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Debut novelist Elisabet Velasquez talks with SLJ about weaving joy into the heaviness of life, helping young people feel heard, and how stories can give readers a mirror to see their reflections.

Black nonfiction offers age-appropriate narratives to educate children and presents the truth needed for “recovery, reconciliation, and repair.”

The authors and founders of Just Us Books reflect on the recent passing of trailblazing Black figures in the kid lit world. 

In our limited weekly series "In Their Own Words," we will be featuring Kara Stewart's exclusive book reviews, as well as interviews with Native creators. This week, Stewart speaks with Christine Day and Andrea L. Rogers about their realistic and historical middle grade fiction titles.

I always say when I’m talking to prospective clients that writing has made me a better agent. And I believe it’s true, wholeheartedly.

The post Life as a Literary Agent and an Author: The Good and the Bad and Everything in Between, a guest post by Katelyn Detweiler appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

In this clip from their conversation, 2020 Margaret A. Edwards Award winner Kekla Magoon talks to Ibi Zoboi (American Street) about her childhood, her experience getting her MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and diversity in children’s literature.

In advance of the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the author and adapter of The Burning (Young Readers Edition): Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, discuss their book and this painful part of American history.

The independent book festival focusing on queer writers and queer stories has more than 60 authors participating in panels. The event will be streamed June 11-13.

The RISE annual list is out; Jacqueline Woodson adds Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence to her many honors; K.C. Boyd named winner of the EMIERT Distinguished Librarian Award; and two new lines of books will bring "Chicken Soup for the Soul" to kids in this edition of News Bites.