iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Kirkus Audiobook Reviews: “A magical concoction of friendship and finding the courage to stand up for what’s right.” Kirkus Earphones Award. RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr, cover by Madelyn Goodnight (Heartdrum). Ages 8+ Audio Narrator: Katie Anvil Rich #KidLit @harperstacks.bsky.social

Kirkus Audio Reviews, cover art for RAVEN, RISING (three sixth grade girls sitting in a gazebo, drinking out of mugs, black cat and kittens, sparkles and swirls), "A Magical concoction of friendship and finding the courage to stand up for what's right." Our verdict: Get it. Pink earphones graphic over headshots of Christine Hartman Derr and Katie Anvil rich, both young women with long dark hair, smiling.

023

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

"Since 1982, Banned Books Week has addressed challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools, highlighting 'the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community...in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.'” #BannedBooksWeek

062

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

“This coming-of-age story is recommended, especially for readers in a time of transition who will relate to the flow and feelings of the protagonist.” School Library Journal; also received starred reviews from Shelf Awareness, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers Weekly @harpercollinsca.bsky.social

000

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Now available! The paperback edition of ON A WING AND A TEAR by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum). Ages 8+ Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21rst Century (So Far) SCBWI Sid Fleischman Humor Award Honor Book #KidLit @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social

051

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Which of the books in this collage can you identify by title and author? Are any of them among your favorites? They’re on the ALA’s list of Frequently Challenged YA Books. #BannedBooksWeek @halseanderson.bsky.social @klgoing.bsky.social @bannedbooksweek.bsky.social

020

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Now available! GABRIEL’S WINTER COUNT by Andrea M. Page and Alfreda Beartrack Algeo (Charlesbridge, 2026). @charlesbridge.bsky.social #KidLit

031

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Now available! LIKE GLASS by Jen Ferguson (Métis and white), cover art by Alanah Jewell (Oneida Nation of the Thames)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky

092

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Cover Reveal! I AM A WARRIOR by Bridget George Heartdrum, 2027): With a message of strength and love, Bridget George celebrates Indigenous culture and centers children in their communities in this joyful read-aloud picture book. @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social #KidLit

041

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Which of the children’s books in this collage can you identify by title and author? Are any of them among your favorites? They’re also on the ALA’s list of Frequently Challenged Children’s Books. www.ala.org/bbooks/frequ... #BookSky @bannedbooksweek.bsky.social

092

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Congratulations, Keala Kendall @kealakendall.bsky.social! THAT WHICH FEEDS US (Random House, 2026) is on the longlist for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, and Keala is the first Native Hawaiian to have received that honor. Huzzah! @nationalbook.bsky.social #BookSky

Text from post in white against brown with darker brown design element. Cover art: THAT WHICH FEEDS US. Girl seated in vines of rotting fruit. Prettier than that sounds. White text. Mostly green. Blurb says, "Astounding."

1172

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

So glad the tumor was very curable!!! The audio version is terrific. It's a fairy tale reinvention and written for the ear. 🧚‍♀️

111

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Congratulations, Nikki! The Poetry Foundation has appointed poet-children’s-YA author Nikki Grimes the next Young People’s Poet Laureate. @poetnikki.bsky.social @stacyvwells.bsky.social #KidLit

Nikki Grimes, smiling outside, in colorful top and jewelry in oval frame. Pink and blue text. Pink quill graphic. Yellow background.

New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes was inducted into the Black Authors Hall of Fame in 2023. Her honors include the CSK Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the ALAN Award for significant contributions to young adult literature, the Children’s Literature Legacy Medal, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.

Author of the Coretta Scott King Award-winner BRONX MASQUERADE, and five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, she won the Printz Honor and Sibert Honor for her memoir ORDINARY HAZARDS. Her latest titles include GARVEY’S CHOICE: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, a School Library Journal 2023 Best Book; LULLABY FOR THE KING, one of Book Riot’s 25 Best Christmas Books of All Time; and A WALK IN THE WOODS, recipient of 8 starred reviews, and 11 Best Book listings for 2023, including the New York Times, NPR, and Smithsonian Magazine. Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California.

RECENT RELEASES by Nikki Grimes (same color scheme)

Cover art collage, featuring:

TWICE BLESSED: YARD-SALE STORIES by Nikki Grimes (Iron Pen, 2026)

STRONGER THAN by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, and EB Lewis (Heartdrum, 2026)

A CUP OF QUIET by Nikki Grimes and Cathy Ann Johnson (Bloomsbury, 2025)

2163

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

It was a fun time, and yes, they're new to each generation. Never say the undead are dead. If Dracula has taught us anything, it's that they always return.

