on Addressing Tough Topics in Picture Books by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

“If I wanted to define myself as a writer, I had to accept what comes with the definition:

• Being open to feedback from my critique group, editors, and agents.
• Accepting that rejections come with the craft.
• Learning that selling a book is not the ending. It is the beginning.”

—Career Achievers: Janet Nolan Focuses on Positives to Build a Picture Book Career by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/2024/09/career-achievers-janet-nolan-focuses-on-positives-to-build-a-picture-book-career/

“I want people to value Native plants and treat them with respect and care and not take more than is good for the planet.” —Andrea L. Rogers from Author Interview: Andrea Rogers Celebrates Tradition with WHEN WE GATHER by AJ Eversole from Cynsations.

“Struggles, conflicts, challenges are universal human truths that people understand regardless of culture. So be as authentic and honest as you can be in telling your story.” —Doan Phuong Nguyen, from Author Interview: Doan Phuong Nguyen on Immigration, Assimilation & Writing by Gail Vannelli from Cynsations.

Reminder! Halloween is the perfect time to read my Indigenous YA ghost mystery, HARVEST HOUSE (Candlewick Press)! Download the audio edition read by voice actors Shaun Taylor-Corbett and Charley Flyte. Check out Best New Audiobooks for Teens From Indigenous Authors and Narrators by Kelly Rink from The Children’s Book Review. Visit the link in my bio to find the article.

“I love the way YA books can be critical, but rarely jaded. Everything still feels possible.” —Jill Tew, author of THE DIVIDING SKY (Joy Revolution, 2024)

From Author Interview: Jill Tew On Writing Dystopian For A New Generation by AJ Eversole from Cynsations. Visit the link in my bio to read the full interview.

“I put as much emotion as I could into Looking for Smoke, and the emotions the characters feel—the deep sense of loss, the angry grief, the fear, the desperation to protect their family members, the thirst for justice—are very real of countless Natives today.” —KA Cobell, from Author Interview: K.A. Cobell on the Fine Line of Fiction Inspired by Tragic Facts by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

“My advice to writers is to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity—it worked for me. New genres, subjects, and ways of working offered challenges and pushed me to the edge of my abilities.” —Candice Ransom from Success Strategies Guest Post: Candice Ransom Writes Across Age Categories & Genres at Cynsations.

WHERE THEY LAST SAW HER by Marcie Rendon (Bantam)(adult), THE UNFINISHED by Cheryl Issacs (Heartdrum)(YA), and WE NEED NO WINGS by Ann Dávila Cardinal (Sourcebooks)(adult) are featured among September 2024 Reads for the Rest of Us by Karla J. Strand from Ms. Magazine. Find the link in my bio for the full list.

Honored to spot my new MG novel, ON A WING AND A TEAR (Heartdrum, 2024) among 17 New Books to Start Fall Off Right by Brianna Robinson from In Between Drafts.

“For too long, authors whose books were banned dealt with those challenges on their own. Authors Against Book Bans came together as a way to provide support for those authors, but also for the educators and children most affected by the bans. In practical terms, we have organized ourselves – state-by-state and nationwide – to show up at school board meetings, to speak up for books and young readers. More philosophically, we aim to represent an industry-wide, united resistance to book banning, and to show unified support for the freedom to read that is so important to us all.” — Samantha Clark

From Authors Interview: Texas Authors Against Book Bans Champions Freedom to Read by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

“At its heart, it’s a story of resilience, community, and fighting for your loved ones despite the costs. It’s about the great lengths we would go to protect our family members and the profound sense of loss, anger, and thirst for justice we feel when we fail to do so.” @ka_cobell

Congratulations to debut author KA Cobell! LOOKING FOR SMOKE is the fall YA Pick @reesesbookclub.

Visit the link in my bio to read Writing Stories of Resilience: K.A. Cobell on exploring the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in LOOKING FOR SMOKE from Reese’s Book Club.

“I do have an active inner critic, but long ago, I learned to send her away when I’m writing drafts. I bring her back when I’m ready to revise. I allow her to be much more in charge towards the very end, many revisions into the process, when I’m about to decide if something I’ve worked on really is fit to be read.” – from Author Interview: Uma Krishnaswami on Writing Sequels, The Use of Italics & When It’s Time to Listen to Your Inner Critic by Mitu Malhotra at Cynsations.

“I love the intertribal creative community and our wider circle of young readers, advocates, and allies. We’ve already accomplished so much progress together. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.” —Cynthia Leitich Smith, from “On a Wing and a Tear: Author Interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith” at HarperStacks (@theshelfstuff). Find the interview at the link in my bio.

