Author Interviews – Page 14

The Rabbi and the Reverend: An Interview with Author Audrey Ades

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington, he did not stand alone. He was joined by Rabbi Joachim Prinz, a refugee from Nazi Germany, who also addressed the crowd. Though Rabbi Prinz and Dr. King came from very different backgrounds, they were united by a shared belief in justice. And they knew that remaining silent in the face of injustice was wrong. The new picture book The Rabbi and the Reverend: Joachim Prinz, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Their Fight Against Silence tells the story of how these two figures spoke up and fought for a better future.

Audrey Ades, author of The Rabbi and the Reverend, joined us to talk about their own literary inspirations and reveal the inspiration they had for this impactful title.

Author Interviews

Eddie Whatever: An Interview with Author Lois Ruby

Something strange is happening at Silver Brook! When thirteen-year-old Eddie is roped into volunteering at Silver Brook Pavilion retirement home for his bar mitzvah service project, he discovers a colorful cast of characters. There’s a dramatic courtship unfolding, long-hidden secret identities, a rumor of a vengeful ghost, and a thief on the loose. When suspicion falls on Eddie, he teams up with his fellow volunteer (and crush), Tessa, to solve the mysteries of Silver Brook.

Today Lois Ruby, author of Eddie Whatever, joins us to discuss her approach to writing contemporary middle grade, her narrative technique, and her upcoming projects. Read on to find a discussion guide and teaching guide!

Author Interviews

A Hot Mess: An Interview with Author Jeff Fleischer

Over the next several years, the world can expect to see some drastic changes thanks to the climate crisis. A Hot Mess: How the Climate Crisis Is Changing Our World by journalist Jeff Fleischer takes an informed, approachable look at how our world will likely change as a result of our actions, including suggestions on what we can still do to slow down these unprecedented effects.

November 15th is National Recycling Day and to prepare for this holiday we’ve invited Jeff Fleischer to answer a few questions. Read on to discover Jeff’s research process, the most impactful moments of the writing process, and his hopes for young readers.

Author Interviews

The Call of Antarctica: An Interview with Author Leilani Raashida Henry

In November 1939, George Gibbs Jr. set out on an expedition to Antarctica aboard the USS Bear and became the first person of African descent to go to Antarctica. Eighty-two years later Leilani Raashida Henry, daughter of this brave explorer, takes readers on a journey to the rugged Antarctic landscape in The Call of Antarctica: Exploring and Protecting Earth’s Coldest Continent. Filled with diary entries from Gibbs’ expedition, she recounts her father’s expedition while educating readers on the incredible geography, biodiversity, and history of the continent.

Today we asked Leilani Raashida Henry a few questions about her experiences writing the book, her research process, and more! Read on to discover why Antarctica is one of the coolest places in the world and why it’s so important to protect this unique wilderness.

Author Interviews

Eighth Grade vs. the Machines: AN Interview WITH AUTHOR Joshua S. Levy

Get ready for a fast-paced, sci-fi adventure in Eighth Grade vs. the Machines! After the entire population of Earth’s solar system is whisked away by alien technology, Jack and his classmates and teachers aboard the PSS 118 are the only humans left. It’s up to them to find and rescue the rest of humanity—if they can avoid the aliens hunting them down, steer clear of a robot civil war, and figure out who among them might be a traitor.

Today Joshua S. Levy, author of the Adventures of the PSS 118 series joins us to answer a few questions. Read on to discover what books inspire his writing, his opinion on space stories, and a brand new book trailer.

Author Interviews

From the Tops of the Trees: An Interview with Author Kao Kalia Yang

Even in the most difficult circumstances there is joy and love. From the Tops of the Trees is a powerful true story of a young girl who has never known life outside the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp. For Kalia and her cousins, life isn’t always easy, but they still find ways to play, racing with chickens and riding a beloved pet dog. When she asks her father if all of the world is a refugee camp, he climbs with her to the top of a tree so she can see the world beyond the fences that confine them. With sensitive prose and evocative illustrations, this beautiful picture book encourages young readers of all ages and circumstances to believe in their dreams.

Award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang joins us today to discuss her inspiration for this story, the special relationship between fathers and daughters, and much more.

Author Interviews

Glorious Wrestling Alliance: An Interview with Cartoonist Josh Hicks

Newly released, the Glorious Wrestling Alliance: Ultimate Championship Edition gathers the best wrestlers in the universe to compete for championship title! The Great Carp, an amphibious wonder, is feeling the weight of his championship. Miranda Fury has donned a mask to smash wrestling’s glass ceiling. And Gravy Train is desperate for a new gimmick, but it’s hard when you’re shaped like a giant gravy boat. This hilarious graphic novel pays homage to the surreal theater of pro wrestling while diving deep into the identities and anxieties of these zany characters.

Today author and cartoonist Josh Hicks shares his favorite comics, the start of Glorious Wrestling Alliance, and why wrestling provides the perfect backdrop for this story. Read on to find a special video and book trailer!

Author Interviews

Just Ash: An Interview with Author Sol Santana

Set in contemporary Salem, Massachusetts, Just Ash is a heartrending but ultimately empowering journey of an intersex boy learning to embrace both his body and his identity. Ash Bishop has never thought much about being intersex. But when he gets his period during soccer practice his friends and teachers start to view him differently, and his own mother thinks he should “try being a girl.” Gradually, Ash realizes that he needs to stand up for who he really is, or the cost of his silence might destroy his life. With Intersex Awareness Day coming on October 26th, this book is the perfect addition to your fall TBR list.

Today we welcome author Sol Santana to talk about the decisions she made while writing, the story’s setting, and her hopes for young adult readers.

Author Interviews

A Peek at Beaks: An Interview with Author Sara Levine and Illustrator Kate Slater

Have you ever seen a bird with a beak like a straw? How about a bird with a beak that looks like a pair of tweezers? Get ready to see these birds and many more in A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use by Sara Levine and illustrated by Kate Slater. Structured as a guessing game, this playful picture book introduces young readers to the science and anatomy of different bird species. Discover how birds’ beaks resemble—and can be used like—tools!

Today author Sara Levine and illustrator Kate Slater join us to share their most surprising moments while creating the book, their hopes for young readers, and much more.