Welcome, Literary Community

Cynsations: Celebrating Children’s & Young Adult Literature

Reach Out and Read Colorado Book Recommendations include MOON SONG by Michaela Goade (Little, Brown) and LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum).

Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Books of the Year include LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, and THE OTHERS by Cheryl Isaacs (Heartdrum) as well as SISTERS IN THE WIND by Angeline Boulley (Henry Holt), BEAST: A NOVEL by Richard Van Camp (Douglas & McIntyre), PRETTY GIRL COUNTRY by Lakita Wilson (Viking), and FALL OF THE FIREFLIES by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (Tu Books).

9 Sensational Indigenous YA Books to Make You Think by G.M. DiDesidero from Book Riot.

Congratulations to the Cynsational authors and illustrators of 2025! The annual Cynsational books list is complied by the Cynsations team. Books by team members or the Heartdrum imprint at HarperChildren’s, for which Cynthia Leitich Smith serves as author-curator, are not eligible for consideration.

New Voices: Author Cathy Petter on Picture Book Revision, the Author-Editor Relationship & Embracing Inspiration by Mitu Malhotra from Cynsations. Featured title: DEAR MOXIE, DEAR REX, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson (Reycraft Books, 2025)

 

Author Interview: Writing, Teaching & a New MFA Program with Martha Brokenbrough by Suma Subramaniam for Cynsations.

Common Sense Media Best Books of the Year: 2025 include LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum) and SISTERS IN THE WIND by Angeline Boulley (Henry Holt, 2025)

The list also includes books by Rebecca Stead, Daniel Nayeri, Meg Medina and more..

Free Native Ways of Knowing Webinar Series with Cynthia Leitich Smith on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 3:30 PM to 5 PM Pacific.

Presenting FIREFLY SEASON, LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, JINGLE DANCER, RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. 

Register at the link in my stories or bio: https://www.sdcoe.net/special-populations/american-indian-education

Follow @sandiegocoe @calindianmuseum @cicsc @cie4all @HarperKids @EpicReads @weneeddiversebooks

 

75 Best Books for Nine-Year-Olds from What Do We Do All Day? Features titles by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Renee Watson, Mitali Perkins, Kekla Magoon, Cece Bell, Jasmine Warga, Gail Levine, Varian Johnson, Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes, Tom Angleberger, Jennifer L. Holm, Linda Sue Park, and Kathi Appelt.

The New York Public Library Best Books for Teens include LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum).

“The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high school students. Students in Indiana are eligible to read and vote on Young Hoosier Books.” −Indiana Library Foundation

Titles include MISSION ONE: THE VICE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM (BLUE STARS #1) by Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Molly Murakami (Candlewick Press).

Celebrating the Heartdrum illustrators of 2025!

Booklist Editors’ Choice 2025: Books for Youth include LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum). View https://www.booklistonline.com/Booklist-Editors-Choice-Books-for-Youth-2025/pid=9818516

Chicago Public Library names LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum) to its list of the Best Teen Fiction books of 2025. View the full list in stories! https://www.chipublib.org/news/cpl-best-of-the-best-books-2025/

Official Heartdrum teacher guides are created by Indigenous educators. Links in stories or visit: https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/childrens-heartdrum-books

“Wrap up these reads for kids from toddler age to teenage,” from Publishers Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2025 by Carolyn Juris. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/childrens-announcements/article/98767-holiday-gift-guide-2025-children-s-ya.html

Join me, fellow authors, and educators for “Dreaming in the Wild Outdoors: Stories of Adventure in the Natural World as Inspiration for Readers and Writers,” 2:45 PM Saturday, Nov. 22 in Room 203, Colorado Convention Center at the National Council of Teachers of English convention in Denver.

Nature can offer us just what we need to feel whole, to heal, and to find the space to let our true selves grow. This educator-moderated panel of award-winning authors will dig into how the natural world impacts and inspires their stories and writing processes, while also providing teachers with concrete ideas for how to use the outdoors to inspire their own student writers.

Panelists: Erin Soderberg Downing, Kate Messner, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Nikki Grimes, Nikki Shannon Smith, Ann Braden.

Moderator: Melissa Guerrette

Look for me at the NCTE conference and ALAN Workshop in Denver, Colorado.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025

• Panel: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work, 9:30–10:45 AM MST, Room 105, CO Convention Center

• Signing with Kekla Magoon, noon–1 PM MST, Mackin, Booth 203

• Signing — Legendary Frybread Drive-In & Firefly Season, 3–4: PM MST, HarperCollins, Booth 913

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

• Signing with Kekla Magoon, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM MST, Classroom Library Co., Booth 1016

• Panel: Dreaming in the Wild Outdoors, 2:45–4 PM MST, Room 203, CO Convention Center

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025

• ALAN Workshop: Opening Keynote; 8:10–8:30 AM MST, Four Seasons 2 & 3 Ballroom, CO Convention Center

“Enlightening and empowering.” —Kirkus Reviews

STRONGER THAN, written by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Heartdrum, 2026).

Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors.

Join me, fellow authors, and educators for “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How Collaboration Supports Writers and Writing in the Classroom and Beyond,” 9:30 AM Friday, Nov. 21, Room 105, Colorado Convention Center at the National Council of Teachers of English convention in Denver.

Writing is a solitary endeavor—except when it’s not! Join a passionate educator-moderator and several award-winning authors with deep experience writing (and publishing) collaboratively to explore the challenges and benefits of co-writing, and strategies for using collaborative projects to grow student skills and make writing more accessible and more fun.

Panelists: Liz Garton Scanlon, Kekla Magoon, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Joanna Ho, Caroline Kusin Pritchard. Moderator: Kari Allen, Sant Bani School

Join Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith for a signed copy of MISSION ONE: THE VICE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM: THE BLUE STARS (Candlewick Press) at noon to 1 PM Friday, Nov. 21 at Booth #203 and at 11:30 AM to noon at Booth #1016 at the National Council of Teachers of English convention in Denver.

★ “…a realistically rendered and impeccably paced graphic novel series opener that accessibly highlights the importance of youth involvement in local politics.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “…has everything: nuanced and empowered protagonists, a funny, gripping story, age-appropriate treatment of social issues, and expressive comic illustrations begging to be lingered over.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “…compelling, funny first installment in a series that is sure to give readers tons of entertainment.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

Join me for a signing of LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN and FIREFLY SEASON from 3 PM to 4 PM, Friday, Nov. 21 at the HarperCollins Booth #913 at the National Council of Teachers of English convention in Denver.

REVIEWS FOR LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN

★ “Superlative.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “An essential purchase.” —Booklist, starred review

★ “Each teen gets exactly what they need—and readers do too. Hand this collection to any reader who is looking for a place made for them; they will find it between these pages.” —School Library Journal, starred review

REVIEWS FOR FIREFLY SEASON

★ “…longing, love, and the blessing of found sisterhood.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A glowing tribute to family across distance and lineage.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Sisterhood knows no limits, even across different cultural backgrounds, in a story that blends Indigenous and South Asian facets in a wonderfully accessible and childlike way.” —School Library Journal

!ndigo selects LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN as one of its Best Teen and Tween Books of 2025. Additional titles include SUNRISE ON THE REAPING (THE HUNGER GAMES)(Scholastic Canada Ltd.).