Check out the September Hot-Off-the-Press Reading List from Children’s Book Council! Find the link in my bio for the full list.

“Native storytellers-both literary and visual-are the first of this continent and those practices are valued and celebrated by our communities. Once the publishing industry became more open to authentic narratives, I knew that the talent was there. I’m grateful to the creative artists for joining us on this adventure and to all of our young readers and supporters in education, libraries, bookselling, and beyond, including our partner organization We Need Diverse Books.” —Cynthia Leitich Smith from Author & Editor Interview: Cynthia Leitich Smith & Rosemary Brosnan on Heartdrum & Successful Author-Editor Relationships by Gayleen Rabakukk at Cynsations.

Kirkus Reviews 150 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall!

Back-to-school reading with children’s-YA books from Heartdrum, an Indigenous imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books! Find more info and educator guides at the link in my bio

Huzzah! Heartdrum YA author Cheryl Issacs was named one of 30 Canadian Writers to Watch in 2024 by CBC Books. Visit the link in my bio to find the full list.

Check out Native read recs from Dr. Debbie Reese in the article ‘Not a badge of honor’: how book bans affect Indigenous literature’ at National Public Radio (NPR Code Switch) at the link in my bio.

Amping a few of Melanie Conklin’s picks for Judge a Book By Its Cover: Middle Grade at Pop Goes the Reader!

Essential nonfiction picture books, recommended by School Library Journal

“I’m going to keep writing important historical stories about unheralded Black figures. And I intend to tell the truth—because that’s what nonfiction writers do. We tell stories guided by research and truth,” said author-illustrator Don Tate in an interview with author Wade Hudson from Publishers Weekly. Read the full interview at the link in my bio.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/95462-in-conversation-wade-hudson-and-don-tate.html

Congratulations to the winners and honorees of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards. Peek: “…winners and honor winners were selected from 15 divisions from around the world.”

“’The time has come for authors to come together and stand in solidarity on this issue, and the work of our growing membership is clear: we support authors whose work is challenged, and we support the teachers, librarians, families, and students who are on the front lines defending our books. They are not alone; authors stand with them.’” David Levithan, Publishers Weekly, Authors Against Book Bans Officially Launches by Andrew Albanese from Publishers Weekly

Highlighting @pwpics New & Noteworthy Books of June 2024, including BIBSY CROSS AND THE BAD APPLE by Liz Garton Scanlon, illus. by Dung Ho (Knopf); RED BIRD DANCED by Dawn Quigley, cover by Carla Joseph (Heartdrum), SPILLED INK by Nadia Hashimi (Quill Tree); LOOKING FOR SMOKE by K.A. Cobell, cover photo by Leah Rose Kolakowski (Heartdrum); and THE COLOR OF A LIE by Kim Johnson (Random House).

“…while working on her new novel RED BIRD DANCED (HarperCollins/Heartdrum, Jun. 2024), author Dawn Quigley says, ‘I began to see how a writer can use fonts, spacing, bold/lightened colors to create art, mood, and tone in stories.'” —from Eight Verse Novels that Illuminate Disability Experiences by Margaret Kingsbury from School Library Journal.

Let’s all focus on Building a Home Library! “From board books to graphic novels, picture books to middle-grade fiction, the new Building a Home Library list is a fantastic resource for all parents, caregivers, librarians, teachers, and booksellers.” Highlights include:

LOOKING FOR SMOKE by KA Cobell (Heartdrum, 2024) is among !ndigo Best Teen Books of 2024.

“Mychal Threets shared five reasons he loves libraries with SLJ. The common thread among them is library joy and the human connection he says libraries represent. Here, he is joined by 22 others others who are pretty fond of libraries, too.” — Kara Yorio @sljournal from Reasons to Love Libraries: 23 Notable Authors and Public Figures Share Their Joy: https://www.slj.com/story/reasons-to-love-libraries-23-notable-authors-and-public-figures-share-their-joy

The American Booksellers Association’s Summer/Fall 2024 Indies Introduce Featured Titles

Happy Birthday, @littlefreelibrary! Little Free Library became a nonprofit on May 17, 2012, launching its journey to make books accessible to everyone. They’re turning our organization’s nonprofit birthday into a week-long celebration May 12-18, 2024! Visit the link in my bio to find out how you can participate in the conversation.

