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Today, Tonya Bolden breaks down her research process and what it is about Shirley Chisholm that we keep coming back to time and time again.

The post Speaking Up and Speaking Out with Tonya Bolden on Shirley Chisholm appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Nilah Magruder enters 2022 with a picture book. And, as you might be able tell from its title, her new picture book WUTARYOO is a sly comment on a question that a lot of BIPOC kids (and, let's face it, adults) deal with on a regular basis.

The post Wutaryoo? An Old Question Gets a New Look, and an Interview with Nilah Magruder appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

To celebrate the publication of Northwind, and lament the passing of Gary Paulsen, today we're sitting down with his editor Wes Adams to talk about one of the great writers of our age.

The post Celebrating Gary Paulsen’s Last Adventure: An Interview with Editor Wes Adams appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Robin McKinley, who won a Newbery Honor for The Blue Sword in 1983 and the Newbery Medal in 1985 for The Hero and the Crown, discusses her introduction to the fantasy genre and her dedication to centering complex female characters.  

Today I talk with Lauren Wolk about her sequel to her Newbery Honor winning title WOLF HOLLOW. Find out how MY OWN LIGHTNING came to be and check out its shiny new cover!

The post The Wolf Hollow Sequel Is Nigh! An Interview and Cover Reveal with Lauren Wolk appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Christopher Paul Curtis reflects on his post-Newbery life, censorship attempts, and why his books, centering of African American history, are necessary, especially today.

"In one three month span of 2021 alone, one in three Americans was dealing with a FEMA-recognized weather disaster." Alan Gratz is on the blog today to talk about his latest book and to share both the cover and an excerpt from the first chapter.

The post You Want a Cover Reveal? Howzabout an ALAN GRATZ Cover Reveal AND Excerpt? appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Today we have a return visit from none other than Katherine Battersby. You may recall the last time she was here and we got a load of her Cranky Chicken. Welp, we've got a sequel on our hands and a couple questions to go with it.

The post Party Animals in the House Tonight: An Interview and Cover Reveal with Katherine Battersby appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

School Library Journal and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute have announced a funding program aimed at getting literary fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K–12 students in Title I schools. The Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards are available to school libraries in qualifying schools in the U.S.

The prolific author of Newbery Medalist Crispin and Honor titles Nothing But the Truth and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle points out that protest and patriotism are woven into American history. 

We remember 26 creators of children's books, or books about children's literature, that passed away in 2021.

The post In Memorium: Remembering Those Lost in 2021 appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

DiCamillo, who won two Medals and an Honor for her books, talks about the power of the Newbery award, creating story worlds without an outline, and the benefit of carrying a notebook.

We're starting this year out with an interviewing bang! And what better way than with a smidgen of nonfiction? Not just any nonfiction either. A debut memoir for kids!

The post Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round: An Interview with Debut Author Interview with Kathlyn J. Kirkwood appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The  celebrated Newbery Medal-winning author shares thoughts on the new wave of censorship in schools, her deep respect for librarians, and dancing hamburgers in The Giver.

Children’s music artists turn to new technologies to reach eager audiences during the pandemic.

American Indian storytelling has enjoyed a major resurgence over the last 20 years. In this guest essay, author Dan SaSuWeh Jones (Ponca), shares some of the incredible difficulties it's been through in the past 100 years or more, followed by a closer look at some of the traditions of American Indian storytelling.

The Front Desk author tweeted a call to action to her colleagues, as she tries to "motivate and mobilize" people to fight coordinated efforts to remove books from schools and libraries.

The winner of the annual award for YA debut author will be announced at the Youth Media Awards in January.

A Twitter campaign organized by #FReadom prompted authors—including Cynthia Leitich Smith, Laurie Halse Anderson, Alex Gino, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, and others—to share the heartfelt messages they have received from young people who connected with their books.

Author Terry Farish reflects on the collaboration process for A Feast for Joseph with writing partner OD Bonny and gets insights from other authors and illustrators who have also collaborated on children's books.

There are possibilities galore in this latest offering from Fishman & Bagley. I talk to the creators of WHEN I WAKE UP about their influences and their work.

The post When I Wake Up: An Interview with Seth Fishman and Jessixa Bagley appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

The psychedelic 60s never looked so good. I talk with creators Charles R. Smith Jr. and Edel Rodriguez about their joint work on the latest Jimi Hendrix biography.

