FERAL PRIDE by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, 2015, 2018). Ages 14-up. Also published by Walker Australia and New Zealand.
Anti-shifter sentiment is at an all-time high when Kayla’s transformation to werecat is captured on video and uploaded for the world to see.
Suddenly she becomes a symbol of the werebeast threat and—along with fellow cat Yoshi,
RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME by Cynthia Leitich Smith, paperback cover by Natasha Donovan (Métis)(Heartdrum, 2021). Ages 10-up.
Hardcover edition features cover art by Lori Early (HarperCollins, 2001).
In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith tells the story of a teenage girl who must face down her grief and reclaim her place in the world with the help of her intertribal community.
Tapping into long-standing, popular gothic fantasy traditions—like the vampire or shape shifter—demands an understanding of how those creatures have been previously presented world-wide in folklore, classic literature and film, and contemporary pop culture.
A lack of such understanding generally lends itself to derivative work, perhaps passing muster among those new to the genre but not seasoned readers. In contrast,
Continue Reading TANTALIZE and FERAL Series Research Bibliographies »
Warning: Plot Spoilers
discussion questions
Warning: Plot Spoilers
introduction
At last Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theatre wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight.
Her reckless and adoring guardian angel, meanwhile—fighting in guise as the princess’s personal assistant—has his work cut out for him with the Master’s Death Day gala fast approaching.
HWM: What made you venture into Gothic fantasy?
CLS: I’m spooky by nature. Scary stories have appealed to me since junior high, and I was writing the kind of books I love to read. — Writing the True with Cynthia Leitich Smith: an interview from Vivian at HipWriterMama.
CLS: Once you have a whole draft,
Warning: Plot Spoilers
introduction
“You’ll try to fight it. But you’ll only be fighting your true self. It’s done. It’s destined. In time, you’ll come to accept it.” He pulled back his sleeve to reveal two dress watches. “In time, you’ll come to me.”
Quincie P. Morris, teen restaurateuse and neophyte vampire,
YA Short-Form Writing
Three of Cynthia Leitich Smith’s short stories—“Cat Calls,” “Cupid’s Beaux” and “Haunted Love”—are set in the TANTALIZE-FERAL universe. “Cat Calls” and “Haunted Love” are available as free ebooks. Scroll for more information on each.
FORESHADOW: STORIES TO CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF READING AND WRITING YA, edited by Emily X.R. Pan and Nova Ren Suma (Algonquin,
