Cynthia Leitich Smith

Cynthia Leitich Smith is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing children's and young adult literature, with a particular focus on contemporary Native American themes. As a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, she has made significant contributions to Native representation in children's literature since beginning her writing career in 2000. Smith's work spans multiple genres, including realistic fiction, Gothic fantasy, and humorous picture books. Her books are widely taught in educational settings from elementary through college level, and she serves as the author-curator of Heartdrum, HarperCollins' Native-focused imprint. With advanced degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of Michigan Law School, Smith has established herself as an authority in children's-YA literature. She held the inaugural Katherine Paterson Endowed Chair during her twenty-year tenure at Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Her contributions to children's literature have earned significant recognition, including the 2021 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature and the 2024 Southern Mississippi Medallion. Based in Austin, Texas, she maintains an extensive website of Children's Literature Resources used by educators and literary professionals.

Readers appreciate Smith's authentic representation of Native American characters and contemporary Indigenous life in works like "Rain Is Not My Indian Name" and "Hearts Unbroken." Reviews highlight her skill at addressing serious topics while maintaining accessibility for young readers. Positive reviews focus on: - Complex teen characters dealing with identity and culture - Balance of humor with heavier themes - Educational value without being preachy - Strong female protagonists Common criticisms mention: - Pacing issues in some novels - Predictable romantic plotlines - Dialogue that can feel stilted Ratings averages: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (across all works) Amazon: 4.2/5 "Tantalize" series: 3.6/5 "Hearts Unbroken": 4.1/5 One frequent reader comment on Goodreads notes: "Smith writes Native teens as full people with modern lives, not stereotypes." A critical Amazon review states: "Good representation but the story drags in places."

Hearts Unbroken - A young adult novel following a Native American high school journalist who covers controversy surrounding her school's production of "The Wizard of Oz" while navigating her own first romance.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name - A contemporary story of a 14-year-old mixed-heritage girl who processes grief through her work as a photographer for her small town's newspaper.

Indian Shoes - A collection of six interlinked stories about a young Cherokee-Seminole boy and his grandfather living in Chicago.

Jingle Dancer - A picture book about a young Muscogee girl who gathers jingles from family members to make her first dancing dress.

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids - An anthology edited by Smith featuring stories by Native authors centered around a powwow gathering.

Sisters of the Neversea - A contemporary Native American reimagining of Peter Pan following stepsisters Lily and Wendy.

HoopMania - The story of a Native American basketball team preparing for their first tournament game.

Santa Knows - A holiday picture book about a skeptical child who learns the truth about Santa Claus.

Joseph Bruchac writes Native American historical fiction and contemporary stories for young readers, drawing from his Abenaki heritage and extensive knowledge of Indigenous oral traditions. His work includes both middle grade and young adult books that center Native American perspectives and experiences.

Louise Erdrich creates stories featuring Native American characters and themes, particularly focused on Ojibwe culture and experiences. Her children's books blend traditional storytelling elements with contemporary settings and issues.

Eric Gansworth writes about contemporary Native American life and identity through both fiction and memoir for young readers. His work examines the intersection of modern life and traditional Onondaga culture.

Tim Tingle tells stories based on Choctaw history and contemporary life, incorporating traditional storytelling methods into his children's and young adult books. His work addresses historical events while maintaining cultural authenticity and accuracy.

Debbie Reese focuses on Native American themes in children's literature and writes about Indigenous representation in books for young readers. Her work combines storytelling with careful attention to tribal specificity and contemporary Native experiences.