Category: Author and Illustrator Spotlight

Night and Dana: An Interview with Author Anya Davidson

Climate change, film, and coming-of-age: the new graphic novel Night and Dana pulls no punches. When special-effects obsessives Dana and Lily begin work on an eco-horror movie, tempers flare. But as everything starts going up in flames, Dana begins to forge her voice as a climate activist.

Author and artist Anya Davidson joins us today on the Lerner blog to discuss her process, Boca Boca, and her hopes for young readers. Keep reading to see some in progress sketches!

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Gallows Hill: An Interview with Author Lois Ruby

Panic spreads as quickly as the rumors in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 when members of the community are accused of witchcraft Puritan Patience and Quaker Thomas are caught up in this climate of fear, but both begin to question their faiths and fight to protect their families.

Gallows Hill takes a realistic, psychologically astute approach to the story of the Salem Witch Trials. Author Lois Ruby joins us today to discuss her creative decisions, research process, and more! Read to the end to download the free discussion guide.

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Weed: An Interview with Author Caitlin Donohue

Weed: Cannabis Culture in the Americas is a wide-reaching and inclusive collection of interviews which will satisfy young adult readers curious in the unique plant’s history and future.

Culture writer and journalist Caitlin Donohue joins us today to discuss why a book like this is so important and what she hopes young readers will find in the text.

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The Beasts in Your Brain: An Interview with Illustrator Harshad Marathe

The Beasts in Your Brain: Understanding and Living with Anxiety and Depression by Katherine Speller is a clever, approachable, and empathetic read for young adults and their loved ones. Each chapter reminds readers that they are not alone in their feelings, teaches them the science of mental illness, and empowers them to quell the brain beasts of depression and anxiety.

This title features unique illustrations from artist Harshad Marathe who provides visual representation of these mental health struggles. Today Harshad joins us to discuss his creative process, biggest challenges, and more! Read on to see initial sketches and art!

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A Pocketful of Stars: An Interview with Author Aisha Bushby

Heartfelt and magical, A Pocketful of Stars follows Safiya who has never seen eye-to-eye with her mother. When her mother falls into a coma, Safiya comes to terms with their complicated relationship and discovers more about herself through dreams that transport her to her mother’s childhood in Kuwait.

Author Aisha Bushby joins us on the Lerner blog to discuss the research she did for this middle grade novel, her favorite video games, and more. Keep reading to download the free educator guide!

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