Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
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cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
@cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
3.1K followers 500 following 580 posts
children's-YA author, Heartdrum imprint curator, dog mom
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cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Roll for It: Dungeons and Dragons in YA by Kelly Jensen from Book Riot. “Little Badger’s short story in this collection of interconnected, intertribal stories, follows a group of Native teens who bond online over Dungeons and Dragons.” bookriot.com/roll-for-it-... #BookSky @littlebadger.bsky.social
Book Riot Logo: Roll for It Dungeons and Dragons in YA. Cover art for LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum), ROLL FOR LOVE by M.K. England (Running Press Kids) and THIS IS HOW WE ROLL by Rosiee Thor (Page Street YA).
January 21, 2026 at 4:02 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
“Reading is an exercise in empathy.” @malorieblackman.bsky.social Let’s make an effort to include Indigenous voices and perspectives in the reading lives of kids and teens. #Books @harperkids.bsky.social @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
Headlne: Ojibwe Books Set in Minnesota. Cover art for Red Bird Danced next to cover art for Rez Ball. Cover for Red Bird Danced features a collage with the title on top a row of jingle-dress jngles, a red dress, woodland flowers, a cardinal, and two kids outside a building. Rez Ball features a Native teenage boy holding a basketball to his hip and standing outside. The title and byline are above him. Background of post is mauve. Bottom reads: "Reading is an exercise in empathy." Malorie Blackman
January 20, 2026 at 4:25 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
“Reading is an exercise in empathy.” Malorie Blackman. Let’s make an effort to include Indigenous voices and perspectives in the reading lives of kids and teens. #Books
January 20, 2026 at 4:02 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
A PLACE TO LAND: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND THE SPEECH THAT INSPIRED A NATION by Barry Wittenstein & Jerry Pinkney is one of four books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shelved in my little free library this month. Every day is a good day to learn about Black heroes and Black history. #KidLit
Copy of A PLACE TO LAND: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND THE SPEECH THAT INSPIRED A NATION (MLK in profile in a black suit, resting his chin on his hand, quilt in the background. Book is placed on a white, tufted cushion on a wooden bench.
January 19, 2026 at 5:15 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Teen Library Toolbox at SLJ highlights its Most Anticipated YA Reads of 2026, e.g. AN EXPANSE OF BLUE by @kauawrites.bsky.social & MEDICINE WHEELS by @byrongraves.bsky.social, both Heartdrum: teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2025/12/30/m... #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
Logos for SLJ (letters in blue) and Teen Librarian Toolbox (stacked words in white against red rectangle) above two book covers: AN EXPANSE OF BLUE (Hawaiian girl in profile with a flower in her upswept hair), MEDICINE WHEELS (Ojibwe teen boy holding a skateboard, Medicine Wheels on the board and behind him in the art. Medium blue background to overall image.
January 18, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
✨ COVER REVEAL ✨

Introducing MY BODY, MY RULES — an inclusive and accessible introduction to bodily autonomy — written and illustrated by Andy Passchier! Forthcoming from Little Bee Books on April 7th, 2026.

