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We are pleased to share an exclusive first look and cover reveal for UNEQUAL: A STORY OF AMERICA by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau. But before we show the cover, here is chat we had with Michael Eric and Marc about the creation of their new book, out in the world in May 2022.

Let's talk free will and destiny! I am beyond delighted to be hosting author Karla Arenas Valenti today, creator of the lovely new middle grade novel Lotería!

The post Free Will and Destiny in Middle Grade Fiction: A Talk With Karla Arenas Valenti of Lotería appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today I am pleased to announce that we are providing exclusive interview/first look/cover reveal for ARMADILLO ANTICS, by Michael Sampson, illustrated by Argentinian artist Nathalie Beauvois.

The post Cover Reveal & Interview: ARMADILLO ANTICS by Bill Martin Jr & Michael Sampson w/Art by Nathalie Beauvois appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Bryan Collier stops by to discuss a 2022 book that owes much of its existence to (amongst other things) Quincy Jones, Robert Frost, and Maya Angelou. Come see why!

The post Interview for the Year 2022: Bryan Collier Discusses Music Is a Rainbow appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Book creators Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson answer my questions about comics, berzerking, and how one conjures enough general mayhem to retain the interest of today's jaded youth.

The post Talking Glorious Battle Strategies with the Barb the Last Bezerker Team appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"Reading children’s literature — even if they don’t have children — can keep adults connected to their childhood in a way that fosters empathy and understanding." Today I talk with Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic about her latest picture book title HELLO, STAR.

The post Hello, Star. A Talk With Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today illustrator Andrea Tsurumi engaged author Jarrett Dapier in conversation. She then put it all together in this marvelous, complex, witty and highly illustrated sequence. Enjoy!

The post Mr. Watson’s Chickens: A Highly Illustrated Back and Forth Interview Between Jarrett Dapier and Andrea Tsurumi appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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.

I speak with Alice Faye Duncan about EVICTED!: THE STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE, coming out this January. Learn more about this too little discussed moment in history.

The post Evicted: An Interview on a Timely Topic with Alice Faye Duncan appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

School librarian Jessica Scheller and art teacher Andrea Ramirez of Eiland Elementary School in Klein ISD, Houston, win inaugural award.

A great resource to help create personal connections and understanding. Readers who have their own immigration story will likely see their experience and feelings reflected in these pages.

The post Book Review: Finding Refuge: Real-Life Immigration Stories from Young People by Victorya Rouse appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Educators have many obligations, some of the same, some new ones. That there is more to figure out, more to contend with, more to know, and more unknowns ahead, writes Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. 

I resist, not necessarily by marching in the street but by staying informed as an educator, colleague, and as a bystander. I question policies and practices that align with doing what we’ve always done just because it’s what we’ve always done.

Our shelves are fairly empty of books about Black environmentalists. Heidi Tyline King brings to life the story of a woman who fought tirelessly for what she loved and believed in.

The post Saving American Beach: An Interview with Author Heidi Tyline King appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

What do we owe Wonder Woman? Where did she come from? Author Kirsten Larson joins me today to discuss the true origin story of the Wonder Woman character and her cultural impact as well.

The post A True Wonder: Talking With Kirsten Larson About Wonder Woman’s Real Origins appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Nabela Noor joins us today in a discussion of body positivity and her new book BEAUTIFULLY ME.

The post Beautifully Me: A Talk With Nabela Noor appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

September debuts are here, with new YA authors taking on race relations among teenagers, the culture of K-pop, and the power of magic.

Today I talk with author Traci N. Todd to discuss her new picture book biography of Nina Simone and the art of reducing a life to its essentials.

The post NINA: A STORY OF NINA SIMONE – An Interview with Author Traci N. Todd appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Adrianna Cuevas joins us today to give us the thorough backstory to her new middle grade novel CUBA IN MY POCKET as well an explanation of why writing historical fiction is "like eating soup with a fork".

The post Adrianna Cuevas Is Back with CUBA IN MY POCKET: The Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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. Our series concludes with Stewart interviewing Angeline Boulley, Eric Gansworth, and Darcie Little Badger about their powerful young adult books.

