Shows
PodCavern111. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich SmithWe’re reading books by Indigenous authors! We kick it off this week with a heartwarming YA romance. Is 6’3” the ideal heartthrob height? Can you ever separate the artist from the art- and should you? What the heck is a turkey trot? We answer all these, and more!
The post 111. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith appeared first on PodCavern.2025-05-2343 min
Behind the Mic with AudioFile MagazineBONUS: In Conversation with Cynthia Leitich Smith and Shaun Taylor-CorbettWe’re revisiting host Jo Reed’s conversation with author Cynthia Leitich Smith and narrator Shaun Taylor-Corbett about collaborating on audiobooks, writing and narrating for young people, and representing Indigenous experiences and voices. Cynthia’s newest audiobook, FIREFLY SEASON, under her Heartdrum imprint for Harper Audio, has just been released.
Looking for a teen summer listen? Check out AudioFile’s Teen AudioBook Club Pick: REZ BALL by Byron Graves and narrated by Jesse Nobess—also from Cynthia’s Heartdrum imprint. Find videos, discussion questions, and more at AudioFile’s website
Learn...2025-05-1637 min
What We're ReadingMini-Book Club: 'On a Wing and a Tear' Librarians Tracy Kampa and Tammy Bobrowsky discuss Cynthia Leitich Smith's On a Wing and a Tear.(Contributed / Book cover via Heartdrum/HarperCollins )Cynthia Leitich Smith’s latest book features Grampa Charlie Halfmoon, his grandson Ray, their friend Mel, Great-Grandfather Bat, and Gray Squirrel. And a grand road trip. Smith’s middle grade novel On a Wing and a Tear is full of great characters, good messaging, and wild adventures.Here’s our What We’re Reading mini-book club conversation between Grand Rapids Area Library children’s librarian Tracy Kampa and What We’re Reading producer Tammy Bobrowsky.This co...2025-01-1310 min
Hey YAHey YA Extra Credit: 2025 YA AnthologiesThis week on Hey YA, Kelly talks about five upcoming 2025 YA anthologies you'll want on your TBR.Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And we’ve got good news— TBR makes a novel gift for the book lover on your list! All your gift recipient has to do is fill out a survey about their reading likes and disl...2024-12-1116 min
Sunday Morning Magazine9/29/24 - Cynthia Leitich SmithCynthia Leitich Smith is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and a bestselling author of books for all ages. She has won the American Indian Youth Literature award and is the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at HarperCollins Children's Books. Cynthia's newest book is "On a Wing and a Tear," a wonderful and engaging blend of contemporary journey and folklore.www.cynthialeitichsmith.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2024-09-2927 min
The Book Faire: Children's Literature for GrownupsCynthia Leitich Smith talks Indigenous Stories; Local Libraries Serving Communities; ALA says Book Bans are on the DeclineOn a Wing and a Tear: https://bookshop.org/p/books/on-a-wing-and-a-tear-cynthia-l-smith/20986972?ean=9780062870001
More about Cynthia Leitich Smith: https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cynthialeitichsmith/
https://www.facebook.com/CynLeitichSmith/
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Headlines
Alaska librarians hopeful state will restore ‘massive’ cut in vital grant: https://alaskapublic.org/2024/09/11/alaska-librarians-hopeful-state-will-restore-massive-cut-in-vital-grant/
The Cincinnati Public Library is more than just bookshelves - it’s a lifeline: https://www.fox19.com/2024/09/13/cincinnati-public-library-is-more-than-just-bookshelves-its-lifeline/
ALA Reports Year-Over-Year Decline in Book Bans: https://bookriot.com/al...2024-09-2645 min
Arroe Collins Like It's LiveNative American Folklore Meets Modern Lore Author Cynthia Leitich Smith Shares On A Wing And TearWidely recognized for her fiction for young readers. Cynthia Leitich Smith is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and an acclaimed NYTimes bestselling children's-YA author. ON A WING AND TEAR tells a modern folklore story about friendship, embracing the unexpected, and all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation. A living legend roosting in the backyard. An unmissable game. A hair-raising mystery. A road trip full of adventure and danger. And all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation. Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friend...2024-09-1909 min
Cyrus Webb's tracksAuthor Cynthia Leitich Smith discusses ON A WING AND A TEAR on Conversations LIVE ~ @cynleitichsmith #representationmatters #nativeamericanAuthor Cynthia Leitich Smith discusses ON A WING AND A TEAR on Conversations LIVE wih host Cyrus Webb. Get your copy of the book on Amazon here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cyrus-webb-s-tracks--1422267/support.2024-09-1809 min