📖 bit.ly/MBMR-book
Bright yellow graphic displaying the book cover for “My Body, My Rules” written and illustrated by Andy Passchier, forthcoming from Little Bee Books on April 7th, 2026. The cover illustration shows a diverse array of children of different races and body types. Some are wheelchair users, use prosthetic limbs, or other mobility devices. The words “Cover Reveal” are sandwiching the book cover, and there is a bright purple starburst off to the right-hand side with the book’s release date (April 7th). Graphic containing a book description for “My Body, My Rules” which reads, in part: “This read-aloud picture book helps adults begin important conversations about bodies and boundaries in a supportive and affirming way. We all use our bodies to express ourselves. Your body belongs to you, and YOU get to make ALL the rules. There are eight BILLION people living on Earth. That's eight billion unique laughs, smiles, ways to dress, think, act, and play. You use your body to express yourself everyday, and it's important that everyone's body is respected. This book is a helpful and empowering way to have a first conversation with children about bodies, boundaries, play, and consent. Filled with expert definitions and information about the world around us, this essential book reminds every reader that when it comes to their body, they make the rules for themselves.”
January 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Check out BookBrowse’s Most Anticipated Young Adult Fiction of 2026: www.bookbrowse.com/blogs/editor... #BookSky
SHARDS OF SILENCE by Brian Lee Young (Heartdrum, May 5). In his first YA novel, award-winning author Brian Lee Young (Diné) bridges the generational divide between a Navajo teen at an elite prep school and his great-grandmother’s experience at a federal boarding school for Indigenous students. The book is an eye-opening call for community healing and a profound coming-of-age story. Cover art, title on top with swirling colors against forest, historic home below that, teenager approaching). Post background is green with the post headline and BookBrowse: Your guide to exceptional books logo. WHERE YOU’LL FIND US by Jen St. Jude (Bloomsbury, June 2). In this beautifully profound YA novel, a trans teen finds a home where queer kids from all different decades have found refuge from hatred-and from time. Cover art: illustration of Navajo teen boy in formal jacket over orange shirt, with Heartdrum logo (young eagle feather on Alaska Native drum) to the side.
January 16, 2026 at 4:14 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Heartdrum’s AN EXPANSE OF BLUE by @kauawrites.bsky.social (May 19) is among @msmagazine.com's Reads for the Rest of Us: The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2026 by Karla J. Strand: msmagazine.com/2026/01/12/a... #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
Ms. logo in hot pink, headline: Reads for the Rest of Us: The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2026. Cover art: An Expanse of Blue. Native Hawaiian teenage girl in profile, flower in her hair, bird in the background, title in yellow at the bottom, background is yellow with blue waves.
January 15, 2026 at 4:48 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announced the Special Project Trinkett Clark Internship: carlemuseum.org/about/work-v... @carlemuseum.bsky.social #Internships
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announced the Special Project Trinkett Clark Internship. In Summer 2026, the Museum offers a 12-week Special Project Internship as part of planning the 2027 exhibition, “The Precious Things We Share: The Past, Present, and Future of Indigenous Picture Book Art. Eleanor Owl Stolzoff, the 2025 Special Project Trinkett Clark intern, in the Reading Library exhibition.
January 14, 2026 at 5:37 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Congratulations, debut author Karina Iceberg and acclaimed illustrator Natasha Donovan! A GOOD HIDE is now available from Heartdrum. From these hands, old to new, a tradition of love passes through. @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit
Congratulations headline in gold with gold streamers and stars. Subhead: Debut Author Karina Iceberg & Illustrator Natasha Donovan. Below that, cover art: A Good Hide -- illustration of two kids and an Elder scraping a stretched hide. Headshots in oval of author and illustrator (two young Indigenous women), above them Heartdrum logo, name beneath Alaska Native drum with young eagle feather centered. Background deep violet blue.
January 13, 2026 at 3:18 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Children’s-YA Books of 2026 include Heartdrum's RAVEN, RISING and MEDICINE WHEELS: lithub.com/the-most-ant... #KidLit @byrongraves.bsky.social
The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of 2026
Which books will the kids in your life fall in love with this year? We hope there will be lots, but to get your reading list started, we invited nine stellar children’s book creators—authors and il…
lithub.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
lindamludke.bsky.social
In Stronger Than by @poetnikki.bsky.social and @stacyvwells.bsky.social illus E.B. Lewis, a Black Choctaw child discovers an intergenerational legacy of courage and enduring love. Here's my ⭐Booklist #bookreview: tinyurl.com/mrzhrd45 #KidLit 📚👍 @cynleitichsmith.bsky.social @harperkids.bsky.social
The cover of the picture book Stronger Than by Nikki Grimes and Stacy Wells, illustrated by E. B. Lewis, shows a Black Choctaw boy outside in the twilight, looking straight ahead at the reader. In the background, a small, illuminated apparition appears.
January 12, 2026 at 2:55 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Hello/Boozhoo! Sound off if you love Jo Jo Makoons! Now that winter is fully upon us, now is a good time to make sure that you’ve read all the books published so far in the series!

#KidLit #chapterbooksforkids #NativeAmerican #FirstNations #Ojibwe #ChildrensBooks
Headline: It's always the season for JO JO MAKOONS! Cover art for JO JO MAKOONS: SNOW DAY. Jo Jo makes a snow bear, with the help of Mimi her cat. Background is blue polka dots. Four book covers from the JO JO MAKOONS early chapter book series: THE USED-T0-BE BEST FRIEND, FANCY PANTS, RULE SCHOOL, and THE SUPER-SCARY SLEEPOVER. In each, Jo Jo and her gray tabby cat are featured. In UTBBF, Jo Jo is standing hands on hips with her cat Mimi beside her. In FP, they're playing with a curtain. In RS, Jo Jo is rehearsing with her stuffies and Mimi watching, and in TSSS, Jo Jo is in her PJs, clearly afraid of a "closet monster." The background is a bright yellow.
January 11, 2026 at 6:55 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
★ @ala-booklist.bsky.social starred: “A powerful picture book about a Black Choctaw child discovering who he is.”

