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Cynthia Leitich Smith
Author Profile

Cynthia Leitich Smith

21 Books
Cynthia Leitich Smith is a New York Times best-selling author renowned for her young adult and middle grade fiction, often featuring Native American characters and themes. Her diverse body of work spans contemporary realism, as seen in "Hearts Unbroken," and urban fantasy, exemplified by her popular "Tantalize" series, which includes "Diabolical." She also engages younger readers with her "Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem" series, solidifying her as a versatile and important voice in children's literature.

Hearts Unbroken

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Diverse Voices Family
- /5

Cat Calls

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Cats Family
- /5

Diabolical

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Monsters Schools
- /5

Tantalize

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Adventure Fantasy
- /5

On a Wing and a Tear

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Adventure Animals
- /5

Blessed

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Action
- /5

Feral Nights

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Action Adventure
- /5

Sisters of the Neversea

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Adventure Diverse Voices
- /5

Feral Pride

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Action Animals
- /5

Love Bites at Sanguini’s: The Tantalize Series

Cynthia Leitich Smith

- /5

Eternal

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Kings Magic
- /5

Harvest House

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Diverse Voices Ghosts
- /5

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids

Cynthia Leitich Smith

- /5

Firefly Season: A Heartfelt Story for Kids (Ages 4-8) About Native American Friendship, Family, and Overcoming Distance

Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Gardiner

- /5

Indian Shoes

Cynthia Leitich Smith, Marybeth Timothy

Diverse Voices Family
- /5

Rain Is Not My Indian Name

Cynthia Leitich Smith, Lori Earley

- /5
Blue Stars

The Vice Principal Problem: A Graphic Novel

Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Molly Murakami

Family Graphic Novels
- /5

Jingle Dancer

Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ying-Hwa Hu, Cornelius Van Wright

- /5

The Hero Next Door: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park, Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Suma Subramaniam, Rita Williams-Garcia, William Alexander, Ronald Lenard Smith

Anthologies Courage
- /5

Violent Ends

Neal Shusterman, Shaun David Hutchinson, Hannah Moskowitz, Blythe Woolston, Mindi Scott, Margie Gelbwasser, Christine Johnson, Elisa Nader, Delilah S. Dawson, E.M. Kokie, Trish Doller, Brendan Shusterman, Beth Revis, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Courtney Summers, Kendare Blake, Steve Brezenoff, Tom Leveen

Anthologies Short Stories
- /5

Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

Chris Grabenstein, Peter Lerangis, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Linda Sue Park, Elissa Brent Weissman, Brian Selznick, Kwame Alexander, Rita Williams-Garcia, Grace Lin, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Gail Carson Levine, Yuyi Morales, R. J. Palacio, Dan Santat, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Eric Rohmann, Ashley Bryan

