Posts Tagged librarians

Author Spotlight: Kalyn Josephson

By on September 4, 2025   /   Author Interviews  
Kalyn Josephson

Kalyn JosephsonIn today’s Author Spotlight, Landra Jennings chats with author Kalyn Josephson about her new middle-grade novel, Ravenguard: A Ravenfall Novel (Random House Children’s Books, September 9), the conclusion to the Ravenfall series. Kalyn will talk about what she likes best about this novel and this series and will give us some hints about what’s coming next!

Book Summary:

Cover of book Ravenguard. Three children approach a lit house at night. A girl with psychic abilities and a boy with mysterious powers must unravel secrets and battle dark forces in order to save their world in the final Ravenfall adventure.

As whispers of winter beckon, Anna Ballinkay and Colin Pierce brace for change. The Ravenfall Inn, a magical nexus between worlds, is bustling with preparations for the Winter Solstice ball, which will bring together a mix of otherworldly guests and festive enchantments.

Amid the festivities, a young boy named Declan arrives and claims his new identity as a Raven, sparking a mission to rebuild the legendary Ravenguard.

While the inn buzzes with excitement, a sinister mystery unfolds: Supernatural beings are found lifeless, drained of their magic. As suspicion mounts, Anna, Colin, and their allies must uncover the cause before Ravenfall is destroyed.

Can the Ravenguard rise in time, or will the magic of Ravenfall be lost forever? Ancient legends stir and loyalties are tested in Kalyn Josephson’s thrilling series conclusion.

 

Interview with Kalyn Josephson

LJ: Welcome to the Mixed-Up Files, Kalyn! Thanks for joining us today. 

KJ: Thank you for having me!

 

Ravenguard: A Ravenfall Novel

LJ: I am a big fan of the Ravenfall series and can’t wait to hear about this concluding novel. What challenges can we expect Anna and Colin and their friends and families to face in this next and final installment?

KJ: In addition to returning to everyone’s favorite inn, this book brings Colin’s and Anna’s journeys full-circle with the return of some threads everyone thought were tied up. RAVENGUARD delves back into Irish mythology, but like all the books in the series, the biggest challenges Anna and Colin face are their own doubts.

 

LJ: The characters are so well drawn-out, with so much humor. Who is your favorite character in the series, and why?

KJ: Max! I love how mischievous he is, and his rivalry with the inn is my favorite relationship.

 

LJ: There’s a lot of action in these novels to keep us on the edge of our seats. What was your favorite scene to write in Ravenguard?

KJ: The snowball fight at the beginning. I like how it brings all the characters from the series back together in a fun setting.

 

LJ: Especially for those readers who have followed along on this Ravenfall journey, what do you want readers to take away from this novel and the series as a whole?

 

 

 

 

 

 

KJ: So much of this series is about accepting yourself, which can be hard to do no matter what age you are, but especially during a time when you’re still trying to figure out who that is. It’s something Anna and Colin struggle with throughout, and that I hope readers can identify with and learn from. Embrace the weird!

On Writing

Image of book, pen and coffee

LJ: What do you like best about being a writer?

KJ: Making up magic systems. It’s where each of my books begin, and my favorite part of fantasy.

 

LJ: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

KJ: Find other writers at the same stage you are. Writing can be so solitary, and having friends who understand the process can make all the difference.

 

What’s Coming Next?

LJ: Is there anything else you would like to share?

KJ: My next middle-grade series kicks off with THE GRIMLORE GAME, out Fall 2026. I like to pitch it as “What if Wednesday Addams and Eeyore had to team up to win the Inheritance Games?” It’s perfect for fans of puzzles, riddles, and hijinks!

 

Lightning Round Questions:

No MUF interview would be complete without our lightning round, so here we go…

Coffee or tea?

cup of teaTea!!!

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to fall asleep the moment I get into bed.

Favorite city (other than the one you live in)?

Donegal, Ireland.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Cookies and cream, though I will accept all ice cream.

Favorite book from childhood?

Dealing with Dragons coverDealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Kalyn!

 

About the Author

Kalyn Josephson is a NYT Bestselling author, sometimes-baker, and full-time consumer of too much tea. She lives on the California coast with two tiny black cats in a house in constant need of repair. She is the author of the Ravenfall series, The Storm Crow duology, and the This Dark Descent duology.

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STEM Tuesday– National Parks– Book List

By on September 2, 2025   /   National Parks, STEM Tuesday  

 

 

 

 

 

This month’s book list will take you on a tour of the 63 national parks of the United States. Along the way you’ll encounter amazing wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, important cultural traditions, and fascinating projects in science and conservation!

The National Parks: Preserving America’s Wild Places by Falynn Koch (Science Comics series)

A vibrant graphic-novel history in the Science Comics/History Comics style, narrated by a wise-cracking Bigfoot and Eagle, offering a witty yet substantial look at the founding of the U.S. national parks. It addresses complex themes—colonialism, conservation politics—with playful visuals, making it powerful and engaging for middle-grade readers and beyond.

