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Diversity in MG Lit #54: Jan & Feb 2026

By on February 18, 2026   /   Articles  
Here are seven titles from January and February, curated by Rosanne Parry, by diverse authors. Watch for in-depth interviews with several of the authors in the months ahead!

Hail Mariam

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi
Often in a MG book when the character belongs to a faith community the book centers the cultural aspects of that religion–the holidays, the cultural practices, the historical hardships. Here is a rare book which delves into Mariam’s actual experience of faith, her prayer life, consolation, and discernment. And its explores the interfaith experiences of a Muslim girl attending a Catholic school. (A more common experience than you might think. In my parents Catholic schools about a third of the student body was Jewish. My local Catholic high school had a Muslim student body president last year. It’s student body is a third religions other than Catholicism and a third students with no religious affiliation.) It’s refreshing to see religion addressed with such care and authenticity. Mariam’s thoughtfulness and moral courage as she navigates the new school and her sister’s illness makes for an appealing read.

Mythspeaker

Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique
Roubique is an indigenous person, not enrolled in a tribe, who has written a work of fantasy inspired by the indigenous cultures of North America. This debut novel a sweeping adventure featuring a daring heist, a band of misfits and many magical creatures. I think it would appeal to the fans of Rick Riorden.

Goodbye, French Fry

Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-Rin Yu
Ping-Ping is a Chinese American. Like many two culture kids she feels not American enough for her school friends and not Chinese enough for her parents. But she does find physical, emotional, and social strength in the practice of taekwondo and in her piano lessons.

The Last Resort Books

This is the second in a new series, the first was The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly. They are mystery puzzle stories with an interactive virtual element. Readers use their phone to see the pictures come to life and interact with the ghosts in the book to solve an additional mystery. It’s an exciting concept and I’m eager to see if readers at our bookstore respond.

A Year Without Home

A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania
Set in Laos at the end of the Vietnam War, Bidania has written an ambitious tale spanning years and hundreds of miles from wartime Laos to the refugee camps of Thailand. The use of verse keeps the story accessible, emotionally vivid, and fast moving.

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake
A novel in verse set in the Great Migration of the 1930s when many African American families moved from the rural south to cities in the north. Hattie Mae’s is new to Philadelphia and finding both new friends and new ambitions.

Nadia Islam, On the Record

Nadia Islam, On the Record, words by Adiba Jaigirdar art by Avani Dwivedi
Nadia is a student journalist, a growing environmental activist, and a celebrating her first Ramadan when she will fast just like the other grown ups. And then her family decides to go to visit relatives in Bangladesh for the whole month of Ramadan. Trepidation becomes opportunity as Nadia finds an opportunity to report on environmental issues abroad.
This is only a small sample of the diverse books published in the last two months. Please add any Rosanne missed in the comments.
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Interview with Author and Podcaster Jonathan Rosen

By on February 12, 2026   /   Articles, Author Interviews  

I’ve known Jonathan Rosen for almost a decade, but there’s some disagreement on how we met. Jonathan claims it was at a photoshoot for People magazine, where I interviewed him for the “Sexiest Man Alive” cover. Jonathan further maintains that he beat out Zac Efron and Idris Elba for the honor, and that the men were so distraught, Annie Leibovitz needed three assistants and a bottle of Jameson’s to calm them down.

I won’t bother to tell you the real story, because it’s not nearly as entertaining (😀), but I will say this: Jonathan Rosen is a dear friend and former Mixed-Up Files member, and I’m delighted to talk to him about his career as a writer, podcaster, blogger, and literary agent. So, without further ado…

Heeeeere’s Jonathan Rosen!

MR: Thanks so much for joining us today, Jonathan. We’ve missed you at the Mixed-Up Files, but I know you’ve been busy. Let’s start with your writing life. Can you tell readers what you’ve been working on these days?

 JR: For the record, Zac Efron was inconsolable after I beat him for the title, but that’s all in the past and I feel guilty for rehashing it. But it happened. As far as writing goes, I’m in a mix of things now. I’m working on a middle-grade novel as well as a couple of things for adults. A romcom and a nonfiction.

Pop Culture Retro

MR: In addition to writing, you’re the co-host of the popular podcast, Pop Culture Retro, which celebrates past trends in music, fashion, TV, movies, and more.  How did you first got involved with the podcast? Also, what attracts you to pop culture from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s?

JR: I’ve always had a love of Pop Culture. I was a movie and TV kid. A huge viewer. Always read entertainment books on the history of cinema and show business. I grew up watching old shows from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s as well. I moved around a lot as a kid, so went to the movies. You didn’t need anyone to go to the movies.

As far as the podcast goes, it happened almost by accident. I was doing interviews with editors and agents for MUF and would usually ask them what their favorite childhood movie was. A couple of people said Escape to Witch Mountain. A friend of mine, Jan Eldredge, reached out to me and said that she was friends with Ike Eisenmann, who starred in Witch Mountain. I asked to interview him for MUF, and he graciously accepted. I became friendly with Ike, and eventually suggested that we do a podcast. It was a good dynamic, since Ike had been in the business, and I was a huge, and I’d like to think knowledgeable, fan.

