Posts from Blog - Soaring '20s for 08/17/2023
Blog - Soaring '20s
Excerpts:
20 Questions: Our First Stories
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve reset for a second round of 20.)
This month’s question:
What’s the first thing you remember writing or drawing, and how old were you?
Kirsten W. Larson
“I still have my first books from first grade, a book about snowy owls and the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria, complete with probably the best illustrations I’ve ever drawn (and that’s not saying much). Even as a kid, I was intrigued by true stories.”
—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illus. Katherine Roy (Chronicle Books, 2023)
Lindsay H. Metcalf
“I recently came across a treasure trove of stories that first-grade me wrote in 1988. Although there is some fiction (a romance about a waltzing ostrich), the most prevalent genre is personal essay, with such titles as ‘My Pet,’ ‘Teeth,’ and ‘I Like Baby Ducklings.’ I always thought I was a good speller, but, well . . . see for yourself.”
—Lindsay H. Metcalf, co-editor with Keila V. Dawson and Jeanette Bradley of NO WORLD TOO BIG: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, illus. Jeanette Bradley (Charlesbridge, 2023)
Kim Rogers
“I wrote my first poem in the first grade. It was raining that day, and I was filled with so much emotion that I had to put it down on paper. I wrote it on one of our worksheets and drew a picture of a girl under an umbrella next to it. When I got it back, my teacher told me that she really liked what I’d written.”
—Kim Rogers, author of A LETTER FOR BOB, illus. Jonathan Nelson (Heartdrum, 2023)
Valerie Bolling
“I wrote ‘poems’ in a bland, white marble composition book when I was six years old. Using the daily phonics lessons I’d learned, I created simple rhymes, like: There is a cat. It sat on a mat. It caught a rat.”
—Valerie Bolling, author of TOGETHER WE SWIM, illus. Kaylani Juanita (Chronicle, 2023)
Abi Cushman
“My parents bought me a blank book when I was in elementary school. I was very excited because I could make my story look like a REAL book. While this wasn’t the first thing I ever wrote, it was the first book I remember writing and illustrating. Here’s the logline: When Mr. Johnson falls ill with a disease no one knew of, Petunia the cat and Wilber the dog travel to Italy and starve on the street, until… Okay, there was no ending.”
—Abi Cushman, author-illustrator of WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD: A [Not So] Serious Guide (Greenwillow Books, 2023)
20 Questions: Motivation
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What motivates you to write?
“Intention. Before I start a new project, I always ask the “why” question. Why do I want to write this? Why me? Once I can answer that, usually the next question that follows is– how the heck am I going to do it?!”
– M.O. Yuksel, author of ONE WISH: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, illus. Mariam Quraishi (HarperCollins, 2022)
“Deadlines! Even self-imposed ones. I need to feel that sense of panic sweep over me as the date draws closer. So I look to writing/drawing contests, critique group meetings, and conference dates as motivation to get stories down on paper. Otherwise they just float around in my head.”
– Abi Cushman, author-illustrator of WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD: A [Not So] Serious Guide (Greenwillow Books, 2023)
“Taking a class. When I know I’m actually PAYING to be in a class, workshop, writing retreat, or other opportunities, I’m much more consistent about doing my homework and actually writing something. I guess my dislike for wasting money is even stronger than my urge to procrastinate.”
– Carrie Finison, author of HURRY, LITTLE TORTOISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL, illus. Erin Kraan (Random House Studio, 2022)
“A buddy! For me, writing is a practice, a daily habit. Every weekday morning, my accountability partner, Marcie, and I check in with each other at 5:25 a.m., state our creative intention, and write for at least an hour before anyone else in our house wakes up. Then we check in on our progress and celebrate it, no matter how small. “
– Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illus. Katherine Roy (Chronicle Books, 2023)
20 Questions: Writer's Block
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Darshana Khiani
“When I get really stuck, I put the story away for a while, usually at least several months. During this time I will dive into another project. This helps me get some distance from the stuck project so I can see it more clearly.”
—Darshana Khiani, author of I’M AN AMERICAN, illus. Laura Freeman (Viking, 2023)
Angela Burke Kunkel
“Something that’s been helpful for me (and I wish I knew who to give credit to) is reframing ‘writer’s block’ as creative resistance. Doing something physical or creative rather than sitting down and wrestling with my writing always helps. Taking a walk, practicing yoga, trying a new recipe, working in my garden, or learning a new craft—any or all of these helps me let go of that creative resistance and return to the work in a way that’s more open and playful.”
—Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY, illus. Claire Keane (Random House Studio, 2023).
Kim Rogers
“Reading always helps me through writer’s block. I find inspiration and some ideas for my own books in everything that I read.”
—Kim Rogers, author of A LETTER FOR BOB, illus. Jonathan Nelson (Heartdrum, 2023)
Valerie Bowling
“Take a walk, read, do something else. The ideas will come eventually. Also, if you keep an ongoing list of ideas (use Storystorm for inspiration), you’ll always have ways to get unblocked by focusing on a new story.”