Other categories and choices include:

BEST TEEN GRAPHIC NOVELS

THE HISTORY OF EVERYTHING by Victoria Evans (HarperCollins)

ONE PIECE: HEROINES (VOL. 1) by Elichiro Oda, Jun Esaka, and Savaka Suwa (VIZ Media LLC)

BEST TEEN ROMANCE BOOKS

FAKE SKATING by Lynn Painter (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

NEVER THOUGHT I’D END UP HERE by Ann Liang (Scholastic Canada Ltd)

BEST TEEN MYSTERIES & THRILLERS

THE SCAMMER by Tiffany D. Jackson (HarperCollins)

SISTERS IN THE WIND by Angeline Boulley (Henry Holt)

View the full list in stories! https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/best-books-of-2025/teen/

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Saturday, November 8 YA HQ Tent

Pull up to the Legendary Frybread Drive-In to explore this vibrant collection of intertribal stories! With panelists, Cynthia Leitich Smith, the collection’s editor, as well as acclaimed indigenous authors Andrea L, Rogers and Darcie Little Badger, hear how the book’s authors brought laughter, love, and Native pride to Sandy June’s iconic drive-in—a gathering place where every tribal Nation finds both community and, of course, the world’s best frybread.

Heartdrum YA novels for Native American Heritage Month!

THE UNFINISHED by Cheryl Isaacs, cover art by Britt Newton

THE OTHERS by Cheryl Isaacs, cover art by Britt Newton

THE SUMMER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jen Ferguson, cover art by Reyna Hernandez (Iháŋktuŋwaŋ Dakota (Yankton Sioux)), beading by Kim Stewart

THOSE PINK MOUNTAIN NIGHTS by Jen Ferguson, cover art by Bailey Macabre

A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS by Jen Ferguson, cover art by Bailey Macabre

LOOKING FOR SMOKE by KA Cobell, cover photo by Leah Rose Kolakowski

LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, cover art by Paula TopSky Houtz

REZ BALL by Byron Graves, cover art by Natasha M. Donovan

AN EXPANSE OF BLUE by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams, cover art by JT Ojerio (available for pre-order)

SHARDS OF SILENCE by Brian Young, cover art by Lynnette Haozous (available for pre-order)

#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

40 Children’s & YA Books That Celebrate Native American Heritage by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich from Brightly. PEEK: “Like all stories, Native stories are not a single story of defeat, bows and arrows, or of ‘the past.’ They include stories of joy, of cultural pride, of meeting everyday challenges, fun, and celebrations of family and friendship.” Find the link to the whole list in stories. https://www.readbrightly.com/native-american-history-experience-kids-teens/

“Author Vanessa Lillie (Cherokee) shares the new and upcoming Native reads lighting up her nightstand — and her soul.” from Cowboys & Indians magazine. Titles include:

BEYOND THE GLITTERING WORLD: AN ANTHOLOGY OF INDIGENOUS FEMINISMS AND FUTURISMS, edited by Kinsale Drake, Stacie Shannon Dentetsosie, and Darcie Little Badger (Torrey House Press)

LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum)

LOVE IS A WAR SONG by Danica Nava (Berkley)

NEVER WHISTLE AT NIGHT: AN INDIGENOUS DARK FICTION ANTHOLOGY, edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (Vintage)

Lillie is the author of THE BONE THIEF (Berkley)

Free virtual event! Hear from three award-winning Native authors! Open to educators, parents, community members!
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5
Visit to register for the Zoom link: www.azed.gov/oie/literacyandstem

Cynsations: Celebrating Children’s and Young Adult Literature has published our fall 2026 issue.

Gratitude to the featured book creators, literacy and publishing professionals as well as….

Cynsations Editor-in-Chief/Author’s Assistant Gayleen Rabakukk; Intern Suma Subramaniam; Intern AJ Eversole; Intern Mitu Malhotra; and Industry News Reporter Gail Vannelli.

What books or authors do you recognize from the reel?

“It has been a pleasure to…hear about the nightmares I’ve saddled people with!” —Cheryl Isaacs, interviewed by Elise Dumpleton, from Nerd Daily

TTHE UNFINISHED by Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk), cover art by Britt Newton (Muscogee)(Heartdrum, 2024). Ages 13-up. In her stunning debut, Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk) pulls the reader into an unsettling tale of monsters, mystery, and secrets that refuse to stay submerged.

HE OTHERS by Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk), cover art by Britt Newton (Muscogee)(Heartdrum, 2025). Ages 13-up. In this haunting sequel to her deliciously scary debut, Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk) explores the sharp edges of lingering trauma and the bonds of love that heal us.

“This global award is given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor, it is the largest award of its kind. Above all else, it highlights the importance of reading, today and for future generations.

“A total of 263 candidates from 74 countries and regions have been nominated for the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, including 78 candidates new from previous years. The list includes authors and illustrators, as well as storytellers and reading promoters. The laureate will be announced on 14 April 2026.” —From the official award website: https://alma.se/en/the-award

Visit the link in my stories for more information and for the full lists of both the 2026 nominees and nominating bodies: https://alma.se/en/nomination/candidates/nominated-candidates-2026

From MG Escapades Authors Emily Deibert, Kerry Madden Lunsford, Sara F. Shacter & Jess Callans on Contemporary Middle Grade by Gayleen Rabakukk at Cynsations.

“Full of JoJo’s funny and honest outlook on the world, and her charming circle of family and friends, this latest story is sure to please fans of the series.” —School Library Journal

“…everything we write is in some ways incomplete. Everything has seeds in it that can be used to grow something new, even when that new work wasn’t what we originally intended.” —Uma Krishnaswami, interviewed by Suma Subramaniam for Cynsations: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/2025/10/author-interview-uma-krishnaswami-on-series-writing-the-sunshine-project/

“The Whippoorwill Award‘s mission is to advocate for books that portray the complexity of rural living by dispelling stereotypes and demonstrating diversity among rural people.” View the whole 2025 list: https://whippoorwillaward.weebly.com/2025-award.html

Winner: BREAKING INTO SUNLIGHT by John Cochran (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

Honor Books Include:

THERE IS NO MAP FOR THIS by Tom Birdseye (Groundwood Books, 2024)

LOOKING FOR SMOKE by K.A. Cobell (Heartdrum)

LOST AT WINDY RIVER by Trina Rathgeber, Alina Pete, & Jillian Dolan (Orca Book Publishers)

https://whippoorwillaward.weebly.com/2025-award.html

“In middle school, kids are undergoing the (perfectly healthy) psychosocial crisis of Identity Versus Role Confusion. This is why they try on so many identities: you could be a ‘jock’ one day and a ‘theater kid’ the next.” —Cordelia Jensen, interviewed by Mitu Malhotra for Cynsations: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/2025/09/author-interview-cordelia-jensen-on-a-new-novel-a-decade-of-writing-teaching-verse/

“In real conversations we stammer, fumble, and our speech is cluttered. In a book, I remove the messiness and focus on concise communication; this allows the characters speech to be highly relatable and readable.” —Author-Illustrator Nidhi Chanani, interviewed by Mitu Mahotra for Cynsations: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/2025/09/author-illustrator-nidhi-chanani-shares-her-process-for-creating-graphic-novels/

★ “Hand this collection to any reader who is looking for a place made for them; they will find it between these pages.” —School Library Journal, starred review

LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, cover art by Paula TopSky Houtz, cover design by Molly Fehr (Heartdrum, Aug. 26, 2025).

