100 Children’s Authors and Illustrators Everyone Should Know

Jabari Asim

Asim’s board books with fresh, free-flowing verse encourage silliness and curiosity, while his picture books and middle grade titles often focus on African American history.

• Whose Knees Are These? (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
• Whose Toes Are Those? (opens in a new window)
  ​Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Sandra Boynton

Tuned into toddlers, Boynton has created a menagerie of playful, spontaneous animal characters that fill more than 60 titles.

• But Not the Hippopotamus (opens in a new window)
• Blue Hat, Green Hat (opens in a new window)

Donald Crews

This two-time Caldecott award winner presents objects and scenes familiar to young children using artfully designed bold graphic images.

• Freight Train (opens in a new window)
• Truck (opens in a new window)

Lois Ehlert

Ehlert was an artist who wasn’t afraid to wire, sew, glue, cut, paint, or photograph to pro-vide highly original children’s books full of stunning shapes and strong colors. Our video interview with Lois Ehlert ›

• Color Zoo (opens in a new window)
• Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On (opens in a new window)

Mem Fox

Australia’s best-known children’s book author of more than 40 board books and picture books, Fox is also passionate advocate for reading aloud to children. Our video interview with Mem Fox ›

• Time for Bed (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Jane Dyer
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Vashti Harrison

Author, illustrator, and filmmaker Harrison introduces young children to Black history and women’s history with sweet, serene depictions of world-changers.

• Follow Your Dreams, Little One (opens in a new window)
• Think Big, Little One (opens in a new window)

Tana Hoban

An accomplished photographer who turned her images reflecting a child’s viewpoint in looking at the world into innovative concept books.

• Exactly the Opposite (opens in a new window)
• Who Are They? (opens in a new window)

Bill Martin Jr

The author of more than 300 children’s books, Martin was skilled at writing simple, melodic texts helpful to beginning readers. Our video interview with Bill Martin Jr ›

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See (opens in a new window)?
  Illustrated by Eric Carle
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by John Archambault

Helen Oxenbury

Renowned picture book illustrator Oxenbury captures humor, drama, and more in an appealing and memorable way. Our video interview with Helen Oxenbury ›

• Tickle, Tickle (opens in a new window)
• Say Goodnight (opens in a new window)

Rosemary Wells

Author and illustrator of more than 60 books, Wells has a terrific understanding of what matters to young children. Our video interview with Rosemary Wells ›

• Bunny Cakes (opens in a new window)
• Max’s Birthday (opens in a new window)

Mitsumas Anno

Passionate about math and science, this renowned artist, children’s book author-illustrator, and Hans Christian Andersen Medal winner created highly detailed illustrations that take readers on imaginative journeys. 

• Anno’s Counting Book (opens in a new window)
• Anno’s Journey (opens in a new window)

Andrea Beaty

A natural at rhyme, Beaty fills STEAM-themed picture books and chapter books with curiosity, creativity, innovation, persistence, and problem-solving. Our video interview with Andrea Beaty › (opens in a new window)

• Ada Twist, Scientist (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by David Roberts
• Iggy Peck, Architect (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by David Roberts

Jan Brett

Best-selling author/illustrator Brett does extensive research before beginning her intricately detailed illustrations which often include story subplots woven into creative page borders.

• The Hat (opens in a new window)
• Annie and the Wild Animals (opens in a new window)

Tami Charles

A former teacher, Charles writes lyrical, affirming texts for her picture books as well as middle grade and young adult titles.

• All Because You Matter (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Bryan Collier
• Freedom Soup (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

Bryan Collier

Award-winning illustrator Collier uses a vibrant combination of watercolor and collage to bring his characters, mostly real historical figures, to life on the page. Our video interview with Bryan Collier ›

• We Shall Overcome (opens in a new window)
• Rosa (opens in a new window)
  Written by Nikki Giovanni

Raúl Colón

Renowned for his luminous children’s book illustrations, Colón layers color to create the bold, often dramatic illustrations featured in his books. Video interview with Raúl Colón from Colorín Colorado › (opens in a new window) 

• Draw! (opens in a new window)
• Tomás and the Library Lady (opens in a new window)
  Written by Pat Mora

Barbara Cooney

Though Cooney shifted styles of illustrating during her long career, her artistic style is often considered as folk art and her work infused with respect for children’s moral and intellectual sophistication.