—Valerie Bolling, author of RAINBOW DAYS: THE GRAY DAY, illus. Kai Robinson (Scholastic, 2023)
Kirsten W. Larson
“The only answer for me is to ‘give it time.’ While I wait, I read mentor texts for inspiration and let my subconscious work on the problem. Often the answer comes to me when my body is busy and my mind is wandering, like on a walk, in a shower, or while doing yoga. With enough time—sometimes years!—an answer often comes.”
—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illus. Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023)
Cover Reveal: The Infinity Rainbow Club chapter books
Cover reveal post by Jen Malia for the first two books in her forthcoming chapter book series, The Infinity Rainbow Club, featuring neurodivergent characters.
Read on »
20 Questions: Revision Tips
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s your best revision tip?
Abi Cushman
“For picture books, make a dummy. That way, it’s easier to see what words can be cut (or need to be cut) because you’re thinking about the story in scenes. I examine each spread and each page turn and make sure they’re packing as much punch as possible.”
—Abi Cushman, author-illustrator of WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD (Greenwillow Books, May 2023)
Margaret Chiu Greanias
“Zoom out. Sometimes stories can get off track, and pitches (three to four lines that capture what the story is about) can help focus on the big picture vs. the small details. When I get stuck or once I’m done, I compare my manuscript to my pitch (or come up with a pitch if I haven’t already) and make sure that what I’ve written fulfills its promise.”
—Margaret Chiu Greanias, author of HOOKED ON BOOKS, illus. Krystina Litten (Peachtree Publishing, June 2023)
Angela Burke Kunkel
“I like to print out my manuscript and cut it up—either line-by-line or paragraph-by-paragraph. Then I’lI paste the lines into a 32-page blank book. The physical action of cutting up the lines, arranging them, and then needing to rearrange them gets me out of my head and helps me make further cuts (as well as think about pacing and page turns) in a more hands-on way.”
—Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY, illus. Claire Keane (Random House Studio, April 2023)
Lindsay H. Metcalf
“Don’t try to revise until you have a complete draft. I’m putting this in writing to remind myself as much as anyone else, because I’m an editor at heart. Give yourself permission to write a messy first draft, beginning to end. That way you can fully switch to editing mode without derailing progress.”
—Lindsay H. Metcalf, co-editor with Keila V. Dawson and Jeanette Bradley of NO WORLD TOO BIG: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, illus. Jeanette Bradley (Charlesbridge, March 2023)
Valerie Bolling
“I’m a fan of possibilities. I believe in writing several options for a beginning or ending or another part of the story and asking critique partners to weigh in on what works best. Sometimes the best revision involves combining two or more of the options.”
—Valerie Bolling, author of RIDE, ROLL RUN: TIME FOR FUN!, illus. Sabrena Khadija (Abrams, 2022)
Langston's Lil' Library
Hello! Langston here reporting. I have officially opened Langston’s Lil’ Library for business. Opening a library up is a big deal. But I have a secret.
Reading isn’t always my favorite thing to do. Especially when I can jump on my trampoline or play video games with my friends.
So why did I want to be a librarian of this library? Because I like to read these type of books!
Books like Colleen Paeff’s THE GREAT STINK: HOW JOSEPH BAZALGETTE SOLVED LONDON'S POOP POLLUTION PROBLEM.
I like to read books where I am on the cover!!
In GRACIAS, OMU! (Oge Mora), HAIR STORY (NoNieqa Ramos) and LUCA’S BRIDGE (Mariana Llanos), I see me!
Almost all the books in my Lil Library by the Soaring ‘20s are in my big library at home. I say almost because they keep writing books!
Thank you Soaring ‘20s for donating your books and books by other authors you love!
Finally. My Lil Library is bussin because it has books in Arabic and Spanish. Can you help me and send more? I would love books in Kurdish, Hindi, Swahili, and more.
You can DM my mom through her website, www.nonieqaramos.com, if you would like to donate!
20 Questions: Writing Processes
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s your writing process like?
Angela Burke Kunkel
“Even though I’m not an illustrator, I find doing a sketch dummy and/or a storyboard an invaluable part of my writing process! I usually do this as part of my revision process, and it’s most helpful when I’m feeling completely stuck and unsure what to change. Much like doodling, sketching out the action on each page frees up my brain to approach the story in a different way. The act of drawing helps me to think about what I truly want to say, what can be cut, and where I can leave room for the illustrator.”
— Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings, illus. Claire Keane (Random House Studio, 2023)
Lindsay H. Metcalf
“Chaotic! If I am drafting a new manuscript, I try to block off days or weeks where that’s what I focus on. My brain is freshest in the morning, after I drop kids off at school and the house is silent. I have to block off afternoons or whole days to check off marketing-related tasks because the creative side of my brain does not get along with the business side.”