“…from the written homework I handed in, Mr. Rideout heard my voice and gave me an opportunity to share it. ‘Dear Gabby’ was blessedly anonymous, which meant I’d been provided a safe space to build my confidence.” —Cynthia Leitich Smith School Library Journal “reached out to authors and illustrators to share memories of a teacher who made a difference, perhaps impacting the trajectory of their careers.” Read: https://www.slj.com/story/Teacher-Appreciation-Week-Authors-Share-Memories-Educators-Who-Made-Impact Visit the link in my bio to reach all the entries.

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen (Heartdrum)! Find the teacher guide by Jenna Wolfe (Muscogee) at the link in my bio.

“Jewish American Heritage Month in May recognizes Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more,” according to the U.S. National Archives. @usnatarchives

Congrats to the short-listed titles for the Reading the West Book Awards! View the full category lists and vote now: https://readingthewest.com/34th-annual-voting-ballot/

From Native Hope @projectnativehope: “May 5 is the official MMIW Day and is the most widely celebrated across the U.S. and Canada. Every year, individuals wear red, and attend marches, rallies, bike rides, fundraisers, and more to raise awareness for the MMIW cause and fight against the injustice that’s happening to Native women and their families every day.”

Highlights of the 2024 ALSC Summer Reading Lists.

Honored that my YA novel, HARVEST HOUSE, was named to three Children’s Book Council 2024 lists—Young Adult Favorites, Teacher Favorites, and Librarian Favorites. View all the lists, including Children’s Favorites, at the link in my bio.

Summer Reads 2024 from Publishers Weekly! Highlights include books by @ka_cobell @harlemportland @lynnbrunelle @authorjasonchin @donoghuebaldwin @traceybaptistewrites @verabee.

2024 Summer Reading Recommendations by Elissa Gershowitz, Editor in Chief, from Notes from the Horn Book. PEEK: “When compiling the lists — thirteen selections (a baker’s dozen!) for all age ranges — we seek out page-turning fiction, nonfiction, folklore.

ATTN Central Texas readers! Join Libba Bray in celebrating the release of UNDER THE SAME STARS (FSG, 2025) at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at BookPeople in Austin, Texas!

“Immersive… Bray emphasizes how much we’re connected, offering a powerful depiction of transformative storytelling as an act of resistance and a harbinger of the future… a breathtaking journey that will leave a lasting impression on readers’ minds and hearts.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Heartdrum cover reveal! THE OTHERS by Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk), cover art by Britt Newton (Muscogee)(Heartdrum, 2025). Ages 13-up.

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ALA’s Rainbow Round Table 2025 Rainbow Book List includes Heartdrum’s CIRCLE OF LOVE by Monique Gray Smith and Nicole Niedhart as well as books by Michelle Meadows, Jamil Law, Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal, A.R. Capetta, Charlene Chua, Shaun David Hutchinson, Cameron Mukwa, Cherie Dimaline, David Levithan, Anna-Marie McLemore, Jandy Nelson, and more.

View the whole list from the link in my bio.

#bookstagram #weneeddiversebooks #diversebooks #lgbtq #loveislove #lovewins

 

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“The ensuing adventure is filled with friendly talking animals and run-ins with goofy wannabe YouTube stars as well as reflection on both kids’ Indigenous heritage and injustices against Native peoples and Native Nations. Smith has crafted a narrative that explores intergenerational grief and other difficult subjects yet is still jampacked with joy and humor.”

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Rise: A Feminist Book Project Book List 2025 includes Heartdrum’s LOOKING FOR SMOKE by K.A. Cobell and books by Kekla Magoon, Anna Marie McLemore, Tanya Lee Stone, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Yamile Saied Méndez, and Ginger Reno. For the full list, visit the link in my bio.

Follow @ka_cobell @keklamagoon @tanyastonebooks @gretchenellenpowers @yamilesmendez @greno2291

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28 Days Later is “A Black History Month celebration of children’s literature.” During the twenty-eight days of Black History Month, the Brown Bookshelf contributors “profile a different children’s or young adult author and children’s illustrator, looking for the best new and unnoticed works by African-Americans.” You can find their current campaign at the link in my bio.

Meanwhile, let’s shine a light on the wonderful book creators behind the effort: Paula Chase-Hyman, Varian Johnson, Kelly Starling Lyons, Don Tate, Crystal Allen, Tameka Fryer Brown, Gwendolyn Hooks, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and Tracey Baptiste.

Follow @thatpaulachase @mrvarianjohnson @kelstarly @devas_t @tamekafryerbrown @unity7pro @olugbemisolarhudayperkovich @traceybaptistewrites