• Miss Rumphius (opens in a new window)
• Island Boy (opens in a new window)

Matt de la Peña

Newbery Medal-winning author de la Peña writes poignant, lyrical picture books (often about class) as well as middle grade and young adult novels. Our video interview with Matt de la Peña ›

• Last Stop on Market Street (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Christian Robinson
• Milo Imagines the World (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Christian Robinson

Tomie dePaola

A warm and energetic artist who used a distinctive black line and folk-art style, dePaola’s books are filled with imagination, gentle humor, and stories inspired by his own life. Our video interview with Tomie dePaola ›

• The Art Lesson (opens in a new window)
• Strega Nona (opens in a new window)

Leo and Diane Dillon

This award-winning husband-and-wife artist team work on the same piece of art in the many books they authored and/or illustrated honoring African culture.

• Rap a Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles — Think of That!  (opens in a new window)
• Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears (opens in a new window)
  Written by Verna Aardema

Margarita Engle

An author free verse young adult novels, author and poet Engle also writes lovely, lyrical picture books that celebrate historical figures and Cuban culture. Video interview with Margarita Engle from Colorín Colorado › (opens in a new window) 

• Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Rafael López
• Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Julie Flett

Artist, author, and illustrator Flett is warm and gentle illustrations centered around the life and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

• Birdsong (opens in a new window)
• Wild Berries (opens in a new window)

Gail Gibbons

Gibbons has a gift for researching complex nonfiction subjects and turning them into clear, colorfully illustrated picture books with strong kid-appeal. Our video interview with Gail Gibbons ›

• From Seed to Plant (opens in a new window)
• The Moon Book (opens in a new window)

Eloise Greenfield

Greenfield richly captured the rhythm and melodies of everyday African American family life and historical figures in her poetry, picture books, and biographies for children.

• Honey, I Love (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
• Grandpa’s Face (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Kevin Henkes

Author of award-winning middle grade titles, Henkes is also a Caldecott Medal winner and writes and illustrates simple, yet elegant picture books that often feature admirable mouse characters.

• Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse (opens in a new window)
• Waiting (opens in a new window)

Steve Jenkins

Passionate about science, Jenkins answered curious kids’ questions in his nonfiction picture books illustrated in vibrant and exquisite cut- and torn-paper collage.

• Actual Size (opens in a new window)
• What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? (opens in a new window)
  Written with Robin Page

Steven Kellogg

Kellogg writes and draws in what he calls a “beautiful duet” creating highly detailed color filled drawings to deepen and expand the text of his stories. Our video interview with Steven Kellogg ›

• Pinkerton, Behave (opens in a new window)
• Johnny Appleseed (opens in a new window)

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen 

Both Klassen and Barnett are known for their sense of humor and when they work together, the results are sharp, layered, witty picture books. Our video interview with Mac Barnett ›

• Sam & Dave Dig a Hole (opens in a new window)
• Extra Yarn (opens in a new window)

Leo Lionni

A four-time Caldecott Honor winner, Lionni used collage for his boldly illustrated picture books which look for creative solutions for creative solutions to problems in communities of all kinds.

• Inch by Inch (opens in a new window)
• Swimmy (opens in a new window)

Minh Lê and Dan Santat

The dynamic duo of Lê and the Caldecott Award-winning Santat delivers comics-inspired storytelling with an emotional punch. Our video interview with Minh Lê › (opens in a new window)

• Drawn Together (opens in a new window)
• Lift (opens in a new window)

Grace Lin

An advocate for diversity in children’s books, award-winning author/illustrator Lin creates board books, early readers, and middle grade novels in addition to picture books with universal themes that are about the Asian-American experience. Our video interview with Grace Lin (opens in a new window) ›

• The Ugly Vegetables (opens in a new window)
• A Big Mooncake for Little Star (opens in a new window)

Arnold Lobel

Acclaimed author and illustrator Lobel illustrated nearly 100 books and in his own titles often featured animal characters and their adventures and misadventures.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends (opens in a new window)
• Fables (opens in a new window)

Rafael López

Passionate about using art to build community, artist, muralist, and illustrator López is a multiple Pura Belpré Award winner who brings his strong graphic style to books that reflect and honor the lives of all young people. Video interview with Rafael López from Colorín Colorado › (opens in a new window)

• We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands (opens in a new window)
• The Day You Begin (opens in a new window)
  Written by Jacqueline Woodson

Kelly Starling Lyons

Lyons’ mission as an author to “transform moments, memories, and history into stories of discovery” includes a focus on aspects of African American history and culture.