—Lindsay H. Metcalf, co-editor of NO WORLD TOO BIG: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, illus. Jeanette Bradley (Charlesbridge, 2023)
Kim Rogers
“My favorite time to write is in the mornings. When I’m working on a new manuscript, the blank page is less intimidating when I’m not fully awake. Plus, writing early makes me feel accomplished and then I’m ready to tackle the rest of the day.” – Kim Rogers, author of JUST LIKE GRANDMA, illus. Julie Flett and A LETTER FOR BOB, illus. Jonathan Nelson (Heartdrum, 2023)
Kirsten W. Larson
“My process is very slow and soooo messy (but messy is the nature of any creative work!). I often start with a “kitchen sink draft” with every fact and figure just to get it all out of my system; it’s almost more of an outline. Then I think about what I’m trying to say and how that can lead to a more creative way to tell the story. This often involves thumbnailing the pages to consider what illustrations could show, sketching different story shapes and structures, writing poems, and trying different voices.”
—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illus. Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023)
Darshana Khiani
“My first drafts are always pen on paper. This helps keep my internal editor away so I can keep moving forward with the idea instead of trying to fix things up. Once written, I file it away in a new drafts folder. If the story is really calling to me, I will put it out and start revising within a week, else it could stay in there for months or years.”
—Darshana Khiani, author of I’M AN AMERICAN, illus. Laura Freeman (Viking, 2023)
20 Questions: Creators We Admire
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life. This month’s question:
Do you have a successful author or illustrator whose career you admire and if so, whom—and why?
Isabella Kung
“I have too many to list so I’ll just pick three: LeUyen Pham, Suzy Lee, and Matt Forsythe. LeUyen Pham is a master author/illustrator with the speed, technique, and versatility one could only dream of! She doesn’t let style, medium, genre, or format limit her way of expression. It’s no wonder she continues to dominate this industry. Suzy Lee’s brilliantly simple, yet profound books took my breath away. The way she plays with her concepts and experiments with her illustrations is out of this world. Lastly, I’ve always been a fan of Matt Forsythe’s beautiful illustrations, and when he debuted his author-illustrated book, I was immediately charmed by his humor and characters.”
—Isabella Kung, author-illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)
Kirsten W. Larson
“I’m a big fan of fellow Soaring ‘20s Rajani LaRocca and Vicky Fang, because they write in so many genres and categories, from picture books to early readers and graphic novels (Vicky), and middle grade novels (Rajani). I’ve recently branched out into graphic novels and am working to master novels, and it’s tough. Every format demands a different style of writing and further development of the writing craft.”
—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of (Chronicle Books, 2023)
Lindsay H. Metcalf
“I will echo Kirsten’s answer of Rajani and Vicky, who are both so prolific while wearing many hats. And I will add Nikki Grimes, whose esteemed career in kidlit has spanned decades. She continues to publish poetic works in categories that span all ages of children’s literature and consistently gives back to the community.”
—Lindsay H. Metcalf, co-editor of NO WORLD TOO BIG: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change (Charlesbridge, March 2023)
M.O. Yuksel
“I admire so many authors and illustrators. To name a few, I’m a big fan of Kathleen Krull’s books because she was a prolific author who crafted beautiful biographies like Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, and Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman. I also admire Demi because she not only wrote biographies about diverse figures but she also illustrated her books in her own unique style.”
—M.O. Yuksel, author of ONE WISH: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University (HarperCollins, 2022)
20 Questions: Aiming for Stand-Alone Books vs. Building a Body of Work
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book or with a similar theme?
Abi Cushman
“I definitely want each book to stand on its own, and when I have a story idea, I like to have the freedom to experiment with different formats and genres to see what works best. But I think whether I intend it or not, my books will always have a common thread because of my voice as a writer and illustrator.”
– Abi Cushman, author-illustrator of WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD (Greenwillow Books, 2023)
Isabella Kung
“I want each book to stand on its own, except for my series! Books I create often reflect what I am passionate about or what I am obsessed with at the moment, and, like most people, I’m passionate and interested in a lot of different things! Trying to connect each book with a similar theme will just distract readers from the heart of each story and limit its potential. The only thing that will connect my books is perhaps my voice and perhaps my love of cats.”
– Isabella Kung, author-illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)
Angela Burke Kunkel
“I don’t start a new project with a ‘body of work’ in mind— I just find the next thing that fascinates me, that sparks my curiosity, and that I am willing— even eager— to spend a long time researching and thinking about. That being said, once a book is finished, I can begin to see how it fits in with my other books. There are themes of perseverance, problem-solving, and a love of the arts and creativity in all of my picture book biographies, for example. I think what speaks to us as writers creates our voice and body of work, whether we’re aware of that in the moment or not.”
– Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY (Random House Studio, 2023)
Vicky Fang
“I started off writing only STEAM books, and then I panicked that I was stuck in a box, so I started writing all kinds of other things, and then I panicked that I was losing my STEAM brand! What I’ve come to realize is that I can only write what I’m feeling passionate about at that moment. Sometimes, I have ideas that I know are marketable or “on brand”, but my heart just isn’t in it. So I have to just follow my heart and write what comes, which ends up aligning to some personal core and philosophy. In the end, I try not to worry about it too much.”
