Author Interviews – Page 8

All the Things We Never Said: An Interview with Author Yasmin Rahman

In All the Things We Never Said three girls with overwhelming depression meet through a website that binds them in a suicide pact. As they become friends, they realize their struggles aren’t insurmountable with the right support. But breaking the pact won’t be simple as the website continues to push them. Harrowing but deeply thoughtful and authentic, this young adult novel emphasizes the importance of having a strong support network, seeking help for mental health crises (which goes beyond just leaning on friends), and not giving up on oneself.

Today author Yasmin Rahman joins us on the Lerner blog to discuss why she wrote this story, her creative process, and more. Keep reading to find a downloadable discussion guide.

Author Interviews

Strikers: An Interview with Author Kiel Phegley

The weather is turning colder and that mean’s hockey season has begun! Strikers: A Graphic Novel takes readers back to the season of 1986 in Flint, Michigan where one team of underdogs will learn how to stay on their skates when they only see Ls in the future. Even though they may not understand each other they find reasons to keep taking the ice together.

Today author Kiel Phegley joins us to discuss his favorite characters, what he loves about Jacques Khouri’s illustrations, and more. Read on to watch the official book trailer!

Author Interviews

Sensitive: An Interview with Author Sara Levine

Renowned for her acclaimed books on animals and the natural world, Sara Levine joins us to reveal the inspiration and journey behind her latest title, Sensitive. A touching tale of a young girl constantly criticized for her heightened emotions, this story serves as a beacon for those who’ve been chided for being “too sensitive.”

Read on to get a behind the scenes look at this heartwarming tale and join Sara Levine in a broader conversation about celebrating and understanding our diverse emotional landscapes.

Author Interviews

I Ship: An Interview with Author Kelly Rice Schmitt

Cast off on a journey across the ocean with a container ship as a guide in the delightful picture book I Ship: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey by Kelly Rice Schmitt and illustrated by Jam Dong. The crew encounters a stuck ship in a canal, reroutes, and weathers a mighty storm, but they are determined to deliver goods to people who need them.

Today author Kelly Rice Schmitt joins us to talk about her inspiration, creative challenges, hopes for young readers and more! Read on to download the free educator resource and watch the official book trailer.

Author Interviews

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!