Featuring the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers, and edited by bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world’s best frybread.

The road to Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June’s serves up more than food: it hosts live music, movie nights, unexpected family reunions, love long lost, and love found again.

That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most.

Featured 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.

“The speculative elements aren’t just magical window dressing; they’re acts of sovereignty, asserting Indigenous peoples right to exist beyond colonial boundaries and limitations.” —AJ Eversole, from an interview-format conversation, including AJ, Kate Hart, Jen Ferguson, and Christine Hartman Derr, from Cynsations: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/2025/09/contributing-authors-on-community-connection-expanding-indigenous-narratives-legendary-frybread-drive-in/ Find the link in my stories.

“With a warm, oral storytelling style, author Cynthia Leitich Smith, who is Muscogee, keeps stakes, suspense and humor at high levels. Amongst the novel’s significant strengths are the animal characters. Though anthropomorphized, they are also attentively crafted with respect to species traits and needs.” —Mary Quattlebaum, Books That Honor Indigenous Peoples and Nations, Washington Parent

Quattlebaum also recommends books by Carole Lindstrom, Ally McKnight, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Naoko Stoop, Art Coulson, Winona Nelson, Brook M. Thompson, Anastasia Khmelevska, and Angeline Boulley.

At Cynsations, AJ Eversole talks to fellow contributing writers to LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum, 2025) about worldbuilding and cultural foundations of the anthology. Find the link in my stories!

From BannedBooksWeek.org: “Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.”

“On October 11, 2025, we’re asking everyone to take at least one action to help defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who make them available!”

Gratitude to Dr. Debbie Reese and Dr. Jean Mendoza at American Indians in Children’s Literature for tracking Indigenous books that are being challenged or banned in the United States. Links in my stories and bio.

#BannedBooksWeek #LetFreedomReadDay #bookstagram #Indigenous #NativeAmerican

“issues that are universal and, therefore, always timely…include the quest for justice. In some cases, the lens is civil rights or immigration or the role of democracy.” —Cynthia Levinson, interviewed by Gayleen Rabakukk for Cynsations: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/2025/09/author-interview-cynthia-levinson-on-timely-topics-finding-hope-in-readers/

“The fireflies are light gifted by the Creator, as is seemingly this opportunity of sisterhood. They also reoccur year after year, but only if we maintain the environment to protect them as we must maintain our ties to our loved ones.” Cynthia Leitich Smith, a Process Talk interview by Uma Krishnaswami: https://www.umakrishnaswami.com/blog/process-talk-cynthia-leitich-smith-on-firefly-season

Any Indigenous kiddo can tell you Fierce Aunties! are the not-so-secret sauce that fuels families and tribal communities, and they’re not the only ones who think so. Native or not, young readers will rejoice in this celebration of aunties in all their glory—raising their voices, teaching tradish and modern ways, offering protection, guidance, and leading the way. Laurel Goodluck’s writing is spot-on for the sensibility of her young audience, and Steph Littlebird’s radiant, multi-colorful illustrations showcase community and delight the senses. A gift from aunties, for aunties, a primer for future aunties, and a page-turner for all of us who dearly love them.

Happy Native Heritage Month! Mvto/thank you for the opportunity to create Native stories for young readers. I appreciate your ongoing support and enthusiasm.

T

 

 

 

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Thank you, moderator Kevin Noble Maillard and legendary co-presenters Darcie Little Badger and Andrea L. Rogers for joining me on this weekend’s panel “The Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Where Celebrated Indigenous Writers Share Their Stories” at the Texas Book Festival!

Thank you HarperKids Books HarperStacks and everyone who joined us at the Saturday session and signing.

#TexasBookFestival #TexasBook #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth We Need Diverse Books Levine Querido

Educator Guide by educator Odia Wood-Krueger (Métis) now available for LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum, Aug. 26, 2025)! The guide includes information about the book, discussion questions, extension activities, and recommended read-alikes. View from the link in my bio.

“Indigenous people are still here, still creating, still thriving. We’re not museum pieces or tragic historical figures. We’re teenagers falling in love, families making dinner together, people navigating modern life while honoring our traditions.”

— AJ Eversole (Cherokee), an interview for Boozoo Books about LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum, 2025): https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/hujqcjRdJiRdCkm6FM74/

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) has announced the finalists for seven major awards celebrating Canadian books for young people. View the media release and full list from the link in my bio.

Vibrant Voices: New Books from Authors of Color from New York Public Library. PEEK: “Explore new books from authors of color with NYPL’s Vibrant Voices book list, created by the Library’s expert staff to amplify and celebrate diverse voices, promote discussion, and expand understanding.” 

Huge gratitude to ABA booksellers and readers who supported LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, which debuts at #13 on the Indie Bestsellers List!

“’I like seeing and being a part of accurate, legitimate representation. I love knowing the kinds of stories I didn’t have access to as a kid will be available for Cherokee kids, as well as readers who need exposure to contemporary Native people,’ [Andrea] Rogers said.” From LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN Anthology Features Three CN Citizens by Lindsey Bark from Cherokee Phoenix. Featuring interviews with Christine Hartman Derr, AJ Eversole, and Andrea L. Rogers.

12 New and Forthcoming Books by Indigenous Authors by Nel Aldrich from Bookstr. PEEK: “Here are 12 new or soon-to-be-released books by Indigenous authors, ranging from memoirs to fantasy epics, to an anthology about a legendary fry bread diner.”

Pre-order the audio edition of LEGENDARY FRYBRED DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (HarperAudio, Aug. 26) to enjoy performances by voice actors Tiffany Ayalik, Katie Anvil Rich, Darrell Dennis, Kinsale Drake, Elva Guerra, Mapuana Makia, Jessica Matten, Jesse Nobess, Tanis Parenteau, Rainy Fields, Isabella Star, Delanna Studi, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Erin Tripp, and Jordan Waunch.

“This outstanding volume is nuanced, funny, engaging and enlightening,” Ms. Magazine’s Karla J. Strand and Violet Pandya say of LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum).

View the whole list at the link in my bio.

CBC Canadian Bestseller! “…bestselling Canadian fiction, nonfiction and children’s books from July 26-Aug. 2.Bestseller lists are compiled by Bookmanager using weekly sales stats from more than 260 Canadian independent stores.”

YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS WORLD: CELEBRATED INDIGENOUS VOICES SPEAK TO YOUNG PEOPLE, edited by Sara Sinclair and Stephanie Sinclair, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Tundra, 2025).

The September/October 2025 Kids’ Indie Next List Preview from the American Booksellers Association includes LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, cover art by Paula TopSky Houtz, cover design by Molly Fehr  (Heartdrum, Aug. 26, 2025). Pre-order today!

“The stories in this collection are so hopeful and uplifting. The way that the magical realm of The Legendary Frybread Drive-In brings the characters exactly what they need is a comfort we all need in these trying times.” —Rebecca Kinkade-Black, Books on the Bosque, Albuquerque, NM

Featured titles also include: SISTERS IN THE WIND by Angeline Boulley (Henry Holt); THE LAST RESORT by Erin Entrada (Scholastic); and CAT NAP by Brian Lies (Greenwillow).

“The majority of banned books are written by and about Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian-American, and LGBTQ+ authors and characters whose stories speak powerful and important truths about history, identity, resilience, and imagination.” —Social Justice Books: A Teaching for Change Project from “Our Recommended Banned Books.” (Find the link to the full list from my bio.)

