Author Interviews – Page 10

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!

Author Interviews

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.

Author Interviews

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.

Author Interviews

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!

Author Interviews

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!

Author Interviews

The Knight of Little Import: An Interview with Creator Hannah Batsel

Hear ye, hear ye! The new picture book The Knight of Little Import is out in all bookstores now! Young knight Charlie lives in the town of Little Import where nothing exciting ever happens. Until . . . she discovers there are monsters all around, and only she knows what to do to help her town of Little Import!

Author and illustrator Hannah Batsel joins us today to discuss how she created the intricate spreads and the inspiration behind hiding monsters in plain sight.

Author Interviews

My Friend Julia: An Interview with Author Jennifer Cook

Everyone experiences the world a little differently! In the new book My Friend Julia: A Sesame Street ® Book about Autism young readers meet a very special friend named Julia. Julia is an autistic girl who loves art, building, and starfish hugs. Being autistic means she thinks and plays in her own wonderful ways.

Continue reading to hear from author Jennifer Cook and find the perfect pairing titles.

Author Interviews

The Adventures of the PSS 118 Series Finale Is Here!: An Interview with Author Joshua Levy

There’s nothing more satisfying than an epic conclusion to a fan-favorite series. Jack, Ari, and Becka have been through a lot since their school catapulted across the galaxy into the clutches of aliens. In Last Summer in Outer Space the friends face a final showdown against the aliens who kidnapped the rest of humanity. With help from their teachers, their classmates, their cranky schoolship, some robot allies, and one very resilient pet hamster, they take on the evil Minister one last time to rescue their fellow humans and make the galaxy safer for everyone.

Today author and mastermind Joshua S. Levy joins us on the Lerner blog to share his hopes for young sci-fi readers, reveal some easter eggs, and answer other burning questions about the series. Read on to find a free educator guide and more!

Author Interviews

Puag Saum Cov Ntsis Ntoo: An Interview with Author Kao Kalia Yang

Since its publication in 2021, the award-winning picture book From the Tops of the Trees has touched the hearts of young readers and adults alike. Now, there is a new way to read this inspiring true story as we welcome the Hmong edition, Puag Saum Cov Ntsis Ntoo, to the shelves.

Today author Kao Kalia Yang joins us to discuss the reception of the original English publication, the collaboration with illustrator Rachel Wada, and more!