In this episode, meet Pablo Cartaya, author of Each Tiny Spark; Ibi Zoboi, author of My Life As An Ice Cream Sandwich, and Natasha Díaz, author of Color Me In. Each author has written a nuanced coming-of-age novel for kids and teens, featuring young characters looking to find their place within their communities, their friendship circles, and even their own families—without losing what is unique about themselves. Plus, find out why one of these authors picked “Pew!” as the best word to describe the experience of recording her audiobook.
Listen to clips from their audiobooks!
From award-winning author Pablo Cartaya comes a deeply moving middle grade novel about a daughter and father finding their way back to each other in the face of their changing family and community.
“A pitch-perfect middle-grade novel that insightfully explores timely topics with authenticity and warmth.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“[A] layered, culturally rich novel.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
National Book Award-finalist Ibi Zoboi makes her middle-grade debut with a moving story of a girl finding her place in a world that’s changing at warp speed.
“Highlights the importance of imagination and learning to celebrate what it means to be different in a world that demands conformity.”—Horn Book
Debut YA author Natasha Díaz pulls from her personal experience to inform this powerful coming-of-age novel about the meaning of friendship, the joyful beginnings of romance, and the racism and religious intolerance that can both strain a family to the breaking point and strengthen its bonds.
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