010

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🎃 Reminder! My four Gothic novels in one YA e-book, LOVE BITES AT SANGUINI’S: THE TANTALIZE SERIES...offers suspenseful, action-packed battles in a romantic, fresh and funny read.” #BookThreads - NYT bestseller - PW bestseller - Chapters JAB Pick - TLA Tayshas List - NYPL Book for the Teenage

Four novels in one e-book. Love Bites at Sanguini's: ETERNAL, TANTALIZE, BLESSED, and DIABOLICAL.

130

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Did you know the first Native American Major General, Clarence Tinker, was a U.S. federal Indian boarding schools survivor? So many survivors, including my own grandfather, went on to serve in the U.S. armed forces. In fact my grandfather was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. #KidLit

041

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum, 2025) is a White Raven 2026! whiteravens.ijb.de/book/3968 #wrlist2026 #BookSky

LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES is a White Raven 2026! #wrlist2026

ABOUT THE WHITE RAVEN

“This year’s White Raven recommendation list features brief annotations of 216 not able new children’s and young adult books in 46 languages and from 62 countries and territories…selected by the International Youth Library‘s (IYL) children’s literature experts…. The team focuses on titles that might be of particular interest to an international audience because of their literary and pictorial quality and/or the topics they address.”

REVIEW OF ANTHOLOGY

“Each story is written in its own distinct voice and style, and offers glimpses into the protagonists’ lives, background stories, and inner thoughts. Yet elements from the other authors’ stories pop up across the tales, tying the narrative strands together into a magnificent and varied First Nation universe that celebrates Native tradition, connection, and pride in the shared culture.”

ANTHOLOGY CONTRIBUTORS

Anthology contributors: Kaua Māhoe Adams, Marcella Bell, Angeline Boulley, K.A. Cobell, A. J. Eversole, Jen Ferguson, Eric Gansworth, Byron Graves, Kate Hart, Christine Hartman Derr, Karina Iceberg, Cheryl Isaacs, Darcie Little Badger, David A. Robertson, Andrea L. Rogers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Brian Young.

1121

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Support for "...in K-12 schools so that students can learn about this region, which has many ties to the [U.S.] through foreign policy, immigration, commerce, and culture...free downloadable lessons, bios, and poetry and prose from Central American writers." www.teachingcentralamerica.org #Education

teachingcentralamerica.org

Teaching Central America

To encourage and support teaching about Central America, Teaching for Change offers lessons, booklists, biographies of noted historical figures, and readings for free use by classroom teachers.

000

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Kirkus Reviews Audio: "Words and phrases are often repeated in this verse format, but Adams is able to deepen the feeling with each repetition." Note: Kirkus Earphones Award. #BookSky @kauawrites.bsky.social @audiofilemagazine.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

082

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 in Canada honors the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Given parallel assimilation policies, the U.S. has adopted the date as a National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. #KidLit

Orange background with blue corners and white text. Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools.

Featured cover art:

FREE TO FLY, written by Karina Iceberg, illustrated by Steph Littlebird (Heartdrum, 2026). Age 4-up.

STEALING LITTLE MOON: THE LEGACY OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS by Dan Sasuweh Jones (Scholastic, 2024). Ages 9-up.

IN OUR OWN WORDS: TRUE STORIES OF INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS by Brenda J. Child, Benay McNamara (Christy Ottaviano Books, 2026). Ages 9-up.

WHEN WE WERE ALONE, written by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett (Highwater, 2016). Ages 4-up.

I AM NOT A NUMBER, written by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland (Second Story, 2016). Ages 4-up. NOTE: Look for the the English-Ojibwe language edition.

SHARDS OF SILENCE by Brian Young, cover art by Lynnette Haozous (Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 12-up.

078

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Now that it’s officially autumn, let’s break out seasonal books like: A GOOD HIDE; RAVEN, RISING; HARVEST HOUSE; and SHARDS OF SILENCE. #KidLit

Cover art in a four-image grid with graphic of a search bar with "autumn vibes" inside it). The featured books are:

A GOOD HIDE, written by Karina Iceberg (Aleut (Unangax^) and Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) Nations), illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 4-up. Alaska Native kids scraping a stretched hide with Elder.

RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)(Heartdrum, summer 2026). Ages 8-up. Three girls (one Black, one Cherokee, and one white) on a bench in a gazebo with black kittens)

HARVEST HOUSE by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, April 11, 2023). Ages 12-up. Teenage boy walking toward read in front of historic small town. Teenage girl in white dress walking away into forest (upside down). Title in the middle. Bram Stoker award sticker on top left.