What is it about Melissa, author of more than 180 science books for children, and her work that taps so directly into where we are in 2021 and the current state of informational books for kids? Her new book, 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, seems to offer some answers. So too does this interview.

The post Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: Melissa Stewart Dishes on the appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

What is it about Melissa, author of more than 180 science books for children, and her work that taps so directly into where we are in 2021 and the current state of informational books for kids? Her new book, 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, seems to offer some answers. So too does this interview.

The post Nonfiction on Display: Melissa Stewart Dishes on the 5 Kinds of Nonfiction appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The Caldecott winner decided to challenge himself and try to make sense of the difficult times with pastel portraits of his family.

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 Cynthia Leitich Smith about her Native reworking of Peter Pan, and Brian Young about his middle grade title rooted in Navajo folklore.

The Newbery Honor author spoke with SLJ about finding horror inspiration in the natural world, the best tea for writing, and crafting stories that "tick along with the reader’s heartbeat."

This year's Carle Honors will celebrate illustrator Raúl Colón and others who have made a positive impact on children's books. The September ceremony and fundraising auction will be virtual.

Sometimes infuriating attitudes towards women make for great picture book biographies. I interview Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak about their new picture book bio, NIKI NAKAYAMA and why she kicks butt and takes names.

The post NIKI NAKAYAMA: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites – An Interview with Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

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.

Code switching for the middle grade set. I speak with author Andrea Wang about her latest book THE MANY MEANINGS OF MEILAN and we dive deep into #StopAsianHate, the power of names, and even THE WIZARD OF EARTHSEA.

The post The Many Meanings of Meilan Q&A with Andrea Wang appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

History's weird when it happens to you, but history's even weirder when it happens to someone younger than you and then they write a book about it. I talk with author Alyssa Bermudez about her semi-autobiographical illustrated novel about 9/11.

The post Big Apple Diaries Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Amanda Mastrull returns to SLJ as editor of YA reviews. Florence Simmons joins as associate editor, generalist. 

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 Dawn Quigley about her brand-new chapter book series, "Jo Jo Makoons."

A ribald, in-depth conversation not simply about the art of creating comics in the 21st century, but also the history of the form for kids, the publishing industry, and more. I interview Alexis Fajardo on the publication day of his fourth Kid Beowulf release.

The post Beowulf, Viking Pigs, and the Hustle of Comics in 2021: An Interview with Alexis Fajardo appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The author of Honey, I Love died last week, leaving a lasting impact on generations of readers and Black authors. 

Steve Sheinkin swings by to discuss his latest historical thriller FALLOUT: SPIES, SUPERBOMBS, AND THE ULTIMATE COLD WAR SHOWDOWN. And like his other multi-award winning books, it promises to be a hoot.

The post Steve Sheinkin Returns! A Deep Dive Into the FALLOUT appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

What goes into an exceptional book cover? Betsy Bird investigates. 

I discuss an upcoming Fall 2022 book about the mother of Emmett Till with its author, Angela Joy, and illustrator, Janelle Washington.

The post Choosing Brave: Emmett Till’s Mother Has Her Own Book – An Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"I think what science-fiction does better than any genre is provide a sneaky, backdoor, often allegorical—or at least metaphorical—approach to commenting on the concerns of the present day." We're talking with John David Anderson today about his latest title: Stowaway!

The post Stowaway With Me: A Talk With Author John David Anderson appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"If you can have zombies or aliens or robots in a story, why wouldn't you?" We're talking with Greg van Eekhout today about science fiction, his latest book, and the mortification of uncontrollable shape shifting. You know. Middle school.

The post You Are Officially in Weird Kid Territory: A Greg van Eekhout Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The graphic novelist strives to emulate kids’ storytelling styles in his books, about Cuban American siblings who use a little magic to fight monsters.

The #DisruptTexts cofounder shares how her childhood experiences shaped her identity as a reader and how she cultivates an enduring passion for reading among students.

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.

"Our young will live in better times together in acceptance of the way things really are if we give them the truth. But we must teach them truth in ways they can comprehend. There is no greater gift than truth." - Floyd Cooper

The post In Memorium: Floyd Cooper appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The kid lit world remembers award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper.

