It is an exciting day in Lockhart land. I am interviewed on one of my fave podcasts, Sara Zarr's This Creative Life. Zarr wrote Roomies (with Tara Altebrando) and The Lucy Variations and lots of other awesome books, and the podcast interviews all kinds of writers about the intersection of life and work, the creative process, etc. 

Click here to listen and to learn more about Zarr and the podcast. 

Also, over at the National Book Award, the long list for young people's lit was announced today!  I was on the judging committee for Young People's Literature last year, so I really understand the process and feel nostalgic about the whole thing -- 289 books, arriving in boxes over the summer. My idea of fun.  Our winner last year was Cynthia Kadohata's The Thing About Luck, which is a really wonderful story and everyone should read it. 

This year's long list includes some books I've loved (Threatened by Eliot Schrefer and Noggin by John Corey Whaley)  and some others I'm psyched to discover.  If you're looking for quality YA and MG to read, you really should check out the "Up all Night" online exhibition of previous YPL finalists and winners.  Happy reading. XXOE