20 Best August Books for Young Readers from Kirkus Reviews.

Entwined Memory: A Special Book Installation,” curated by Eleanor Owl Stolzoff (Eastern Band Cherokee), Aug. 8, 2025 – Aug. 2, 2026, Reading Library, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Visit the link in my bio for more information about the exhibit and to find the full bibliography of “40+ of these groundbreaking and award-winning picture books. Divided into three thematic sections that include fun, interactive activities, the exhibition invites visitors to learn, connect, and share their dreams with others.” View the full book list.

Each month in the Read Across America calendar, the NEA features three books—one each for young, middle grade, and YA readers… Check out recommended books (organized by month and theme), plus resources for discussions and activities.

“My community on the Red Lake reservation champions my writing and celebrates it. The books I write aren’t mine, but ours.” —Byron Graves from Boozoo Books.

“ALSC is proud to announce that the 2026 Children’s Literature Lecture will take place at the Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota Libraries, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The application was submitted by Lisa Von Drasek, librarian and curator at The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature, University of Minnesota Libraries. Award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation) will deliver the lecture in spring 2026.

LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, cover art by Paula TopSky Houtz, cover design by Molly Fehr (Heartdrum, Aug. 26, 2025).

15th

Join us at the Texas Book Festival on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 in downtown Austin. Free and open to the public.

Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. The annual Festival features more than 250 authors of the year’s best books and attracts 40,000 book lovers, and the team also produces impactful programs across the state year-round.

IG Caption: https://www.candlewick.com/9781536255393/love-bites-at-sanguinis-the-tantalize-series/

LOVE BITES AT SANGUINI’S: THE TANTALIZE SERIES is coming soon as a complete e-bundle of four novels from Candlewick Press!

For the first time, the stories are in chronological order—so Blessed picks up right where Tantalize leaves off.

I’m so grateful to @candlewickpress for bringing the quartet together in this format. Over the years, readers have shared how much they connect with these books—especially if they love:

• Girls with grit
• A diverse cast
• Monster mayhem
• Paranormal romance
• Buffy vibes

Thrilled to return to this gothic world—just in time for eerie season.

“Some…are starting out at new schools or moving to new towns. Others are navigating changing family situations and suddenly tricky friendships. Some are knights barging into villages and demanding affection; others are goats who show up one day…All are searching for their own place in the world—and in readers’ hearts.” —Caroline Carlson from “Taco Knights, A Mexican Romeo and Juliet, Goats: Ten Children’s Books to Read in August” by Caroline Carlson at Lit Hub. Find the link in my bio.

 

“In this edition of our 5×5 series, we’re talking to Indigenous children’s authors on their influences, their craft, and the changing landscape of Indigenous and Native representation in children’s publishing.” —5 Indigenous Children’s Authors on Perspective and Love of Storytelling from Bookstr.

“I want people to know that there are 575 tribal nations and there’s not one way to be Native American. I am from one band and from one tribe, the Turtle Band Tribe of Ojibwe, N.D. I can only speak from my experience. There is not just one voice.” —Dawn Quigley from Q&A with Dawn Quigley by Patricia J. Murphy from Publishers Weekly.

We Are Teachers “Best New Books in August 2025 for Kids and Teens”

Join authors and writing teachers Cynthia Leitich Smith and Stacy Wells for Sprouting Stories, Aug. 29-31, Denton, TX! 

Disability Pride Month is an international celebration that occurs annually in July. It grew from a celebratory day to honor the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990.

If you’re looking for more related books, you can find resources on the Schneider Family Book Award [embodying an artistic expression of the disability experience], 2004-2025 at TeachingBooks from the link in my bio.

Heartdrum cover reveal! A GOOD HIDE, written by Karina Iceberg and illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Heartdrum, Jan. 13, 2026). Ages 4-up.

YA Books With Indigenous Characters: Heartfelt, Innovative, and Groundbreaking Stories from Epic Reads. PEEK: “As author Cynthia Leitich Smith said about the launch of Heartdrum, HarperCollins’s Native-focused publishing imprint, ‘Now is the time for positive, heartening change in the form of resonant representation across all age markets and formats. We have life-affirming, page-turning stories to share.’ Reading works by Indigenous authors is something we should do all year long, so what better time than right now to add these titles to your TBR?”

“Chautauqua Institution is a community that values and celebrates reading, and since 1994, the CLSC Young Readers program has engaged young Chautauquans and community members in the enjoyment of good reading. Each summer, a selection of books are chosen for their quality, the variety of their styles and subjects, and their appeal to young readers.”

Cover reveals: A STEADY BRIGHTNESS OF BEING: TRUTHS, WISDOM, AND LOVE FROM CELEBRATED INDIGENOUS VOICES and YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS WORLD: CELEBRATED INDIGENOUS VOICES SPEAK TO YOUNG PEOPLE, both edited by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclair (Tundra, June 29, 2025). I’m delighted to be among the contributors to be among the contributors to YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS WORLD. Due to IG space limits, please see the link in my bio for more information about A STEADY BRIGHTNESS OF BEING.

Heartdrum picture-book cover reveal! STRONGER THAN, written by Nikki Grimes and Stacy Wells (Choctaw), illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Lenni Lenape)(Heartdrum, 2026). Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors.

JUST LIKE GRANDMA by Kim Rogers, illustrated by Julie Flett (Heartdrum) has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Krout and Elmore Children’s Book Award for Best Portrayal of Aging. This award is given every year to recognize realistic portrayals of older adults in picture books for children.

Finalists:

OLD TO JOY by Anita Crawford Clark (Gnome Road Publishing)

EIGHTEEN FLOWERS FOR GRANDMA by Alison Goldberg & Jesse White (Red Comet Press)

WORDS BETWEEN US by Angela Pham Krans, Illustrated by Dung Ho (HarperCollins)

BOMPA’S INSECT EXPEDITION by David Suzuki and Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Qin Leng (Greystone Books)

THE BLUE PICKUP by Natasha Tripplett, illustrated by Monica Mikai (HarperCollins)

Celebrating Cynsations Summer 2025 issue! Gratitude to Cynsations Editor-in-Chief/Author’s Assistant Gayleen Rabakukk; Intern Suma Subramaniam; Intern AJ Eversole; Intern Mitu Malhotra; and Industry News Reporter Gail Vannelli.

“The We Are Kid Lit Collective selects books for summer reading that are created by and about BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), with attention to their intersecting identities.”

Heartdrum books among THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEAR [2025 edition] from the Bank Street College of Education include: STICHES OF TRADITION (GASHKIGWAASO TRADITION), written by Marcie Rendon (Ojibwe), illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Ojibwe) (Family/School/Community); ON A WING AND A TEAR by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Magical Realism); RED BIRD DANCED* by Dawn Quigley (Family/School/Community); and CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS by Jen Ferguson (Coming of Age). *Distinction.

Cynthia Leitich Smith Reflects on Craft, Career, and Creativity by Jane Kurtz and Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

Interview: Meredith Davis & Mari Mancusi on Creating Book Series and Promotions by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

Author Interview: Writing Alternating Points of View with Miriam Chernick by Mitu Malhotra from Cynsations.

Interview: Authors Jane Houng, Heather Demetrious & Yvonne Ventresca Discuss Writing Through Trauma and Grief to Empower Readers by Mita Malhotra from Cynsations. 