Anthologies Biography
- /5
Jump in! Meet Louise! She's in her last year of school and loves helping with the school newspaper. When her school decides to put on a big play, "The Wizard of Oz," something exciting and a little tricky happens. What's it about? The director wants everyone to be able to join the play, no matter who they are! But not everyone in town is happy about this. Some people start to cause problems, and Louise and her new friend Joey, who takes pictures for the newspaper, need to cover the story. Louise's little brother is even in the play! Why it pulls you in! Join Louise as she helps tell a big story about being fair and kind to everyone. She'll learn what it means to stand up for friends and family, and how to be brave when things get tough. It's a story about being a good friend and finding your voice!
13-18 Years 304 Pages
N/A /5
Tiffany's grandmother has always possessed the rare gift of seeing into the future. But when she looks into Tiffany's path, she does not see typical teenage milestones like first dates or high school drama. Instead, she sees something wild, untamed, and fiercely powerful waiting to break free. As Tiffany tries to navigate the everyday challenges of growing up, she begins to sense a profound shift within herself. The future her grandmother predicted is rapidly approaching, bringing with it a startling physical and magical transformation. Soon, Tiffany must embrace a new, feline shape that comes with its own secret purr, heightened senses, and incredible strength. This captivating short story blends everyday family dynamics with thrilling supernatural elements. Follow Tiffany as she steps into her extraordinary destiny, learning to harness her newfound abilities and discovering that the most exciting parts of her identity are finally coming to light. It is a striking tale of self-discovery, family heritage, and the courage it takes to become who you are truly meant to be.
13-18 Years 26 Pages
N/A /5
A mysterious New England boarding school hides far more than just difficult homework and strict curfews. Behind its grand, ivy-covered walls, a dangerous collection of secretive students and supernatural beings are locked in a deadly struggle for survival. Zachary, a disgraced angel seeking redemption, and his loyal werewolf best friend, Kieren, find themselves trapped in this terrifying academic nightmare. Together, they must navigate a treacherous campus crawling with vicious demon dogs and survive the cruel punishments of a truly sadistic instructor. But their greatest challenge lies deep within the school shadows, where a legendary, fire-breathing monster waits to be unleashed. In this gripping supernatural thriller, alliances are tested and dark secrets are dragged into the light. Zachary and Kieren must rely on their unique abilities and unbreakable bond to uncover the sinister purpose of the academy before they become its next victims. Prepare for a heart-pounding journey into a world where every hallway hides a new, terrifying threat and survival is never guaranteed.
13-18 Years
N/A /5
Jump in! Get ready for a super cool adventure with Quincie Morris! She's helping her uncle open a brand-new restaurant. But this isn't just any restaurant – it's a special vampire-themed place! Imagine spooky decorations and yummy food that fits the theme. Quincie has a big job to do to make sure everything is ready for the grand opening. There's a new chef, and lots of excitement to make sure the restaurant is the best in town. Why it pulls you in: You'll love imagining what it's like behind the scenes of a themed restaurant! Discover what goes into preparing for a big event and all the fun things you might find in a place inspired by mysterious creatures. Quincie needs to make sure everything is perfect, even when things get a little bit tricky. Will their new restaurant be a big success? Join Quincie and find out!
13-18 Years 336 Pages
N/A /5
Have you ever made a new friend who's also a living legend? Meet Mel and Ray, two friends who feel like siblings. Their lives get super exciting when Great-grandfather Bat, a famous player from traditional stories, takes refuge in their backyard oak tree! But oh no, he's got an injured wing. There's a really important Great Ball Game coming up, and Bat is the star! Mel and Ray decide they HAVE to help him get there. So, with Grampa Charlie, they all pile into the car for an unforgettable road trip from Chicago all the way to Georgia. Get ready for adventure, fun, and even a little mystery along the way! This heartwarming story is packed with talking animals, courage, and the amazing discovery that everyone is connected. Join Mel, Ray, and Great-grandfather Bat as they race against time to make sure the legend plays his game!
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 240 Pages
N/A /5
Quincie Morris has already survived a disastrously deadly restaurant opening, a werewolf boyfriend's struggles, and her own transformation into a vampire. Now, she is just trying to adjust to her new immortal life while keeping Sanguini's, her vampire-themed restaurant, running smoothly. But the dark underworld of Austin, Texas, is never quiet for long. A new wave of danger crashes into Quincie's life when Zachary, a fallen angel with a mysterious past, arrives with a dire warning. Dark forces are gathering, and a sinister plot is brewing that could tear the supernatural world apart. Forced to team up with her werewolf best friend Kieren and the enigmatic angel, Quincie must navigate a treacherous web of bloodlust, betrayal, and ancient magic. As the stakes grow higher and the enemies become more ruthless, Quincie has to embrace her predatory instincts to protect the people she loves. This thrilling young adult fantasy is packed with biting romance, dark humor, and heart-pounding action that will leave you breathless.
13-18 Years 480 Pages
N/A /5
Dive into a thrilling supernatural adventure where shapeshifters and humans collide in a deadly game. Werecat Yoshi arrives in Austin, desperate to find his missing sister, Ruby, only to discover she's not just gone, but a prime suspect in a murder. Meanwhile, werepossum Clyde and human Aimee are on their own mission, determined to avenge a friend's brutal death. Their paths intertwine when they are all ensnared in a dangerous kidnapping ring that transports them to a remote, mysterious island. This island harbors a chilling secret: it's a hunting ground where wealthy, sinister patrons pursue wereprey and werepredators alike. With their lives on the line, the mild-mannered Clyde, usually a loyal sidekick, must find the courage within himself to confront the unimaginable and lead them to survival. Can he rise to the challenge and surprise everyone, including himself, in a fight for freedom and justice?
13-18 Years 304 Pages
N/A /5
Meet Lily and Wendy, best friends who also happen to be stepsisters! Their family is going through a tough time, with their parents planning to spend the summer apart. Lily and Wendy worry about what this means for their family and their special friendship. But a mysterious boy named Peter Pan has been watching them, and he has a different idea for their summer! Suddenly, they are whisked away on a magical, high-flying adventure to a fairy-tale island called Neverland. Imagine a place filled with wild animals, shimmering Merfolk, mischievous Fairies, and even pirates and a giant crocodile! Will Lily and Wendy find the courage they need to navigate this incredible world? Join them on an unforgettable journey packed with magic, excitement, and discoveries that will test their bond and show them what they're truly made of. Get ready for an adventure like no other!
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 317 Pages
N/A /5
Anti-shifter sentiment has reached a boiling point, and the world is becoming a very dangerous place for werebeasts. When Kayla's transformation into a werecat is caught on video and broadcast across the internet, she instantly becomes the ultimate symbol of the shifter threat. Now, she is a hunted fugitive on the run alongside her friends: Yoshi the cat, Clyde the lion-possum, and Aimee, their human ally. While they fight to stay hidden, a radical weresnake kidnaps the governor of Texas, broadcasting a terrifying declaration of war. The backlash is swift and brutal. Law enforcement targets innocent werepeople, threatening them with a forced vaccine that suppresses their shifting abilities. To make matters worse, a top-secret, highly intelligent species of Cryptids is enslaving shifters in the shadows. Clyde must dig deep and channel his inner lion king to lead his friends into the fight of their lives. You will be pulled into a high-stakes battle against ruthless enemies and corporate conspiracies in this explosive, action-packed finale filled with suspense, shifting alliances, and paranormal romance.
13-18 Years 304 Pages
N/A /5

