author results for Smith, Cynthia Leitich

Legendary Frybread Drive-in

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Set at a classic drive-in restaurant that seems to exist in every Native community, this anthology unites the stories of teens from all kinds of backgrounds through the shared theme of Native joy, with stories and poems reflecting hope, healing, humor, love, friendship, romance, and joy. The road to Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June's serves up more than food: it hosts live music, movie nights, unexpected family reunions, love long lost, and love found again. That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most. Featuring the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers, and edited by bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world's best frybread.

On A Wing and A Tear

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Melanie "Mel" Roberts is sensitive, bookish, and Muscogee-Odawa. Ray Halfmoon is upbeat, artistic, and Cherokee-Seminole. They may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since their families moved in together. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree. A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out. They all set off on a road trip on the way to the historic game.

On a Wing and a Tear

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A living legend roosting in the backyard. An unmissable game. A hair-raising mystery. A road trip full of adventure and danger. And all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation.

Melanie "Mel" Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since the Robertses moved in with the Halfmoons. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree.

A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out.

Together, they all set off on a road trip—facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery—on the way to the historic game.

With loving care and boisterous humor, acclaimed author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) tells a modern folklore story about friendship, embracing the unexpected, and all the overlapping circles that connect us throughout Creation. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Brian Young, and Elana K. Arnold!

But can this unlikely team get their legendary friend to the historic game on time?

Indigenous Characters: Join Mel (Muscogee) and Ray (Cherokee Nation) on an adventure that celebrates contemporary Native families, friendship, and culture.

Modern Folklore: Meet Great-grandfather Bat, a living legend from traditional stories who needs help getting to the rematch of the Great Ball Game.

Found Family: Discover the power of found family as Mel, Ray, and Grampa Halfmoon band together to protect their extraordinary new friend on his vital mission.

Talking Animals: Laugh along with a cast of unforgettable talking animals, from the famous Bat to a plucky squirrel who just might save the day.

Authentic Storytelling: From bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this heartfelt story is a perfect read for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Brian Young.

Here Come the Aunties!

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

"Hesci! Here come the aunties!" Aunts by kinship as well as family friends, neighbors, and community members all step up to fill the important role of "auntie." They are there for life's joys, sorrows, and celebrations, bringing their own special love.

Indian Shoes

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Thu, 31 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Together with Grampa, Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy, finds creative and amusing solutions to life's challenges.

Firefly Season

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"Piper feels grateful for visits with her relatives, especially for the time spent with her cousins in Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation during summer vacations, fishing on misty mornings and playing on firefly-filled evenings. Piper's family lives a road trip away in Kansas City. So when a neighbor named Sumi moves in next door, Piper is excited to share her stories and seasons with a new friend. The two are inseparable -- until Piper's family moves to another city. Their bond overcomes distance, and with time, Piper dreams up a plan to reunite with the people she loves most of all"--Provided by publisher.

Feral Nights

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tracking his sister to Austin only to discover that she is a key suspect in a murder case, werecat Yoshi embarks on a search for answers, while werepossum Clyde and Aimee pursue their own investigation in an effort to avenge the killing.

Diabolical

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When "slipped" angel Zachary and his werewolf pal, Kieren, arrive under suspicious circumstances to a mysterious New England boarding school, they quickly find themselves in a hellish lockdown with an intriguing assortment of secretive, hand-picked students. Plagued by demon dogs, hallucinatory wall decor, a sadistic instructor, and a legendary fire-breathing monster, will they somehow manage to escape? Or will the devil have his due?

Blessed

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Even as teenaged Quincie Morris adjusts to her appetites as a neophyte vampire, she must clear her true love, the hybrid-werewolf Kieren, of murder charges; thwart the apocalyptic ambitions of Bradley Sanguini, the vampire-chef who "blessed" her; and keep her dead parents' restaurant up and running before she loses her own soul.

Holler Loudly

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Unable to be quiet since he was born, Holler Loudly only gets louder as he grows up, which gets him in trouble at school, the library, and the movie theater. When a tornado threatens the state fair, Holler's voice may save the day.

Eternal

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Miranda's guardian angel Zachary recklessly saves her from falling into an open grave and dying, the result is that she turns into a vampire and he is left to try to reinstate his reputation by finally doing the right thing.

Eternal

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Santa Knows

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Armed with the facts, young Alfie sets out to prove to the world that Santa Claus does not exist but no one pays attention, especially his sister Noelle, whose only request of the man in red is a nicer big brother.

Jingle Dancer

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Mon, 31 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Jenna, a member of the Muscogee, or Creek, Nation, borrows jingles from the dresses of several friends and relatives so that she can perform the jingle dance at the powwow. Includes a note about the jingle dance tradition and its regalia.

