Jewell Parker Rhodes is the author of books for middle-grade readers, including The New York Times bestseller Ghost Boys (2018) and the 2011 Coretta Scott King Honor Book Ninth Ward (the first book in the Louisiana Girls Trilogy). In 2026, Jewell was awarded the Coretta Scott King Author Award for Will’s Race for Home.

In this interview, Jewell talks about writing stories that explore tough topics like racism and violence, finding an authentic voice for her characters, how her books invite in reluctant readers, why she loves writing for kids, and much more.

Author of the best-selling The Book Whisperer, teacher, kidlit blogger, and literacy expert Donalyn Miller has an unconventional approach to motivating young readers. She dispenses with the reading logs, drills, and worksheets that make reading a chore. Instead, she helps students navigate the awesome world of children’s literature and gives them time to read books they pick out themselves.