• Going Down Home with Daddy (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Daniel Minter
• Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Keith Mallett

James Marshall

Marshall turned his own tremendous wit and simplistic drawing style into unique, whimsical — and sometime ridiculous — characters.

• Fox Outfoxed (opens in a new window)
• George and Martha  (opens in a new window)

Juana Martinez-Neal

Author and illustrator Martinez-Neal embraces wonder in the titles she writes and creates richly connected artwork that communicates deep emotions. Video interview with Juana Martinez-Neal from Colorín Colorado › (opens in a new window)

• Zonia’s Rain Forest (opens in a new window)
• Alma and How She Got Her Name (opens in a new window)

Robert McCloskey

McCloskey turned his keen observational skills into award-winning titles that give readers a sense of home and a sense of belonging.

• Blueberries For Sal (opens in a new window)
• Make Way for Ducklings (opens in a new window)

Meg Medina

Award-winning author Medina writes picture books, middle grade stories, and young adult fiction that examines how cultures intersect, as seen through the eyes of young people. Our video interview with Meg Medina › (opens in a new window)

• Mango, Abuela and Me (opens in a new window)
• Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away (opens in a new window)

Yuyi Morales

Multiple Pura Belpré Award winner Morales, who thinks of everything in her life as an art project, uses spare language and sumptuous imagery in her picture books.

• Niño Wrestles the World (opens in a new window)
• Bright Star (opens in a new window) / Lucero (opens in a new window)

Leuyen Pham

Acclaimed illustrator of more than 100 children’s books, Pham worked in animation before turning to drawing and writing children’s books and excels in a variety of artistic styles.

• A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play (opens in a new window)
  Written by Marilyn Singer
• Outside, Inside (opens in a new window)

Jerry Pinkney

A revered artist, Pinkney delighted in the act of creation and was committed to reflecting Black themes and culture whenever possible in his more than one hundred titles. Our video interview with Jerry Pinkney › (opens in a new window)

• The Lion & the Mouse (opens in a new window)
• Mirandy and Brother Wind (opens in a new window)
  Written by Patricia McKissack

James E. Ransome

A frequent collaborator with his wife author Lesa Cline Ransome, artist and illustrator Ran-some is a big fan of history and often portrays realistic characters in historical or contem-porary scenes.

• Before She Was Harriet (opens in a new window)
  Written by Lesa Cline Ransome
• This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration (opens in a new window)
  Written by Jacqueline Woodson

Raúl the Third

The lively work of Pura Belpré Award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third centers around the contemporary Mexican American experience.

• ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market (opens in a new window)
• ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat (opens in a new window)

Christian Robinson

Award-winning illustrator, author, animator, and designer Robinson began his career in animation and tells stories with pictures that reflect our diverse world. 

• You Matter (opens in a new window)
• Another (opens in a new window)

Lane Smith

Known for his playful, quirky style, two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Smith both writes and illustrates, experimenting with texture in the artwork he creates. Our video interview with Lane Smith › (opens in a new window)

• Grandpa Green (opens in a new window)
• A Perfect Day (opens in a new window)

Traci Sorell

Sorell writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction for young people of all ages, focusing primarily on the contemporary lives of Native peoples. Our video interview with Traci Sorell ›

• We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (opens in a new window)
• Powwow Day (opens in a new window)

William Steig

Steig wrote sophisticated stories layered with meaning that offer truths about the world to young readers. 

• Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (opens in a new window)
• Brave Irene (opens in a new window)

Andrea Wang

A writer of nonfiction, middle grade, and picture books, Wang’s work explores culture, identity, and belonging.

• Watercress (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Jason Chin
• The Nian Monster (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Alina Chau

Mo Willems

The award-winning Willems, who started out in stand-up and television, creates books that are often hilarious but also deal with characters who experiencing emotional extremes. Our video interview with Mo Willems › (opens in a new window)

• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (opens in a new window)
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (opens in a new window)

Vera B. Williams

Williams conveyed the joys of ordinary activities in multicultural families in the picture books she wrote and illustrated in bold colors and a folk-art style.

