atinuke, author of TOO SMALL TOLA Series and L is for love

Author Atinuke was born in Ibadan, a city in southwestern Nigeria, and moved to Lagos with her family when she was five. She spent much of her childhood in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, where she attended boarding school. She is the author of many books for young readers including the picture books Baby Goes to Market, B Is for Baby, and Catch That Chicken!; the early chapter book series Anna Hibiscus and Too Small Tola; and the gorgeous nonfiction book Africa, Amazing Africa. Atinuke is the recipient of many awards, including a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor and a Children’s Africana Award. Atinuke lives in West Wales.

camara aaron, CONTRIBUTING author, The Black girl survives in this one EDITED BY desiree evans and SARACEIA J. FENNELL

Camara Aaron is a Dominican American writer and filmmaker, passionate about telling coming-of-age stories for and about Black women and girls. Her fiction can be found in Torch Literary Arts and the YA horror anthology “The Black Girl Survives in This One” (Flatiron, Spring 2024). She is currently in post-production on .fullstop., a short film she co-wrote and co-directed about a middle school soccer player’s first period. Camara graduated from Yale University with a BA in film and media studies. She is based in New York and working in documentary film.

instagram: @camaraife

autumn allen, author of ALL YOU HAVE TO DO and step on board

Autumn Allen is an educator and author of the historical young adult novel ALL YOU HAVE TO DO (Kokila/Penguin, 2023), a People Magazine must-read for fall 2023 and a Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of 2023. Her picture books, STEP ON BOARD: SCULPTING A MEMORIAL TO HARRIET TUBMAN, illustrated by Ekua Holmes, and ANSWERED PRAYERS, are forthcoming from Knopf. Autumn is a senior editor at Barefoot Books and a lecturer in children’s literature at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

www.autumnallenbooks.com
instagram: @autumnallenbooks

DR. joshua bennett, Author of the world is full of beautiful quiet things and Spoken word: a cultural history

Joshua Bennett is a Professor of Literature and Distinguished Chair of the Humanities at MIT. He is the author of five books, including Spoken Word: A Cultural History (Knopf, 2023), which was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2023; The Study of Human Life (Penguin, 2022), which won the Paterson Poetry Prize and is currently being adapted for television in collaboration with Warner Brothers Studios; and Being Property Once Myself (Harvard University Press, 2020), winner of the MLA’s William Sanders Scarborough Prize. His debut work of children’s literature, The World is Full of Beautiful Quiet Things, is forthcoming from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

For his creative writing and scholarship, Joshua has received fellowships and awards from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Whiting Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Society of Fellows at Harvard University. He lives in Massachusetts with his family.

www.drjoshuabennett.com
Facebook: Joshua Bennett
Instagram & Twitter: @sirjoshbennett

COZBI a. CABRERA, Author / illustrator of ME & MAMA & Illustrator of Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis

Cozbi A. Cabrera was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York by Honduran parents. A multimedia artist, she loves to draw, paint and work in textiles. Her Muñecas, meaning dolls in Spanish have garnered the attention of collectors around the world. One of her books, “Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” by Suzanne Slade was a Sibert Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor book. Her self-authored book “Me & Mama” won a 2021 Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor. She lives in Evanston, Illinois with her family.

www.cozbi.com
Instagram: @cozbi
Twitter: @cozbihandmade
Facebook: CozbiBooks

André Ceolin illustrator of Saudade: OUR LONGING FOR BRAZIL & WIth Lots of love

André Ceolin is a self-taught illustrator from Brazil. He also studied at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Melies, and the Escola Panamericana de Artes to develop a signature look and learn new illustration techniques. He has been illustrated books for publishers like HarperCollins, Penguin Books, and Apples & Honey Press. When not illustrating, he enjoys creating small toys and riding on any beautiful road. André lives in Brazil with his family.

