As a synagogue librarian and Past President of the Association of Jewish Libraries, I am very happy that the diverse selections of the Cybils judges include quite a few books of Jewish content. By now we’ve all heard the “windows and mirrors” maxim, that authentic literature about any minority provides insight for outsiders and validation for members. Jews have a …
Interview with Kevin Sands
First off, congrats! We really loved The Blackthorn Key. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea?Thank you! I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the Cybils. The idea for The Blackthorn Key actually came during one of those times where I was specifically trying to think up new ideas (which almost never works). It …
List Fun: Ghost Stories for All Ages
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, stories that feature these ethereal characters are a creepy delight for readers of all ages. These ten books, selected from past Cybils nominees/finalists/winners, highlight the best tales about ghosts. Some of the ghosts are friends, others are foes; some stories are pretty funny while others are downright terrifying. There’s something for every reader! …
Interview with Victoria Jamieson
First off, congrats! We adored Roller Girl. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book?Thank you, and thank you for the honor of a Cybils award! I am so thrilled and humbled by the support. Roller Girl was born out of my love of roller derby. If you know anyone who plays the …
List Fun: Math-Related Picture Books
Curated from past Cybils nominees and finalists, these ten picture books introduce a wide range of math-related concepts: from basic counting to using numbers to solve real-life problems. –Amy Johnson, Sunlit Pages Animal 123 by Britta Teckentrup (2012 Fiction Picture Books Nominee)Britta Teckentrup’s beautifully textured illustrations are a perfect introduction to numbers and the concept of adding one more. Using …
Interview with Tamara Ireland Stone
First off, congrats! We adored Every Last Word. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book?Thank you so much! What an honor to have been nominated in the YA fiction category this year—and in such impressive company. I’m incredibly grateful to the Cybils judges for reading and supporting Every Last Word. …
Interview with Abby Hanlon
First off, congrats! We adored Dory and the Real True Friend. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book? Did it flow naturally from Dory Fantasmagory? Thank you! I was thrilled to hear that Dory and The Real True Friend was recognized in this very meaningful way. I am a big fan of the …
Interview with Steve Sheinkin
First off, congrats! We loved Most Dangerous. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book?Thanks so much! The idea came from a photo of a file cabinet. Seriously. A photo in Smithsonian Magazine. What got me was the dent in the top, where someone had obviously tried to break in. Then …
Interview with Grace Lin
First off, congrats! We adored Ling and Ting: Twice as Silly. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book? Thanks! I was so thrilled that Ling and Ting received a Cybil! Ling and Ting started as a picture book originally titled Ling, Ting and Ming (sorry, Ming, you got axed). In …
Interview with Bridget Heos
First off, congrats! We adored I, Fly. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book?Thank you! I’m so honored that CYBILS voters chose I, FLY among all the great nonfiction finalists! I got the idea for the story when I was walking through my kids’ school and saw that one of …