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Author Interviews

Rewriting the Rules: An Interview with Author Danna Zeiger
Author Interviews

Rewriting the Rules: An Interview with Author Danna Zeiger

As someone with cerebral palsy who runs a lab to help others with cerebral palsy, Dr. Kathleen Friel is rewriting the rules, defying expectations, and opening up new possibilities for herself and others. Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability is the incredible true story of how a determined scientist rewrote the rules and followed her dreams. Clever illustrations from Josée Bisaillon accompany the first ever picture book about Dr. Kathleen Friel.

Today author Danna Zeiger shares what it was like to accompany Dr. Friel in the lab, her motivations for writing the book, and more.

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Speaking Out Loud: The Voices Behind the New YA Nonfiction Ban This!
Author Interviews

Speaking Out Loud: The Voices Behind the New YA Nonfiction Ban This!

What would you do if your school removed books from the library—books that reflected your identity, your history, your reality? In Ban This!: How One School Fought Two Book Bans and Won (and How You Can Too), a powerful group of students and educators from Central York High School in Pennsylvania show exactly how they turned protest into progress. When their school board voted to ban a long list of books—many by or about people of color—the Panther Anti-Racist Union (PARU) refused to stay silent.

Written by PARU members Christina Ellis, Renee Ellis, Edha Gupta, Ben Hodge, Patricia Jackson, and Olivia Pituch, Ban This! breaks down the arguments often used to justify censorship and gives students the tools they need to stand up for their right to read. It’s more than a story—it’s a guidebook for young activists everywhere.

In this blog post, we’re thrilled to share answers from all six authors. Each one discusses their unique perspective on writing the book, youth activism, and why student voices matter now more than ever. Whether you’re a student, educator, or advocate, these insights will fuel passion to protect intellectual freedom. Read on to download the free educator guide and spark meaningful conversation.

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Ultrawild: An Interview with Author Steve Mushin
Author Interviews

Ultrawild: An Interview with Author Steve Mushin

What if submarines could filter sewer water? What if compost cannons could blast seed bombs over half a mile? Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan for Rewilding Every City on Earth takes readers through an avalanche of scientifically plausible inventions to fight climate change, rewild cities, and save the planet. Maverick inventor Steve Mushin creates a tour de force of extreme problem-solving for kids and teens (and anyone else) who love big ideas and want to save the world.

Today Steve joins us to share some of the coolest invention ideas in Ultrawild as well as some of the things he has learned while creating the book. Read on to find sneak peeks, interviews with Fanbase Press, and more!

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Zeyna Lost and Found: An Interview with Author Shafaq Khan
Author Interviews

Zeyna Lost and Found: An Interview with Author Shafaq Khan

Set in 1970, Zeyna Lost and Found follows twelve-year-old Zeyna, a British Pakistani girl caught between two worlds—and two continents. What begins as an awkward family trip to Pakistan quickly spirals into a high-stakes search when Zeyna’s parents mysteriously vanish, leaving only cryptic clues and whispers of a jewel heist behind. With her annoying little brother and a whip-smart cousin by her side, Zeyna embarks on a quest that’s as much about uncovering secrets as it is about discovering where she truly belongs.

In today’s blog post, we’re thrilled to welcome debut author Shafaq Khan to talk about her inspiration for the story, writing for middle grade readers, and what it means to grow up between cultures. Keep reading to download the free discussion guide.

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No More Gnomes: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Beth Mills
Author Interviews

No More Gnomes: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Beth Mills

In Beth Mills’ hilarious new picture book, No More Gnomes, Herbert’s legendary manners are pushed to the brink when Ms. Goat (yes, a goat) starts filling the yard—and Herbert’s life—with an ever-growing army of rude, gnome-sized nightmares. It’s a story of politeness under pressure, lawn ornament invasion, and one boy’s noble quest to say no nicely.

Today author-illustrator Beth Mills joins us to talk about the inspiration behind the book, how she named the garden gnomes, and what illustrations she loves the most. Let’s dig in.

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Displaced: An Interview with Author Patrick Ochieng
Author Interviews

Displaced: An Interview with Author Patrick Ochieng

Displaced is a story of everyday courage and unexpected community through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Kim. Post-election violence forces Kim and his family to flee their home in suburban Kenya. While staying in a camp for displaced persons, he struggles to adapt to his new reality. Kim gradually befriends other displaced kids, and they hatch a plan to secure a reliable water supply—along with some hope—for the camp.

Today author Patrick Ochieng joins us to talk about his experience writing this middle grade novel, his favorite lines, and stories that inspire him. Read on to download a free discussion guide and engage kids after turning the last page.

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Nafu Wants Food: An Interview with Author Subi Bosa
Author Interviews

Nafu Wants Food: An Interview with Author Subi Bosa

Set in a fantasy land inspired by the architecture of Burkina Faso, West Africa, Nafu Wants Food by Subi Bosa is a graphic novel perfect for developing readers. Nafu is Mongo Village’s resident monster and protector, so the villagers happily give Nafu all the food they want. But after greedily gobbling up the last of it, Nafu heads into the desert in search of new and exciting things to eat. Instead, Nafu gets lost, their limbs fall off, and they start to shrink more and more each day. Can Nafu find their way home, or will someone make a meal out of Nafu?

This fable-like story is heavily influenced by African folklore and explores generosity, selfishness, and what it means to be a protector. Author and illustrator Subi Bosa joins us today to share his love of graphic novels, his journey to becoming an illustrator, and more. Read on for an exclusive sneak peek into the story!

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JoJo: An Interview with Author Annette M. Clayton
Author Interviews

JoJo: An Interview with Author Annette M. Clayton

You asked for fun and fabulous and we’re here to deliver! Introducing the new chapter book series JoJo by Annette M. Clayton and illustrated by Carolina Vázquez. Each story follows JoJo Jupiter, who loves glitter, fashion, and the pop singer Ruby Red. And spending time with her besties is a must!

Today author Annette M. Clayton joins us on the Lerner blog to share her inspiration for the series, why she chose to write chapter books, and more!

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