Cynthia Leitich Smith's Blog, page 47
March 31, 2021
Cynsations Intern: Bree Bender on a Life of Writing
By Bree Bender
I’ve heard it said that writers don’t choose writing. It chooses us. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a writer. So, in a sense, I believe that statement is true. It’s just something I was born with, something that is so deeply a part of me, I don’t know where it ends and I begin. I think that’s the beauty of it. It’s like an old familiar friend who’s been with me through everything.
When I was young, I would get lost in books like Cages by Peg Kehret (Dutton, 1991)...
March 30, 2021
Guest Interview: Kathi Appelt & Cynthia Leitich Smith on Rebirth in the Neversea
By Kathi Appelt
This interview includes plot spoilers for Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum, June 1, 2021). You may want to bookmark and return to it after reading the story.
Cover art by Floyd Cooper (Muscogee); from the promotional copy:
Lily and Wendy have been best friends since they became stepsisters. But with their feuding parents planning to spend the summer apart, what will become of their family—and their friendship?
Little do they know that a mysterious boy ...
March 29, 2021
In Memory: Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary, beloved, iconic, award-winning author died on March 25 in Carmel, California. She was 104.
Obituary: Beverly Cleary from Publishers Weekly by Shannon Maughan. Peek: “Cleary’s desire to read funny stories about kids like herself is something that drove her as she eventually became an avid reader, and later, a librarian, and author.”
Beverly Cleary, beloved author who chronicled schoolyard scrapes and feisty kids, dies at 104 from The Washington Post by...
March 26, 2021
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Daisy by Jessixa Bagley (Neal Porter Books, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
A Women’s History Month Chat With Graci Kim and Roshani Chokshi from Read Riordan. Peek: [Graci Kim:] “For those of you who hold story seeds inside of you…please feed them, water them, sing to them, and give them lots of sunshine. Cultivate your craft, then share your harvests with the world...
March 25, 2021
Interview: Kirstie Myvett & Aya Khalil on KidLit In Color
We’re pleased to welcome Kirstie Myvett and Aya Khalil to Cynsations.
Kirstie and Aya are founding members of KidLit In Color— a group that nurtures, amplifies, and advocates for diverse voices and equitable representation in the industry. Members who participated in this interview include Valerie Bolling, Tameka Fryer Brown, Lisa Stringfellow, and Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow.
Tell us about the inspiration behind Kidlit In Color. How did it come about?
Aya: I really wanted to ...
March 24, 2021
Authors Interview: Flor Salcedo & Joanna Truman on Foreshadow & Writing for Anthologies
Two of the new voices authors of Foreshadow (Algonquin Young Readers, 2020), Joanna Truman and Flor Salcedo, introduce the anthology and answer questions about the process of answering a call for submissions and getting your work out there when you want to be part of an anthology!
So, You Want to Submit to an Anthology… *insert Captain America gif here*
You open Twitter, ready for another intense session of doom-scrolling, enraging hot takes, and adorable cats and dogs. Then,...
March 23, 2021
Author Interview: Corey Ann Haydu on Finding the Joy in Writing
By Bree Bender
Today, I am excited to welcome the critically-acclaimed middle grade and young adult author Corey Ann Haydu to Cynsations. Corey Ann is the author of many books for middle grade and young adult readers including her Edgar Award nominated young adult novel Eventown (Katherine Tegen Books, 2019). Corey Ann’s latest middle grade novel, One Jar of Magic (Katherine Tegen Books, 2021), released February 9, 2021 with a Kirkus starred review. Welcome to Cynsations, Corey Ann!
When and ...
March 22, 2021
In Memory: Norton Juster
Norton Juster, beloved author, died on March 8 at his home in Northampton, Massachusetts after complications from a stroke. He was 91.
Obituary: Norton Juster from Publishers Weekly by Shannon Maughan. Peek: “Children’s author Norton Juster, widely praised for the wordplay in his clever and whimsical books for young readers, including the much-loved The Phantom Tollbooth, died on March 8 at his home in Northampton, Mass., following complications from a recent stroke....
March 19, 2021
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Stephani Eaton, Suma Subramaniam, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Shonto Begay (Schwartz & Wade, 2021).
Author/Illustrator Insights
Chrystal D. Giles on Her Debut MG Novel, Take Back the Block by Sara Truuvert from Inkygirl. Peek: “I hope young readers walk away with the knowledge that their voice matters! And not to be afraid to spea...
March 18, 2021
Author Interview: Joy Jones Jumps in to Share Stories
I’m always inspired by authors who balance writing with running organizations that promote literacy, and I’m thrilled to introduce Cynsations readers to Joy Jones, author, non-profit director and double Dutch jumper!
Congratulations on Jayla Jumps in! The story has a lot of interesting layers. What was your initial inspiration for writing it?
Jayla Jumps In (Albert Whitman, 2020) is about a girl who starts a double Dutch team. I actually started a double Dutch—not as a girl ...
