News and Updates

Grace Lin

Award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin (WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON, A BIG MOONCAKE FOR LITTLE STAR) talks about her books, gives a tour of her home studio, and shares a sneak peek at her upcoming math-related projects!

Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope

In a celebration of Black Girl Magic, contributors Danielle Paige (DOROTHY MUST DIE series), Amerie (BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO HATE ME), Somaiya Daud (MIRAGE series), and Karen Strong (JUST SOUTH OF HOME) join together to discuss the inspiration and self-reflection behind their heroines.

Middle Grade Lunch Bunch

Bring your lunch and join middle grade authors Mae Respicio (ANY DAY WITH YOU), Jessica Kim (STAND UP, YUMI CHUNG!), and Debbi Michiko Florence (KEEP IT TOGETHER, KEIKO CARTER) as they share what’s in their characters’ lunchboxes. Learn about the characters’ worlds as authors discuss identity and food!

Out of the Box: Exploring the Boundlessness of Black Girlhood

Authors Brandy Colbert (THE VOTING BOOTH), Liara Tamani (ALL THE THINGS WE NEVER KNEW), and Bethany C. Morrow (A SONG BELOW WATER), and Jennifer Baker (EVERYDAY PEOPLE) produce stories introducing readers to a wide range of experiences prominently starring Black girls who are athletes, organizers, and romantics. Their characters are driven, loving, and showcase humility […]

Totally True Stories: Nonfiction Books that Stick

These authors take fascinating facts and figures from American history and transform them into thrilling adventures for middle grade readers! From Teri Kanefield’s series on the founding of the nation, to Nathan Hale’s riveting historical graphic novels, to Tonya Bolden’s celebretory look at black women in STEM through the centuries, these authors have exciting tales […]

Black Voices Matter

Karyn Parsons (HOW HIGH THE MOON and Hilary Banks on NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) interviews #1 New York Times Bestselling author Jason Reynolds (STAMPED), Jewell Parker Rhodes (BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER), and #1 New York Times Bestselling author Vashti Harrison (LITTLE LEGENDS). Each of these authors are known for their literary and commercial […]

Writing with Furry Friends

Join authors as they feature their furry friends that inspire them, keep them company, and offer support when getting into the writing zone. Animal characters are a great way to learn about life and empathy, and can serve as great inspiration for stories (plus they’re pretty darn cute and cuddly!)

Plot on the Spot!

What happens when kid lit authors have to create a plot on the spot? Find out when bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski (WHATEVER AFTER), Max Brailler (LAST KIDS ON EARTH), Stuart Gibbs (TYRANNOSAURUS WRECKS), and Christina Soontornvat (A WISH IN THE DARK) join forces to play a hilarious improv storytelling game!

Capturing a Life: Writing and Art about Real People

How does real life became art? Children get a glimpse of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffin’s daily life at home in her motorized wheelchair, followed by a short discussion by Annette Bay Pimentel about the process of interviewing Jennifer for the picture book biography about her: ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. The video concludes with a studio […]

Marie Lu

Bestselling author Marie Lu, (LEGEND Series, DC’s BATMAN), reveals how moments in history inspired her latest work, how she is staying hopeful during the pandemic, and talks about how she overcame the fear of rejection.