The Tantalize series features an international multi-monster-verse populated with vampires, shapeshifters, angels, demons, faerie, and others. This ebook bundle brings all four suspenseful, action-packed clashes between the forces of heaven and hell together into one diabolically fresh and funny read.
The bundle contains the four original books:
Eternal
Tantalize
Blessed
Diabolical



--- Added from Google Books ---

The Tantalize series features an international multi-monster-verse populated with vampires, shapeshifters, angels, demons, faerie, and others. This ebook bundle brings all four suspenseful, action-packed clashes between the forces of heaven and hell together into one diabolically fresh and funny read. The bundle contains the four original books: Eternal Tantalize Blessed Diabolical
13-18 Years 1504 Pages
N/A /5
Miranda always longed to be extraordinary, but she never expected her wish to come true in such a dark and dangerous way. After a tragic accident, she is pulled into a glamorous, hidden society of immortals, chosen by a mysterious and powerful King to live as a vampire. Suddenly, she is thrust into a royal world of ancient magic, deadly politics, and high-stakes secrets. By her side is Zachary, her former guardian angel who has now been demoted to her personal assistant. His new mission is to protect Miranda from the shadows of her new life and help her navigate the treacherous rules of the undead elite as they prepare for the highly anticipated Death Day gala. As the lines between friend and foe blur, Miranda and Zachary must rely on each other to survive the elegant but cutthroat immortal court. Packed with supernatural suspense, unexpected romance, and thrilling twists, this captivating fantasy explores destiny, loyalty, and the ultimate price of eternal life.
13-18 Years 317 Pages
N/A /5
Hughie Wolfe is thrilled to volunteer at Harvest House, a brand-new Halloween haunted attraction set up in his rural town. He is ready for fake blood, jump scares, and spooky fun with his friends. But his excitement quickly fades when he discovers one of the main attractions relies on an offensive local legend about the vengeful spirit of an Indian maiden. As an Indigenous teen, Hughie knows this harmful stereotype is wrong, and he refuses to let it slide. As Halloween creeps closer, the scares around Harvest House become all too real. Dogs are howling at nothing, wild animals are acting strangely, and unsettling rumors spread about a mysterious figure stalking young women near the crossroads. Is the area truly haunted by a restless ghost, or is a very human predator hiding in the shadows? Hughie and his friends must band together to uncover the truth, challenge the town's toxic folklore, and stop a dangerous threat before All Hallow's Eve arrives. This gripping, suspenseful mystery perfectly blends spine-chilling thrills with a powerful message about community and justice.
13-18 Years 320 Pages
N/A /5