Today we discuss Africa Town, a book about the last slave ship to come to the American shores and how the legacy of that ship is embodied in African Town, a community that still exists to this day and was founded by former slaves after the Civil War.

The post African Town: A Cover Reveal and Interview with Charles Waters and Irene Latham appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Girls. With swords. Slaying the gods they created. What could be better? I interview Sangu Mandanna about her new middle grade heroine.

The post Kill Your Darlings: A Sangu Mandanna Interview About Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Not content to muck with people's perceptions of butterflies, Rosemary Mosco returns to discuss her latest book and why venus flytraps didn't make the cut.

The post Flowers Are Pretty…Weird! A Talk with Rosemary Mosco About Those Flowers You Wouldn’t Invite to a Dinner Party appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Why children's writers are sometimes the first ones to sing for the unsung? I discuss Meghan P. Browne's upcoming picture book bio Dorothy the Brave with her and reveal its cover.

The post Dorothy the Brave Cover Reveal: A Q&A With Meghan P. Browne appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Stand aside, water cycle! There's a new cycle in town and it's darn smoky. I speak with author Henry L. Herz about his upcoming title I AM SMOKE.

The post I Am Smoke: A Cover Reveal and Q&A with Author Henry L. Herz appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

SLJ spoke with the accomplished author about her musical background, the power of pop music, and the connective possibilities of fandom.

As summer arrives, three new YA authors tell SLJ about the characters in their books and share what they plan to do for fun this season.

The New York Times bestselling author helps readers become aware of issues facing endangered species in the middle grade adventure series opener The Islanders, coauthored with Angela May.

From biographies of Olympians to fictional mysteries and romance, get young readers excited for the Tokyo Games competition and drama with these titles.

"...sometimes, it’s okay to make a scene." We're talking with author Emma Otheguy today about immigration, her own family history, and her brand new middle grade novel out in 2022. It's a cover reveal day!

The post Cover Reveal and Interview: SOFÍA ACOSTA MAKES A SCENE with author Emma Otheguy appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today we interview Ms. Jordannah Elizabeth about her sweeping anthology of Black women that made their mark on our musical history. Come for the interview AND the cover reveal!

The post SHE RAISED HER VOICE: A Cover Reveal and Interview with Jordannah Elizabeth appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Author and teacher Torrey Maldonado asked friends and fellow authors, "What does Juneteenth mean to you?"

From viral video hit series to book deal to young reader's edition, Emmanuel Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man is doing well. I have a comfortable Q&A with him about the last of these.

The post Unconventional Conversations with a Black Author: Emmanuel Acho Discusses His Young Reader’s Edition appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"I feel like our two most recent books both have a bit of resonance with the pandemic." I talk with Eric & Terry Fan about their latest book, its antecedents, and maybe its larger implications too.

The post It Fell From the Sky: An Interview with The Fan Brothers appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The Librarian/Teacher Collaboration Award honors a pair of K–12 educators—a library professional and a teacher—for stellar achievement in engaging students toward fostering curious lifetime learners. 

While talking to author Lydia Sigwarth of the new book DEAR LIBRARIAN we read four submissions from people who think that their librarian is the best.

The post Celebrating the Librarians That Work So Very Hard: A Dear Librarian Interview with Lydia Sigwarth appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Mahnaz Dar has been promoted to senior editor of professional reading and reference review. Ashleigh Williams has been named associate editor of chapter books and middle grade reviews.

Author Natasha Tarpley discusses the awesomely rendered, photographic sensation THE ME I CHOOSE TO BE and why we need it now more than ever.

The post Photography Informs Black Pride: Natasha Tarpley Discusses The Me I Choose to Be appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

In honor of two legendary picture book giants, Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert.

The post Remembering Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The children's literature world is mourning the loss of The Very Hungry Caterpillar author and illustrator who leaves behind dozens of books, a museum, and generations of readers and creators influenced by his work.

A Broadway director has written an African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestors. I discuss Your Legacy with Schele Williams.

The post Your Legacy: A Talk With Broadway Director Schele Williams About the Enslaved in Children’s Literature appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Photography and difficult skunks are the name of the game. I talk with legends Jeanne Birdsall and Jane Dyer about their newest venture and teeny tiny props.

