Tahmaseb
Ryan Bani Tahmaseb is an author, K-12 academic coach, and curriculum developer. His debut picture book, Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen, was published by Charlesbridge in summer 2024, and his debut middle grade book, Persian Mythology, will be published by Running Press Kids in fall 2025. Ryan also writes for adults. His first professional book for educators, […]
Heider
Mary Winn Heider has published 27 books, performed Off-Broadway, worked on a train in Alaska, and ridden her bike around Lake Michigan. Her books have been on state lists, appeared on Bank Street Best Books, received Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection status, been long-listed for the Edgar Award, and landed on Indies Introduce and […]
Cheng
Charlotte Cheng creates stories on rocks, sidewalks, libraries, and once in a while, the good old traditional piece of paper. Charlotte Cheng has written and illustrated a variety of books including Night Market Rescue, Roar-Choo!, I Miss You Most, and BoBo Loves Dumplings. Represented by Red Fox Literary, Charlotte has spoken at a wide variety […]
Moore
Tanisia “Tee” Moore is a revered voice of African American storytelling known affectionately as “your family’s favorite author.” She writes for young people under her own name and in adult contemporary romance as Nisia Roye. The common thread in all her books is her deep love of sharing life lessons embedded in Black culture. Tee’s […]
Pizza
Andy J. Pizza is a New York Times Bestselling author-illustrator of many books for children and adults such as Invisible Things and A Pizza with Everything On It. Pizza is also the creator of the popular podcast “Creative Pep Talk” which Vanity Fair says “is every bit as bright and effervescent as its title would […]
Couch
Robbie Couch is a Los Angeles-based young-adult author who is originally from Michigan. His books range from speculative to contemporary fiction, focus on queer characters and themes, and have all been published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. If I See You Again Tomorrow, his New York Times bestselling third novel, has received […]
Hayden
Chaz Hayden is a YA author and disability awareness advocate. His works include the 2024 release of Diet Soda Club and his 2022 debut novel The First Thing About You. He focuses on contemporary themes, highlighting the experiences of disabled characters. The First Thing About You tells the story of Harris, a high school student […]
Chan
Michelle Jing Chan (she/her) is a queer Chinese American author-illustrator who studied engineering and economics, but now creates books and comics for kids and teens. She gravitates towards empowering stories that celebrate diversity and self-acceptance –books she would have loved to read as a kid. Michelle’s books have earned awards from the Children’s Book Council, […]
Shannon Smith
Nikki Shannon Smith is an educator, presenter, and the award-winning author of over 20 published and forthcoming books, ranging from board books to young adult novels. She is the author of the Azaleah Lane chapter book series (Capstone) as well as the board book series Brown Baby Parade (PRH/Crown). Nikki’s work includes two Little Golden […]
Toalson
R.L. (Rachel) Toalson is the award-winning author of the middle grade books THE COLORS OF THE RAIN, a middle grade historical novel-in-verse (little bee, 2018) that won the 2020 Arnold Adoff Poetry Honor award for New Voices; THE WOODS, a middle grade magical realism book (little bee, 2019) that was named to the ILA’s Children’s […]