Author Interview: Rhonda DeChambeau on Writing a YA Verse Novel About Body Issues by Gail Vannelli from Cynsations.

Author Interview: Sara Ryan Shares Library Love, Plus Craft, Career and Life Advice by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

Editorial Director/Author Interview: David A. Robertson Talks Swift Water Books from AJ Eversole from Cynsations.

Celebrate Pride Month with Indigenous Books for Young Readers! Highlighted titles include:

CIRCLE OF LOVE by Monique Gray Smith & Nicole Niedhardt (Heartdrum)

FAMILIES by Kerry McCluskey, Jesse Unaapik Mike & Lenny Lishchenko (Inhabit Media)

47,000 BEADS by Koja Adeyoha, Angel Adeyoha & Holly McGillis (Flamingo Rampant)

HO’ONANI WARRIOR by Heather Gale & Mika Song (Tundra Books)

RABBIT CHASE by Elizabeth Lapensee, KC Oster & Aarin Dokum (Annick Press)

NOODIN’S PERFECT DAY by Ansley Simpson & Rhael McGregor (Flamingo Rampant)

KAMPAEMAHU by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson & Daniel Sousa (Kokila)

THE RIBBON SKIRT: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Cameron Mukwa (Graphix)

SHARICE’S BIG VOICE: A NATIVE KID BECOMES A CONGRESSWOMAN by Sharice Davids, Nancy K. Mays & Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (HarperCollins)

RAVEN’S RIBBONS by Tasha Spillet & Daniel Ramirez (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

APPLE: SKIN TO THE CORE by Eric Gansworth (Levine Querido)

BETWEEN THE PIPES by  Albert McLeod, Alice RL, Elaine Mordoch, Sonya Ballantyne & Kielamel Sibal (HighWater Press)

A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum)

ELATSOE by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido)

FUNERAL SONGS FOR DYING GIRLS by Cherie Dimaline (Tundra Books)

LOVE BEYOND BODY, SPACE, AND TIME by Hope Nicholson, David Alexander Robertson & Richard Van Camp (Bedside Press)

THE MARROW THIEVES by Cherie Dimaline (DCB Young Readers)

THE POWER OF STYLE by Christian Allaire (Annick Press)

SHEINE LENDE by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido)

A SNAKE FALLS TO EARTH by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido)

THE SUMMER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum)

SURIVING THE CITY, VOL. 1; SURVING THE CITY, VOL. 2 FROM THE ROOTS UP; SURVIVING THE CITY, VOL. 3 WE ARE THE MEDICINE, all by Tasha Spillett, Natasha Donovan & Donovan Yaciuk (HighWater Press)

THOSE PINK MOUNTAIN NIGHTS by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum)

Author Interview: Dr. Linda Weste Examines the Verse Novel Through Conversations with MG and YA Authors by Mita Malhotra from Cynsations.

Author Interview: Anita Fitch Pazner Discusses Lyrical Storytelling by Suma Subramaniam from Cynsations. Read the full interview from the link in my bio.

Author Interview: Marcella Pixley on the Power of Verse Novels and Weaving in Folk Traditions by Mita Malhotra from Cynsations. Read the full interview from the link in my bio.

Celebrate summer reading with Indigenous books for young readers! Titles include stories by Sherri Maret, Thomas Hilley, Kaitlin B. Curtice, Ceporah Mearns, Jeremy Debicki, Tindur Peturs, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu, Kim Rogers, Jonathan Nelson, Brittany Luby, Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Kate Gardiner, Brenda Child, Jonathan Thunder, Denise K. Lajimodiere, Gordan Jourdain, Joseph Marshall III, Brian Young, Malli Maunakea, Cameron Mukwa, Emily Bowen Cohen, Robin Wall Kimerer, Monique Gray Smith, Nicole Niedhardt, Jen Ferguson, Nahanni Shingoose, and Gary Lonesborough. This list is pulled from books recommended at Indigenous Reads Rising.

 The Horn Book Magazine 2025 Summer Reading List includes my latest middle grade novel, ON A WING AND A TEAR (Heartdrum, 2024) and many more books for young readers.

Reminder! Vote for the Reading the West Book Awards by May 31!

“More than 180 books were submitted for consideration in the 35th Annual Reading the West Book Awards. Independent booksellers across fourteen states read and reviewed all the books to choose their favorites.” Now they’re asking you to help select the winners! Scroll through or click on the categories from the link in my bio to review the shortlist titles. “Cast your ballot by May 31, 2025. Winners will be announced June 12, 2025.”

My summer destinations included the National Museum of the American Indian, along with a visit to the museum gift shop and its formidable display of Indigenous children’s-YA books. Highlights included Heartdrum books like YÁADILÁ! (GOOD GRIEF!) by Laurel Goodluck, and Jonathan Nelson, REZ BALL by Byron Graves, I AM OSAGE by Kim Rogers and Bobby Von Martin, RED BIRD DANCED by Dawn Quigley, TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen, TO WALK THE SKY by Patricia Morris and EB Lewis, WE STILL BELONG by Christine Day, plus, my own ON A WING AND A TEAR (Heartdrum) and HEARTS UNBROKEN (Candlewick) as well books by Weshoyot Alvitre; Aphelandra, Darcie Little Badger, Angeline Boulley, Alexis Bunten, Cherie Dimaline, Natasha Donovan, Danielle Greendeer, Michaela Goade, Laurel Goodluck, Joy Harjo, Julie Flett; Adrienne Keene, Carole Lindstrom, Jonathan Nelson, SD Nelson, Anthony Perry, Daniel Ramirez, Andrea L. Rogers, Monique Gray Smith, Traci Sorell, Tasha Spillet, Anton Treuer, Leslie Stall Widener; and many more!

★ “the perfect gateway to discovering the writing of noted authors…. Obvious thought and care went into the crafting and arranging of the stories, with expertly executed callbacks to previous entries. Superlative.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Read the full review from the link in my bio.

Featured 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.

Join us for the Simmons Summer Children’s Literature Institute: “Are We There Yet?” from July 25 to July 27 in Boston!

“More than 180 books were submitted for consideration in the 35th Annual Reading the West Book Awards. Independent booksellers across fourteen states read and reviewed all the books to choose their favorites.” Now they’re asking you to help select the winners! Scroll through or click on the categories from the link in my bio to review the shortlist titles. “Cast your ballot by May 31, 2025. Winners will be announced June 12, 2025.” (Quoting @readingthewest).

Huzzah for the children’s-YA finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award, given by the Oklahoma Center for the Book; highlights include:

CLICK, CLACK! SMACK! A CHEROKEE STICKBALL STORY, written by Traci Sorell, ill. by Joseph Erb (Charlesbridge)

FIND HER, written by Ginger Reno (Holiday House)

I AM OSAGE: HOW CLARENCE TINKER BECAME THE FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN MAJOR GENERAL, written by Kim Rogers, ill. by Bobby Von Martin (Heartdrum)

KINDRED SPIRITS: SHILOMBISH ITTIBACHVFFA, written by Leslie Stall Widener, ill. by Johnson Yazzie (Charlesbridge)

WHEN WE GATHER (OSTADAHLISIHA: A CHEROKEE TRIBAL FEAST), written by Andrea L. Rogers, ill. by Madie Goodnight (Heartdrum)

#picturebooks #bookawards #oklahoma #nativeamerican #indigenous #middlegradebooks

“…a delightful reading experience….Native young adults from numerous intersecting identities venture to this communal space to meet a crush, read a poem, mourn, or reconnect with family. The stories are about their lived experiences, not white oppression.” —Pearl’s & Ruby’s: Edith Campbell at School Library Journal

Check out the audiobook cast for LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum, 2025)!