- Vicky Fang, author of THE BOO CREW NEEDS YOU! (Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky, 2023)
Kirsten W. Larson
“I do think there is a common thread among the different books I write, even if it’s not intentional. I often find myself writing about underdogs, women (or even fictional female comic book characters), who have defied expectations about what they can or should be.”
– Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of (Chronicle Books, 2023)
Free Virtual Visits on World Read Aloud Day 2023
Mark your calendars for February 1, 2023 — it’s World Read Aloud Day!
LitWorld started World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) in 2010 to honor the power and joy of reading. To celebrate, authors and illustrators come together each year to offer virtual classroom visits around the world.
Several Soaring ‘20s authors and illustrators still have spots available.
Most virtual visits go something like this:
1-2 minutes: Creator introduces themself and talks a little about their books.
3-5 minutes: Creator reads aloud a short picture book, or a short excerpt from a chapter book/novel
5-10 minutes: Creator answers a few questions from students about reading/writing.
1-2 minutes: Creator book-talks a couple books they love (but didn’t write/illustrate!) as recommendations for the kids.
Before you sign up, most authors request you have the following available.
School name, grade level/teacher name, and approximate number of students
Platform (ex. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype)
Cell phone number for day-of-event emergencies
NOTE: Please pay attention to each creator’s time zone when scheduling. We are located across the US!
To check availability and/or schedule with an individual creator, click on their name below.
Qing Zhuang
Qing Zhuang
Books: Rainbow Shopping and How Long Is Forever?
10 am-12:20 pm ET
Candy Wellins
Candy Wellins
Books: Saturdays Are for Stella, The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space, and Mabel’s Topsy-Turvy Homes
9 am-3:30pm CT
Susan Kusel
Susan Kusel
Book: The Passover Guest
9 am-4 pm ET
Isabella Kung
Isabella Kung
Books: No Fuzzball! and No Snowball!
9:30 am-1:30 pm PT
M.O. Yuksel
M.O. Yuksel
Books: In My Mosque, One Wish: Fatima Al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University
8 am-2:20 pm ET
Kjersten Hayes
Kjersten Hayes
Book: The Elephants’ Guide to Hide-and-Seek
7:30 am-12:30 pm PT
Joana Pastro
Joana Pastro
Books: Lillybelle, a Damsel Not in Distress and Bisa’s Carnaval
9 am-10:50 am and 12:30 pm-1:50 pm ET
Lindsay H. Metcalf
Lindsay H. Metcalf
Books: No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change; No Voice Too Small; Beatrix Potter, Scientist; and Farmers Unite!
11 am-2:20 pm CT
Julie Rowan-Zoch
Julie Rowan-Zoch
Books: Louis; I’m a Hare, So There!; and Not All Sheep Are Boring!
9:30 am-10:50 am MT
20 Questions: Favorite Holiday Traditions
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s a favorite family holiday tradition?
Darshana Khiani
Ever since my girls were little, I’ve given them a wrapped book under each of their pillows for Christmas morning. This way their first present was always a book. They are now in highschool and they still look forward to their surprise book.
– Darshana Khiani, author of HOW TO WEAR A SARI, illus. Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Versify, 2021)
Melanie Ellsworth
Throughout the year, my family writes down on scraps of paper happy moments we’ve experienced (and the date) and adds them to our “happy jar” – a covered basket I got in Uganda years ago. Then on New Year’s Eve, we pass the basket around between family and friends and take turns pulling out slips of paper and reading the memories aloud. I type up the memories, so now we have a family journal of sorts that goes back eight years!
- Melanie Ellsworth, author of BATTLE OF THE BOOKS, illus. James Rey Sanchez (Little Bee Books, 2022)
Kjersten Hayes
The shopping day many know as Black Friday is instead Craft Friday in my family. From the moment we wake we spend the entire day craft, craft, crafting together. We make all sorts of crafty things, ornaments, collages, lots and lots of handmade books (often photo albums from the year before), but anything really—as long as it’s handmade or altered in some way. My husband cooks a giant turkey pot pie (leftovers), and we feast and laugh and share joy amid the crafts and creativity. It’s a blast!
—Kjersten Hayes, author of THE ELEPHANTS’ GUIDE TO HIDE-AND-SEEK, illus. Gladys Jose (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2020)
Lindsay H. Metcalf
Our tradition is attending Christmas Eve service in a one-room prairie church that remains unchanged from when my Danish ancestors built it in the late 1800s. There is always a huge tree cut from a pasture, bulb lights powered by a generator, a roaring fire in the stove, and peanuts whose shells we crush on the floor to oil the wood.
— Lindsay H. Metcalf, co-editor of NO WORLD TOO BIG: YOUNG PEOPLE FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE (Charlesbridge, March 2023) and NO VOICE TOO SMALL (Charlesbridge, 2020), and author of FARMERS UNITE! (Calkins Creek, 2020, and BEATRIX POTTER, SCIENTIST (Albert Whitman, 2020)
Kirsten W. Larson
When my kids were little, I would buy one (ok, maybe two or three) holiday picture books each year. Then, after Thanksgiving, I would wrap up our collection of holiday picture books and put them in a basket. Each day, a child would pick a book and unwrap it, and we’d read the book together before bed under the Christmas tree. It was like a book-a-day advent calendar. Nowadays, I don’t wrap up the books, but we still enjoy reading them together, even though my kids are now teens.
–Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illus. Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023)
20 Questions: Books Get Personal
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
How does your most recent book tie into who you are (your passions, hobbies, family history, cultural background, etc.)?
Margaret Chiu Greanias
AMAH FARAWAY is about reconnecting with faraway family and roots in your inherited culture. Growing up immersed in mainstream American culture, I felt somewhat disconnected from my roots. Only now, after having children of my own, have I realized the importance of connecting with and finding joy in our inherited culture especially since, as Asian Americans, we wear our heritage on the outside.
—Margaret Chiu Greanias, author of AMAH FARAWAY, illus. Tracy Subisak (Bloomsbury Children’s, 2022)
Candy Wellins
MABEL’S TOPSY-TURVY HOMES is all about a little girl struggling to make sense of her parent’s divorce. Like Mabel, I grew up with two different homes and was sometimes confused, frustrated, and mad about that. I hope this book helps other kids see the upside of the situation.
—Candy Wellins, author of MABEL’S TOPSY-TURVY HOMES, illus. Jess Rose (Beaming Books, 2022)
Isabella Kung
NO SNOWBALL! is about a new family addition to the NoFuzzball Queendom and the complex but fun aspects of sibling dynamics! The sassy Queen NoFuzzball initially sees Snowball as an annoying copycat, but then realizes she could be a Princess-in-training. Like Snowball, I am the youngest in my family, and I remember always wanting to be around my big brother; and like Fuzzball, I have cared for my younger cousins and host sister too.
—Isabella Kung, author and illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)
Elisa Boxer
As a descendant of Eastern Europeans who escaped persecution (and some who did not), I feel deeply connected to themes of defiance, resilience, and turning hardship into hope. My most recent book (COVERED IN COLOR) and also my next book (HIDDEN HOPE) both feature real-life protagonists who found themselves in impossible circumstances yet somehow found the strength to not only survive but courageously persevere and become barrier-breaking heroes.
—Elisa Boxer, author of COVERED IN COLOR: Christo & Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom (Abrams 2022) and HIDDEN HOPE: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust (Abrams 2023)
Liza Ferneyhough
NANA, NENEK & NINA is about a little girl with an international family. Like Nina, I was a biracial California kid with one grandma across the Pacific Ocean and one grandma across the Atlantic, neither of whom I actually called “Grandma.” Though my Nana and Nenek were opposites in many respects, they both loved me in a similarly delighted way.
—Liza Ferneyhough, author and illustrator of NANA, NENEK & NINA (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022)
20 Questions: Advice for Maintaining Creativity
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s your best advice for maintaining your creativity?
Margaret Chiu Greanias
“Allow yourself to be messy – scribble, scrawl, sketch. I believe that trying to make everything perfect can kill creativity. My best creative work happens when I’m scribbling in an old notebook. I might write on the lines, I might not, and sometimes I even end up writing around the edges and off the page.
– Margaret Chiu Greanias, author of AMAH FARAWAY, illus. Tracy Subisak (Bloomsbury Children’s, 2022)
Carrie Finison
“It sounds counter-intuitive, but I’ve found that assigned work and deadlines can help spur my brain into “creative mode,” which I sometimes can’t achieve when I have all the time in the world and no particular reason to hurry. I’ve found that when I take a class or take on a work-for-hire assignment, and I’m forced to produce something, my brain gets right to work. Not only do I manage to finish the assignment, but I often have ideas for other work while I am at it.
— Carrie Finison, author of HURRY, LITTLE TORTOISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL!, illus. Erin Kraan (Random House Studio, 2022)
Julie Rowan-Zoch
“I draw every day. Something for myself, done in a short amount of time, without too much thought. I find it harder to pick the practice up after I’ve taken a break and so much easier to draw on a down day if I keep it up. It’s not about maintaining skills (that’s a nice benefit!) but about maintaining flow.”
– Julie Rowan-Zoch, illustrator of NOT ALL SHEEP ARE BORING! By Bobby Moynihan (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2022)
Isabella Kung
“Read, draw or write something everyday! Whether it is directly for work or just for yourself. Creativity is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Doing something creative every day is key to maintaining my creativity, whether I feel inspired or not. Inspiration doesn’t abide by anyone’s schedule or expectation, and often comes when it is least expected. So showing up everyday helps capture it in the moment and fuels my creativity.”
– Isabella Kung, author and illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)
I fuel my creativity by doing the things that make me feel most alive—for me, that’s taking lots of nature walks, listening to new music, and playing with unfamiliar art supplies. My own creativity is also greatly inspired by witnessing the creative processes of non-bookmakers. Recent favorites: HOW TO WRITE ONE SONG by Jeff Tweedy, magician Nate Staniforth’s podcast, “Everything But The Flame,” an interview with Francis Ford Coppola discussing his director’s notebook, and any video of Jack Antonoff’s music-making process.”