We began interviewing people who had appeared in many shows and films from when I was a kid, and it was surreal to me. If I had told kid-me that I’d be interviewing people that I grew up watching, I would never have believed it. One of the people we interviewed, a friend of Ike’s was Moosie Drier. He had also had been in many beloved shows and films when he was a kid, including Oh God!, Laugh-In, The Bob Newhart Show, and many others. When Ike eventually stopped doing the show to focus on other things, Moosie agreed to take over, and I’ve had a blast straight through. We’re now good friends.

Rubbing Elbows with the Stars

MR: As a follow-up, you’ve interviewed dozens of iconic celebrities for the show, including Tiffany, Hal Linden, Morgan Fairchild, Mason Reese, Christopher Knight from The Brady Bunch, Audrey Landers from Dallas, Willie Aames from Eight Is Enough, the stars from Little House on the Prairie, and many more. Of all the celebs you’ve chatted with, which ones stand out the most?

JR: I’m not just saying this, but I actually enjoy every interview. I’m a fan, and I enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes stories. But if you want me to focus on one, I’ll answer–and also give the reason. For me, it was Meeno Peluce who was also a big star when he was a kid. He was in the TV show Voyagers, the time-travel show that also starred the late Jon-Erik Hexum. Voyagers was on for only one season, but it was my favorite show. I loved it, and it was one of the first shows I remember being really upset about when it was cancelled. I had gone back and watched the series many times since then, and when Meeno came on, it brought me back to my childhood.

Cher: The Icon… the Legend… the Fantasy

MR: Last celebrity question, and it’s a deeply personal one. What’s the deal with Cher? Not only are you her biggest fan, but you’ve also asked her to appear on Pop Culture Retro at least 365 times. She hasn’t said yes (yet), but do you think she will? Also, what is it about Cher that resonates with you so profoundly? I am being dead serious here.

JR: Okay, I LOVE Cher! And I asked a LOT more than 365 times. She DID answer me once. I asked for an interview daily for a while, and at one point she answered, “What interview??” I think she got confused, thinking she was actually scheduled for an interview.

But back to her. She was the first celebrity crush I had as a kid. The first celebrity poster I had on my wall. Others had the Farrah poster. I had Cher. Love her films, love her music, and I love the persona she has. Just an icon.

The Jewish Lens

MR: Pop Culture Retro” isn’t your only podcast. You’re also the host of The Jewish Lens, which covers themes such as Jewish identity, cultural challenges, and social issues, with episodes featuring such topics as antisemitism, Holocaust education, and the impact of Jewish culture in various industries. I know that your Jewish identity is integral to who you are as a person. Can you share your thoughts on what inspired you to create this podcast, and what it means to you?

JR: October 7th happened. I felt helpless. I saw Jew hate skyrocket and felt like I wanted to do something. And part of what I do is interview people. I wanted to give a platform to Jewish voices. I’ve had on authors, sports figures, movie people, activists, politicians, etc. It really is just a place where I want to give a place for Jews to speak. I don’t always agree with my guests, or necessarily share all opinions, but I like that there’s conversation, and giving a place to share a Jewish voice.

Substack: Platform of Choice

MR: You’ve also created a Substack recently. Can you tell readers more about it?

 JR: Lately, Substack has been the social media platform where I’ve spent the most time. I had intended to do a lot on writing, and using my experience as an author and former literary agent, and I still will talk about publishing from my lens. But so far, my Substack veered off. I talk a lot about Jew hate, and the Jewish experience socially, as well as in publishing.

Adventures in Agenting

MR: In addition to writing and podcasting, you’ve worked as a literary agent. What was that experience like for you? Also, what advice would you give to both agented and querying writers?

JR: I am an admirer of whoever is an agent. It’s not something I enjoyed at all. I say it often. No author is happy unless you sell them, and in publishing, there are a lot more non-sells than sells. It can be frustrating, and I knew that from the author side as well. I also put so much time into it, that I was seriously neglecting my own writing. I had sales, which I’m happy I could help make someone’s publishing dream come true, but I’m happy to be doing something else. As far as advice, I will be posting a lot of it on my Substack, so check there. 😊

Jonathan’s Writing Process

MR: What’s your writing process like, Jonathan? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Also, do you have a specific writing routine?

JR: I usually plot extensively. I plot every detail. But with that being said, Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies and its sequel, From Sunset to Sunrise, were really more of an example of being a pantser. So, you never know.

No Jonathan Rosen interview is complete without a CHER LIGHTNING ROUND, so…

Favorite Cher song? I like so many, but “Just Like Jesse James” is the song I’ve kept on repeat more than any other.

Favorite Cher movie? Moonstruck, but I also like Witches of Eastwick a LOT!

Favorite Cher hairstyle? I can’t answer that. It’s like choosing between your children.