The post The Rare Teaflet & Roog Dual Interview: Jeanne Birdsall and Jane Dyer Tell All appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Fairy tale motifs, the rise of a current moment, Puerto Rican pride, fear, and the overwhelming support of family and friends ALL come together in this 2022 picture book. I talk with NoNieqa Ramos.

The post Beauty Woke: Puerto Rican Pride and Fairy Tale Twists in an Interview with NoNieqa Ramos appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I discuss the new picture book Oddbird with its creator Derek Desierto and premiere the book trailer.

The post Trailer Reveal & Interview: A Peek at Derek Desierto’s ODDBIRD appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

If you go looking for trouble then trouble is what you get. I talk with author Sarah Prineas about her newest, gooiest hero: a shapeshifter with puppydog eyes that lives up to their name: Trouble.

The post Trouble Is a Friend of Mine: An Interview with Sarah Prineas About her Latest Science Fiction Endeavor appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Divorce Bollywood style. Today I talk with author Supriya Kelkar about musicals, culture, her new book That Thing About Bollywood, and what she'd select as her theme song for every time she walked in a room.

The post Bollywood, Theme Songs, Top 5 Films, and More: Supriya Kelkar Discusses THAT THING ABOUT BOLLYWOOD appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Three books about the survivor tree of NYC are out in 2021. I discuss with Sean Rubin how his book, This Very Tree, relates to the nature of trauma and trauma recovery.

The post This Very Tree: A Talk with Sean Rubin About the Survivor Tree in NYC appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

K.C. Boyd describes how her positive mindset in the face of adversity is rooted in ongoing work, including advocacy for school libraries at the national level.

Cats in space? Comics for kids younger than 9? Felines named after breakfast foods? It's time to interview Drew Brockington about his latest series and all that it entails.

The post Prickly Pussycat Predicaments: A Talk with Waffles and Pancakes Creator Drew Brockington appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Katherine Battersby is the author of CRANKY CHICKEN, an early chapter book chock full o' poultry, and she was kind enough to allow me to premiere her cover and talk to her about the whole kerschmozzle.

The post Petulant Poultry Alert: The Cranky Chicken Cover Reveal and Interview with Katherine Battersby appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"The overall feeling is just one of communal joy and familial tending, which feels particularly powerful and poignant in the wake of the past year of anti-Asian violence. We need more stories of Asian female joy." Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang discuss their remarkable, upcoming The Big Bath House.

The post The Big Bath House Interview: A Book For “body-loving parents, rebel reviewers and vanguard author-librarians” appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"The overall feeling is just one of communal joy and familial tending, which feels particularly powerful and poignant in the wake of the past year of anti-Asian violence. We need more stories of Asian female joy." Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang discuss their remarkable, upcoming The Big Bath House.

The post The Big Bath House Interview: For “body-loving parents, rebel reviewers and vanguard author-librarians” appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today I talk shop about one of the latest, and most beautiful picture book biographies you would ever have the chance to see with its creators.

The post Bringing Unsung Heroes to Light: Talking about The People’s Painter with Cynthia Levinson and Evan Turk appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The free, virtual event features author conversations between Christina Soontornvat and Steve Sheinkin, James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, and Malinda Lo and Daniel Nayeri, as well as creator panels and a closing keynote from Traci Sorell.

A transcript of my discussion with Anastasia Higginbotham about her latest book What You Don't Know: A Story of a Liberated Childhood. Alert: May contain Billy Porter.

The post The Rare Live Interview: Anastasia Higginbotham & I Talk “What You Don’t Know” appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Erin Entrada Kelly, author of the Newbery medal-winning novel Hello, Universe, raved about Cookie Hiponia Everman’s debut novel saying it is "Simply beautiful. The kind of book that holds you close and won't let go." The two authors sat down to talk about Cookie’s book, the Philippines, writing, and more.

Picture books, puppies, and preternaturally attractive cats. It's interview time with Elisha Cooper about his latest title Yes & No. Hope you like pets!