— Shelley Johannes, author and illustrator of THIS JOY! (Abrams Books, 2022)
5 Ways to Promote Freedom to Read
Illustration by Julie Rowan-Zoch
September 18-24 is Banned Books Week, and this year is a biggie, with censorship and banned books lists continuing to pop up in school and public libraries all over the country. Rather than celebrating individual banned books, we at the Soaring ‘20s want to remind readers that making a banned list is not a badge of honor. Instead, let’s use this week to take an active role in promoting intellectual freedom—a cornerstone of democracy and a lifeline for young readers of all creeds.
Here are a few ways to get involved, plus links to learn more about preventing censorship.
Be a reader, and support readers
Exercise your freedom to read the titles you choose and encourage others to do the same.
Support book creators
Review your favorite books on platforms like Goodreads or Amazon, and share your love on social media. Let the world know how life-changing books can be and how they’ve touched your life.
Show up
Attend local school board meetings/public library board meetings. Speak out about the freedom to read and intellectual freedom. As a community member, you can speak in support of public librarians, school librarians, and teachers currently navigating book challenges. Don’t let those who seek to limit access to books be the only voices in the room. Better yet, speak up about your support of intellectual freedom before the topic of book bans arises in your community.
Step up
Volunteer or run for public library and school board positions in your community. Or, support the campaigns of candidates fighting for intellectual freedom.
Study up
Find out if your school district or library has a stated policy and procedures in place to handle book challenges. It should not be left up to individual teachers or librarians to handle. Then learn more about fighting book challenges by checking out our list of resources below:
Letter from 1,300 Children’s and YA Authors on Book Banning
Banned Books Week Facebook Live events: Listen in on censorship discussions with youth activists and authors George M. Johnson, Angie Thomas, Jerry Craft, Maia Kobabe, and Mike Curato.
ALA intellectual freedom resources
ALA on access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: “School and public libraries are charged with the mission of providing services and resources to meet the diverse interests and informational needs of the communities they serve. Services, materials, and facilities that fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of providing library services and should be determined on an individual basis. Equitable access to all library resources and services should not be abridged based on chronological age, apparent maturity, educational level, literacy skills, legal status, or through restrictive scheduling and use policies.”
#Freadom Fighters (Texas School Librarians) site, including campaigns and actions, helpful resources and places you can buy merchandise and support the cause.
Fighting Book Bans: A Virtual Teach-In for Students from Pen America
The National Coalition Against Censorship’s site includes a free tool kit and social media graphics.
Book Riot’s anti-censorship tool kit for citizens and gatekeepers.
We Need Diverse Books’s tips on fighting censorship and supporting diverse banned books.
20 Questions: Surprising Aspects of being an Author
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s been the most surprising part of becoming a published author and/or illustrator?
Julie Rowan-Zoch
“The amazing strength of community - in every way thinkable! The community of my critique groups, my literary agency, the RMC-SCBWI chapter, the 12x12PB Challenge, my promotional groups, and the editorial and design community within the publishing houses. I feel incredibly and increasingly lucky to be a part of them all, and I hope I honor them with my efforts too!”
—Julie Rowan-Zoch, illustrator of NOT ALL SHEEP ARE BORING! (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2022)
Isabella Kung
“The most surprising part was how much a picture book can mean to a child! I never thought my humor book about a sassy black cat can help a child grieve the loss of his beloved cat. His parents wrote me a letter and shared that their son even cuddles my book as he goes to bed each night! To know how much my book meant to him made my heart full!”
—Isabella Kung, author and illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)
Vicky Fang
“The most surprising thing for me right now is that I love illustrating (gasp)! I started off writing only, and then I got a huge opportunity (thank you to my editors, Andrew Arnold and Rose Pleuler, and my agent, Elizabeth Bennett!) to illustrate my FRIENDBOTS early reader comics. It was a huge challenge for me. And now… I have five more books coming out that I am illustrating! These days, when I write a manuscript, I often think I might want to illustrate it too. I never imagined I would be a published author AND illustrator. It’s been an amazing journey of growth and learning.”
—Vicky Fang, author and illustrator of FRIENDBOTS (HarperAlley, 2021)
Liza Ferneyhough
“That it happened at all! My debut picture book as an author/illustrator came out 30 years after I first thought I might like to do it. Some people fall gently into publishing right out of school and others need to stumble around in the woods awhile and that’s okay. Fellow Xennials, if you’re in the woods, keep walking!“
—Liza Ferneyhough, author and illustrator of NANA, NENEK & NINA (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022)
20 Questions: Get to Know Soaring '20s Authors
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s one random fact that people might not know about you?
Candy Wellins
“I went to high school in a castle!”
—Candy Wellins, author of THE STARS BECKONED: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space, illus. Courtney Dawson (Philomel, 2021)
Joana Pastro
“I played the foreign character in a community theater production of Chicago a few years ago. Instead of being Hungarian, my character was Brazilian and was called Brazuca. I loved it!”
—Joana Pastro, author of BISA’S CARNAVAL, illus. Carolina Coroa (Orchard Books, 2021)
M. O. Yuksel
“I helped build the first church in Nueva Rosita, a small village in Mexico on a college volunteer program.”