Unban CooliesStoryweaving the Future of Native American Literature with Cynthia Leitich SmithCynthia Leitich Smith is an acclaimed, NYTimes bestselling author of more than 20 books, winner of the 2024 Southern Miss Medallion for Outstanding Contributions in Children’s Literature, 2024 Texas Literary Hall of Fame inductee, and the 2021 NSK Neustadt Laureate. Reading Rockets named her to its list of 100 Children’s Authors and Illustrators Everyone Should Know. Her titles include HEARTS UNBROKEN, winner of an American Indian Youth Literature Award; the anthology ANCESTOR APPROVED: INTERTRIBAL STORIES FOR KIDS, which was an ALA Notable Book and winner of the Reading of the West Book Award; an Indigenous PETER PAN retelling titled SISTERS OF THE NEVE...2024-09-0921 min
Behind the Mic with AudioFile MagazineHARVEST HOUSE by Cynthia Leitich Smith, read by Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Charley FlyteShaun Taylor-Corbett seamlessly narrates the majority of this haunted novel with a masterful assist by Charley Flyte. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss a magical addition to Cynthia Leitich Smith’s young adult novels. Hughie Wolfe, an avid actor, is asked to volunteer at a Halloween haunted house near the crossroads of his small Kansas town. Hughie and a group of friends have begun to learn of odd happenings and intimidating ghostly presences at the crossroads, and they start investigating to find the truth. On Halloween the haunted house and the spirits of the past collide. Hugh...2024-04-2607 minBehind the Mic with AudioFile MagazineIn Conversation with Cynthia Leitich Smith and Shaun Taylor-CorbettIn today’s bonus edition of Behind the Mic, host Jo Reed welcomes author Cynthia Leitich Smith and narrator Shaun Taylor-Corbett for a lively conversation about making memorable audiobooks for children and young adults. Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee citizen) is a highly acclaimed author for young readers and curator for Heartdrum, a Native American-focused imprint from HarperCollins. Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Blackfeet) is a frequent narrator of audiobooks from Heartdrum, including Cynthia’s most recent, HARVEST HOUSE. Listen in to hear Cynthia and Shaun talk about the audiobooks they’ve collaborated on and the importance of showing true representation of Native kids a...2024-04-0838 min
Kidlit Happy HourEp. 20: Finding Audience: Cynthia Leitich Smith on Story as a Circle and Making Magic Out of NothingHere are select highlights from our conversation with NYtimes bestselling, award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith:
Story as a circle, gathering, and communal effort
Figuring out where your voice can best serve and where your heart beats with hope
Building on “and” instead of “vs”
Inviting people into the conversation AND being a part of the conversation
Social media dynamics as both tricky and powerful
Approaches to book promotion that start locally
How we can never surrender progress made by generations before
Only asking kids to take on battles we’re willing to engage in ourselves
Cynthia...2024-04-031h 00
Fictional HangoverInterview with Cynthia Leitich SmithIn this bonus episode of Fictional Hangover, Amanda, Claire and author Cynthia Leitich Smith talk about eating the squirrel, embracing your art, and exploring the darkside of the stove in their chat about Tantalize.
2024-01-241h 03
BookEDCi2022 Keynote: Native Stories Now Join Native authors Cynthia Leitich Smith, Traci Sorell, and Danielle Greendeer in a conversation about how reader awareness and shifts in publishing have affected the way they create new stories with native characters at the center, and share stories of the past. Panelists: Cynthia Leitich Smith, editor of Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids (HarperCollins); Danielle Greendeer, Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story (Charlesbridge); Traci Sorell, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Charlesbridge) Recorded June 22, 2022 at Children's Institute 2022 in Phoenix, AZ Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. 2023-11-2251 minBookEDCi2022 Keynote: Native Stories Now Join Native authors Cynthia Leitich Smith, Traci Sorell, and Danielle Greendeer in a conversation about how reader awareness and shifts in publishing have affected the way they create new stories with native characters at the center, and share stories of the past. Panelists: Cynthia Leitich Smith, editor of Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids (HarperCollins); Danielle Greendeer, Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story (Charlesbridge); Traci Sorell, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Charlesbridge) Recorded June 22, 2022 at Children's Institute 2022 in Phoenix, AZ Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. 2023-11-2251 min
Badass Books and Besties33: How to Honor Native Americans Instead of Celebrating ThanksgivingIn this episode, I will share a variety of ways that my family and I are choosing to honor the Native Americans on the 4th Thursday in November, instead of celebrating Thanksgiving.