Ancestor Approved

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

Harvest House

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

"Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural attraction: Harvest House. He's excited to take part in the fun, spooky show--until he learns that an actor playing the vengeful spirit of an "Indian maiden," a ghost inspired by local legend, will headline. Folklore aside, unusual things have been happening at night at the crossroads near Harvest House. A creepy man is stalking teenage girls and young women, particularly Indigenous women; dogs are fretful and on edge; and wild animals are behaving strangely. While Hughie weighs how and when to speak up about the bigoted legend, he and his friends begin to investigate the crossroads and whether it might be haunted after all. As Moon rises on All Hallow's Eve, will they be able to protect themselves and their community? Gripping and evocative, Harvest House showcases a versatile storyteller at her spooky, unsettling best."-- Publisher marketing.

Sisters of the Neversea

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

In this magical, modern twist on Peter Pan, stepsisters Lily and Wendy are spirited away to Neverland by a mysterious boy and must find a way back to the family they love.

Hearts Unbroken

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

When Louise Wolfe's boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. She'd rather spend her senior year with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, an ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper's staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director's inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey. But 'dating while Native' can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey's? -- adapted from jacket

Legendary Frybread Drive-In

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Michael L. Printz Award Winner American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner Featuring the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers and edited by bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world's best frybread.

The road to Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June's serves up more than food: it hosts live music, movie nights, unexpected family reunions, love long lost, and love found again.

That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most.

Featuring stories and poems by: Kaua Mahoe Adams, Marcella Bell, Angeline Boulley, K. A. Cobell, A. J. Eversole, Jen Ferguson, Eric Gansworth, Byron Graves, Kate Hart, Christine Hartman Derr, Karina Iceberg, Cheryl Isaacs, Darcie Little Badger, David A. Robertson, Andrea L. Rogers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Brian Young.

In partnership with We Need Diverse Books.

In this groundbreaking collection, seventeen celebrated Indigenous authors serve up stories of:

Magical Realism: A legendary drive-in that appears whenever a teen needs it most, serving up the world's best frybread and a side of hope.

Interconnected Stories: Follow a vibrant cast of characters whose lives, loves, and challenges all lead them back to the same green-and-gold neon sign.

Contemporary Native Stories: Explore modern Indigenous life through tales of first crushes, family reunions, ancient traditions, and future dreams.

All-Star Indigenous Authors: Featuring original work from bestselling and award-winning authors like Angeline Boulley, Darcie Little Badger, David A. Robertson, and more.

Legendary Frybread Drive-In

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Michael L. Printz Award Winner American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner Odyssey Award Honoree Featuring the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers and edited by bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world's best frybread.

That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most.

In partnership with We Need Diverse Books.

On a Wing and a Tear

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Together, they all set off on a road trip—facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery—on the way to the historic game.

Hearts Unbroken

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Winner of an American Indian Youth Literature Award
New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith turns to realistic fiction with the thoughtful story of a Native teen navigating the complicated, confusing waters of high school — and first love.
When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, "dating while Native" can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?

Harvest House

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken.
Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural attraction: Harvest House. He's excited to take part in the fun, spooky show—until he learns that an actor playing the vengeful spirit of an "Indian maiden," a ghost inspired by local legend, will headline. Folklore aside, unusual things have been happening at night at the crossroads near Harvest House. A creepy man is stalking teenage girls and young women, particularly Indigenous women; dogs are fretful and on edge; and wild animals are behaving strangely. While Hughie weighs how and when to speak up about the bigoted legend, he and his friends begin to investigate the crossroads and whether it might be haunted after all. As Moon rises on All Hallow's Eve, will they be able to protect themselves and their community? Gripping and evocative, Harvest House showcases a versatile storyteller at her spooky, unsettling best.

Harvest House

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith delivers a thrilling cross-genre follow-up to the acclaimed Hearts Unbroken.
Deftly leading readers to the literary crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith revisits the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is near, and Hughie Wolfe is volunteering at a new rural attraction: Harvest House. He’s excited to take part in the fun, spooky show—until he learns that an actor playing the vengeful spirit of an “Indian maiden,” a ghost inspired by local legend, will headline. Folklore aside, unusual things have been happening at night at the crossroads near Harvest House. A creepy man is stalking teenage girls and young women, particularly Indigenous women; dogs are fretful and on edge; and wild animals are behaving strangely. While Hughie weighs how and when to speak up about the bigoted legend, he and his friends begin to investigate the crossroads and whether it might be haunted after all. As Moon rises on All Hallow’s Eve, will they be able to protect themselves and their community? Gripping and evocative, Harvest House showcases a versatile storyteller at her spooky, unsettling best.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name

Smith, Cynthia Leitich — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith tells the story of a teenage girl who must face down her grief and reclaim her place in the world with the help of her intertribal community.

It's been six months since Cassidy Rain Berghoff's best friend, Galen, died, and up until now she has succeeded in shutting herself off from the world. But when controversy arises around Aunt Georgia's Indian Camp in their mostly white midwestern community, Rain decides to face the outside world again, with a new job photographing the campers for her town's newspaper.

Soon, Rain has to decide how involved she wants to become in Indian Camp. Does she want to keep a professional distance from her fellow Native teens? And, though she is still grieving, will she be able to embrace new friends and new beginnings?

In partnership with We Need Diverse Books