The post Cats and Dogs . . . Together? Talking with Elisha Cooper About the Sublime Yes & No appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Inspired by her young library patrons, Beverly Cleary wrote the stories of regular kids and created generations of readers.

Are you ready for the cute? Are you ready for the kitty? Are you ready for the unicorn? Then sit right here with me while I ask Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham about their latest collaboration.

The post An Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn Interview with Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Throughout the pandemic, Amanda Jones brought the world to her students. In person or virtually, her library is a hub of exploration.

A steadfast advocate for cultural values and new perspectives, this Hawaii librarian enriches the lives of her high school students and her community.

"Ugh, the gymsuits!" Author Helaine Becker and artist Dow Phumiruk reveal the secrets behind the informational picture book that delves deep into the history of Title IX (and all that that entails).

The post Gimme Gimme That Sweet Title IX: Helaine Becker + Dow Phumiruk Discuss An Equal Shot and All That That Entails appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

A read-aloud of Kyle Lukoff's book about a transgender boy in elementary school led to parental complaints and the school calling in counselors for the students who listened to the story. 

Many of us have fantasized about starting our own boutique publishing company. What if you actually did it, and had loads of experience to boot? Angus Yuen-Killick has done precisely that! I pepper him with questions to explain how it all works.

The post Where in the World is Angus Yuen-Killick? The Coming of Red Comet Press appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Chicago time! I interview viral sensation Dwayne Reed and get a peek at life with his scholars, his writing, and his love for The Windy City.

The post Extra Extra! Viral Video Sparks Middle Grade Debut! A Q&A with Dwayne Reed of Simon B. Rhymin’ appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

You're in for a treat today. Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his boyhood growing up behind the Iron Curtain is as funny as it is gutting. I talk with the man about how he managed to own a pair of Baryshnikov's blue jeans and reveal his new cover.

The post The Genius Under the Table: A Cover Reveal and Q&A with Eugene Yelchin appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Friends and fans gathered on Twitter this week, after learning of the death of Norton Juster, at 91, author of the beloved 60-year-old fantasy, The Phantom Tollbooth. 

When Amina's Voice by Hena Khan was released in 2017 it had oodles of charm. Today the sequel, Amina's Song, is out nationwide, so I sat down with its author to discuss all manner of things.

The post Amina Returns! A Q&A with Hena Khan About AMINA’S SONG appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Thanks to COVID we've seen an uptick in home haircuts. As such, it's the perfect time to take a deep dive into a book about a kid with a love of barbering. I talk with author J. Dillard about one of the more enjoyable books of the year.

The post J.D. and the Great Barber Battle: A J. Dillard Interview appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Editor Susan Barba discusses the "paradoxically pleasurable parsimoniousness" of author/illustrator M.B. Goffstein, on the re-release of two of her works.

The post “The possibility of a generous frugality”: Re-releasing M.B. Goffstein – An Interview with Susan Barba appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today, it is my great honor to present to you an interview and exclusive excerpt from the upcoming Christian McKay Heidicker novel, SCARY STORIES FOR YOUNG FOXES: THE CITY, the companion to the 2020 Newbery Honor recipient Scary Stories for Young Foxes.

The post Scary Stories for Young Foxes: The City – An Exclusive Excerpt appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I took one look at today's title and it was instant love. Butterflies. Grossness. What could be better? An interview with author Rosemary Mosco.

The post Butterflies Are Pretty . . . Gross: A Q&A with Rosemary Mosco appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Dusti Bowling is up to her old tricks. "Old tricks" means writing more middle grade novels. And this one has a doozy of a plot and a magnificent cover. Check it out for yourself.

The post Across the Desert: Dusti Bowling Cover Reveal and Q&A appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

With a heavy focus on families, history, expectations, and secrets, this love story will leave readers satisfied.

The post Book Review: A Pho Love Story by Loan Le appeared first on Teen Librarian Toolbox.

Looks like we have a cover reveal worth checking out. Now find out if Baby Cakes returns, what animal Mike Wohnoutka prays David LaRochelle won't put in a book, and what's in store for the intrepid duo.

The post Cover Reveal and Interview Extravaganza! See The Dog: Three Stories About a Cat with David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.