Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)

@cynleitichsmith

children's-YA author, Heartdrum imprint curator, little free library steward, dog mom

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 1d

★ “...brief interludes from Browyn’s perspective prior to her death strengthen the novel’s emotional resonance, culminating in a nuanced and deeply gratifying examination of loss. — @publisherswkly.bsky.social #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 2d

Celebrate the new school year with Heartdrum middle grade books! #KidLit @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @byoungwrites.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 5d

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN: DONADAGOHVI by Christine Hartman Derr & Morgan Thompson (Heartdrum, 2026) “...deftly, dreamily, incorporates tribal motifs into landscapes, animals, and backgrounds.'” —Kirkus Reviews @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 6d

Celebrate the new school year with the JO JO MAKOONS series, written by Dawn Quigley and illustrated by @taraaudibert.bsky.social (Heartdrum)! It’s about a hilarious Ojibwe girl with her own unique view on the world. @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 7d

Are you on the route? In ON A WING AND A TEAR, our heroes travel from Chicago to Iowa City to Wallace State Park in MO, to Douglas County, KS to Cherokee Nation through Arkansas and Memphis, to Mississippi, through Alabama to the Ocmulgee Mounds outside Macon, GA. #KidLit @harperkids.bsky.social

Map of the states mentioned in the post, each with an image icon, and in the top right corner, the cover art for ON A WING AND A TEAR with the question: Is your state on the road trip?

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 9d

Cover Reveal! JO JO MAKOONS: THE FUN FIELD TRIP by Dawn Quigley and Tara Audibert (Heartdrum, 2027). @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 13d

Sending bookish joy and gratitude to Missouri readers! @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit #BookSky

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 14d

What a phenomenal four days at the @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social Native Children’s-YA Writing Intensive in Irving, Texas! @harperkids.bsky.social #KidLit

Pictured: keynote speaker Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams, Leigh Baker, hosting editor Rosemary Brosnan, agent-faculty John Cusick, workshop co-chair Christine Hartman Derr, Danielle Emerson, pro-track speaker AJ Eversole, Susan Foss, pro-track speaker Karina Iceberg, editor-faculty Alyssa Miele, Jennifer March, Meggan Taylor, Autumn Loyal Watkins, program assistant Stacy Wells, WNDB Native Fund Rep. and Leslie Stall Widener. Mostly Native women in a hotel conference room having a writing workshop.

Cynthia Leitich Smith in front of long wooden table of workshopping authors. Karina Iceberg preparing to present PP slides at the front of the conference room.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 16d

Rosemary Brosnan and Cynthia Leitich Smith at Heartdrum @harperkids.bsky.social have bought THE GROUND SHIFTS, a debut middle grade novel by @ajeversole.bsky.social. @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 17d

Celebrate Aunt's Day with HERE COME THE AUNTIES! by Cynthia Leitich Smith and Aphelandra (Heartdrum, 2026)! #KidLit #aunties @aphelandraw.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @curtisbrownltd.bsky.social

Happy Aunt's Day in turquoise; July 26 in gold; Cover art: Here Come the Aunties (aunties gathered behind child raising arms high, white background). Picture book cover against red dot against white post background.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 23d

Stars are shining on Heartdrum's 2026 releases! @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit #YALit #BookSky

Heartdrum 2026 Starred Reviews (So Far)
AANIIN: I SEE YOUR LIGHT, written by Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe), illustrated by Nanibah Chacon (Navajo) (Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 4-up. Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.

FREE TO FLY, written by Karina Iceberg (Aleut-Alutiiq), illustrated by Steph Littlebird (Kalapuya/Chinook)(Heartdrum, 2026). Age 4-up. Starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

A GOOD HIDE, written by Karina Iceberg (Aleut (Unangax^) and Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) Nations), illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 4-up. Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly.

HERE COME THE AUNTIES!, written by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), illustrated by Aphelandra (Oneida)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 4-up. Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.

STRONGER THAN, written by Nikki Grimes and Stacy Wells (Choctaw), illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Lenni Lenape)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 4-up. Starred reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal.

RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)(Heartdrum, summer 2026). Ages 8-up. Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.

AN EXPANSE OF BLUE by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams (Kanaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian), cover art by JT Ojerio (Kanaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. Starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness.

MEDICINE WHEELS by Byron Graves (Red Lake Ojibwe), cover art by Kameron White (Cherokee-Choctaw)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. Starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness.

