From The Mixed Up Files

We can write alone but we can’t get published alone. I have found that while writing is a solitary job, to truly succeed you need to be in a room alone—and surrounded by a crowd. The author John Green wrote, “Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” This is true in your creative space, but today authors are called on to live uncomfortable public lives which can be hard for introverts. We must get...

Kidlit Unites Against Book Banning More than 13,000 MG and YA authors and illustrators have signed a letter condemning the current wave of book banning. The letter, written by Newbery Honor author Christina Soontornvat,  calls on Congress, state leaders, and school boards to act now to protect students and their right to access a diverse selection of books. “This current wave of book suppression follows hard-won gains made by authors whose voices have long been underrepresented in publishing.” (From Soontornvat letter) Demonstrating the resonance of this message with children’s book creators, most of the thousands of signatures on this letter...

In honor of my debut novel Honey and Me—a coming-of-age story about the friendship and escapades of two eleven-year-old girls—being available for preorder, I thought I would do a post about the central theme of friendship in middle grade novels. Although main character Milla has her insecurities and must find...

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the fourth Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! Today we’re interviewing Kirsten W. Larson, author of Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane. “This inspiring work shines a light on a lesser-known inventor who was the first woman to design an airplane,”...

When I saw the amazing cover for ZACHARY YING AND THE DRAGON EMPEROR (illustrated by comic book artist Velinxi), I knew it was a book I wanted to devour. Which is why I’m so thrilled to interview the novel’s author on From the Mixed Up Files today. Xiran Jay Zhao...

Here’s the roundup of some of the many diverse MG books on sale in May. Diverse titles have increased dramatically. I will be concentrating more attention on debut authors, beginnings of new series, and underrepresented elements within diverse books. As always if I’ve missed a May title, please drop a...

May brings a bounty of new middle grade books, fiction and nonfiction, covering many different perspectives and cross-cultural voices. Here is just a sampling of what’s new this month. José and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr (Author) Joshua M. Edelglass (Illustrator) Set in the shadows of the...

We can write alone but we can’t get published alone. I have found that while writing is a solitary job, to truly succeed you need to be in a room alone—and surrounded by a crowd. The author John Green wrote, “Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for...