Author Interviews – Page 9

The Power of Snow: An Interview with Author Bob Raczka

Snow and math. Both beautiful and overwhelming in their own ways, but when brought together they create the perfect picture book. The Power of Snow by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Bryony Clarkson introduces the concept of exponential growth with playful verse and intricate illustrations as a snowstorm builds snowflake by snowflake.

Today author Bob Raczka joins us to discuss his inspiration, his decision to incorporate math into a picture book, and more! Read on to download a free educator resource filled with activities and questions for young readers.

Author Interviews

The Denim Diaries: An Author Interview with Laurie Boyle Crompton

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s was full of hilarity and heartbreak, and The Denim Diaries: A Memoir is here to share it all with you. From relationships and makeup to parental divorce and disordered eating, young adult author Laurie Boyle Crompton recounts her coming of age in rural Pennsylvania and her early twenties in New York City. Laurie sensitively guides readers through her most venerable moments with compassionate and poignant verse.

Today Laurie joins us on the Lerner blog to answer some of your burning questions.

Author Interviews

Forsooth: An Author Interview with Jimmy Matejek-Morris

Sometimes you just know you’re destined for great things. In Forsooth thirteen-year-old theater kid Calvin knows he’s going to be a star. All he has to do is prove himself as an actor and fix the awkwardness with his friends that started after the play where he got stuck on a single line. But nothing’s going according to plan. His parents don’t get his love of performing. His best friend is moving on without him. And he might have a crush that could change everything.

Today author Jimmy Matejek-Morris joins us to discuss his inspiration for this middle grade novel, his favorite musicals, and so much more. Read on to download the free discussion guide!

Author Interviews

The First Invasion: An Interview with Author Zack Soto

What would you do if you found a strange tunnel in the woods behind your house? Investigate of course! In The First Invasion: Book 1 Cousins Truly and Kaz discover a hideout full of treasures and slip on wristbands that summon a space knight named Trinn Cyclo. And he arrives just in time to help them fight Maximo Skulldigg, an alien set on conquering planet Earth!

Today author and artist Zack Soto joins us to share his inspiration for the Power Button series, the relationship between the characters, his artistic process, and more! Keep reading to see an excerpt from this new graphic novel.

Author Interviews

Small Shoes, Great Strides: An Interview with Author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Many students know the story of Ruby Bridges, but how about the McDonogh Three? Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality tells the powerful true story of how Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost courageously integrated a New Orleans school on November 14, 1960.

Today award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson joins us to discuss how she discovered this amazing story, her hopes for young readers, and more. Read on to listen to a Shelf Care interview with the author as well as download our free educator guide!

Author Interviews

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.