Author Interviews – Page 9

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!

Author Interviews

The Weight of Everything: An Interview with Author Marcia Argueta Mickelson

The new YA novel The Weight of Everything strikes the perfect balance between grief, romance, and self-exploration through the eyes of one girl’s personal experience. Six months ago, Sarah’s beloved mother died in a car accident. Her dad fell apart, and Sarah had to leave her fine arts boarding school to take care of him and her little brother. She’s sure she doesn’t have the time or emotional energy for a relationship with her sweet, handsome classmate, David Garza. But when a school project leads her to delve into her mother’s Mexican and Guatemalan roots and rediscover her love of art, her perspective shifts.

Today award-winning author Marcia Argueta Mickelson joins us to discuss how she relates to Sarah’s story, her inspiration, and her creative process. Read on to download two free educator resources!

Author Interviews

Sasquatch and Squirrel: An Interview with Author Chris Monroe

Have you ever had a rough start to a friendship? Strawberry the Sasquatch can relate. After years of being on her own, an extremely friendly squirrel named Nutty shows up. After a series of hilarious mishaps, Strawberry isn’t sure she and Nutty can get along. But thanks to some cloud watching, seed portraits, and stale marshmallows, the two find a way to be friends.

Sasquatch and Squirrel is the new hilarious picture book from Chris Monroe, creator of the Monkey with a Tool Belt books.

Author Interviews

Men of the 65th: An Interview with Author Talia Aikens-Nuñez

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army. Discover their story in the new YA nonfiction Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War.

Today author Talia Aikens-Nuñez joins us on the Lerner blog to share her inspiration, a surprising research discovery, and her hopes for the young adults learning about the Borinqueneers for the first time. Read on to download the free discussion guide!

Author Interviews

Poop for Breakfast: Interview with Author Sara Levine

By Carol Hinz, Associate Publisher of Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda Books

Eating poop is gross! So why do some animals do it? For lots of good reasons!

Author Interviews

Indigo and Ida: An Interview with Author Heather Murphy Capps

In the brand new middle grade Indigo and Ida, Indigo is an eighth-grade investigative reporter, and she’s taking the world by storm. She breaks an important story, exposing an unfair school policy, she’s suddenly popular for the first time. But when she notices that the school’s disciplinary policies seem to be enforced especially harshly with students of color, her friends insist she’s imagining things. Indigo draws strength from the story of the trailblazing Ida B. Wells who fought for racial justice.

Today author Heather Murphy Capps joins us to discuss why she wrote this story, the origins of Indigo’s name, and the her hopes for young readers. Keep reading to download the free discussion guide and enter a Goodreads giveaway!