Cynthia Leitich Smith - sylwetka autora

Cynthia's storytelling is characterized by its rich diversity, humor, lyricism, and settings that often draw on the mid-to-southwestern regions. Even though her career is still in its early stages, she has already demonstrated remarkable versatility and a passion for experimentation.

Her book "JINGLE DANCER," illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu and published by Morrow/Harper-Collins in 2000 for readers aged 4 and up, garnered significant recognition. It was a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award, a runner-up for the Western Writers Association Storyteller Award, and listed as a Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies. Furthermore, it was included in the Texas 2 x 2 List. School Library Journal praised it as "a welcome addition to stories about traditions passed down by women of a culture," while Book magazine highlighted it among “Debuts that Deliver.”

In 2001, Cynthia released "RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME," published by HarperCollins and Listening Library for ages 10 and up. This work was also a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award and earned her the 2001 Writer of the Year honor from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. Kirkus labeled it “tender, funny, and full of sharp wordplay,” and School Library Journal commended it as “a wonderful novel of a present-day teen and her patchwork tribe.” Audio File praised it for its depth, noting it is "rich with sorrow and longing for resolution." Bob Langstaff, from WAMV AM/Amhert, VA, likened it to a merging of 'Northern Exposure' and 'Party of Five.' The audio version was featured as the November 2005 Book of the Month by Red Tales, Aboriginal Voices Radio, The Earth 106.5 in Canada.

Cynthia's other notable work, "INDIAN SHOES," was published by HarperCollins in 2002 for ages 7 and up. Kirkus described it as "a very pleasing first-chapter book," and School Library Journal recognized its broad appeal, especially for elementary-aged reluctant readers and indigenous children. The book received widespread accolades, being named a Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, a finalist for the Texas Institute of Letters Award, and included in the 2003 Best Children's Books of the Year by Bank Street College of Education, among others. It also appeared on the NEA Native American Book List and the 2004-2005 Crown List. In March 2005, "INDIAN SHOES" was the featured intermediate title for "Read On, Wisconsin!" a state-sponsored online book club.

Cynthia's recent picture book, "SANTA KNOWS," published by Dutton in 2006, was co-authored with her husband, Greg Leitich Smith, and illustrated by Steve Björkman. This holiday-themed tale was the couple’s first collaborative work. The Horn Book Magazine recognized it among "Holiday High Notes," Kirkus Reviews called it “a newly minted winner,” and Publishers Weekly described it as "fantastic." The Miami Herald included it among "Worthy Titles for the Holidays."

Her debut upper YA novel, “TANTALIZE,” released by Candlewick in 2007 and by Walker U.K. in 2008 for listeners aged 14 and up, marks her foray into gothic fantasy. The novel, set in Austin, signifies a shift from her usual contemporary realistic fiction to include more fantastical elements. The Horn Book described it as an "intoxicating romantic thriller," while BookPage suggested it would appeal to fans of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." TANTALIZE was nominated as a Borders Original Voices in March 2007, chosen as a Junior Advisory Board Pick by Chapters, and featured in both the 2007 Texas Book Festival and the 2007 National Book Festival. The Bloomsbury Review praised her as "the Anne Rice for teen readers."

Her latest YA Gothic fantasy, "ETERNAL," published by Candlewick in 2009, serves as a companion to “TANTALIZE." In addition to her novels, Cynthia has published short stories such as "The Gentleman Cowboy," which can be found on her website.