Helen Kampion and Reneé Critcher Lyons are both Vermont College Alums and I’m a huge fan of Ladybird Johnson – and this picture book biography focusing on her Whistlestop tour of the South immediately following LBJ signing the Civil Rights Act is a beautiful illustration of courage in the face of personal danger. And I love Reneé’s answer about why this book is especially relevant today: “Almost everyone who reads the book and provides comments says, ‘This is what is happening today.’ They are speaking of the division, the manner in which we need to work together, and the proper way our leaders should behave and act. It is a lesson in civility, courage and bravery that is much needed in our political arenas. Today’s young readers are those who will grow up to demand such behavior from politicians and their fellow citizens.” Read my full interview on Cynsations.
Kari Lavelle is a fellow Austin author and her picture book biography of James Earl Jones is stunning, I suspect in part because it’s a story she’s been sharing for years with her speech pathology clients. It took grit and determination for James Earl Jones to overcome his stutter, a journey Kari portrays beautifully in Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Alfred A. Knopf, 2024) and Kari embodies through the many years she spent on this story before it was published. She also shares tips for organizing research and working with a critique group. Read the full interview on Cynsations.
Author Cynthia Leitich Smith’s ON A WING AND A TEAR (Heartdrum/HarperKids, 2024) is a new middle grade novel full of heart, adventure and friendship. I interviewed Cynthia and her editor Rosemary Brosnan about the Heartdrum imprint and their long-term author-editor relationship.
Peek: (Cynthia on tips for working with an editor) “…prioritize transparency and clear communication. Be candid about your workflow and deadlines.”
Read the entire interview on Cynsations.
Author Interview: Tameka Fryer Brown on Telling the Truth & That Flag from Cynsations. Peek: “If we truly want to create a world without bigotry, we must be intentional about planting seeds of empathy, equity, and justice in kids’ hearts as early as possible. The longer we wait to start combating the influence of white supremacy on the next generation of leaders and decision makers, the harder it will be to effect lasting change.”
Author Conversation: Angeline Boulley talks with Cynthia Leitich Smith from Cynsations. Peek: “With Warrior Girl, Unearthed, I became a person who plots. I have a twenty-page Excel spreadsheet outlines my book. It took one year to write. But the characters still surprised me and took me places I didn’t expect. I believe in listening to the idea that won’t let go of you.”
New Voices: Doan Phuong Nguyen & Patricia Tanumihardja Share Inspirations & Publishing Journeys from Cynsations. Peek: “Writing for children allows me to express my silly self in all its glory and have fun while doing it.”
Author Interview: Darshana Khiani on Finding a Structure to Tell Your Story from Cynsations. Peek: “I received an insightful critique during WriteOnCon which helped me showcase the heart of the story which is “If America is your home and you believe in the ideals/values of this country then you are American, regardless of color, ethnicity, or even citizenship.”