Dr. sonja Cherry-paul, Author of Antiracist Reading Revolution: A Framework for Teaching Beyond Representation Toward Liberation

Dr. Sonja Cherry‑Paul is the founder of Red Clay Educators. She adapted the #1 New York Times Best Seller, Stamped (For Kids), and is the author of several books for educators to support reading and writing instruction. An educator with more than 20 years of classroom experience, she has developed curriculum that centered the work of racial literacy in K-12 schools. She is co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy, co-director of the Teach Black History All Year Institute, and executive producer and host of The Black Creators Series, an education-focused content platform that highlights the work of Black authors and illustrators.

Sonja provides professional development for schools and organizations on advancing the work of antiracism. Her forthcoming book is Antiracist Reading Revolution: A Framework for Teaching Beyond Representation Toward Liberation, published by Corwin (Spring 2024).

r. Gregory Christie, illustrator of nana’s new soul food & rock, rosetta, rock! roll, rosetta, roll!

R. Gregory Christie, is a distinguished artist, with more than 60 credited books for children and young readers. He notably, designed the Kwanzaa Forever stamp for the U.S. Postal Service, and had art on the New York City Subways system for one year. Christie is also the founder of GAS ART GIFTS LLC, an online children's bookstore with products and services derived from his ongoing career . With a Caldecott Honor, NAACP Image, two Award, Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award nominations, and six-time Coretta Scott King Honors, Christie's achievements showcase a rich legacy of creativity, hard work, and black history.

www.rergorychristie.com

rio cortez, author of the river is my Ocean & The abcS of black history

Rio Cortez is the New York Times bestselling author of picture books The ABCs of Black History, and the forthcoming The River Is My Ocean and The Blue Velvet Chair. She is also the author adult poetry collection Golden Ax, which was longlisted for the 2022 National Book Award in poetry and the PEN Open Book Award.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, she now lives, writes, and works in Harlem, New York.

Ana Crespo, author of saudade: our longing for brazil

Ana Crespo is at her happiest when she is surrounded by nature. So, Ana spends her summers traveling around the United States, visiting National Parks, and exploring some of the most beautiful places in America. She usually returns from her trips full of ideas for new stories. Her stories tend to focus on nature or Brazilian culture or a mix of both, such as in Saudade (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, 2024). Ana considers herself lucky to have a career that allows her to keep her imagination alive way beyond her childhood years. Originally from Brazil, Ana lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountain region with her husband and kids.

Ana has written many picture books, including the award-winning The Sock Thief: A Soccer Story and Lia & Luís: Who Has More? She is also an associate literary agent with East West, representing amazing people and incredible talent.

Antwan Eady, author of the last stand & nigel and the moon

Originally from Garnett, South Carolina, Antwan Eady is author of the award-winning picture book Nigel and the Moon, illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Down the dirt roads of South Carolina’s Low Country is where Eady’s understanding of—and appreciation for—family, community, and nature unfolded. Now he shares those stories with the world. His other titles include: The Last Stand, Poemhood: Our Black Revival (a Young Adult poetry anthology), as well as upcoming titles, The Gathering Table, Micah’s Rise, and Before the Bridge. When he isn’t writing, he’s visiting schools, libraries, and colleges throughout the country. A graduate of Clemson University, Antwan now lives in Savannah, Georgia.

safia elhillo, author of bright red fruit and home is not a country

Sudanese by way of Washington, DC, Safia Elhillo is the author of The January Children (University of Nebraska Press, 2017), which received the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets and an Arab American Book Award; the national bestseller Girls That Never Die (One World/Random House, 2022); and the novel in verse Home Is Not A Country (Make Me A World/Random House, 2021), which was longlisted for the National Book Award and received a Coretta Scott King Book Award Author Honor. Her second novel in verse, Bright Red Fruit (Random House, 2024) is an unflinching exploration of a teenager’s journey into the poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams.

safia-mafia.com/bio
Twitter: @mafiasafia
Instagram: @safiamafia

Aya ghanameh, Author and illustrator of these olive trees & illustrator of dear muslim child

Aya Ghanameh is a Palestinian illustrator, writer, and designer from Amman, Jordan currently based in New York City. Her work moves away from state-centric ways of thinking to center the voices of ordinary people in historical and political narratives. Her debut children's picture book, THESE OLIVE TREES (Viking Books, 2023), is inspired by the experiences of her family who cultivated her love of the earth throughout her upbringing in exile. Aya graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Literary Arts & Studies. She is now a Designer at Penguin Workshop at Penguin Random House.