 

 

 

50 True Tales from Our Great National Parks written by Stephanie Pearson and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

This beautifully illustrated treasury shares 50 real-life stories from iconic national parks. From heroic people to animals, astounding features, and conservation triumphs, each tale connects deeply with its setting. Entertaining and informative, it brings parks to life across the U.S., making it a perennial favorite for families and young nonfiction lovers.

 

 

 

National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition: The Most Amazing Sights, Scenes, and Cool Activities from Coast to Coast! by National Geographic Kids

A rich, celebratory children’s guide packed with dazzling color photos, maps, fun facts, Ranger tips, conservation ideas, and activity suggestions. Created for the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Parks, it’s an ideal visual companion brimming with inspiration for young explorers preparing for a visit—or dreaming of one.

 

 

 

Lonely Planet Kids America’s National Parks written by Alexa Ward and illustrated by Mike Lowery 

This lively, visually stunning guide covers all 63 national parks (including the newest), with jaw-dropping photography, quirky illustrations, fun facts, thematic spreads (e.g., “Parks at Night”), and a conversational tone parents and kids both enjoy. Packed with history, tips, and secrets, it’s a dynamic and immersive read for aspiring young adventurers.

 

 

 

 

The National Parks: Discover all 62 National Parks of the United States! by DK 

A bright, cheerful travel guide for kids, showcasing all 62 U.S. national parks (not including New River Gorge, which joined the list in 2020) via striking photos and accessible text. Features fun facts—like “Wrangell-St. Elias is bigger than Switzerland”—activity tips, flora and fauna highlights, and safety advice. A perfect primer to spark young nature lovers’ curiosity and promote outdoor stewardship.

 

 

 

The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 (Young Readers Edition) by Rick McIntyre and David A. Poulsen

Biologist Rick McIntyre has teamed up with YA author David Poulsen to bring to life the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. This action-packed nonfiction story follows the life of Wolf 8 as he fends off grizzly bears, adopts a litter of pups, and helps his family to survive. (In keeping with the conventions of scientific research, all the wolf characters are identified with numbers instead of names.) The scenes in the book are based on McIntyre’s own observations, and readers will find themselves rooting for this underdog on his journey to become an alpha wolf.

 

 

 

National Parks: A Kid’s Guide to America’s Parks, Monuments, and Landmarks written by Erin McHugh and illustrated by Neal Aspinall

Each page of this fact-filled book features a site managed by the Natural Park Service—not just national parks, but also scenic riverways, parkways, national forests and recreation areas, historical parks, and more. Every state and U.S. territory is represented, so U.S.-based readers will be able to find sites both far away and close to home. The images in this book include vintage travel posters as well as historical photographs and eye-popping sidebars.

 

 

 

Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America’s Own Backyard written by Mary Kay Carson with photographs by Tom Uhlman

National parks serve as “natural laboratories” and “living museums” that offer unique possibilities for scientific research. This book follows in the footsteps of real-life biologists, ecologists, geologists, herpetologists, and citizen scientists in three different national parks: Yellowstone, Saguaro, and Great Smoky Mountains. Aspiring scientists will learn what makes geysers erupt, what happens when bears hibernate, how Gila monster venom can be used, and more.

 

 

Where Is …? by Penguin Random House/Who HQ

This bestselling nonfiction series includes three titles specific to U.S. national parks: Where Is Yellowstone? by Sarah Fabiny and Stephen Marchesi; Where Are the Everglades? by Nico Medina and Gregory Copeland; and Where Is the Grand Canyon? by Jim O’Connor and Daniel Colon. Each book is divided into nine chapters and provides a deep dive into the history, culture, and ecology of the featured park.

 

 

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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Author Lydia Lukidis

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books.  Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

 

author Callie Dean

 

Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. Her first picture book, Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History, will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

 

 

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Editor / Agent Spotlight — Meet Courtney Stevenson, Editor, Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins

By on August 29, 2025   /   Editor / Agent Spotlight  
Editor Courtney Stevenson in black and white polkadot dress

We are thrilled to welcome Courtney Stevenson to the Editor/Agent Spotlight on The Mixed-up Files of Middle Grade Authors today.

Editor Courtney Stevenson in black and white polkadot dress Courtney is an Editor with Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.

She has been with HarperCollins since 2016, when she joined as an assistant to Rosemay Brosnan and dove right in working with Rosmary’s incredible list of authors, such as National Book Award-winning Elizabeth Acevedo (The Poet X), Newberry honor author Gail Carson Levine (Ogre Enchanted), and American Indian Youth Literature Award-winning author Christine Day (I Can Make This Promise).

In building her own list,  Courtney is focused mainly on MG and YA, including That’s What Friends Do by Cathleen Barnhart,Freinds in a tunnel with sunshine at the end

Dinner at the Brake Fast by Renee Beauregard Lute, and Money Out  Loud by Berna Anat. She has “a particular interest in clever humor, family dynamics, historical stories and settings not seen enough”, as well as “the occasional pop nonfiction, and writing that pulls me along to the next page.” Check out her wish list and submission guidelines here.

