Category Archives: Interviews with Authors and Illustrators

Black Was the Ink Connects Past and Present

This post by Michelle Coles originally appeared on We Need Diverse Books in November 2021. Black Was the Ink is available wherever books are sold!

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The Reality of Rural Blackness: A Guest Post by Nisi Shawl

In this guest post, author Nisi Shawl invites readers to experience rural Black life in their middle-grade debut novel. Speculation is available wherever books are sold!

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Banned: Why We Need Young Adult Fiction: A Guest Post by Stephane Dunn

This post by Stephane Dunn originally appeared on SLJ Teen Librarian Toolbox. Snitchers is available now wherever books are sold!

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Watch Now: Foster Multilingual Learners Through Story: In Conversation with Lee & Low Authors

Thank you to all who joined the “Foster Multilingual Learners Through Story: In Conversation with Lee & Low Authors” panel on November 8, 2022. The NYC Department of Education hosted this panel as part of their Beyond Access Forum.

Click here to register and watch on demand! It’s FREE and open to everyone.

In this webinar, the panelists discussed how high-quality bilingual and dual language picture books celebrate the voices and cultures of young readers’ lived experiences and affirm and validate a child’s identity. Hear from Ying-Hwa Hu (Ten Blocks to the Big Wok); Claudia Guadalupe Martínez (Still Dreaming / Seguimos soñando); and Xelena González (Where Wonder Grows and Donde las maravillas crecen) as they discuss their books, their role as storytellers, and their hope for the future of bilingual and dual language children’s literature.

Purchase the books from the webinar here:

Ten Blocks to the Big Wok
Still Dreaming / Seguimos soñando
Where Wonder Grows and Donde las maravillas crecen

Additional recommended resources:

Recursos en español para educadores y familias
Authentic Spanish Books List
10 Reasons To Celebrate Bilingual Books
Dual Language Learners Deserve Research-Backed Resources

On the Fluidity of the Border and Repatriation: A Guest Post by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez

In this guest post, author Claudia Guadalupe Martínez reflects on the universal story of coming and going across a border while emphasizing the forgotten history of Mexican Repatriation. Still Dreaming / Seguimos soñando is available wherever books are sold.

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Watch the Event: Celebrate the Launch of How We Can Live!

Thank you to all who joined us for our recent virtual launch celebration of How We Can Live: Principles of Black Lives Matter, featuring author Laleña Garcia and illustrator Caryn Davidson in conversation with Cicley Gay, Board Chair of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation!

If you missed it live (or just want to watch it again), you can access the webinar below, or here on YouTube. Keep reading for links to resources and booklists shared during the webinar and feel free to reach out for more information.

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Collaborating with Oaxacan Folk Artists Across the Years: A Guest Post by Cynthia Weill

In this guest post, author Cynthia Weill shares the joyous process of collaborating with craftspeople from Oaxaca and the relationships that grew along the way. Vámonos, illustrated with art by Augustín Tinoco Cruz, Martín Melchor, Maximino Santiago, and Avelino Pérez, is available wherever books are sold.

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Every Person Has a Story: A Guest Post by Crystal Hubbard

In this guest post, author Crystal Hubbard shares how her interest in careers and stories led her to write about people who inspire others to pursue their own dreams. Marvelous Mabel: Figure Skating Superstar is available wherever books are sold.

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Making Connections, Creating a Companion: A Guest Post by Christy Hale

In this guest post, author Christy Hale connects the dots between her companion books just as she connects the dots between themes in her writing. Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World is available wherever books are sold.

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When We Come Together, Our Voices are Stronger: A Guest Post by A. M. Dassu

This post by A. M. Dassu originally appeared on SLJ Teen Librarian Toolbox. Fight Back is available now wherever books are sold!

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