www.ayaghanameh.com
Twitter: @ayaghanameh
Instagram: @ayaillustrates

Russell Goldman, author of Mother nature

Russell Goldman is a writer and filmmaker from Virginia. He is the screenwriter of RETURN TO SENDER, which placed in the top 10 of The 2023 Black List. He has played at over 100 film festivals around the world with his short film work, including RETURN TO SENDER and CLOSING TIME. He wrote MOTHER NATURE with Jamie Lee Curtis as a feature screenplay for Blumhouse and now as a graphic novel with Karl Stevens.

russellgoldman.com
Instagram: @russell_goldman

jyoti Rajan gopal, author of Desert queen & american desi

Growing up, Jyoti lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, China and India. She finally settled in New York where she raised two daughters with her husband (who also grew up all over the world. Jyoti tells stories that speak to her heart, that reflect her multiple identities, that she wishes her daughters had growing up, that she wishes her students had now. She is the author several picture books including Desert Queen, American Desi, My Paati’s Saris and One Sweet Song. She has several more picture books coming out this year and in the next few years.

Arely Guzmán, Assistant Editor at Levine Querido

Arely Guzmán is an Assistant Editor at Levine Querido. Previously, they were an editorial assistant at Knopf Books for Young Readers, and an editorial intern at Bloomsbury, Writers House, and Kweli Journal. They’re looking for middle grade and young adult books that will reverberate with the in-between communities, and fantastic stories for children who never saw themselves as protagonists. On their spare time, Arely can be found watching little gay cartoons, killing all their plants, and advocating that therapy should be accessible and inclusive.

SERENE HAKIM, AGENT AT AYESHA PANDE LITERARY

Serene Hakim is an agent at Ayesha Pande Literary. She represents authors in a variety of genres, from MG fantasy to adult literary fiction to contemporary YA. Serene is interested in both YA and adult fiction that has international themes, highlights a variety of cultures, and focuses on underrepresented voices. Specifically, she's looking for writing that explores identity, home, and family, and would love to find more Middle Eastern writers. She loves books that are heartwarming as well those that are heart wrenching. Serene is a member of the AALA and serves on the DEI committee.

Traci Huahn, author of Mamie Tape Fights to go to School: Based on a True Story

Traci Huahn is children’s book author who writes stories rooted in Asian American culture, history, and identity. Her forthcoming debut picture book, Mamie Tape Fights to go to School, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan and published by Crown Books for Young Readers, is based on the true story of 8-year-old Chinese American changemaker Mamie Tape’s fight to attend school in the 1880s. As a former attorney and the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Traci feels a deep connection to Mamie’s story and hopes it will inspire young readers to become changemakers, even if it starts with just one small step.

https://www.tracihuahn.com
Instagram/Twitter/Bluesky: @tracihuahn

frederick joseph, author of the black friend & BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT

Frederick Joseph is "a genius across genres," and a 2x New York Times bestselling author. A brave artist, Joseph also has a big heart, having been named the 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award Winner, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Recipient, the 2018 Comic-Con Humanitarian of the Year, and in recent years has raised over 50 million dollars for those in-need. He lives with his wife Porsche and dog Stokely in New York.

cheryl klein, editorial director, algonquin young readers

Cheryl Klein is the editorial director at Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman Publishing / Hachette Book Group, where she publishes books in all hardcover age categories. She is also the author of two adult books, including “The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults”, and five picture books, including the forthcoming “It’s Hard to Be a Baby”. Prior to her work at AYR, she spent five years as the editorial director of Lee & Low Books, and sixteen years as an editor at Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic.

cherylklein.com
Instagram: @chavelaque
Bluesky: @cherylklein.bsky.social

Anna Lapera, author of mani semilla finds her quetzal voice

Anna Lapera teaches middle school by day and writes stories about girls stepping into their power in the early hours of the morning. She is a Pushcart-prize nominee, a member of Las Musas, a Kweli Journal mentee and an alum of the Macondo Writers Workshop and Tin House winter workshop. When she’s not writing, you can find her visiting trails and coffee shops in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she lives with her family. Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice is her debut novel.