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog).

They are the heroes of their own stories.

Featuring stories and poems by:
Joseph Bruchac
Art Coulson
Christine Day
Eric Gansworth
Carole Lindstrom
Dawn Quigley
Rebecca Roanhorse
David A. Robertson
Andrea L. Rogers
Kim Rogers
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Monique Gray Smith
Traci Sorell,
Tim Tingle
Erika T. Wurth
Brian Young

In partnership with We Need Diverse Books



--- Added from Google Books ---

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride. Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog). They are the heroes of their own stories. Featuring stories and poems by: Joseph Bruchac Art Coulson Christine Day Eric Gansworth Carole Lindstrom Dawn Quigley Rebecca Roanhorse David A. Robertson Andrea L. Rogers Kim Rogers Cynthia Leitich Smith Monique Gray Smith Traci Sorell, Tim Tingle Erika T. Wurth Brian Young In partnership with We Need Diverse Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 320 Pages
N/A /5
Meet Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy with a quick wit and a loving heart! Ray lives in the big city of Chicago but also enjoys time near a lake in rural Oklahoma. No matter where he is, Ray is always having fun and figuring things out with the help of his amazing Grampa. This collection of linked stories is full of everyday adventures and heartwarming moments. You'll laugh along as Ray navigates funny situations, like when a homemade haircut goes hilariously wrong and he and Grampa have to get super creative to fix it! Or when he thinks about what "Indian shoes" really look like—fancy beaded moccasins or cool hightops with bright orange laces? This heartwarming and funny book is a wonderful journey about family, growing up, and the special bond between a boy and his grandfather. Join Ray and Grampa as they share laughter, solve problems, and make memories together.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 80 Pages
N/A /5

The next day was my fourteenth birthday, and I'd never kissed a boy -- domestic style or French. Right then, I decided to get myself a teen life.

Cassidy Rain Berghoff didn't know that the very night she decided to get a life would be the night that Galen would lose his.

It's been six months since her best friend died, and up until now Rain has succeeded in shutting herself off from the world. But when controversy arises around her aunt Georgia's Indian Camp in their mostly white midwestern community, Rain decides to face the outside world again -- at least through the lens of her canera.

Hired by her town newspaper to photograph the campers, Rain soon finds that she has to decide how involved She wants to become in Indian Camp. Does she want to keep a professional distance from the intertribal community she belongs to? And just how willing is she to connect with the campers after her great loss?

In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, Cynthia Leitich Smith tells of heartbreak, recovery, and reclaiming one's place in the world.



--- Added from Google Books ---

The next day was my fourteenth birthday, and I'd never kissed a boy -- domestic style or French. Right then, I decided to get myself a teen life. Cassidy Rain Berghoff didn't know that the very night she decided to get a life would be the night that Galen would lose his. It's been six months since her best friend died, and up until now Rain has succeeded in shutting herself off from the world. But when controversy arises around her aunt Georgia's Indian Camp in their mostly white midwestern community, Rain decides to face the outside world again -- at least through the lens of her canera. Hired by her town newspaper to photograph the campers, Rain soon finds that she has to decide how involved She wants to become in Indian Camp. Does she want to keep a professional distance from the intertribal community she belongs to? And just how willing is she to connect with the campers after her great loss? In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, Cynthia Leitich Smith tells of heartbreak, recovery, and reclaiming one's place in the world.