Speaking of historical stories, Pura Belpré Medalist (Efrén Divided) Ernesto Cisneros’ Queso, Just in Time, will release with Quill Tree on March 10, 2026.

Welcome to the blog, Courtney. We’re excited to learn about your editorial journey. Congratulations on your work with Rosemary Brosnan and cheers to your own projects! How did you initially discover these authors?

CS: Thanks! It was such a dream to work with Rosemary on her amazing list of titles—she really is the GOAT, and has been an invaluable mentor for me. (Also, I wish I could go back in time and tell little Courtney that she’d one day be regularly emailing the author of Ella Enchanted!)

My own list has grown mostly through submissions from agents—they are the real discoverers, and I’m so, so glad to have ended up on sub lists for these projects. It’s the most magical feeling to read the first few pages of a submission and feel like I have fireworks going off in my brain, or a big cheer of I want this one!

“Chock-full of hooks…”

We notice you are drawn to a strong hook. Can you give us an example from one of your Quill Tree acquisitions?

Cover for Dinner at the Brake Fastwith three kids hanging around a truckCS: I do love a strong hook, a detail or premise that will make the reader sit up straight and pay attention. Best when paired with the  feeling that they’ve found a friend for the next ~300 pages!

Dinner at the Brake Fast is chock-full of hooks: the setting of a family-run truck-stop diner (and all the good food descriptions), the promise of a ROAD TRIP HEIST to SEEK JUSTICE, and the mismatched group of characters that comes to support each other. It’s a fun adventure story with a heartwarming center, plus a perfect middle grade voice that snags you from the moment you meet Tacoma. Each of those details serves as a friend who invites you to come along for the ride.

Speaking of Hooks

As for your latest projects, we’re hoping you can share a little about the NEW mg novel from Pura Belpré author Ernesto Cisneros, Queso, Just in Time, coming March 2026.

CS: I’m so excited for folks to read this book! I’ve been a fan of Ernesto’s books since Efrén Divided, and I was thrilled to start working with him one-on-one when I started to build my own list. As a lover of both historical fiction and family stories, I was hooked on this novel from the very start.

Protagonist Queso wishes that he could see his father again after he passes—and ends up back in 1985 with twelve-year-old Pancho, the boy who will grow up to be his dad. Between navigating an analog world and helping Pancho build up his confidence, Queso is in for quite a time. This novel has Ernesto’s signature blend of humor and heart, and highlights themes that are just as topical in 2025 as in 1985.

From Agent to Editor

We understand that your kidlit career path started on the agency side. How did you come to switch to the editorial side?

CS: I had my heart set on being a children’s book editor from the time I first started thinking about a career path—but after I graduated college, I was ready to work any publishing job that would have me!

I feel so lucky to have landed at Pippin Properties as my first publishing job. Sitting at that assistant desk gave me a holistic view of the industry—everything from subrights, audio, contracts, and art—along with the opportunity to work closely with authors and creators, form relationships, and develop books from the earliest stages.

After a few years of learning on that side of the business, I still felt that editorial would be the best fit for me. The timing was perfect since Rosemary was looking for an assistant right when it was time for me to make a move. I gained so much experience in both of those early roles.

Are there any other upcoming titles/current projects you are excited about?

CS: So many books I wish I could share with readers right now!

Jess Hannigan’s next picture book, The Cow in the Dark at Night, makes me laugh each time I read it.

I’m currently in edits on The Girl in Green, a new horror YA novel by Laura Creedle slated for Fall 2026 that is the perfect amount of terrifying.

I’ve ended up with more illustrated nonfiction projects on my list than I had expected—with topics ranging from aliens and linguistics to spies and icons—and I can’t wait to see each one hit shelves. And of course, I’m very excited to be working on a new novel from superhero Ernesto Cisneros! 😊

Cover of Ernesto Cisneros' new book, Queso, Just in Time with a beautiful tree house.

What a gorgeous cover!

BONUS Editor Lightning Round:

  1. Query/Pitch pet peeve __Word count over 100k_______
  2. Please don’t send me ___High fantasy
  3. Title on your TBR pile __Pasta Girls by Taylor Tracy___
  4. PB you could probably recite by heart ___Many Moons by James Thurber (I actually have nearly recited this book to many unsuspecting friends!)____________
  5. Favorite line from a mg or YA novel__Two that come to mind: The gut-punch from Code Name Verity of “Kiss me, Hardy!” (sob) and the unforgettable first line of Feed: “We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.” One more for good measure: “Corpus bones! I utterly loathe my life” from Catherine, Called Birdy.

Thank you, Courtney, for joining us on The Mixed-up Files of Middle Grade Authors today!

While she is no longer on social media (She misses Book Twitter like we do!)

you can learn more about her at the wish list link above.

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