—M. O. Yuksel, author of ONE WISH: Fatima Al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, illus. Mariam Quraishi (HarperCollins, 2022)
Anna Crowley Redding
“There are THREE lighthouses in my town!”
—Anna Crowley Redding (COURAGE LIKE KATE: The True Story of a Girl Lighthouse Keeper, illus. Emily Sutton, Random House Studio, August 2022)
20 Questions: Advice For Aspiring Authors And Illustrators
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What’s your top piece of advice for aspiring authors and illustrators of all ages?
Darshana Khiani
Follow your curiosity.
—Darshana Khiani, author of HOW TO WEAR A SARI, illus. Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Versify, 2021)
Kelly Carey
It’s very easy to get stuck in the “thinking about” phase of becoming a writer. To get over that hurdle, aspiring writers need to build intention and structure around their writing. This can mean committing to writing at least twenty minutes a day or devoting a specific day a week to writing. I’m partial to Writing Wednesdays—it has that nice alliteration. Your writing dream needs a concrete plan and goals. For help with that check out www.24CarrotWriting.com, a goal-setting blog I host with fellow authors. It’s full of good advice and help as you kick off your writing journey.
—Kelly Carey, author of HOW LONG IS FOREVER?, illus. Qing Zhuang (Charlesbridge, 2020)
Kim Rogers
My top answer will always be this: READ, READ, READ, and READ some more. It’s the best way to see how books are written, which ones work and which ones don’t, and what is currently selling in the marketplace.
—Kim Rogers (Wichita), author of JUST LIKE GRANDMA, illus. Julie Flett (Cree-Métis) (Heartdrum/HarperCollins, winter 2023)
Anna Crowley Redding
Run your own race! It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but then you aren’t focused on what you need to do. And you can end up feeling like your efforts/talents/etc. are not enough. Wake up each day and focus on what YOU need to do to take the next step in your journey. Run your own race.
—Anna Crowley Redding, author of COURAGE LIKE KATE, illus. Emily Sutton (Random House Studio, August 2022)
Colleen Paeff
Keep a toe in the water. Life will throw situations at you that can make it hard to stay focused on building a career in writing, and during those times you may be tempted to get out of the pool completely. Don’t do it! Even if you aren’t writing, keep reading like a writer, watch writing-focused webinars, listen to podcasts about publishing, take the occasional writing workshop, jot down story ideas. When life eases up and you’re ready to dive back into writing, you’ll be a much stronger swimmer—er, writer—than you were before.
—Colleen Paeff, author of THE GREAT STINK: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem, illus. Nancy Carpenter (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2021)
20 Questions: Favorite Childhood Books
20 Questions: Favorite Childhood Books
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
What was one of your favorite childhood books and why?
Robert McCloskey’s One Morning in Maine was a favorite picture book of mine as a child because it transported me to another world—an island in Maine. There were many things that pulled me in: the sensory details in the text and illustrations (I could smell the salty ocean and feel the slippery seaweed), the two sisters who reminded me of myself and my sister, the dog (my parents wouldn’t let me have one, so Penny was my substitute), the everyday adventure of island life, and the way the whole community was interested in Sal’s problem (her lost tooth). Such is the power of a picture book that I now live in Maine (and have a dog who looks a bit like Penny)!
—Melanie Ellsworth, author of BATTLE OF THE BOOKS, illus. James Rey Sanchez (Little Bee Books, 2022)
I grew up in the same small, not-famous-at-all town as author and illustrator Stephen Kellogg. I have a signed copy of his book, The Island of the Skog. He wrote my name on the inside in big bubble letters and even drew a skog. Holding his book in my hands and knowing that he lived where I lived made me think, for the first time, that I could be a writer too. And the book is awesome! As I sign copies of my book for kids, I’m always secretly hoping it might spur on their own publishing dreams.
—Kelly Carey, author of HOW LONG IS FOREVER?, illus. Qing Zhuang (Charlesbridge, 2020)
I adored Nancy Drew. She was focused, so curious, and had so much agency and gumption. Her process spoke to me but also her ability to show up and get the job done. She really inspired me. I also deeply loved Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I was growing up in the South, and Taylor’s book opened my heart and eyes in such a profound way and really ignited this sense of injustice and service in me. I am so grateful for these books!
—Anna Crowley Redding, author of COURAGE LIKE KATE, illus. Emily Sutton (Random House Studio, August 2022)
My favorite books as a child were the FRANCES books from Russell and Lillian Hoban, specifically Bread and Jam for Frances. I felt alone amongst siblings and friends as a picky eater, and the neighborhood kids would sometimes stand out on the sidewalk yelling for me to hurry up and finish my dinner so I could come out and play! Frances made me feel seen, and she, just like me, sang songs to reflect and navigate life’s hurdles. She is still a character I identify with all these years later!