www.annalaperawriter.com
Instagram: @annalaperawriter

Amina Luqman-Dawson, Author of freewater & images of america: african americans of petersburg

Amina Luqman-Dawson loves using writing to tell stories and to build an understanding of race, culture and community. Her published writing includes op-eds in newspapers, magazine articles, travel writing and book reviews. She’s authored the pictorial history book Images of America: African Americans of Petersburg. She has a BA in Political Science from Vassar College and a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley. Her debut novel, Freewater, is a New York Times Bestseller, a John Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winner. Amina, her husband, and 14-year-old son, reside in Arlington, VA.

KAREN GOOD MARABLE, AUTHOR OF Yaya and the Sea

Raised in the HBCU town of Prairie View, Texas, Karen Good Marable is an award winning writer known for her distinctive voice and Southern sensibilities. With a career spanning three decades, Karen’s byline has appeared in numerous magazines and journals including The New Yorker, Essence, Oxford American, and New York Magazine. Her essays and poetry have been published in several books and best-of collections, most recently Bigger Than Bravery: Black Resilience and Reclamation in a Time of Pandemic (Lookout Books). Karen’s first book, Yaya and the Sea [Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers] debuts March 2024.

Niña mata, illustrator of beach hair

Author and Illustrator Niña (Neen-Ya) Mata #1 New York Times Bestselling Illustrator of "I Promise" by LeBron James She is also a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honoree for her work in "Ty's Travels, Zip Zoom by Kelly Starling Lyons." Niña grew up in Queens, New York. Her family emigrated from the Philippines when she was 6 years old. Because her parents worked and went to night school, Niña spent a lot of time drawing. Niña’s work is a reflection of her genuine belief that every child deserves to be seen and to know that their experiences and identities are valid and celebrated.

Alexandra V. Méndez, AUTHOR OF What the jaguar told her

Alexandra V. Méndez is an award-winning author, teacher, and scholar who grew up bilingual in Decatur, Georgia, with family roots in Mexico and Mississippi. She graduated from Harvard University in History and Literature and has a Ph.D. in Latin American and Iberian Cultures from Columbia University. Her debut novel What the Jaguar Told Her won the International Latino Book Award gold medal for Best Latino Focused Chapter Book and was named among Kirkus’s “Best Middle Grade Fiction of 2022.” It is available in Spanish as Lo que le contó el jaguar.

alexandravmendez.com
Instagram: @alex_v_mendez

denene Millner, VICE PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER of denene millner books, Simon & schuster

Denene Millner is the Vice President and Publisher of Denene Millner Books, an imprint that publishes stories that celebrate the humanity of Black children, by Black authors and illustrators. In her imprint’s debut year, Denene published Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, which received a Newbery Honor, a Caldecott Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor; Me & Mama, by author/illustrator Cozbi Cabrera, which won a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Honor; Keep Your Head Up, by Aliya King Neil, winner of the Southern Book Prize; and the instant New York Times bestseller Wings of Ebony, among many more. The children’s books, Yaya and the Sea by Karen Good Marable and The River Is My Ocean by Rio Cortez, will publish with Denene Millner Books in 2024.

HANNAH MOUSHABECK, AUTHOR OF HOMELAND: MY FATHER DREAMS OF PALESTINE

Hannah Moushabeck is a second-generation Palestinian American author, editor, and book marketer who was raised in a family of publishers and booksellers in Western Massachusetts and England. Born in Brooklyn into Interlink Publishing, a family-run independent publishing house, she learned the power of literature at a young age. She is the author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine (Chronicle Books, March 2023). She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts on the homelands of the Pocumtuc and Nipmuc Nations.

