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This fall, three acclaimed adult authors debut YA titles—including a National Book Award finalist. Jennifer Baker talks to them about writing across audiences, seeing teen readers as individuals, and trying to make the world better.

Larry Dane Brimner's new book, Accused!, chronicles the 1931 Scottsboro trial, where nine black teenagers were falsely accused and convicted of a crime they didn't commit. In this Op-Ed, Brimner reflects on how the trial is still relevant.  

Now I know that I identify as aromantic bi-gray-asexual, and I never would have known if not for writing Tarnished Are the Stars. There’s inherent power in seeing yourself in the pages of a book, but there is power, too, in writing yourself onto those pages, in making sure your story is told.

Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, discusses why she chose to adapt her memoir Make Trouble for a young readers edition and why she didn't shy away from tough topics like "reproductive rights, privilege, racism, or the heartbreak of losing elections."
 

On July 9th at Nerd Camp Michigan, Scholastic sat down with New York Times Bestselling, award-winning author Jason Reynolds to discuss the Power of Story.

Accomplished poet and author Nikki Grimes dives headfirst into childhood memories for her memoir Ordinary Hazards. Having created a work that simultaneously shares trauma and moments of light, Grimes discusses the process of excavating her personal history.

Actor and activist George Takei is as impassioned as ever about social justice. The author of They Called Us Enemy, his graphic memoir, Takei spoke to Brigid Alverson about the Japanese American experience and how the lessons of history can inform the current struggle for democracy.

Illustrious author Barry Wittenstein and award-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney (A Place To Land), share the books that shaped them as readers and creators.  

Author Shaun David Hutchinson considers taking a step back from darker narratives that reflect the trauma and struggles of the world as it is now, focusing instead on "telling stories about the world we could live in."