I’ll first start with a reading of the “Native American Good Morning Message” by chief Jake Swamp, and then I’ll provide information on why honoring the Native Americans is vitally important, various Native American dishes that you can try with your own family, culturally appropriate Native American crafts, how to learn more about the culture with documentaries or movies, and recommen...2023-11-2033 min
Worldbuilding for MasochistsEpisode 108: The Myth, The Legend, The Cultural Impacts, ft. EHIGBOR OKOSUNWhat role do myths play in culture and tradition? Often, mythology is, itself, a form of worldbuilding, a way that people use story to make sense of the world around them. So how do we incorporate all of that into our fictional worlds? Guest Ehigbor Okosun joins us to discuss!
Myths and cultural stories can speak so much about the people they originate with: what they value, what they assume about life, what they overlook. Myths can also reinforce power structures, or challenge them -- and that's as true in the modern day as it was for...2023-08-021h 08Behind the Mic with AudioFile MagazineHEARTS UNBROKEN by Cynthia Leitich Smith, read by Kyla GarciaHost Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss how Kyla Garcia brings this award-winning 2018 novel by Cynthia Leitich Smith to life for listeners. Louise Wolfe is a smart and curious high school senior in Kansas, and a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation. Garcia’s bright narration suits the character as she finds her voice in the school paper, navigates crushes, and thinks about the future. Lou and her family face discrimination and harassment over her younger brother’s lead role in the school play, and she notes each time a Native stereotype appears, debating how it would be rec...2023-04-1906 min
Parenting on the Spectrum#75 - Why Read to Your Children? With Author Tonya Duncan EllisIn this podcast, Tonya discusses the critical role that reading plays in a child's development. She explains the various benefits of reading to your child, including language, cognitive, and emotional development, as well as the opportunity for bonding. Tonya emphasizes that reading can be an easy and enjoyable activity to incorporate into your daily routine, regardless of your child's age. She also shares some tips for selecting books that your child will enjoy and engage with. If you're a parent or caregiver looking to support your child's growth and development, this podcast is for you.
Biography
2023-04-1834 min
Explore New Worlds, Free Audiobook Are the Golden PearlsHarvest House Audiobook by Cynthia Leitich SmithListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 626727
Title: Harvest House
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Narrator: Charley Flyte, Shaun Taylor-Corbett
Format: Unabridged
Length: 7:34:58
Language: English
Release date: 04-11-23
Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)
Genres: Fiction, Teen, Paranormal, Tough Topics
Summary:
NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken.
Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie...2023-04-117h 34
Explore New Worlds, Free Audiobook Are the Golden PearlsHearts Unbroken Audiobook by Cynthia Leitich SmithListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 626726
Title: Hearts Unbroken
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Narrator: Kyla Garcia
Format: Unabridged
Length: 6:12:27
Language: English
Release date: 04-11-23
Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)
Genres: Teen, Romance, Tough Topics
Summary:
Winner of an American Indian Youth Literature Award
New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith turns to realistic fiction with the thoughtful story of a Native teen navigating the complicated, confusing waters of high school — and first love.
When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and...2023-04-116h 12
Listen to Latest Full Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Tough TopicsHearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich SmithPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/626726 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Hearts Unbroken Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith Narrator: Kyla Garcia Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 6 hours 12 minutes Release date: April 11, 2023 Genres: Tough Topics Publisher's Summary: Winner of an American Indian Youth Literature Award New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith turns to realistic fiction with the thoughtful story of a Native teen navigating the complicated, confusing waters of high school — and first love. When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her...2023-04-1110 min
Listen to Latest Full Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Tough TopicsHarvest House by Cynthia Leitich SmithPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/626727 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Harvest House Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith Narrator: Charley Flyte, Shaun Taylor-Corbett Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hours 34 minutes Release date: April 11, 2023 Genres: Tough Topics Publisher's Summary: NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken. Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural...2023-04-1110 min
Download Best Full-Length Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & ParanormalHarvest House by Cynthia Leitich SmithPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/626727to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Harvest House
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Narrator: Charley Flyte, Shaun Taylor-Corbett
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 7 hours 34 minutes
Release date: April 11, 2023
Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Paranormal
Publisher's Summary:
NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken. Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural...2023-04-117h 34
Download Best Full-Length Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & ParanormalHarvest House by Cynthia Leitich SmithPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/626727 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Harvest House Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith Narrator: Charley Flyte, Shaun Taylor-Corbett Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hours 34 minutes Release date: April 11, 2023 Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Paranormal Publisher's Summary: NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken. Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new...2023-04-1110 min
Wonder World Book Cafe'49. Ancestor Approved Intertribal Stories for Kids Cynthia Leitich SmithIn this middle grade book, readers will relish a collection of 18 short stories and poems all from different Native authors. Each piece is written from the author’s own lived experiences and imagination.