www.hannahmoushabeck.com
Instagram & Facebook: @hannahmoushabeck

Meghana Narayan, author of A little bit of everything

Meghana is a picture book creator. Her debut book, A Little Bit of Everything, will be released March 15, 2024. She is the daughter of Indian immigrants. Meghana graduated from Columbia University, has a MA in Literacy, and taught in early childhood classrooms for over a decade. She is a mama of two girls and one rambunctious dog named Diggity. After stepping away from the classroom she founded Teach For The Change, a platform where she shares her passion of creating more inclusive and diverse spaces and experiences for little ones. She is also a visual artist who creates alongside her daughters each day. Meghana lives in Maryland, where you can find her chasing her children through the garden and stuffing her pockets with all kinds of natural treasures!

daniel j. o’brien, author|illustrator of the carnival Prince & illustrator of glenn burke, game changer!

Daniel J. O’Brien is a Trinidadian born author and illustrator currently residing in New York with his fantastic partner, Ashleigh, and his loyal dog, Obbie. He holds a BFA in Illustration from The School of Visual Arts. His most recent projects are Juneteenth Is, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, Glenn Burke, Game Changer!

Daniel has also written, illustrated, designed, and self-published two children's books. The Carnival Prince and I Am The Midnight Robber are both projects that are near and dear to his heart as they represent his Caribbean heritage.

www.DanielOStudios.com
Instagram: @DanielOStudios

patricia park, AUTHOR OF what’s eating jackie oh? & re jane

Patricia Park is the author of the YA novels, Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim and the forthcoming, What's Eating Jackie Oh? Her adult novel Re Jane, a retelling of Jane Eyre, was named a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, an American Library Association Award winner, an NPR Fresh Air pick, and others. Park has written for the New York Times, New Yorker, Guardian, and others. She's an Associate Professor of creative writing at American University, a Fulbright Scholar, an Edith Wharton Writer-in-Residence, and a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow. She was born and raised in Queens and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

www.patriciapark.com
Social media: @patriciapark718

DR. STACEY PATTON, AUTHOR OF NOT MY CAT & THAT MEAN OLD YESTERDAY

Dr. Stacey Patton is an award-winning journalist and child advocate who teaches digital storytelling and media literacy at Howard University. She writes frequently about race and child welfare issues for The Washington Post, Al Jazeera, BBC News, and The Root, and has won numerous journalism awards and academic honors. Dr. Patton also is the author of the memoir That Mean Old Yesterday. Not My Cat is her first picture book. Visit her at SpareTheKids.com.

Jason reynolds, author of stamped: racism, antiracism, and you & Look Both Ways: A tale told in ten blocks

Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of many award-winning books, including Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, All American Boys (with Brendan Kiely), Long Way Down, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (with Ibram X. Kendi), Stuntboy, in the Meantime (illustrated by Raúl the Third), and Ain’t Burned All the Bright (with artwork by Jason Griffin). The recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King honors, Reynolds is also the 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Late Night with Seth Meyers, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, and various media outlets. He is on faculty at Lesley University, for the Writing for Young People MFA Program and lives in Washington, DC.

olugbemisola rhuday-perkovich, author of you’re breaking my heart & Operation sisterhood

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the award-winning author of several books for children, including Operation Sisterhood, It Doesn’t Take a Genius, and Two Naomis. She is a member of the Brown Bookshelf, and editor of the We Need Diverse Books anthology The Hero Next Door. Olugbemisola lives with her family in NYC where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep.

http://olugbemisolabooks.com
Instagram: @olugbemisolarhudayperkovich

Rahma Rodaah, AUTHOR OF Dear Muslim Child and Dear black child

Rahma Rodaah is a Somali-Canadian author passionate about diversity in children's literature and the power of telling your story. She writes stories that feature Black and Muslim characters to promote the positive representation of these two intersectional identities. She has Self-Published two picture books: Muhiima's Quest and Little Brother For Sale. Her book, Dear Black Child, centers on the endless, joyful possibilities of Black children's futures. Her latest book, Dear Muslim Child, is a lyrical ode to Islam; Muslim children all over the world are encouraged to celebrate their faith and traditions.