The post Excuse Me While I Interview These Guys. Charles R. Smith Jr. and Edel Rodriguez Discuss SONG FOR JIMI appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent a night with a mosquito." I indulge in a deep dive interview with the creators behind the best book of proverbs published for children in years.

The post No One Is Born Wise. An African Proverbs Interview with Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Nelda LaTeef appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Picture books editor Kimberly Fakih chats with SLJ Best Books cover artist Duncan Tonatiuh, the illustrator of the 2021 Best Book, Gloria Amescua’s Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua.

It's Jewish. It's Christian. And it's created by the singular team of Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinsky. We're talking with this dynamic duo about their latest title RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE.

The post What’s Red and Green and Blue and White All Over? An Interview with Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinsky, Of Course! appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Inventive? Original? Unique? Horrendously accomplished? That's basically the CV of Yuyi Morales. And now, today, I get to ask her questions about her latest book, Bright Star.

The post A Bright Star Interview with Yuyi Morales Herself appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Authors Jerry Craft, Grace Lin, and others discuss the personal and professional impact of having parents call to remove their books from schools and libraries.

Out of My Mind is as popular as ever and now, in 2021, we're finally seeing a sequel. Out of My Heart just came out yesterday and is the official continuation of Melody's story. I interview Sharon Draper about the continuation.

The post From Out of My Mind to Out of My Heart: An Interview with Sharon Draper appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Rob Harrell's a busy man. Wink came out last year, Monster on the Hill's a movie, and now I'm interviewing him about his newest comic When Pigs Fly. Slow down, Rob! You're making the rest of us look bad!

The post I’ll Post This Interview When Pigs Fly: A Talk with Rob Harrell appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

I get to interview Senator Warren! From the moment I first laid eyes on her on The Daily Show back in 2009 I thought she was the bee's knees. She has a new picture book out called Pinkie Promises out right now, and I get to ask her a couple questions about it.

The post I Get to Interview Elizabeth Warren!!! . . . There May Also Be a Book Involved in Some Way. appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

"We actually got a note to tone down the teeth." Hijinks ensue when I interview my new favorite funny picture book creators. If you read one interview this year, read this one with Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden.

The post My Parents Won’t Stop Talking! A Tillie Walden and Emma Hunsinger Interview Joint appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

“Certainly, definitely, absolutely!” T.A. Barron joins us today to discuss the latest in his Merlin saga, GIANT!

The post A Giant Interview with T.A. Barron (see what I did there?) appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

How do you walk a fine line with a picture book story about a dung beetle? Mark Pett delves into the decisions and choices he made with his latest book I EAT POOP.

The post I Eat Poop. Now That I Have Your Attention, an Interview… appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

With the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot this week, Jeff Kinney gives young readers the comfort of familiar characters and a little bit of normal in these continued chaotic times.

Yesterday the blog Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast talked about the upcoming picture book ROOM FOR EVERYONE. Today, I have an interview with the author.

The post There’s Room for Everyone In This Interview with Naaz Khan appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

You last saw rock star Rhett Miller when he paired with Dan on No More Poems! Now they're back together on a new 2022 title that involves quite the Faustian deal.

The post Baby Changing Station: An Interview with Dan Santat and Rhett appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

You last saw rock star Rhett Miller when he paired with Dan on No More Poems! Now they're back together on a new 2022 title that involves quite the Faustian deal.

The post Baby Changing Station: An Interview with Dan Santat and Rhett Miller appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

When a video of a woman speaking out against the book Out of Darkness at a school board meeting went viral, author Ashley Hope Pérez responded with a video of her own.

Everything you want to know (and more!) about chickens and prognostication. Two picture book legends join together to give us one of the silliest new books on record.

The post Nothing a Few Chickens Can’t Fix: Adam Rex and Adam Rubin on Gladys the Magic Chicken appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Author Susan H. Kamei discusses her YA narrative nonfiction work When Can We Go Back to America?: Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during WWII, and why it's so vital to acknowledge and understand this episode in U.S. history.

Friends and colleagues remember Caldecott-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney, who died this week at age 81.

What does The Little Engine That Could have to do with current conversations with children about equity? The latest book by Bob McKinnon provides that answer. Meanwhile I'm just happy that this interview lets me reference the Quad City DJ's.

The post Of Equity and Engines: The Bob McKinnon Interview That Could appeared first on A Fuse #8 Production.

Applications are being accepted for the annual honor highlighting outstanding achievement by a K–12 library professional. Sponsored by Scholastic, this year's expanded award program features new prizes and participation in an upcoming event.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

"...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.

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

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?"