Amongst the Books

"You're going to hit roadblocks.  You're not going to like what you're writing or drawing but you got to stick with it, and it is part of the process." Eisner nominated comic author-illustrator Chris Grine talks about working through obstacles and believing in yourself.  We were honored to get to talk with Chris today about his latest book series Secrets of Camp Nowhere and his process i...

"Be brave, because some can not be as brave as they can."  Marta Breen is an author who writes about women's rights, and the trials and success that they have had across the globe.  Her graphic novel Fearless Females, which is illustrated by Jenny Jordahl, touches on the lives of several women and cover such subjects as voting rights, and equal pay.   You can follow Marta on Twitter...

Blue Delliquanti truly dives into their work, and the results are deliciously entertaining with beautifully crafted characters and stories.  I got to speak with Blue about their work and got to ask about their bug-eating fascination that is the feature of the book Meal .   Learn more about Blue at their website bluedelliquanti.com and follow them on Twitter @bluedelliquanti  You can...

Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, and Lupin the Cat. What do these three names have in common?  They are bringing you the news! Georgia Dunn creator of Breaking Cat News is a funny, energetic, and talented author and illustrator and we were lucky to have her share her inspiration and her creative process.  Her latest book Elivs Puffs Out is out now and brings even more newsworthy report...

The people in your life are such a great source of inspiration, and Dana Simpson has used her inspiration to create an amazing cast of characters that speak to readers of all ages.  I got to talk with the creator of Pheobe and her Unicorn and learn about her process, how she got started, and her working on the picture book I'm Not a GirlI.   Learn more about Dana at danasimpson.com, foll...

Video game lovers rejoice, author Dustin Brady has created a chapter series that is perfect for you. And even if you aren't a gamer you can still enjoy this adventurous and imaginative series, Trapped in a Video from AMPKids.  Dustin sits down with us to talk about his writing process, turning is phone off while he works, and how to ignore the negative comments.  You can find Dustin and...

Diversity allows us to experience the world through another's eyes and in the graphic novel The Breakaways, author Cathy Johnson introduces us to a lively cast of characters.  I was lucky to get to talk with Cathy and learn where the inspiration came from, how they got started in the art world, and what it is like to pass on these lessons to their students and literary world.  Visit Cath...

Everyone is unique and special in their own way.  And that is the message graphic novelist Kimberli Johnson is hoping all readers young and old and know.  In her book Emeline: Knight in Training  Kimberli create a young heroine whose determination helps her succeed.  Crafter for dyslexic readers, Emeline: Knight in Training is accessible and touching for all readers.   Fol...

Ancient Egypt? Space travel? Saving the world? If anyone can handle this Cleopatra can.  In creating a unique world, you have to blaze your own path, and learn alittle about yourself along the way.  Thank you Mike for talking about your process and how you created this magical world. Learn more about Mike and his work at operationspacecat.com  and follow him on Twitter and Instagram...

Dive into history in a whole new way.  Nathan Hale (not relation to the historical figure) is the author and illustrator the Nathan Hale Hazardous Tale series, and One Trick Pony talks with us about his process, from research to drawing, and how he came to be a graphic novelist.   Follow Nathan Hale on Twitter at @MrNathanHale or at nathanhaleauthor.com Follow us on Twitter at @amongstth...

Everyone has a writing switch and turning it on helps create your story.  Rob Buyea is the author of The Mr. Terupt series and The Perfect Score series, and introduces readers to memorable characters whose stories are full of love and hope and humanity. You can find more information about Rob at www.robbuyea.com and on Twitter @RobBuyea You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast &n...

Telling the stories that need to be told, and celebrating the stories you build with others.  Matthew C. Winner is a celebrated teacher librarian and host of two podcasts.  His enthusiasm for reading, his caring nature towards authors and illustrators, make his podcasts a must listen.  Getting to talk with him about libraries, student engagement, and how books can help was a true jo...

Kids have so much inside of them and it takes time to discover that.   Author Brigit Young speaks to every young female reader, and adult, with her newest book The Prettiest.  A story of unlikely friendship, discovering yourself, and learning how to accept others.  This empowering novel is timely and relatable.   Visit Brigit at https://www.brigityoung.com/ or follow her o...

Penny is down on her luck...boy is she ever.  But just when everything seems to be going wrong, she meets Walter, and suddenly it doesn't seem too bleak.  Well except for her 12-year-old tyrant of a boss.  Luck Penny is a quirky, and highly engaging graphic novel by Ananth Hirsch and Yuka Ota, full of fun and amusing characters.  Part romance, part coming of age, and definitely...

Hungry for a good space adventure, with a dash of humor and wit?  Than Spacebattle Lunchtime is the series for you. We got to sit down with Natalie and learn all about her inspirations, her process and her favorite dessert.   Learn more about Natalie at natalieriess.com and follow her on Twitter @SnarlBear You can learn about the Spacebattle Lunchtime series at onipress.com Follow Amongs...

Did you ever have a lucky rabbit foot? Did you avoid walking under a ladder?  Did a you cross the street when you saw a black cat?  Well if you did than you believe in superstitions.  And Haphaven by Norm Harper and Louie Joyce is the graphic novel for you.  Featuring a a cast of characters sure to delight especially the main character Alex, a spunky 13-year-old tasked with des...

Did you know that an accordion is vital to a great band?  Or that a bell can bring calm? Daniel Handler knows, and we got to learn all about it and more on this interview full of giggles and words of wisdom.  To learn more about Daniel Handler and a Series of Unfortunate Events you can follow him on Instagram @authordanielhandler or on Twitter @DanielHandler. You can watch all three seasons of A S...

We wanted to bring you a small episode, but a very personal one.  We wanted to say thank you to all of the individuals who are  the real superheroes, our first responders, hospital workers, postal and delivery workers, restaurants and many more.   #staysafe #socialdistancing #heroes #thankyou

Middle school is hard enough without being the...New Kid. The team got to conduct their first zoom interview with 2020 Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Medal Winner Jerry Craft as he talks about is inspiration for his book The New Kid and his commitment to bringing quality literature and art to the graphic novel genre.  He even teaches me about not giving up on a drawing.  To learn m...

Ms. Skrezec got to speak to two time Ignatz Award winner Hazel Newlevant about their graphic novel No Ivy League, were we get to hear about her life one summer and how it really inspired her.   To learn about Hazel and their writing visit http://newlevant.com/ you can also follow them on Twitter @HNewlevant or on Instagram @newlevant You can follow Amongst The Books where ever you get you pod...

Today we have some podcasters for you.  The students are amazing, and while we go through these crazy times they are certainly working hard and want to share some tips with staying busy. We truly hope that you and your families are all safe and healthy.  And know that while we are in some uncertain times right now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we will come through it tog...

Today we have some podcasters for you.  The students are amazing, and while we go through these crazy times they are certainly working hard and want to share some tips with staying busy. We truly hope that you and your families are all safe and healthy.  And know that while we are in some uncertain times right now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we will come through it tog...

We at Amongst the Books hope that you and your families are safe and healthy.  We find ourselves in uncertain times, and being able to connect with each other is more valuable than ever.  And we hope that we are able to bring a little entertainment, a little lightness, and some smiles to your days.  So for today's episode please take a moment to meet some of the members to the Among...

We wanted take a moment to touch base and let you know the status of the show. Stay safe and wash your hands.

We are celebrating Read Across America with some stellar book recommendations!  Please take a listen to some books you will want to add to your shelves.  Follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast   You've been listening to us, and we would love to hear from you. So please rate and review us, and be sure to share us with all of your friends...