www.rahmarodaah.com
All platforms: @rahmarodaah

Andrea L. rogers, AUTHOR OF THE ART THIEVES & man made monsters

Andrea L. Rogers (Cherokee) believes everyone has a story. Her three wonderful kids are the best things in her world. Her children’s work includes Mary and the Trail of Tears, “The Ballad of Maggie Wilson” in Ancestor Approved, and the YA book, Man Made Monsters. Her Cherokee Futurism The Art Thieves will be out this fall, as will the picture book, Chooch Helps, illustrated by Rebecca Kunz (Cherokee), both from Levine Querido. Her first picture book from Heartdrum Harper Collins, When We Gather (Ostadahlisiha) A Cherokee Tribal Feast, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) will be out in May.

andrealrogers.com
Twitter & Instagram: @andrealrogers

shannon c.f. rogers, author of i’d rather burn than bloom & eighteen roses

Shannon C.F. Rogers is a multiracial American writer of Filipinx and European descent. Her work has appeared in Bodega Magazine, Newfound Journal, and on stage with Tricklock Company and Lady Luck Productions. In addition to studying Creative Writing at the University of New Mexico and Writing For Young People at Antioch University Los Angeles, Shannon has served as an educator, after-school program director, and lost mitten finder at schools in Albuquerque, Chicago, and Brooklyn, where she now lives. Her debut novel, I’D RATHER BURN THAN BLOOM, won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Youth Literature in 2024.

www.shannoncfrogers.com
Instagram: @shannon.cf.rogers

rhonda roumani, author of insha’allah, no, maybe so & Tagging Freedom

Rhonda Roumani is a Syrian American journalist who has covered the Arab world and Muslim issues for more than two decades. She is the author of the Middle Grade novel Tagging Freedom (Union Square); the picture book Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So (Holiday House; May 14, 2024) and a non-fiction picture book, Umm Kulthum: Star of the East (Interlink, Fall 2024.) She lives in New Haven, CT with her family.

www.rhondaroumani.com
Instagram: @rhondaroumani

JASMIN RUBERO, ART DIRECTOR, KOKILA / PENGUIN random house

Jasmin Rubero began her publishing career as an intern at Dial Books for Young Readers, an experience that taught her how graphic design and art are intertwined in children’s books. Her internship turned into a fulfilling full-time position as a design assistant, and she stayed at Dial for seventeen years. During that time, she worked with then Editorial Director Namrata Tripathi, and when Namrata founded the Kokila imprint at Penguin Random House, Jasmin joined the team as Art Director. Kokila’s goal is to bring together an inclusive community and focus on stories and storytellers that have been historically marginalized. Some of the critically acclaimed and bestselling artists Jasmin has worked with over the years include Weshoyot Alvitre, Leo Espinosa, Shane W. Evans, Michaela Goade, Vashti Harrison, Erika Meza, Zeke Peña, and Nikkolas Smith.

Aida Salazar, AUTHOR OF ultraviolet & Jovita wore pants: the story of a mexican freedom fighter

Aida Salazar is an award-winning author, arts activist, and translator whose writings explore issues of identity and social justice. Her critically acclaimed verse novels and picture books have received numerous awards including: a Caldecott Honor, the Américas Award, Tomás Rivera Children's Book Award, International Latino Book Awards, California Library Association Beatty Award, Northern CA Book Award, Jane Addams Peace Honor, an NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor among other distinctions. Her most recent middle grade verse novel is ULTRAVIOLET (4/2/24). She lives with her family of artists in Oakland, CA.

www.AidaSalazar.com
Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @aida_writes

sheetal sheth, author of raashi’s rakhis and bravo anjali

Sheetal Sheth is an award-winning actress, author, producer, and activist. She is the author of the best selling and award winning Always Anjali children's book series (Penguin Random House), the first picture book series centering an Indian American hero. Her book, Making Happy, is an ode to mental health and she is a contributor in Rebel Girls’ latest title, Dear Rebel. Sheetal focuses on highlighting traditionally marginalized communities in all of her work and is a fierce advocate for thoughtful representation. Sheth began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors. Despite being told she'd have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media. She has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas and has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, Parents.com, and Thrive Global. She is one of the founders of the non profit, For the Love of Reading and is an ambassador for the global literacy non profit, Room to Read. She served in AmeriCorps and is currently on the board of SAYA and the advisory board of Equality Now. Her upcoming books include Raashi's Rakhis (summer, 2024) and Anjali Can (2025).

