Category Archives: Interviews with Authors and Illustrators

Predicting the Pandemic in Nobody’s Pilgrims: A Guest Post by Sergio Troncoso

In this guest post, author Sergio Troncoso reflects on writing a pandemic story before the pandemic and the many themes of his latest novel, including “the border beyond the border,” survival, identity, and more. Nobody’s Pilgrims is available for purchase now.

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A Q&A with Alicia and the Hurricane / Alicia y el huracán Illustrator Elizabeth Erazo Baez

Today on the blog, we’re sharing a Q&A conducted with Elizabeth Erazo Baez, the illustrator of the recently released Alicia and the Hurricane / Alicia y el huracán: A Story of Puerto Rico / Un cuento de Puerto Rico.

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Finding My Accent: A Guest Post by Yasmín Ramírez

In this guest post, author Yasmín Ramírez describes how embracing her name helped embrace where she comes from and who she has become, tilde and all. Yasmín is a Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing Author Fellow and recipient of the Woody and Gayle Hunt-Aspen Institute Fellowship Award. Her debut memoir ¡Ándale Prieta! will be published April 19 and is available for preorder.

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Cover Reveal of BLESSING’S BEAD + Interview with Cover Artist Nasugraq Rainey Hopson

Today we are so excited to reveal the new cover for Blessing’s Bead by Debby Dahl Edwardson! Available in paperback on June 29, 2022, this acclaimed middle-grade novel traces four generations of an Inupiaq family in Alaska. In this blog post, we interviewed cover artist Nasugraq Rainey Hopson about the cover creation process and the significance of incorporating Inupiaq cultural elements into her work.

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Becoming a “Real” Writer: A Guest Post by Monica Zepeda

In this guest post, author Monica Zepeda talks about her winding journey to becoming what she always was all along: a “real” writer. Monica is the 2019 winner of the New Visions Award for her debut young adult novel, Boys of the Beast, which will be published April 12 and is available for preorder.

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Watch the Webinar: The Power of Poetry with Poet and Storyteller Pat Mora

Thank you to all who joined us for our most recent webinar, The Power of Poetry with Poet and Storyteller Pat Mora featuring tips and strategies from renowned poet, educator, and literacy advocate Pat Mora about how to use poetry with students in various educational settings.

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 and/or a Professional Development certificate.

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2022 Black History Month Book and Resource Roundup

For Black History Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite resources and books for readers and educators alike. Though this month is dedicated to uplifting Black history, culture, movements, and game changers, we must remember that Black history IS American history and should be celebrated all year round.

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Watch the Webinar: The Importance of Reconstruction in Today’s Classrooms and Libraries

Thank you to all who joined us for our most recent webinar, “The Importance of Reconstruction in Today’s Classrooms and Libraries,” with New Visions Award Honor Michelle Coles (Black Was the Ink) and New Voices Award-winning author Rita Lorraine Hubbard (Hammering for Freedom).

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 and/or a Professional Development certificate.

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The Reality of Babies and Literacy: A Guest Post by Author Jean Ciborowski Fahey

In this guest post,I’ll Build You a Bookcase author Dr. Jean Ciborowski Fahey shares practical strategies for caregivers embarking on their literacy journey with their little one.

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All the Bilinguals I’ve Been: A Guest Post by Author Alessandra Narváez Varela

In this guest post, author Alessandra Narváez Varela talks about her journey growing into her bilingualism and how that grew into her latest novel, Thirty Talks Weird Love

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