Author Nora Shalaway Carpenter talks about writing for young adult/middle grades audiences, pushing back on assumptions about rural life, and breaking down stigmas about mental health. You can read more about Nora's work at https://www.noracarpenterwrites.com/, order a copy of her latest novel Fault Lines at this link, and check out her upcoming teaching for the Highlights Foundation (both in person at the Retreat Center in PA and online).

Author and artist Mel Valentine Vargas talks about the process of adapting Meg Medina's novel Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass into graphic novel form. You can read more about Mel's work at https://www.melvalentinev.com/

Educator and author Jared Huisingh talks about the possibilities of education, critical media literacy, comics, and more. You can read Jared's work in English Leadership Quarterly, among other places.

Comics creator Judd Winick talks about crafting for DC, his path to comics, and creating the Hilo series.

Comics creator Tom Feister talks about his work in animation, as well as his work on books like Ex Machina, and connecting students with literacy in a comics club. You can find out more about Tom's work on Instagram.

Author and artist Tim Ogline talks about working on the book, We Survived the Holocaust: The Bluma and Felix Goldberg Story, including the process, power, and implications of the story. You can read more about Ogline's work, including his exploration of the life of Benjamin Franklin, at https://www.oglinedesign.com/, and can you read more about We Survived the Holocaust at https://wesurvivedtheholocaust.com/author/

Author Amit Tishler talks about creating the comics series/graphic novel Edenfrost, including the inspirations behind the book, the questions of identity and society that inform the work, and hints of upcoming titles. You can read more about Edenfrost at the Mad Cave site and follow Amit's work at https://www.amittishler.com/

Author and educator Chris Baron talks about upcoming collaboration in The Secret of the Dragon Gems, as well as his recent work, The Gray, and his verse novel work. You can read more about Chris's work at https://www.chris-baron.com/

Margaret Peterson Haddix talks about the importance of literacy for young people, as well as teacher resources and her new book, Falling Out of Time. You can read more about Margaret's work at https://haddixbooks.com/

Author and cultural historian Arlen Schumer talks about a publishing year to come, including his work with Silver Age comics, The Twilight Zone, and Springsteen. You can read more about Arlen's work at https://arlenschumer.com/