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). Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 24d

“Mistakes, and how we respond to them, teaches us who we are and allows us to choose who we want to become...it’s so important to let kids make mistakes. In real life, and in the books they read.” Christine Hartman Derr, Teen Librarian Toolbox teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2026/07/07/l... #KidLit

“Mistakes, and how we respond to them, teaches us who we are and allows us to choose who we want to become. This is why it’s so important to let kids make mistakes. In real life, and in the books they read.” —Christine Hartman Derr from Teen Librarian Toolbox at School Library Journal; quote in orange quote graphic, white background.

Photo of Christine in natural life frame. Smiling, dangle earrings, conventionally attractive young Cherokee woman.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 25d

Publishers Weekly Fall Preview Top 10 YA books include LIKE GLASS by Jen Ferguson (Métis and white), cover art by Alanah Jewell (Oneida Nation of the Thames)(Heartdrum, 2026). Ages 13-up. View: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/... @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #BookSky

Publishers Weekly Fall Preview Top 10 YA Books: Two girls looking at each other, one of which is reflective of the stained glass in the background. Post has white text on blue background.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 26d

“If I wanted to write a book, I was going to have to actually write it at some point. The trade-off I promised myself was this: I have to write the book, but I get to write it my way.” @kauawrites.bsky.social: www.umakrishnaswami.com/blog/guest-p... @epicreads.bsky.social #BookSky

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 27d

★ “A gently magical tale of a Cherokee girl’s coming of age that tenderly handles very real issues; a strongly recommended debut for fiction collections.” —School Library Journal (starred) @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit #Heartdrum

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 28d

“…it’s about falling in love with a passion that becomes a saving grace, a lighthouse if you will, for Bryce’s dark moments in his young life.” — @byrongraves.bsky.social from The Nerd Daily: thenerddaily.com/byron-graves... #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· 29d

Heartdrum pre-order alert! HERE COME THE GRANDMAS! by Cynthia Leitich Smith & Aphelandra. Avail. Sept. 8! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN: DONADAGOHVI by Christine Hartman Derr & Morgan Thompson. Avail. Sept. 22! @aphelandraw.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 9

Coming soon in paperback from Heartdrum @harperkids.bsky.social @epicreads.bsky.social ! A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS by Jen Ferguson, cover by Bailey Macabre. Ages 13+ ON A WING AND A TEAR by Cynthia Leitich Smith, cover by Natasha Donovan. Ages 8+ #BookSky @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Paperback Pre-order Alert. Cover art for A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS (Four teens camping at night) and ON A WING AND A TEAR (grandfather roundtripping in a truck with two kids in the back seat). Background is yellow-pink. Text is orange and black.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 8

BCCB: “Through all his trials, he continued to dream of his future descendants, explaining to his grandchild with a hug that his most fervent wish is for the child to dream their own dreams.” #KidLit @stephlittlebird.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Recommended by Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books: “Through all his trials, he continued to dream of his future descendants, explaining to his grandchild with a hug that his most fervent wish is for the child to dream their own dreams.”

The book has also received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

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

In a treehouse by the sea, a grandfather shares the story of how he kept his dreams alive with thoughts of his future grandchild—who is his most precious dream of all.

Hope takes flight in this tender picture book by author Karina Iceberg (Aleut-Alutiiq), and illustrator Steph Littlebird (Kalapuya/Chinook), who share a story of Native resilience with a conversation between a grandparent and grandchild that soars into a message of love that spans generations—both those past and to come.

Cover art: Grandfather with wings behind grandchild with wings. Black text on purple background.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 7

Now available! RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)(Heartdrum, summer 2026). Ages 8-up. #KidLit #BookBDay @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social

Now available from Heartdrum (in yellow); cover art for RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (three middle school girls seated on a bench in a gazebo with black cats/kittens). Post background is burgundy. Two colors of pink hearts down the right side, alongside the cover art.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 5

Michael L. Printz Awards with Mimi Rankin of Harper S&L marketing, Honor Awardee (and previous winner) Angeline Boulley, author Kekla Magoon, editor Rosemary Brosnan, Honor Awardee (VCFA alumnx) Adina King, plus the Printz committee, fellow honorees and guests! #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith delivering the Printz acceptance speech; award certificate

Photo collage: Cynthia delivering the acceptance speech; winners posing with committee, Mimi Rankin, Angeline and Cynthia, Kekla and Cynthia, stacks of award books, Rosemary and Cynthia. Michael L Printz Award for Excellence in YA Literature. Blue background.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 4

