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Author Interviews

The Beasts in Your Brain: An Interview with Illustrator Harshad Marathe
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!

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A Pocketful of Stars: An Interview with Author Aisha Bushby
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!

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The Knight of Little Import: An Interview with Creator Hannah Batsel
Author Interviews

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.

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My Friend Julia: An Interview with Author Jennifer Cook
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.

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The Adventures of the PSS 118 Series Finale Is Here!: An Interview with Author Joshua Levy
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!

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Puag Saum Cov Ntsis Ntoo: An Interview with Author Kao Kalia Yang
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!

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

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Sasquatch and Squirrel: An Interview with Author Chris Monroe
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.

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