People are traveling from Nations within the borders of the United States and Canada to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the annual two-day Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. Ancestor Approved, brings us stories of traditions, celebrations, joy, and hope representing a wide-range of Native families.
Transcript here 2023-03-1808 min
The Lit Round TableEpisode 3: Top 5 Battles Heavy spoilers ahead!!! Today the SibNerds are talking about their favorite on-screen battles! We are specifically looking at live action battle scenes (so that rules out anime and cartoon fights). Of course, there’s a heavy Star Wars and Lord of the Rings influence…. Did we miss any battle scenes that you think are the best of all time? Anna is reading: - Castle in the Air by: Diana Wynne Jones - Show Me a Sign by: Ann Clare LeZotte - Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by: Cynthia Leitich Smit...2023-03-1456 min
The Bootleg Book ClubS1, Ep 14: Unbroken Hearts by Cynthia Leitich SmithNovember was quite a month and this was quite a read. Hope you enjoy watching and listening to this wonderful novel.2022-12-3133 min
The Children's Book PodcastTCBP Origins: How Are Your Values Represented?The things we make say a lot about the people who make them. In every detail, from the language used on the show to the guests who join for interviews, from the publishers whose works are celebrated and amplified to the underrepresented stories and voices who are given the spotlight, these choices communicate a lot about the values of the person making the show. And that’s not something I take lightly. On today’s retrospective episode, we’re looking at what you do when you find yourself uncomfortable with the story the thing you make is saying...2022-12-0210 min
The Book CaseKate Goes to The Brooklyn Book FestivalThis week on the Book Case we have two more authors from the Brooklyn Book Festival. You can find Angeline Boulley's The Firekeeper's Daughter on the YA shelves of your local library or bookstore, but the book transcends the genre. She'll talk about how she approaches world-building and gives us a sneak preview of her highly-anticipated new novel coming out next spring. Kate also catches up with Book Case favorite Sidik Fofana and sits down with Jory Southurst, the manager of the bookstore at the Center for Fiction. This episode was recorded at The Center for Fiction. It's a...2022-11-1742 minHey YANew Indigenous YA Books for Your TBRThis week, Tirzah shares two newer YA books by Indigenous authors for Native American Heritage Month.Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.BOOKS AND LINKS DISCUSSED;The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen FergusonWalking in Two Worlds by Wab Kinew...2022-11-1611 min
Kids Ask Authors podcastWhy do you put your own culture into your books? with Cynthia Leitich SmithAuthors Cynthia Leitich Smith and Grace Lin answer the question Why do you put your own culture into your books? and a kid reviews Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia Leitich Smith. 2022-11-1410 min
Check It Out! PodcastNative American Heritage MonthJoin Orem Library Children's librarians as they share their favorite titles in observance of Native American Heritage Month! JOSIE DANCE by Denise Lajimodiere - INDIAN SHOES by Cynthia Leitich Smith - BERRY SONG by Michaela Goade - PUTUGUQ & KUBLU AND THE QALUPALIK! by Roselynn Akulukjuk - BORDERS by Thomas King - POWWOW DAY by Traci Sorrell/Madelyn Goodnight - FINDING MY DANCE by Ria Thundercloud - TRICKSTER: NATIVE AMERICAN TALES, A GRAPHIC COLLECTION edited by Matt Demicki.2022-11-1114 min
These Books Made MeElla EnchantedSend us a textWe are traipsing through the land of Kyria this week on our unnecessarily teeny tiny feet as we revisit Gail Carson Levine's Newbery Honor book Ella Enchanted. Poor Ella of Frell has been cursed with the "gift" of obedience in this reimagining of the Cinderella story. We try to decipher the moral of the story, debate the rules and regulations of "small magic," and rue that Ella is really lacking in wokeness. Teresa laments the Shrekification of Ella Enchanted in the movie adaptation of the book, and we explore the not-like-other-girls trope, which...2022-11-031h 04