It was an honor to celebrate the 100th anniversary of @harperkids.bsky.social by presenting on the main stage with authors Jerry Craft, David Wiesner, and Keven Henkes at Ci2026. Highlights included reuniting with author-bookseller-educator Michael Leali. #KidLit

Keven Henkes and David Wiesner at a conference luncheon table, ABA Children's Institute Ci2026 Schaumburg, IL; slide of HarperCollins Children's Books Celebrating 100 Years, Cynthia Leitich Smith and Michael Leali, rolled dessert on a plate, stacks of Legendary Frybread Drive-In and Ancestor Approved, Jerry Craft and Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 3

Last call for pre-orders! RAVEN, RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)(Heartdrum, summer 2026). Ages 8-up. @harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jul 2

A peek at the American Indian Library Association (AILA)'s American Indian Youth Literature Awards at the American Indian Center of Chicago. #KidLit #ALA2026 @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @stacyvwells.bsky.social @laurelgoodluck.bsky.social

American Indian Youth Literature Award: collage of photos. On screen JO JO MAKOONS AND THE SUPER SCARY SLEEPOVER, THE UNFINISHED; photos of authors Dawn Quigley and Pasha Westbrook speaking, illustrator Madelyn Goodnight speaking, Andrea L. Rogers and Cameron Mukwa posing for the camera. Dawn Quigley smiling as she signs and Stacy Wells introducing Steph Littlebird to Dawn.

Photos of authors speaking -- Cheryl Isaacs, Daniel Vandever, Elisse McMullin-Ciotti, Laurel Goodluck, plus artist Rebecca Lee Kunz speaking, on screen the cover art for LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, printed programs for the 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Awards; Angeline Boulley greeting Joy Harjo in the signing line

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jun 25

Join me & @stacyvwells.bsky.social for "Living Stories: Centering Contemporary Native Voices" 10:30-11:30 AM Saturday Room W194A, McCormick Place, Chicago. Join me for my signing of LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN (Heartdrum, 2025) 2-3 PM Saturday at @harperkids.bsky.social Booth #3812. #ALA #Libraries

ALA150 American Library Association: author photos of Stacy Wells and Cynthia Leitich Smith (two Native women with long hair, Cynthia in glasses), Saturday, June 27; 10:30-11:30 AM, AIYLA President Program; Living Stories: Centering Contemporary Native Voices, Room W194A; McCormick Place Center; black type with yellow/beige background; book graphic floating behind authors

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jun 24

★ "dynamic, moody mix of angst and hope, grappling frankly with the multifront trials and joys of an Indigenous youth.” -Shelf Awareness, starred MEDICINE WHEELS by @byrongraves.bsky.social (Ojibwe), cover by Kameron White (Cherokee-Choctaw)(Heartdrum). #BookSky @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Quote from post, THIRD STARRED REVIEW, cover art for MEDICINE WHEELS (Ojibwe boy holding a skateboard. Medicine wheel on the board and behind him in the sky). Graphic of three stars to the right. White background. Orange, gray, and green type/illustrations.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jun 23

RAVEN RISING by Christine Hartman Derr (Heartdrum, 2026) is featured on Kids’ Indie Next List! #KidLit @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jun 23

★ School Library Journal (starred): “A must-purchase from powerhouse creators that will resonate with all children.” The book also has received a starred review from Booklist. #picturebooks #childrensbooks #AfroIndigenousRising #ChoctawNation @stacyvwells.bsky.social @poetnikki.bsky.social #KidLit

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jun 22

Three Heartdrum books have been recognized by the Arizona Library Association as 2027 Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominees! #KidLit @harperstacks.bsky.social @byoungwrites.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social

Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award:

TO WALK THE SKY: HOW IROQUOIS STEELWORKERS HELPED BUILD TOWERING CITIES, written by Patricia Morris Buckley (Mohawk), illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Lenni-Lenape) (Heartdrum. 2025). Ages 4-up.

HEROES OF THE WATER MONSTER by Brian Young (Navajo), cover art by Shonto Begay (Navajo)(Heartdrum, 2023). Ages 8-up.

WE STILL BELONG by Christine Day (Upper Skagit), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw)(Heartdrum, 2023). Ages 8-up.

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)@cynleitichsmith· Jun 21

The Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Books: “…a coming-of-age sports story that speaks directly and compassionately to Indigenous teens, layered with grit and heart.” @byrongraves.bsky.social @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social