www.sheetalsheth.com
Twitter: @sheetalsheth
Instagram & TikTok: @beneaththesheetz
Facebook: OfficialSheetalSheth

Karl Stevens, visual artist, graphic novelist | Mother Nature And penny, a graphic memoir

Karl Stevens is an American visual artist specializing in narrative art through comic strips, illustration, and oil paintings. He has frequently appeared in such publications as The New Yorker, The Village Voice, and The Boston Globe. He is the author of 8 graphic novels including MOTHER NATURE which was an adaptation of a film script by Jamie Lee Curtis and Russell Goldman. He lives in Boston with his wife and two cats.

nick thomas, executive editor, levine querido

Nick Thomas is Executive Editor at Levine Querido in the U.S.A. Nick works on books of all kinds, including picture books, novels, graphic novels, and nonfiction. Books he has edited include Newbery and Pura Belpré-winning The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera; Newbery Honor-winning A Snake Falls to Earth and Locus Award Winner Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger; Printz Honor-winning Apple (Skin to the Core) by Eric Gansworth; and Walter Award-winning Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers. He was a PW Star Watch finalist in 2019 and teaches a class on children’s publishing at CCNY’s Publishing Certificate Program.

traci n. todd, author of make a pretty sound: a story of ella jenkins & NINA: A STORY OF NINA SIMONE

Traci N. Todd is the award-winning author of Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, Holding Her Own, The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes, and the editor of many successful books for children, including the New York Times-bestselling The ABCs of Black History. She is especially interested in amplifying the experiences of Black and brown folks and in inspiring inquisitiveness, compassion, and hope in all children. She believes the truth is powerful. And she loves a beautiful picture book.

Ariel Vanece, author of Searching for Mr. Johnson’s song and Free Museum Day

Ariel Vanece (She/They) is a Black American author who writes picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels. She holds a BA in English from The University of Kansas and an MFA/MA in Writing for Children and Children’s Literature from Simmons University. When they aren’t writing, Ariel is watching the latest Korean Drama, trying out random art projects, reading, or taking a road trip. Their debut picture book, Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song, and a second book, Free Museum Day, are coming out in 2025 with Rocky Pond Books/Penguin.

www.arielvanece.com
Twitter: @ ArielVanece
Instagram: @_mynameisariel

irene Vázquez, Assistant Editor and Publicist at Levine Querido

Born in New Orleans, raised in Houston, & now living in Manhattan, Irene Vázquez is a queer Black Mexican American editor, poet, translator, and journalist. At Levine Querido, they serve as associate editor and publicist. Their first acquisition, The Free People's Village is a national bestseller. Irene read the Percy Jackson series out of order in elementary school by accident and has been passionate about children’s books ever since.

www.irenevazquez.com
Twitter: @capaciousmood
Instagram: @irene.rene.ren

Gwendolyn Wallace, author of the light she feels inside and joy takes root

Gwendolyn Wallace is the author of THE LIGHT SHE FEELS INSIDE illustrated by Olivia Duchess (Sourcebooks), JOY TAKES ROOT illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (Kokila) and also DANCING WITH WATER illustrated by Tonya Engel (Kokila). Gwendolyn is a 2021 Yale graduate and is now a fellow at the International African American Museum in Charleston as well as a graduate student at University College London studying for her masters in public history. She is interested in histories of race and gender, cultures of protest, and environmental violence. Gwendolyn is also on the board of the REACH (Reproductive Equity, Access, & CHoice) Fund, Connecticut's first abortion fund! Gwendolyn can usually be found crafting, exploring used bookstores, or finding any way to follow the radical impulses of young children.

