Cynthia Leitich Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cynthia Leitich Smith
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| 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 1967) is a best-selling American author who writes exciting books for kids and teenagers.
She is a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation and often writes stories about modern-day Native American characters. Her books are popular in schools and help students learn about Native American life today.
Besides realistic stories, Smith also writes funny picture books and spooky gothic fantasies for older teens. She is considered an expert on books for young people and runs a helpful website with resources about children's literature.
Contents
Life and Career
Cynthia Leitich Smith grew up in Kansas and later went to the University of Kansas and the University of Michigan Law School. Today, she lives in Austin, Texas.
For more than 20 years, Smith taught creative writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She also helps bring more Native American stories to readers through Heartdrum, a special book line from the publisher HarperCollins.
Major Awards
Smith has won many awards for her writing. In 2021, she received the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature, a major international award. In 2024, she also won the Southern Mississippi Medallion for her contributions to children's literature.
A Look at Her Books
Cynthia Leitich Smith has written many different kinds of books, from picture books to fantasy novels for teens.
Books for Younger Readers
- Jingle Dancer (2000): This picture book tells the story of Jenna, a Muscogee Creek girl who wants to dance at a powwow. To complete her jingle dress, she borrows jingles from women in her family, connecting with her culture and community.
- Indian Shoes (2002): This book is a collection of short stories about a boy named Ray and his grandfather, who live together in Chicago. The stories show their everyday adventures and their connection to their Seminole-Cherokee heritage.
- Holler Loudly (2010): A funny picture book about a boy with a very, very loud voice. It's a tall tale that was chosen for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that gives free books to children.
Realistic Fiction
- Rain Is Not My Indian Name (2001): This novel is about a 14-year-old girl named Cassidy Rain, who is dealing with the recent death of her best friend. The story follows her as she spends her summer taking photos for a local newspaper and reconnecting with her Muscogee Creek-Cherokee community.
- Hearts Unbroken (2018): This young adult novel follows Louise Wolfe, a high school journalist who finds her world turned upside down when the school musical, The Wizard of Oz, faces controversy for casting a person of color as the Tin Man. The book explores themes of prejudice, first love, and finding your voice.
Gothic Fantasy Series
For older teens (ages 14 and up), Smith created a world of vampires, shapeshifters, and angels. These books mix mystery, romance, and scary fantasy.
- Tantalize (2007): The first book in the series introduces a world where vampires and humans live side-by-side. The story is set in a vampire-themed restaurant and is full of suspense and mystery.
- Eternal (2009): This book continues the fantasy series, adding angels to the mix of supernatural creatures. It became a New York Times best-seller.
- Other Books in the Series: The series also includes Blessed (2011), Diabolical (2012), and the graphic novel Tantalize: Kieren's Story (2011).
More Recent Works
- Sisters of the Neversea (2021): A creative retelling of the classic Peter Pan story. This middle-grade novel features two stepsisters, one Muscogee Creek and one English, who are whisked away to Neverland.
- Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids (2021): Smith edited this collection of stories and poems by various Native American authors. All the stories are connected and take place at a powwow.
- Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem (2024): Co-written with Kekla Magoon, this graphic novel is about two cousins who become superheroes to save their school.
List of Published 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)
- 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)
See also
In Spanish: Cynthia Leitich Smith para niños