--- Added from Hardcover ---

Tired of staying in seclusion since the death of her best friend, a fourteen-year-old Native American girl takes on a photographic assignment with her local newspaper to cover events at the Native American summer youth camp.
9-12 Years 144 Pages
N/A /5
Cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn have just moved to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandmother, and the transition is anything but smooth. Riley is highly social and deeply misses her Muscogee community, while the introverted Maya misses her deployed parents and just wants to be left alone with her gadgets. Despite their differences, they are forced to navigate a brand-new middle school together. Just as they start finding their footing in the gymnastics team and the robotics club, a sinister force threatens their school's culture. Uncovering a web of money, power, and lies orchestrated by an influential adult in disguise, the cousins realize they cannot fight this battle apart. Throwing their hats into the ring for class president, Riley and Maya shift from clashing rivals to a cooperative, crime-fighting duo. Combining Riley's exceptional people skills with Maya's brilliant technological inventions, the two become everyday superheroes determined to protect their community and save the day.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 13-18 Years 176 Pages
N/A /5

Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl in Oklahoma, wants to honor a family tradition by jingle dancing at the next powwow. But where will she find enough jingles for her dress? An unusual, warm family story, beautifully evoked in Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu's watercolor art.

Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2001, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council



--- Added from Google Books ---

Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl in Oklahoma, wants to honor a family tradition by jingle dancing at the next powwow. But where will she find enough jingles for her dress? An unusual, warm family story, beautifully evoked in Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu's watercolor art. Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2001, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council

--- Added from Hardcover ---

Jenna, a member of the Muscogee, or Creek, Nation, borrows jingles from the dresses of several friends and relatives so that she can perform the jingle dance at the powwow. Includes a note about the jingle dance tradition and its regalia.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 32 Pages
N/A /5
Jump in Not all heroes wear capes or fly through the sky. Some heroes teach martial arts, talk to ghosts, invent amazing gadgets, or play soccer. They are your sisters, your neighbors, and your friends. They come in every shape and size, but they all share one important mission. They step up and make the world a better place when it counts. Why it pulls you in You will explore thirteen amazing stories written by some of the best voices in children's books today. Each tale introduces a new character facing their own unique challenges. You will see how small acts of bravery and everyday kindness can completely save the day. You do not need superpowers to make a huge difference in your community. What you will discover You will meet characters from all walks of life who find the courage to stand up for what is right. As you read about these everyday champions, you might just realize something powerful. The next great hero could be sitting right beside you. Or maybe, the real hero is already inside of you.
9-12 Years 274 Pages
N/A /5
It took exactly twenty-two minutes for Kirby Matheson to walk into his high school gymnasium and open fire. The horrific event left six dead and five injured, but the tragedy didn't start or end in those twenty-two minutes. Seventeen different students, each with their own unique connection to Kirby, share their perspectives on the boy they thought they knew. Through their interlocking stories, a complex portrait emerges of a teenager who defied simple categorization. This powerful anthology forces you to look beyond the headlines and examine the intricate web of relationships, missed warnings, and quiet moments that precede a devastating school shooting. A haunting and essential examination of a modern tragedy.
13-18 Years 352 Pages
N/A /5
Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors and illustrators were like before they became famous? Every great storyteller has to start somewhere, and the journey is rarely perfect. This unique and deeply inspiring collection pulls back the curtain on the childhoods of some of today's most beloved creators. Before they were winning massive awards and topping the bestseller lists, these brilliant artists were just regular kids trying to find their creative voices. You will discover the very early, sometimes embarrassing, and always fascinating works of celebrated writers and artists. Read a third grade writing assignment that sparked a lifelong passion, explore the early sketches of a future illustrator, and see the discarded drafts that eventually turned into brilliant poetry. This collection reveals the failures, the rough drafts, and the vital moments of encouragement that helped shape these incredible minds. It is a powerful reminder that creativity takes practice and patience. Whether you love writing, drawing, or just a good story, these vulnerable and smart childhood memories will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start creating your own masterpiece.
9-12 Years 208 Pages
N/A /5
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