STRONGER THAN by @poetnikki.bsky.social, @stacyvwells.bsky.social & EB Lewis (Heartdrum) is available for pre-order. #KidLit

@harperkids.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
January 10, 2026 at 10:37 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Honored to find LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN in amazing company: tribalcollegejournal.org/the-best-nat... #BookSky @epicreads.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social @kauawrites.bsky.social @ajeversole.bsky.social @byrongraves.bsky.social @davidarobertson.bsky.social
The Best Native Studies Books of 2025
Whether fiction, history, or memoir, great storytelling stands the test of time. Our annual list assembles some of the finest Native works published this past year.
tribalcollegejournal.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:05 PM
cynleitichsmith.bsky.social
Glowing reviews & last call for pre-orders! Check out A GOOD HIDE by debut Alaska Native author Karina Iceberg and acclaimed illustrator Natasha Donovan (Heartdrum, Jan. 13 2026). @harperkids.bsky.social @harperstacks.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social #KidLit
Second star & rave review, Cover art for A GOOD HIDE (Alaska Native children and Elder scraping a stretched hide). ★ Kirkus Reviews (starred): “A rapturous reflection on community worth holding close to one’s heart.” ★ Publishers Weekly (starred): “A wealth of aunties contribute to an Indigenous child’s day-to-day in this lovingly communal picture book portrait.” Booklist: "A fascinating glimpse into a time-honored Indigenous practice."
January 8, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “An Expanse of Blue” by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams (May 19th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “An Expanse of Blue” by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams – releasing on May 19th, 2026. Brief synopsis: Fans of “The Poet X” will fall for this powerful, romantic debut novel-in-verse about a Native Hawaiian girl's fight to find belonging in a fracturing family, sharing a message of love with resounding emotional truth.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “Shards of Silence” by Brian Lee Young (May 5th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “Shards of Silence” by Brian Lee Young – releasing on May 5th, 2026. Brief synopsis: In his first YA novel, award-winning author Brian Lee Young bridges the generational divide between a Navajo teen at an elite prep school and his great-grandmother’s experience at a federal boarding school for Indigenous students.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “The Unfinished” by Cheryl Isaacs (paperback, May 5th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “The Unfinished” by Cheryl Isaacs – releasing in paperback on May 5th, 2026. Brief synopsis: When small-town athlete Avery’s morning run leads her to a strange pond in the middle of the forest, she awakens a horror the townspeople of Crook’s Falls have long forgotten.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “Here Come the Aunties!” by Cynthia Leitich Smith and Aphelandra (Feb. 10th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “Here Come the Aunties!” by Cynthia Leitich Smith and Aphelandra – releasing on February 10th, 2026. Brief synopsis: Aunts by kinship as well as family friends, neighbors, and community members all step up to fill the important role of “auntie.” They are there for life’s joys, sorrows, and celebrations, bringing their own special love.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “Aaniin: I See Your Light” by Dawn Quigley and Nanibah Chacon (Jan. 27th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “Aaniin: I See Your Light” by Dawn Quigley and Nanibah Chacon – releasing on January 27th, 2026. Brief synopsis: Using the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings, this picture book by acclaimed author Dawn Quigley and debut Diné artist Nanibah Chacon introduces universal values for living with loving recognition of a child’s own inner goodness.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “Stronger Than” by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, and E.B. Lewis (Jan. 27th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “Stronger Than” by Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells, and E.B. Lewis – releasing on January 27th, 2026. Brief synopsis: Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “A Good Hide” by Karina Iceberg and Natasha Donovan (Jan. 13th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “A Good Hide” by Karina Iceberg and Natasha Donovan – releasing on January 13th, 2026. Brief synopsis: With humor and heart, debut author Karina Iceberg and award-winning illustrator Natasha Donovan share a resonant message of gratitude, community, and shared knowledge as an intertribal Native Alaskan community works together to tan a moose hide.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
📖 2026 HEARTDRUM RELEASES:

▪︎ “Red Bird Dancing” by Dawn Quigley (paperback, Jan. 6th)
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic features one Heartdrum title being published from HarperCollins in 2026. The title featured on this slide is “Red Bird Dancing” by Dawn Quigley. The paperback copy releases on January 6th, 2026. Brief synopsis: With lyrical verse and powerful emotion, Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) tells the story of urban Native kids who find strength in connection with those who came before and in the hope that lets them take flight.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Native Books for Young Readers & More)
weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social
It’s going to be a huge year for Heartdrum releases! Get your TBRs ready, because here are all the Heartdrum titles releasing in 2026 (announced so far) 📝📚
Dark green graphic with a panel of illustrated flowers and leaves on the right-hand side. The graphic is titled “Every Single Heartdrum Title Being Published in 2026 (so far)”.
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM