Authors & Illustrators

Seasoned author Pam Muñoz Ryan speaks to SLJ about the significance of intergenerational relationships, monarch migration, and community support in the shaping of her Latina princess story, Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs. 

The Native American author had the idea for Firekeeper's Daughter, a modern-day thriller, nearly 40 years ago.

The author of the 1974 Newbery Honor novel The Dark Is Rising and 1976 medalist The Grey King describes how her World War II memories shaped her writing and why "The Dark Is Rising" books are more of a symphony than a series.

The author of Newbery Medal winner A Single Shard talks about the Newbery's gifts, learning what it means to be Korean American, and that fan who read her book 62 times. 

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.  

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

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. 

Readers who loved Shang-Chi's action, adventure, and lore should enjoy these three titles.

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.