I’m thrilled to welcome Tanita S. Davis to the show!

Tanita is an award-winning author whose books explore the complexities of friendship, identity, and family. Her novel Mare’s War earned a Coretta Scott King Honor for its powerful depiction of two teens going on a road trip with their WWII veteran grandmother, who tells them about her rebellious past. She’s also written Partly Cloudy, Serena Says, and Figure it Out Henri Weldon, each offering unique and thoughtful perspectives on growing up and finding one’s place in the world.

Her latest book, The Science of Friendship, follows eighth-grader Rylee Swanson, who embarks on a school project to understand what makes a friendship work after a falling out with her best friend. Blending storytelling with actual scientific research, Tanita crafts a relatable and insightful journey about connection, self-discovery, and the challenges of middle school relationships.