• A Chair for My Mother (opens in a new window)
• Music, Music for Everyone (opens in a new window)

Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson, who has won lots of awards and has served as both the Young People’s Poet Laureate and the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, explores universal questions and different perspectives in her picture books as well as her middle grade and young adult titles. Our video interview with Jacqueline Woodson › (opens in a new window)

• Each Kindness (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
• Show Way (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Hudson Talbott

Jane Yolen

The prolific and enchanting Yolen has written some 400 books, including nonfiction, science fiction, fantasy, poetry, and picture books. Our video interview with Jane Yolen › (opens in a new window)

• Owl Moon (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by John Schoenherr
• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Mark Teague

Ed Young

Illustrator of more than 100 books for children, many of which he has also written, Caldecott Medalist Young finds inspiration for his work in the philosophy of Chinese painting. 

• Wabi Sabi (opens in a new window)
  Written by Mark Reibstein
• Seven Blind Mice (opens in a new window)

Monica Brown

Brown’s lively narratives are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. Video interview with Monica Brown on Colorín Colorado › (opens in a new window)

• Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People (opens in a new window)
  Illuatrated by Julie Paschkis
• Lola Levine Is Not Mean (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Angela Dominguez

Ashley Bryan

Known for retelling African folktales in a distinct rhythmic prose, Bryan was an eclectic artist who fused painting, poetry, music, collage, and prose to tell stories. Our video interview with Ashley Bryan › (opens in a new window)

• Beautiful Blackbird (opens in a new window)
• Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals (opens in a new window)

Jason Chin

Known for his stunning and detailed art, Caldecott Medalist Chin builds incredible visual stories, often about the natural world, in the children’s books he writes and/or illustrates.

• Grand Canyon (opens in a new window)
• Your Place in the Universe (opens in a new window)

Candace Fleming

Fleming, a versatile author of books and stories for children and young adults, is known for her lively humor in picture books and chapter books, while her nonfiction picture books are praised for her intriguing, lyrical text. Our video interview with Candace Fleming › (opens in a new window)

• The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School (opens in a new window)
• Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera (opens in a new window)
  llustrated by Eric Rohmann

Lee Bennett Hopkins

Hopkins, a prolific children’s poet, anthologist, and educator, strove to connect readers to verse to help them think differently about the world. 

• Weather: Poems for All Seasons (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Melanie Hall
• Wonderful Words: Poems about Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Karen Barbour

Patricia McKissack

McKissack, often in collaboration with her husband Fredrick McKissack, showcased Black voices through children’s books and biographies with drama and flair. Our video interview with Patricia and Fredrick McKissack ›

• Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin and Turn It Out! Games, Songs, & Stories from an African American Childhood (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
• Miami Jackson Gets It Straight (opens in a new window)
  Written with Fredrick McKissack

Patricia MacLachlan

Children and families are the subjects of most of MacLachlan’s elegant, spare, yet emotional historical and contemporary stories.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall (opens in a new window)
• Skylark (opens in a new window)

Kadir Nelson

A painter who produces iconic images for magazines, album covers, stamps, and whose works are exhibited in major institutions, art galleries, and museums, Nelson brings his rich palette and naturalistic technique to his book illustrations. Our video interview with Kadir Nelson › (opens in a new window)

• The Undefeated (opens in a new window)
  Written by Kwame Alexander
• I Have a Dream (opens in a new window)
  Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney 

Working in collaboration for 30 years, the Pinkneys have collectively published some 70 books, with Brian Pinkney bringing a range of luminous artistic styles to titles authored by Andrea Davis Pinkney that celebrate the heritage of African Americans.

• Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down  (opens in a new window)
• Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra (opens in a new window)

Jack Prelutsky

One of the most popular children’s poets of all time, Prelutsky writes and compiles humorous collections of wonderfully wacky poems. Our video interview with Jack Prelutsky › (opens in a new window)

• It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by James Stevenson
• Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face and Other Poems (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Brandon Dorman

Cynthia Rylant

Author Rylant brings her straightforward style to many popular beginning-reader series in addition to her award-winning novels and picture books.

• Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Arthur Howard
• The Storm (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Preston McDaniels

Seymour Simon

Simon, who writes about science in a way that is accurate, interesting, and accessible, is the author of nearly 300 highly acclaimed science books. Our video interview with Seymour Simon › (opens in a new window)

• Guts (opens in a new window)
• Destination: Moon (opens in a new window)

Jon Scieszka

The first-ever National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Scieszka (rhymes with Fresca) writes playful and cheeky stories and spoofs on fairy tales. Our video interview with Jon Scieszka › (opens in a new window)

• Science Verse (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Lane Smith
• The Knights of the Kitchen Table (Time Warp Trio) (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Lane Smith 

Melissa Stewart 

Stewart, with degrees in biology and science journalism, explores the natural world and brings her firsthand research to some 200 science books for children.

• Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate (opens in a new window)
  Illuustrated by Sarah Brannen
• Feathers: Not Just for Flying (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen

Duncan Tonatiuh

The award-winning Tonatiuh takes inspiration from ancient Mixtec art, adding his own contemporary adaptations in his unique illustrations for his books, which often focus on issues of social justice.

• Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras (opens in a new window)
• Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight (opens in a new window)

Carole Boston Weatherford

Author and poet Weatherford “mines the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles” in books that often feature African American protagonists. Our video interview with Carole Boston Weatherford › (opens in a new window)

• Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Sean Qualls
• Freedom in Congo Square (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Kwame Alexander

Alexander, an award-winning poet and author, writes picture books for children and cross-genre books in verse for older readers that deliver an emotional punch. Our video interview with Kwame Alexander › (opens in a new window)

• The Crossover (opens in a new window)
• Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (opens in a new window)
  Written with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth
  Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Katherine Applegate

Award-winning author Applegate is skilled at stirring emotions by offering inside views and unique narrator perspectives. Our video interview with Katherine Applegate › (opens in a new window)

• The One and Only Ivan (opens in a new window)
• Wishtree (opens in a new window)

Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac makes authentic connections in the poetry, short stories, novels, anthologies, and music he creates that reflect his Abenaki Indian heritage and Native American traditions. Our video interview with Joseph Bruchac › (opens in a new window)

• Rez Dogs (opens in a new window)
• Two Roads (opens in a new window)

Jerry Craft

Multiple award-winning author and illustrator of graphic novels, Craft is also celebrated for his syndicated newspaper comic strip Mama’s Boyz.

• New Kid (opens in a new window)
• Class Act (opens in a new window)

Sneed Collard III

With a background in biology, Collard introduces aspects of the natural world to children in a way that encourages them to see science as an integrated part of their lives. Our video interview with Sneed Collard › (opens in a new window)

• Woodpeckers: Drilling Holes and Bagging Bugs (opens in a new window)
• One Iguana, Two Iguanas: A Story of Accident, Natural Selection, and Evolution (opens in a new window)

Christopher Paul Curtis

The award-winning Curtis delivers fresh, memorable characters who bring history to life in a way that’s relevant for young readers. Our video interview with Christopher Paul Curtis › (opens in a new window)

• Bud, Not Buddy (opens in a new window)
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 (opens in a new window)

Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo beautifully crafts sensitive, often funny books woven with themes of hope and belief. Our video interview with Kate DiCamillo › (opens in a new window)

• Because of Winn-Dixie (opens in a new window)
• Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures (opens in a new window)

Virginia Hamilton

Recipient of every major award in youth literature, revered author Hamilton celebrated the African American experience in her sophisticated, engaging picture books, folktales, mysteries, science fiction, realistic novels, and biographies. 

• M.C. Higgins, The Great (opens in a new window)
• Zeely (opens in a new window)

Varian Johnson

Johnson, who writes rich, well-developed characters, wants to “see kids of color being the stars of all different types of stories.” 

• The Parker Inheritance (opens in a new window)
• Twins (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Shannon Wright

Erin Entrada Kelly

Award-winning author Kelly gives voice to quiet characters as she explores coming of age with sensitivity and honesty, dealing with issues such as bullying, building friendships, and feeling like an outsider. Our video interview with Erin Entrada Kelly › (opens in a new window)

• Hello, Universe (opens in a new window)
• We Dream of Space (opens in a new window)

Lois Lowry

From subtle, light-hearted stories to books dealing with serious and complex topics, the award-winning Lowry has written such a wide range of books that her body of work cannot easily be categorized. Our video interview with Lois Lowry › (opens in a new window)

• Number the Stars (opens in a new window)
• The Giver (opens in a new window)

David Macaulay

Award-winning artist Macaulay, who trained as an architect, laces his informational titles with humor, brings gracefulness and clarity to how things work, and invites readers to stretch their minds.