Carole Boston Weatherford, author of a crown of stories:the life and language of beloved writer toni morrison & kin: rooted in hope

Carole Boston Weatherford has written many award-winning books for children, including Kin, illustrated by her son Jeffery and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor recipient; Box, which won a Newbery Honor; Unspeakable, which won the Coretta Scott King Award, a Caldecott Honor, and was a finalist for the National Book Award; Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award; ALA Notable Children’s Book You Can Fly; and Caldecott Honor winners Freedom in Congo Square; Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement; and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Carole lives in North Carolina. Visit her at CBWeatherford.com.

Seema yasmin, Author of the abcs of queer history & unbecoming

Dr. Seema Yasmin is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, poet and misinformation researcher. Her debut children’s book, THE ABCS OF QUEER HISTORY (Workman Kids/Hachette) is a colorful celebration of queer icons, queer contributions to society and both joyous and difficult elements of the queer experience. Her debut YA novel, UNBECOMING (Simon and Schuster BFYR), is the story of two Texas teens, Laylah and Noor, navigating faith, friendship and family in a post-abortion America. Both books are forthcoming in 2024.

www.seemayasmin.com
Instagram: @drseemayasmin

PHOEBE YEH, VICE PRESIDENT AND EDITOR AT LARGE, CROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS/RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Phoebe Yeh is a Vice President and Editor-at-Large at Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House Children’s Books. She edited Monster the first Printz winner and three National Book Finalists, all by Walter Dean Myers. She has edited the Magic School Bus series, Big Nate and The School for Good & Evil. She has published the New York Times bestsellers, Max & the Midknights and Dear Martin. These authors published children’s debuts with her: Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Mahogany L. Browne, Frances Cha, Soman Chainani, Lamar Giles, Jamie Jo Hoang, Traci Huahn, Wade Hudson, Ellen Oh, Patricia Park, Lincoln Peirce, Kelis Rowe, Nic Stone and George Takei, author of My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story.

She has published anthologies on themes of social justice with Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson of Just Us Books and short story anthologies with We Need Diverse Books.

Yeh is a recipient of the inaugural CBC Diversity Outstanding Achievement Award. .

brian young, author of Heroes OF THE WATER MONSTER & healer of the water monster

Brian Young is a graduate of Yale University and Columbia University. He is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He enjoys reading, watching movies, playing video games (when he has time), and keeping physically active.

www.brianlyoung.com
Instagram: @byoungwrites
Facebook: @BYoungWritres

maysoon zayid, author of Shiny misfits: A graphic novel

Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, writer, and disability advocate. She is a Princeton Fellow and co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival. Her Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One" was one of the most popular talks of 2014. Maysoon has sold out top New York City clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She has appeared alongside Adam Sandler in You Don't Mess With The Zohan, and is a recurring character on General Hospital. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Find Another Dream and Scholastic's Shiny Misfits graphic novel.

www.maysoon.com Instagram, Twitter & Tiktok: @maysoonzayid

ibi zoboi, author of Nigeria Jones

Ibi Zoboi was born in Haiti. When she was four, she immigrated to New York with her mother. Zoboi is the author of numerous titles including: S(k)in (2025); American Street (2017), which was a finalist for the 2017 National Book Award in Young Adult’s Literature, a Time Magazine Best YA Book Of All Time, and a Kirkus Best Book of the Year; Pride (2018), a contemporary remix of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice; and My Life As An Ice Cream Sandwich (2020), a moving middle-grade debut of a girl finding her place in a world that’s changing at warp speed.

Zoboi is also the co-author of the Walter Award and L.A. Times Book Prize-winning Punching the Air (2021) with prison reform activist Dr. Yusef Salaam, an Exonerated Five member, which was also shortlisted for the U.K.’s Yoto Carnegie Medal. She is the editor of Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America (2020), an essential collection of captivating stories about what it’s like to be young and Black in America. Her debut picture book, The People Remember (2021), received a Coretta Scott King Book Honor Award. Her other recent titles include Okoye to the People: A Black Panther Novel (2022) for Marvel; Star Child (2023), an illumination of the young life of the visionary storyteller Octavia E. Butler in poems and prose; and the novel Nigeria Jones (2023), which won the 2024 Coretta Scott King Book Award.