SHARDS OF SILENCE by Brian Young (Navajo), cover art by Lynnette Haozous (San Carlos Apache Tribe/Chiricahua Apache, Navajo, and Taos Pueblo ancestry)(Heartdrum, 2026). Graphic design of Navajo teen boy in blue blazer with crest and orange tee shirt.

030

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It's the 5th anniversary of Heartdrum, an acclaimed imprint featuring heartfelt, groundbreaking & unexpected books highlighting the present & future of Native peoples & strength of young Indigenous heroes. We've published nearly 50 books with more to come! #KidLit @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Celebrating Five Years of Heartdrum: an imprint centering Indigenous stories, authors, and illustrators! Graphic with geometric turquoise design against light yellow. Cover art showing: AN EXPANSE OF BLUE, JUST LIKE GRANDMA, A LETTER FOR BOB, STRONGER THAN, LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, REZ BALL, JO JO MAKOONS (BOOK 6), LOOKING FOR SMOKE, HEALER OF THE WATER MONSTER, RAVEN, RISING and WE STILL BELONG.

43514

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

TEACHING INDIGENOUS STUDIES: AN INTRODUCTION FOR K-12 EDUCATORS by Leilani Sabzalian, Meredith L. McCoy, and Helen Thomas (Routledge, 2026): www.routledge.com/Teaching-Ind... #EDSKY #BookSky @leilanisabz.bsky.social

Photograph: Copy of TEACHING INDIGENOUS STUDIES: AN INTRODUCTION FOR K-12 EDUCATORS. Stylized geometric design with flowers growing out of book on a rattan table outside. Tree and purple fence in the background. Daylight.

193

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Now available! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN: DONADAGOHVI by Christine Hartman Derr & Morgan Thompson (Heartdrum) "celebrates the memory of beloved, departed family members and the power of language to link memory across time." @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

014

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Thank you for sending! I have school visits to rehearse for tomorrow, but I'll circle back to this later in the week.

000

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

World Gratitude Day is Sept. 21! Gratitude is a daily practice, so let’s shine a light on books for every day. #KidLit

Collage with graphic that reads BE GRATEFUL everyday, and cover art: THANK YOU, OMU! by Ogre Mora (Little, Brown)

GRACIAS – THANKS by Pat Mora and John Parra (Lee & Low)

WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac (Charlesbridge)

THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE, edited by Miranda Paul, ill. by Marlena Miles (Millbrook)

030

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

"Bryce shows real emotional growth as he falls in love with skateboarding, improves his mental health, and engages with his community. A textured, heartwarming story of growth and connection." — Kirkus Reviews @byrongraves.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social #BookSky #Heartdrum

082

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Last call for pre-orders! LIKE GLASS by Jen Ferguson (Métis and white), cover art by Alanah Jewell (Oneida Nation of the Thames)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Shelf Awareness & Kirkus Reviews! @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky

031

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

“A fantastic fall read for anyone seeking a bit of courage and magic." —Booklist ABOUT RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)(Heartdrum, summer 2026). Ages 8-up.

“A fantastic fall read for anyone seeking a bit of courage and magic." —Booklist; cover art for RAVEN, RISING (three middle-grade girls seated in a gazebo, drinking cocoa with black cat and kittens)

063

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Last call for pre-orders! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN: DONADAGOHVI, written by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), illustrated by Morgan Thompson (Cherokee)(Heartdrum, 2026) Ages 4-up. @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

042

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

“…creating these books has reminded me that there is heroism in daily life, and no magic is more powerful than loved ones showing up for one another.” Cynthia Leitich Smith Leave a comment by Oct. 15 for a chance to win HERE COME THE GRANDMAS!: www.umakrishnaswami.com/blog/formida... #KidLit

031

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

★ “beautifully written story that digs with unflinching honesty into complex issues of grief and messy relationships. A painful and genuine exploration of family, self, and creative expression.” Kirkus Reviews, starred @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @epicreads.bsky.social

020

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Online & In Person! Join us for “Indigenous Voices: On the Page and Behind the Bylines,” presented by Cynthia Leitich Smith from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Elmer L. Anderson Library at 222 21st Av. S. in Minneapolis or online! view.ecommunications2.umn.edu?vawpToken=HI... #BookSky

050

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Mvto/thank you! Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss your writing and goals!

001

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More) @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

“We look forward to seeing you for our upcoming Native Ways of Knowing Book Club Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), where we are featuring Cynthia Leitich Smith." Register: bit.ly/NWOK-Learn @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

Author photo of Cynthia Leitich Smith. Native Ways of Knowing Book Blub Club. Picture book: HERE COME THE GRANDMAS! Grandmas gathered behind kids. Anthology: LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES (Native people gathered at drive-in restaurant.)

041