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Cynsations: Celebrating Children’s & Young Adult Literature

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?”

Highlights include: LOOKING FOR SMOKE by KA Cobell (Heartdrum); THE UNFINISHED by Cheryl Isaacs (Heartdrum); HEARTS UNBROKEN by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick Press); A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum); REZ BALL by Byron Graves (Heartdrum); WARRIOR GIRL UNEARTHED by Angeline Boulley (Henry Holt); SAINTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD by Ari Tison (Farrar, Straus and Giroux); SNAKE FALLS TO EARTH by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido); #NOTYOURPRINCESS: STORIES OF NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale (Annick Press); and SURVING THE CITY by Tasha Spillet and Natasha Donovan (Highwater Press). Visit the link in my bio for the full list.

“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.”

Gratitude to major review journals for reading and reflecting on LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum, 2025)! Here’s a sampling of quotes from early reviews:

“Stories in this noteworthy and absorbing compilation work as stand-alones, but to get the full benefit and sense of intertribal community, read them together…. In voices, styles, and scenarios as varied as the tribes and locations represented, the stories and poems…capture often-pivotal moments in young people’s lives.” —Shelf Awareness

“…Smith’s uplifting poem ‘Open Mic at the Drive-In’ closes this liminal-feeling collection, which pays tribute to the Native traditions and intergenerational relationships preserved by the ‘run-down, neon’ drive-in, including frying bread, sipping sweetgrass tea, and ‘jammin’ to Redbone./ Uncles tunin’ sharp fiddles.’” —Publishers Weekly

“A huge range of tribal affiliations and locales are represented, and distinct traditions and customs are easily woven in through dialogue, avoiding heavy exposition or explanation. Various characters thread through each other’s stories, allowing many of the players more depth and nuance had they only been in one tale, and encouraging the readers to make the thematic connections in cultural identities that are both individually specific and community-wide.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

★ “…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

Thursday, July 3

★ “[Cheryl] Isaacs (Mohawk) compellingly juxtaposes supernatural horrors with Avery’s journey to accept truer versions of herself and those close to her and keeps readers hooked with shocking twists. A deeply rewarding sequel that’s equal parts uncanny and moving.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

THE 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.

#bookreview #youngadultbooks #YALit #horror

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

From these hands, old to new, a tradition of love passes through.

In Alaska, Fall is moose season. When the hunt is over, the community comes together to transform the raw moose hide into something truly special, step by step, with the work of many hands.

From stretching and scraping to making brain stew, each part of the process is a celebration! With humor and heart, debut author Karina Iceberg (Aleut/Alutiiq) and award-winning illustrator Natasha Donovan (Métis) share a resonant message of gratitude, community, and shared knowledge as an intertribal Native Alaskan community works together to tan a moose hide.

★ “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.

Highlights from the 34th Annual Reading the West Book Awards Longlist. Independent booksellers across the region are reviewing the titles now and curating shortlists in each category. Public voting for the shortlists will be May 1 to May 31. Winners will be announced in June. Visit the link in my bio to view the full longlists in each category.

“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.