Cynthia Leitich Smith Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cynthia Leitich Smith

Born	1967 (age 57–58)
Nationality	American
Education	University of Kansas University of Michigan (JD)
Period	2000–present
Genre	Children's and young adult fiction, Native American literature, Gothic fantasy/horror, humor, realistic fiction

Cynthia Leitich Smith (born in 1967) is a best-selling author who writes books for kids and young adults. She is a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

Many of her books are about the lives of modern-day Native Americans. Teachers often use these books in schools and colleges. Cynthia Leitich Smith also writes fun picture books and exciting fantasy stories for older teens. She is known as an expert in children's and young adult literature. She also runs a helpful website with resources about children's books.

Life

Cynthia Leitich Smith went to the University of Kansas and the University of Michigan Law School. She lives in Austin, Texas.

For over 20 years, she taught writing at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She also created and leads Heartdrum, a special part of HarperCollins publishing that focuses on Native stories. Her books are published by Heartdrum and Candlewick Press.

Awards

Cynthia Leitich Smith has won important awards for her writing. In 2021, she won the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature. This award celebrates great children's authors from around the world. She also won the Southern Mississippi Medallion in 2024.

Selected Books

Jingle Dancer

Jingle Dancer is a picture book for young readers, published in 2000. It tells the story of a girl who wants to dance at a powwow. The book has won several awards and is often used in schools.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name

This book is a realistic novel for ages 10 and up. It was published in 2001. Cynthia Leitich Smith was named "Writer of the Year" for this book by Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers.

Indian Shoes

Indian Shoes is a chapter book for ages 7 and up, published in 2002. It was chosen for the NEA Native American Book List. The book is about two boys and their adventures.

Tantalize

Tantalize is a young adult gothic fantasy novel, published in 2007. It mixes different styles like mystery, comedy, and romance. The story includes fantasy creatures like vampires and shapeshifters.

Eternal

Published in 2009, Eternal is another young adult gothic fantasy novel. It features angels, vampires, and shapeshifters. This book was a best-seller on the New York Times best-seller list.

Blessed

Blessed is a young adult gothic fantasy novel from 2011. It continues the stories with angels, vampires, and shapeshifters. This book was nominated for the YALSA Teens Top 10 award.

Tantalize: Kieren's Story

This is a graphic novel version of the Tantalize series, published in 2011. It's a fully illustrated story for young adults. It also includes vampires and shapeshifters.

Diabolical

Diabolical is a young adult gothic fantasy novel published in 2011. It has many fantasy elements like angels, ghosts, demons, and vampires. The book blends mystery, comedy, and romance.

Hearts Unbroken

Hearts Unbroken is a realistic young adult novel from 2018. It won the American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book. The story explores themes of identity and relationships.

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids

This book, published in 2021, is a collection of 18 short stories and poems. They all take place at a powwow, which is a Native American gathering. Cynthia Leitich Smith edited the collection and wrote one of the stories.

Sisters of the Neversea

Sisters of the Neversea is a middle grade novel published in 2021. It's a modern retelling of the classic Peter Pan story. The book received many positive reviews from critics.

Harvest House

Published in 2023, Harvest House is a young adult novel that combines realism with mystery. It goes back to the world of her award-winning book, Hearts Unbroken.

Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem

This is a middle grade graphic novel, co-written with Kekla Magoon. It will be published in 2024. The story is about two cousins who work together to save their school.

Works

Books

Jingle Dancer (2000)
Rain is Not My Indian Name (2001)
Indian Shoes (2002)
Santa Knows (2006)
Tantalize (2007)
Eternal (2009)
Holler Loudly (2010)
Blessed (2011)
Tantalize: Kieren's Story (2011)
Diabolical (2012)
Feral Nights (2013)
Eternal: Zachary's Story (2013)
Feral Curse (2014)
Feral Pride (2015)
Hearts Unbroken (2018)
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids (2021)
Sisters of the Neversea (2021)
Harvest House (2023)
Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem (2024)
On a Wing and a Tear (2024)
Firefly Season (2025)
Legendary Frybread Drive-in (2025)

Short Stories, Essays, and Poetry

Cynthia Leitich Smith has also written many short stories, essays, and poems. These have appeared in various collections and magazines for different age groups. Some examples include:

"The Gentleman Cowboy" in Period Pieces: Stories for Girls (2003)
"A Real-Live Blonde Cherokee and His Equally Annoyed Soul Mate" in Moccasin Thunder (2005)
"Haunted Love" in Immortal: Love Stories with Bite (2008)
"Girl's Best Friend" in The Hero Next Door (2019)
"Superhero" in Hop to It: Poems to Get You Moving (2020)

Cynthia Leitich Smith facts for kids

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