Favorite Cher outfit? I do have one, but this is a site dedicated to children’s books, so will pass. [Oh boy… I knew it would come to this 😂. –MR]

Favorite Cher quote? “Yes, Jonathan Rosen, I’d be delighted to come on for an interview!” (Okay, to be fair, she hasn’t said this one yet, but she will, and it’ll be my favorite quote.)

Sonny Bono or Gregg Allman? Can I say Jonathan Rosen? Between those two, you have to go with Sonny, but once I meet Cher in person, I think it’s going to be a foregone conclusion to have my name listed there.

You’re stranded on a desert island with Cher, with only three items in your possession. What are they? Why would I need anything else if I had Cher on an island??

MR: Thanks for stopping by the chat, Jonathan. It was a real pleasure!

JR: Always a pleasure, Melissa! (You can now stop threatening me to do the interview.)

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WNDMG Author Interview: Charlotte Watson Sherman

By on February 11, 2026   /   Articles, WNDMG  

Let’s give a warm welcome to Charlotte Watson Sherman, a former librarian and author of children’s picture and middle-grade books. She’s going to dish about her latest works and share her best librarian recommendations for middle-grade readers to enjoy during Black History Month and beyond. So, settle in and enjoy!

Author Charlotte Sherman

Tell me about This Opening Sky. How did the idea for the book come about?

This Opening Sky is a middle-grade verse novel about two 12-year-old girls – one Black, one White – coping with the end of the Civil War. Aurelia, the daughter of a plantation owner, has lost both parents. Halle, newly freed, is searching for her parents. The girls decide to travel North together and confront misconceptions about each other as they depend on each other for survival.

 

The book came about after my co-author, Kelly Hollman, submitted a manuscript to Bushel and Peck Books. They liked the story’s premise, but wanted to include a Black writer. I had previously submitted a co-written board book manuscript that Bushel and Peck rejected, but they reached out to see if I’d be interested in co-writing the book with Kelly. After I read the early draft, I was intrigued by Kelly’s plot and excited to get involved.

What was it like collaborating with another writer? How did the writing and revision process work?

Collaborating with another writer was a journey. Sometimes an emotional rollercoaster for both of us. I wanted to be respectful of Kelly’s vision as the originator of the story idea. I could see that she loved both characters. I also believed that together, we could produce something fresh that hadn’t been seen in children’s literature before.

We had difficult conversations about race and history and stereotypes. I felt like I was constantly battling tropes from Gone With the Wind, Birth of a Nation, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and Huckleberry Finn. I knew what it felt like to be a Black student in a classroom where the N-word was invoked dozens of times in a piece of literature. And I didn’t want a contemporary Black child to have to endure that type of trauma as a result of anything I’d helped bring into the world. Luckily, my co-author didn’t want to inflict that type of trauma either.

When we wrote the book, we alternated chapters. In early drafts, I solely focused on “my” character. I fleshed out her backstory and frontstory, gave her an inner life, and added scenes; my co-author did the same with “her” character. In later drafts, we needed to make sure chapters flowed seamlessly and revised to maintain the overall flow of the book. We set deadlines based on when the publisher needed the manuscript finished. Multiple sets of eyes provided feedback for revision.

When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

I was hooked on books by third grade. I was a bookworm who read with a flashlight under the covers. The more adventurous the story, the better. I couldn’t wait to begin writing my own.

You’ve written for different age groups. What is your favorite part about writing for the middle-grade reader?

My favorite part about writing for middle-grade readers is how you can up the ante a little bit with subject matter and concepts and vocabulary. And fun. I also read books with my tween grandchild and enjoy the range of subjects we tackle. And the discussions about life that the stories allow us to have.

How (or does) being a former librarian impact what/how you write?

As a former librarian, I was exposed to a large swath of readers from different backgrounds and was able to see how different types of stories resonated with young readers. In library school, I focused on the information needs of youth and was able to immerse myself in reading children’s literature. That study informed the books I now write. I love research, so being a former librarian helps me use those research skills to write fiction and nonfiction about a variety of subjects. I never get tired of learning new things.

Also, leaning on your librarian experience, what middle-grade books would you recommend for readers during Black History Month?

Operation Sisterhood by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison

One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome

The Watson’s Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Warrior on the Mound by Sandra W. Headen

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith, Jr.

Treasure Island by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Rosa Parks & Claudette Colvin: Civil Rights Heroes by Tracey Baptiste, art by Shauna J. Grant

Black Star by Kwame Alexander

What’s next for you? Any more middle-grade books on the horizon?

Book cover for Learn Baby LearnLearn, Baby, Learn: The Shindana Toy Factory’s Legacy of Black Pride, a picture book illustrated by Esther Stimphat, publishes March 2026. It’s the story of the nation’s first Black toy factory established after the Watts Uprising. I’m also working on a middle-grade verse novel and a couple of middle-grade biographies.

Bonus question:

If you could hang out with any middle-grade character in literature, who would it be and why?

My grandchild and I had so much fun reading the Operation Sisterhood books; it would most likely be that family because they have so many fun things going on. My grands actually started their own dog-walking business due to that family.

 

Thank you, Charlotte! It was a pleasure learning about your work.

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