• The Way Things Work Now (opens in a new window)
• Built to Last (opens in a new window)

Walter Dean Myers

Myers portrayed authentic views of African Americans in gripping novels for young adults and poetic picture book tributes which were often illustrated by his son, Christopher Myers. Our video interview with Walter Dean Myers › (opens in a new window)

• Blues Journey (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Christopher Myers
• Jazz (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Sy Montgomery

• Condor Comeback (opens in a new window)
  Photographs by Tianne Strombeck
• The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea (opens in a new window)
  Photographs by Nic Bishop

Linda Sue Park

• A Single Shard (opens in a new window)
• Prairie Lotus (opens in a new window)

Katherine Paterson

With sensitive, realistic expressions of childhood emotions, Paterson tackles challenging subjects such as sibling rivalry, troubled children, and even death in her middle grade novels. Our video interview with Katherine Paterson › (opens in a new window)

• Bridge to Terabithia (opens in a new window)
• Lyddie (opens in a new window)

Jason Reynolds

Reynolds writes masterful novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade readers with intention to make Black children and teenagers feel seen in real life as well as in books.

• As Brave As You (opens in a new window)
• Stuntboy, in the Meantime (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Raúl the Third

Pam Muñoz Ryan

In both her picture books and novels, Ryan often features daring female protagonists who defy the societal conventions of their time. Our video interview with Pam Muñoz Ryan ›

• Esperanza Rising (opens in a new window)
• Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs (opens in a new window)

Brian Selznick

Selznick explores all kinds of different ways that words and pictures interact in the books he creates, marrying intricate pencil illustrations with fascinating and accessible narrative. Our video interview with Brian Selznick › (opens in a new window)

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret (opens in a new window)
• Wonderstruck (opens in a new window)

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Smith, who is also the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at Harper Children’s Books, writes both realistic contemporary stories and fantastical narratives. Our video interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith › (opens in a new window)

• Indian Shoes (opens in a new window)
• Sisters of the Neversea (opens in a new window)

Gary Soto

Poet, novelist, and memoirist Soto deals with the realities of growing up in Mexican American communities in his works.

• The Skirt (opens in a new window)
• Baseball in April and Other Stories (opens in a new window)

Mildred Taylor

In her saga of the Logan family, award-winning author Taylor explores family ties and racism faced by African Americans in the rural South before the civil rights movement. 

• The Land (opens in a new window)
• Let The Circle Be Unbroken (opens in a new window)

Raina Telgemeier 

Many of Telgemeier’s graphic novels are autobiographical and deeply personal, exploring her own family life and challenges she faced growing up. Our video interview with Raina Telgemeier › (opens in a new window)

• Smile (opens in a new window)
• Sisters (opens in a new window)

Renée Watson

Watson, who writes for all ages of young readers, centers her work around the experiences of Black girls and women, and explores themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.

• Ways to Make Sunshine (opens in a new window)
• Some Places More Than Others (opens in a new window)

Rita Williams-Garcia

Williams-Garcia writes picture books for young readers and novels for young adults and middle grade readers that are often rooted in recent American history and brim with authentic voices of young people. Our video interview with Rita Williams-Garcia › (opens in a new window)

• One Crazy Summer (opens in a new window)
• Clayton Byrd Goes Underground (opens in a new window)

Gene Luen Yang

A former teacher who served as the fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. Our video interview with Gene Luen Yang › (opens in a new window)

• Secret Coders (opens in a new window)
  Illustrated by Mike Holmes
• Avatar: The Last Airbender — The Promise (opens in a new window)
  Written with Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante Di-Martino

Kelly Yang

Yang’s experiences as an immigrant growing up in California shape the themes of family and community in her rich and engaging stories.

• Front Desk (opens in a new window)
• New From Here (opens in a new window)

Laurence Yep

Yep writes books that draw from his Chinese American background yet speak to common feelings and experiences. Our video interview with Laurence Yep › (opens in a new window)

• Dragonwings (opens in a new window)
• The Tiger’s Apprentice (opens in a new window)