🎙️ Katie Anvil Rich – Credits, Dedication, Foreword, Patent Red, Dear Reader, all written by Cynthia Leitich Smith
🎙️ Delanna Studi – Maybe It Starts, written by Kate Hart; You Had One Job, written by Andrea L. Rogers
🎙️ Shaun Taylor-Corbett – House of Stray Cats, written by Eric Gansworth; I Love You, Grandson, written by Brian Young; Open Mic at the Drive-In, written by Cynthia Leitich Smith
🎙️ Darrell Dennis – Mvskoke Joy, written by Marcella Bell
🎙️ Elva Guerra (King DM) – Game Night, written by Darcie Little Badger
🎙️ Erin Tripp (Timber) – Game Night, written by Darcie Little Badger
🎙️ Jordan Waunch (WhateverCore) – Game Night, written by Darcie Little Badger
🎙️  Kinsale Drake (Picnic_ant) – Game Night, written by Darcie Little Badger; Heart Berry, written by Cheryl Isaacs
🎙️ Tiffany Ayalik – Look Away, written by Karina Iceberg
🎙️ Mapuana Makia – Braving the Storm, written by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams
🎙️ Isabella Star – Momentum, written by Christine Hartman Derr
🎙️ Jesse Nobess – The Rest Will Come, written by KA Cobell; Love Buzz, written by Byron Graves
🎙️ Tanis Parenteau – Language Lesson, written by Jen Ferguson
🎙️ Rainy Fields – Hearts Aflutter, written by AJ Eversole
🎙️ Jessica Matten – Jilly Bean and Jessa Jean, written by Angeline Boulley; Kathy’s Poem, written by David A. Robertson

🎧 Produced by Sydney Mathieu

Coming Aug. 26—pre-order now!

#youngadultbooks #audiobook #AudiobookCast #NativeVoices #Indigenous #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Congratulations to Candlewick Press, which has been named the winner of the 2025 BOP – Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year for North America.

“Established in 2013, on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the BOP – Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year is an extraordinary occasion to highlight publishers at the forefront of innovation in their activity for the creative nature of the editorial choices they have made during the previous year.

“The prize, organized  by  the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and AIE – Italian Publishers Association in partnership with IPA – International Publishers Association, awards those publishers who have most distinguished themselves for their professional and intellectual skills in each of the six areas of the world: Africa, Caribbean, Central and South America, North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. At the same time, the prize is designed to foster a mutual exchange of knowledge and ideas among different countries, areas and cultural identities across the world.

“The winners are selected by the publishers exhibiting at the Fair and are chosen among the shortlisted publishing houses nominated by their peers: publishers, publishers’ association and institution devoted to reading promotion worldwide.”

View the full list from the link in my bio.

Candlewick has published 12 of my books, the most recent of which are MISSION ONE: THE VICE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM (BLUE STARS #1), written by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Molly Murakami (2024); HARVEST HOUSE, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, cover art by Britt Newton (Candlewick, 2023); HEARTS UNBROKEN, by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, 2018).

“Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Celebrate National Library Week, April 6 – 12, 2025.”

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America’s Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

Happy We Need Diverse Books Day! I’m reading EVERYBODY IN THE RED BRICK BUILDING by Anne Wynter and Oge Mora (Clarion, 2021) because it’s a wonderful bedtime story for everyone.

My latest novel, ON A WING AND A TEAR, was selected as one of the Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far) by Kirkus Reviews. It’s a book of my heart, written to offer laughter and healing to young readers, and it means so much to me that a humorous Indigenous story would be recognized in this way.

I’m also delighted to see so many books I deeply admire on the list—including stories like those belong that I’ve recommended over the years as mentor texts to students. If you’re looking for outstanding reads, here are some I’d especially like to highlight (visit the link in my bio to find all of the full lists):

Middle Grade:

THE BARREN GROUNDS (THE MISEWA SAGA) by David A. Robertson

NEW KID by Jerry Craft

BABYMOUSE: QUEEN OF THE WORLD by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

EL DEAFO by Cece Bell

ALL THIRTEEN: THE INCREDIBLE CAVE RESCUE OF THE THAI BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM by Christina Soontornvat

EACH LITTLE BIRD THAT SINGS by Deborah Wiles

Picture Books:

A SHELL IS COZY by Dianna Hutts Aston & Sylvia Long

UNSPEAKABLE: THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE by Carole Boston Weatherford & Floyd Cooper

BIG RED LOLLIPOP by Rukhsana Khan & Sophie Blackall

WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA by Traci Sorell & Frané Lessac

FRY BREAD: A NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY STORY by Kevin Noble Maillard & Juana Martinez-Neal

WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS by Carole Lindstrom & Michaela Goade

YA & Nonfiction:

FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Monique Gray Smith, and Nicole Niedhardt

ELATSOE by Darcie Little Badger & Rovina Cai

THE FAMILY ROMANOV: MURDER, REBELLION, AND THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA by Candace Fleming

STORY OF A GIRL by Sara Zarr

REVOLUTION IN OUR TIME: THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY’S PROMISE TO THE PEOPLE by Kekla Magoon

Process Talk: Cynthia Leitich Smith Discusses ON A WING AND A TEAR from Uma Krishnaswami. PEEK: “Native family and community relationships tend to be widely extended. Writing a cast reflective of that dynamic in a book for the very young demands deft brushstrokes.”

Sending love, strength, and solidarity to Indigenous relatives across Turtle Island—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in the north; Alaska Native and Yup’ik kin; Diné (Navajo), Ndee (Apache), and Pueblo relations in the southwest; Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Dakota kin in the heart of the continent; Cherokee, Choctaw, and Seminole relations, originally of the southeast; Maya, Nahua, and other Indigenous peoples of Mexico; Kalaallit in Greenland; Coast Salish, Tlingit, Haida, and Chumash relations along the west coast; and all the Native peoples from the shores to the plains, the forests to the tundra.

While we’ve seen a rise in representation of Indigenous creators and content in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. The books highlighted here are those that I’ve found particularly interesting and illuminating. For a bibliography of the reel, including my own works and those published by the Heartdrum imprint, please visit the link in my bio.

CHILD OF THE FLOWER-SONG PEOPLE: LUZ JIMÉNEZ, DAUGHTER OF THE NAHUA by Gloria Amescua, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

MY HEART FILLS WITH HAPPINESS by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett

THIS LAND by Ashley Fairbanks, illustrated by Bridget George

THE ORPHAN AND THE POLAR BEAR by Sakiasi Qaunaq, illustrated by Emily Laurent Henderson

THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA by Donald Uluadluak

THE SONG THAT CALLED THEM HOME by David Alexander Robertson, illustrated by Bridget George

WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

WHERE WONDER GROWS by Xelena Gonzales, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

BUFFALO DREAMER by Violet Duncan

THE BARREN GROUNDS: THE MISEWA SAGA by David A. Robertson

APPLE: SKIN TO THE CORE by Eric Gansworth

DREAMING IN INDIAN by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

ELATSOE by Darcie Little Badger

HEARTS OF FIRE AND SNOW by David O. Bowles and Guadalupe Garcia McCall

MAN MADE MONSTERS by Andrea L. Rogers

WARRIOR GIRL UNEARTHED by Angeline Boulley

SAINTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD by Ari Tison

ATTN Readers! Find out how to support libraries and library personnel in 2025 at the link in my bio to the ALSC Blog: Pursuing Excellence for Library Service to Children. Find the list of books at the link in my bio.