—Julie Rowan-Zoch, illustrator of NOT ALL SHEEP ARE BORING!, written by Bobby Moynihan (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, September 2022)
My favorite book as a child was one that made me laugh out loud till my belly ached! The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith. I loved their spin on traditional fairy tales, all the “stupid” jokes and the way the book interacts with the reader. It was the first book I’ve ever read that had such an unconventional way of storytelling, as well as arrangement of text and illustrations! Needless to say, it left an impression. Perhaps that’s why I’m so drawn to creating humorous picture books too!
—Isabella Kung, author and illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, November 2022)
Soaring '20s Call to Action Against Gun Violence
I wrote this concrete poem in the shape of an AR-15 after Parkland and never shared it. I saw the "flame" as a fire of activism catching, spreading for change. Now, with so many more mass shootings logged—now, after Uvalde—the poem reads differently to me.
Babies.
We are their parents.
We are their teachers.
They are the people we write for.
But all the words that can be written have been written. We must channel our shock, our anger, our disbelief, our frustration, our heartbreak, our anxiety—into action.
May our nation mobilize now so I never need to share this poem again.
—Lindsay H. Metcalf
Links for Immediate Action
Demand Action Against Gun Violence (5calls.org)
Demand a Federal Ban on Assault Weapons (5calls.org)
Support Federal Red Flag Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence (5calls.org)
Wear Orange Weekend: June 3-5
How to help Uvalde families (NPR)
Here are the gun bills stalled in Congress (The Hill)
School Shooting Resources (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Get Educated
For adults:
THE SECOND AMENDMENT: A Biography by Michael Waldman
GUNFIGHT: The Battle Over the Right to Bear Arms in America by Adam Winkler
CARRY: A MEMOIR OF SURVIVAL ON STOLEN LAND by Toni Jensen
TRIGGER POINTS: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America by Mark Follman
For Teens:
WHOSE RIGHT IS IT? The Second Amendment and the Fight Over Guns by Hana Bajramovic (nonfiction)
THREE THINGS I KNOW ARE TRUE by Betty Culley (fiction)
For Middle Schoolers:
AFTERMATH by Emily Barth Isler (fiction)
THIS IS NOT A DRILL by K.A. Holt (fiction)
For Elementary and Younger:
THE SECOND AMENDMENT: The Right to Bear Arms by Kirsten W. Larson (nonfiction)
THE BREAKING NEWS by Sarah Lynne Reul (fiction)
Sesame Street resources on gun violence
Book list shared by the PJ Library
20 Questions: Recent Picture Book Favorites
20 Questions: Recent Picture Book Favorites
Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
Name one recent picture book that should be on every bookshelf and why?
THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY, by Derick Wilder, illustrated by Catia Chien
1. THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY, by Derick Wilder, illustrated by Catia Chien. Told from the point of view of a dog taking one last walk with his forever friend/young girl, this beautiful book brings comfort and hope to anyone coping with a loss of any kind, current or past. It is such a powerful reminder that our loved ones never really leave us.
—Elisa Boxer, author of ONE TURTLE’S LAST STRAW: THE REAL-LIFE RESCUE THAT SPARKED A SEA CHANGE, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens (Crown/Random House Kids, 2022)
THE GARDENER OF ALCATRAZ, by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Jenn Ely
2 THE GARDENER OF ALCATRAZ by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Jenn Ely. Unlike many picture book biographies, this book is the story of an anti-hero, a prisoner on Alcatraz with plans to escape – until he becomes the prison gardener. This incredible story reminds us that no one is irredeemable, that anyone can change and bring a bit of beauty into the world.
– Kirsten W. Larson, author of A TRUE WONDER, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion Books, 2021)
BATHE THE CAT by Alice McGinty, Illustrated by David Roberts
3 BATHE THE CAT by Alice McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts. Pitch perfect in every way and an amazing read aloud. Hysterical story, great rhyming, incredibly creative and fantastic representation. A must have for every storytime collection.
—Susan Kusel, author of THE PASSOVER GUEST, illustrated by Sean Rubin (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, 2021)
MINA by Matthew Forsythe
4 MINA by Matthew Forsythe. Mina is a mouse with better instincts than her father but with a heart just as big! Deadpan, delightful humor for all ages and gorgeously rendered.
—Julie Rowan-Zoch, author-illustrator of, I’M A HARE SO THERE! (Clarion Books, 2021)
BEFORE SHE WAS HARRIET by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome
5 BEFORE SHE WAS HARRIET by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome. This is a perfect nonfiction picture book, with gorgeous, poetic language and a brilliant concept and structure. I return to it as a mentor text time and time again.
—Lindsay H. Metcalf, author of BEATRIX POTTER, SCIENTIST, FARMERS UNITE! and co-editor of NO VOICE TOO SMALL.
TOASTY by Sarah Hwang
6. TOASTY by Sarah Hwang. The premise is simple: a piece of toast wants to be a dog! Wacky premise, great illustrations, and a wonderful reminder of how fun and silly picture books can be while still packing an emotional punch.
–Stephen Briseño, author of THE NOTEBOOK KEEPER: A STORY OF KINDNESS FROM THE BORDER, illustrated by Magdalena Mora (Random House Studio, 2022)