Author Interviews – The Lerner Blog

A Boy Called Hero: An Interview with Author Marie Miranda Cruz

In the middle grade adventure A Boy Called Hero, 12-year-old Hero De Rosario embarks on a journey 100 years in the past and helps his ancestors resist Spanish oppression in the Philippines. Suddenly he discovers that he may be able to live up to his name after all. This time-travel adventure story is all about finding ways to make a difference, connect with others, and be true to yourself no matter where (or when) you are.

Today, we will hear from author Marie Miranda Cruz as she shares her writing journey with A Boy Called Hero. Discover her inspiration for Hero’s story, her balance between writing, family, and working in a laboratory, and more.

Author Interviews

The Cloak From Baghdad: An Interview with Author Carol Isaacs

The Cloak From Baghdad follows Flora, a young woman growing up in 1970s London. Her parents and grandmother fled Iraq forty years ago, but no one will tell her why. She gets her answers when a magical cloak—an abaya—transports Louise back in time to her mother’s childhood. This historical middle-grade employs color and imagery to bring readers into a world that may be unfamiliar to many and the time-travel element introduces the once flourishing community of Iraqi Jews.

Today we welcome Carol Isaacs, author and illustrator of The Cloak From Baghdad! She shares some of the historical factors and personal experiences that shaped the story in this exclusive interview.

Author Interviews

We Live in Trees!: An Interview with Author Heather Alexander

Not just any animal can live in the treetops— it needs special adaptations to help it survive. We Live in Trees!: Amazing Animal Adaptions teaches readers about all sorts of cool critters that have developed their own unique skills and traits to help them survive in their environments.

Today, author Heather Alexander shares with us the inspiration behind We Live in Trees, the research journey she went on to create this entertaining nonfiction, and the importance of environmental education in literature.

Author Interviews

Patchwork Memories: An Interview with Author Monica Rojas

Can objects link is to one another and to our pasts? What sort of objects hold that special power? These are a few of the questions author Monica Rojas explores in her new title, Patchwork Memories. This heartfelt picture book follows a child who is navigating their beloved grandmother’s memory loss. While unpacking Abeula’s belongings, the child finds a patchwork quilt, with each patch revealing a story from Abuela’s past.

Today, Monica Rojas shares with us a little bit more about Patchwork Memories, including the real-life inspiration behind the story as well as what she hopes young readers will take away from her words.

Author Interviews

Kiki and Me: An Interview with Leo Timmers

Award-winning creator Leo Timmers’s newest picture book, Kiki and Me, tells the story of an unforgettable friendship between a horse and her girl, exploring themes of companionship, growing up, and the passage of time. Through a unique blend of intimate black-and-white drawings and sweeping wordless color spreads, the book invites young readers to experience both the joy and heartbreak that come with change.

Praised in multiple starred reviews for its emotional depth and breathtaking artwork, Kiki and Me is already resonating with librarians, educators, and families alike. Today, Leo Timmers joins us to discuss the personal experiences behind the story, his innovative illustration techniques, and why this picture book is unlike any he has created before.

Author Interviews

The Summer Scrapbook: An Interview with Author Florence Migga

Adventure, friendship, growth. The Summer Scrapbook tests the bonds of three best friends, Ava, Becca, and Cat, as they tackle their first summer apart. They vow to stay in touch through letters and collect souvenirs of their experiences to compile into a joint scrapbook at the end of the summer. As the girls step out of their comfort zones—and out of the roles they each play in the trio—they find themselves and their friendship changing and growing.

Author Florence Migga joins us today to share her experience writing the book, her creative choices, and her hopes for young readers. Read on to download a free discussion guide!

Author Interviews

The World Game: An Interview with Author John Coy

The World Cup is quickly approaching and all young soccer fans are on waiting to see who comes out on top! Encourage their love of the game and the love of reading in one fell swoop with this new, high-energy picture book from author John Coy.

Author Interviews

Hmong: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Vicky Lyfoung

Hmong: A Graphic History retraces the account of a vibrant Asian ethnic group, blending rich documentation and personal stories. Long oppressed, the Hmong struggle to preserve their traditions and way of life in a homeland torn by war and strife. Their history is closely linked to France, which colonized Indochina in 1893 and for whom the Hmong worked tirelessly, first as opium suppliers and then as soldiers. With great sensitivity and humor, author Vicky Lyfoung tells the story of these people through the lens of her own family.

Vicky joins us today to share why she chose to write this story as her debut, why the comic book format fits so perfectly, and the challenges she faced while crafting the story. Read on to discover early artwork and an exclusive peek at the finished book!

Author Interviews

When It’s Your Turn for Midnight: An Interview with Author Blessing Musariri

What would you do if everything you believed about your life began to unravel? In When It’s Your Turn for Midnight, author Blessing Musariri explores identity, family secrets, and the quiet strength it takes to face the truth, all set against the rich cultural backdrop of Zimbabwe.

In this interview, Blessing shares the personal and cultural inspirations behind the novel, the emotional journey of her main character, and how themes of community, resilience, and self-discovery shape this powerful story.