Featured books:

THE LIBRARY by Sarah Stewart and David Small (FSG, 1995)

GO FORTH AND TELL: THE LIFE OF AUGUSTA BAKER, LIBRARIAN AND MASTER STORYTELLER
by Breanna J. McDaniel and April Harrison (Dial, 2024)

LIBRARY GIRL: HOW NANCY PEARL BECAME AMERICA’S MOST CELEBRATED LIBRARIAN
by Karen Henry Clark and Sheryl Murray (Little Bigfoot, 2022)

THE LIBRARIAN’S STORIES by Lucy Falcone and Anna Wilson (POW! 2021)

DIGGING FOR WORDS: JOSÉ ALBERTO GUTIÉRREZ AND THE LIBRARY HE BUILT
by Angela Burke Kunkel and Paola Escobar (Random House Studio, 2020)

THE LIBRARIAN OF BASRA: A TRUE STORY FROM IRAQ
by Jeanette Winter (Clarion, 2019)

PLANTING STORIES: THE LIFE OF LIBRARIAN AND STORYTELLER PURA BELPRÉ
by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Paola Escobar (HarperCollins, 2019)

SCHOMBURG: THE MAN WHO BUILT A LIBRARY
by Carole Boston Weatherford and Eric Velasquez (Candlewick, 2019)

LIBRARIAN ON THE ROOF! A TRUE STORY
by M. G. King and Stephen Gilpin (Albert Whitman, 2010)

BIBLIOBURRO: A TRUE STORY FROM COLOMBIA
by Jeanette Winter (Beach Lane, 2010)

MISS DOROTHY AND HER BOOKMOBILE
by Gloria Houston and Susan Condie Lamb (HarperCollins, 2011)

TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY
by Pat Mora and Raúl Colón (Dragonfly Books, 2000)

THE LIBRARIAN WHO MEASURED THE EARTH
by Kathryn Lasky and Kevin Hawkes (Little, Brown, 1994)

MISS MOORE THOUGHT OTHERWISE: HOW ANNE CARROLL MOORE CREATED LIBRARIES FOR CHILDREN
by Jan Pinborough and Debby Atwell (Clarion, 2013)

A LIBRARY by Nikki Giovanni and Erin K. Robinson (Versify, 2022)

#libraries #library #librariesofinstagram #bookstagram #librarylove #picturebooks

Highlights of 2025 [Chapter Books and] Middle Grade Releases, compiled by Traci Sorell (Cherokee) from Indigenous Reads Rising. PEEK: “…wide variety of genres and issues that will strengthen classroom and library collections. In FAYE AND THE DANGEROUS JOURNEY, readers accompany an Ojibwe girl and her family through the traumatic events of the Sandy Lake Ojibwe removal, while nonfiction titles such as NATIVE LANDS AND SECRETS PLACES and WATER IS LIFE offer overviews of crucial issues in Native rights and history.”

“‘The Navajo Code Talkers earned their place in history through their courage and sacrifice, giving their lives in defense of this nation,’” Navajo Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley said in a statement.” —“Navajo Nation calls out ‘erasure’ of WWII Code Talkers from DOD website” at KPNX 12News; Mesa, Arizona

Learn more about the contributions of Indigenous Code Talkers in World War II:

DK SUPER READERS LEVEL 4 NAVAJO CODE TALKERS by Danielle Burbank (DK Children, 2024) 

SIOUX CODE TALKERS OF WORLD WAR II by Andrea Page (Pelican Publishing, 2017)

Celebrating Cynsations Winter 2025 issue, featuring:

• Native Voices: Author-Illustrator Cameron Mukwa on Learning & Growing as an Artist
• Author Interview: Padma Venkatraman on Poetry, Publishing & Diverse Verse
• Guest Post: Deb Gonzales: Beyond Pins & Boards: Building a Legacy on Pinterest
• Throwback Thursday: Carole Boston Weatherford Discusses the Need to Write “Untold” Stories with Kekla Magoon
• Cover Reveal & Author Interview: Maria Marianayagam On Her Upcoming Picture Book & Her Writing Life
• Authors Interview: Helen Kampion & Reneé Critcher Lyons on their Publishing Journey
• Author Interview: Donna Janell Bowman on Collaborating with Olympian Billy Mills
• In Memory: Author Marta Crisp, Author- Illustrator Jules Feiffer, Author Carole Gerber & Author John Marsden
• Author Interview: Sue Ganz-Schmitt & Maureen Charles on Infusing Emotion into Nonfiction Books for Kids
• Cynsational News

Gratitude to Cynsations Editor-in-Chief/Author’s Assistant Gayleen Rabakukk; Intern Suma Subramaniam; Intern AJ Eversole; Intern Mitu Malhotra; and Industry News Reporter Gail Vannelli.

The Texas Institute of Letters has announced the winners of the twelve Annual TIL Literary Awards. This year, TIL will award these writers and two other recipients a total of $39,000 in prizes at the TIL Awards Ceremony in Brownsville, Texas, on April 26, 2025.

Jean Flynn Award for Best Young Adult Book Winner: CANTO CONTIGO by Jonny Garza Villa (Wednesday Books)
Honor-winners: THROUGH FENCES by Frederick Aldama, ill. by Oscar Garza (The Ohio State University Press); PINTSIZED PIONEERS: TAMING THE FRONTIER ONE CHORE AT A TIME by Preston Lewis and Harriet Kocher Lewis (Bariso Press)

Deirdre Siobhan FlynnBass Award for Best Middle Grade Book Winner: GIGI SHIN IS NOT A NERD by Lyla Lee (Aladdin)
Honor-winners: LOS MONSTRUOS: ROOSTER AND THE DANCING DIABLO by Diana Lopez (Kokila); The Minor Miracle: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF NOAH MINOR by Meredith Davis (WaterBrook); ON A WING AND A TEAR by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum)

Brigid Erin Flynn Award for Best Picture Book Winner: DESERT SONG by Laekan Zea Kemp (Neal Porter Books)
Honor-winners: A GARLAND OF HENNA by Varsha Bajaj (Nancy Paulsen Books); MIGUEL MUST FIGHT! by Jamie Ofelia (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; A MALETA FULL OF TREASURES by Natalia Sylvester (Dial Books)

The Texas Institute of Letters is a nonprofit Honor Society founded in 1936 to celebrate Texas literature and recognize distinctive literary achievement. The TIL’s elected membership consists of the state’s most respected writers–including winners of the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, PEN/Faulkner Award, Man Booker Prize, Academy Award, International Latino Book Award, Americas Award, Lambda Literary Award, MacArthur Fellowship, and Guggenheim Fellowship.

From President David Bowles: “Each year, the TIL recognizes the best of Texas writing in a variety of genres that includes fiction, poetry, nonfiction, scholarly writing, translation, and short form works. Many thanks to our judges for carefully considering the entries. This year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary talent and diversity of writers with Texas roots. Celebrating their achievements is a highlight of our annual conference, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to recognize and support the best of Texas literature.” All awards are for works published in 2024.

“Native people read books and watch movies and television, and it’s crucial for us to see ourselves represented. We’re not locked in the past. We didn’t disappear. That’s one of the primary things I’m trying to say with all of my writing—that we still exist. And we exist in all of the multiplicities of who human beings are. We’re not just in history or academia or wandering in the woods looking at plants. We’re so much more than just that.” —Native Noir: PW Talks with Marcie R. Rendon by Kate Nelson from Publishers Weekly.

“Emotion is as essential in nonfiction as it is in fiction. And especially if it’s kidlit. Young readers won’t keep turning the page if a true story doesn’t have emotional impact. A character’s journey can scare, thrill, sadden, uplift, inspire, or even anger young readers, but it also better grab them and make them care.” —Author Interview: Sue Ganz-Schmitt & Maureen Charles on Infusing Emotion into Nonfiction Books for Kids by Gail Vannelli from Cynsations

“…by closely collaborating, we created a book rich with cultural and emotional authenticity. And I emerged from the process with close friendships with Billy and Pat Mills and illustrator S.D. Nelson.” —Donna Janell Bowman on Collaborating with Billy Mills by Gayleen Rabakukk from Cynsations.

The Writers’ Page: The Heroes Inside Us: Fighting for Truth, Justice, and the Right to Share Our Stories by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith from The Horn Book.

Check out Five New Picture Books Share Indigenous Stories by AJ Eversole from Publishers Weekly. PEEK: “New picture books depict contemporary Indigenous children and elders and highlight stories of kinship, heritage, and community.” You can view the full list with descriptions at the link in my bio.

“When she told me about Lady Bird’s heroic trip through the South and how the First Lady promoted Civil Rights and campaigned for her husband, President Johnson, I was hooked.” —Helen Kampion from her author interview with Reneé Critcher Lyons by Gayleen Rabakukk for Cynsations. Find out more about Helen and Reneé’s recent picture book biography, ROLLIN’ ON DOWN THE LINE: LADY BIRD jOHNSON’S 1965 WHISTLE-STOP TOUR FOR CIVIL RIGHTS, illustrated by Erin McGuire (Sleeping Bear Press, 2024).

Sympathies and solidarity to the friends and family of Emily Pike and to the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

“Emily was a spark, and she definitely sparked the world and now the world is on fire because of Emily,” said April Victor, Emily’s aunt [to Fox News 10 Phoenix]. “She was loving. She was kind.”

Support/follow @niwrc @mmiwhoismissing @rising_hearts @strongheartsdv @weRnative.

Content Warning: Extreme Violence/Death and Dying/Murder

Federal agencies join Arizona investigation into disappearance of 14-year-old Emily Pike by Lauren De Young from the Arizona Republic.

Emily Pike: Vigil held for Native American teen found dead in Gila County by Lindsey Ragas from Fox 10 Phoenix.

★ Publishers Weekly (starred): “Declarative language…traces a familial narrative filled with longing, love, and the blessing of found sisterhood. Colorblock-like gouache and colored pencil illustrations…lean into scenes of community and play in this work about two friends creating their own familial bonds.”

“I think of individual poems in a verse novel as pearls on a string. The process of writing a verse novel is finding those pearls — those moments that are lustrous or rich with emotion — the parts of one’s story that merit the depth of a poem and then stringing those pearls on the plot line of story.” —Padma Venkatraman on Poetry, Publishing & Diverse Verse, interviewed by Mitu Malhotra from Cynsations. 

Visit the link in my bio for the full interview.

Highlights of CCBC Choices 2025 from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center include four Heartdrum books, STITCHES OF TRADITION by Marcie Rendon and Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, WHEN WE GATHER (OSTADAHLISIHA): A CHEROKEE TRIBAL FEAST by Andrea L. Rogers and Madelyn Goodnight, LOOKING FOR SMOKE by KA Cobell, and RED BIRD DANCED by Dawn Quigley as well as books by Paula Yoo, Christina Soontornvat, Richard Michelson, Sarah Green, Naomi Shihab Nye, Ashley Fairbanks, Bridget George, Mavasta Honyouti, Traci Sorell, Michaela Goude, Billy Mills, Donna Janell Bowman, SD Nelson, Michelle Meadows, Jamiel Law, Carole Boston Weatherford, Khalif Tahir Thompson, Cece Bell, Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal, Renée Watson, Ekua Holmes, G. Neri, Corban Wilkin, Meg Medina, Brittany Cicchese, Julie Flett, Andrea L. Rogers, Rebecca Lee Kunz, Lesa Cline-Ransom, Anna Rose Johnson, Tracey Baptiste, David A. Robertson, Kirby Larson, Quinn Wyatt, Kate DiCamillo, Uma Krishnaswami, Linda Sue Park, Hena Khan, Sara Zarr, Kekla Magoon, and Ellen Oh.

2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List include: BLUE STARS: MISSION ONE: THE VICE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM by Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Molly Murakami (Candlewick); SUNNY MAKES HER CASE by Jennifer L. Holm and Mathew Holm (Graphix); and WE ARE BIG TIME by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui (Knopf). View the link in my bio for the full list.

“With this book, I wanted to make space for Two Spirit kids who do not feel supported in their lives, whether by friends or relatives, and show that the spirits and ancestors support us, even when no one else seems to. A better world is possible, and we are building it every day.” —Cameron Mukwa, interviewed by AJ Eversole for Cynsations

“The characters are so likable. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon is just a wonderful character, and is unflappable…. Ray and Mel are just charming. I love their dynamic as friends. It is just such a heartwarming book and who doesn’t love a road trip?” —Tammy Bobrowsky, from Mini-Book Club: ‘On a Wing and a Tear’ from KAXE/KBXE.

Cowboys & Indians: The Premier Magazine of the West offers “10 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2025” by Caroline Cabe.

2025 Edgar Award Nominations include LOOKING FOR SMOKE by KA Cobell (Heartdrum) in the YA category and both MYSTERY OF MYSTIC MOUNTAIN by Janet Fox (Simon & Schuster BFYR) and FIND HER by Ginger Reno (Holiday House) in the Juvenile Category.

2025 Indigenous picture books, compiled by children’s author Traci Sorell @tracisorellauthor, from Indigenous Reads Rising @weneeddiversebooks. Additional cover reveals to come!

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 grateful light on Black Stories Amplified 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.

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.

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.

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.

“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

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..

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.

Threads

🦇 LOVE BITES AT SANGUINI’S: THE TANTALIZE SERIES 🦇
Four novels, one e-bundle—now in chronological order from @candlewickpress.

For fans of girl heroes with agency, diverse casts, monster mayhem, paranormal romance & Buffy vibes. 🖤

Reel

🦇 LOVE BITES AT SANGUINI’S: THE TANTALIZE SERIES 🦇
Four novels. One e-bundle.
Now in chronological order—because vampires deserve continuity, too.

Perfect for readers who crave:

• Girls with grit
• Diverse heroes
• Monster mayhem
• Paranormal romance
• Buffy vibes

Out Oct. 7 from @candlewickpress!

#ParanormalRomance #YAHorror #VampireBooks #OctoberReads #BookTokMadeMeDoIt #BTVS

Oct. 1

Oct. 2

Oct. 7

LOVE BITES NOW AVAILABLE

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