MATTHEWCWINNER

Heidi EY Stemple, author of The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Wordsong), joins Matthew to talk about becoming curious and making every bit of your writing intentional.

Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of Truth Is: A Novel in Verse (Amulet Books), joins Matthew to talk about making a decision that belongs to you.

Kwame Alexander, author most recently of Surf’s Up, illustrated by Daniel Miyares, and winner of the 2015 Newbery Award for The Crossover, stops by the podcast to talk about the economy of words, the spiritual journey through the white space left on the page, and the joy and power of reading.

Cordelia Jensen, author of Lilac and the Switchback (Holiday House), joins Matthew to talk about belonging, change, and always keeping in mind that you’re writing a story.

Today I invited contributors of THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE to share their work with you today. This picture book, beautifully illustrated by Marlena Myles and edited by Miranda Paul, is something really special and I credit that to the exceptional list of contributors that made it possible.

Nikki Grimes shares ORDINARY HAZARDS, a memoir in verse that has not only garnered six starred reviews on top of being named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and a Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book, but it is also without question one of the most beautiful, heart-breaking and heart-mending audiobooks I have ever heard. For those familiar with Grimes’ body of work, you will find through lines throughout pointing back to childhood trauma, family separation, and yearning

K.A. Holt, author of House Arrest, which is published by Chronicle Books, returns to the podcast to talk about writing out of order, pulling all the story threads apart, and accepting help doesn't mean you're accepting weakness.

Matthew Burgess and Doug Salati, author and illustrator of Words with Wings and Magic Things (Tundra Books), join Matthew to talk about writing poems with kids.

Matt Forrest Esenwine, author of A Universe of Rainbows, joins Matthew to talk about working with friends on a A kaleidoscopic collection.

Margarita Engle (@margaritapoet) shares DREAMS FROM MANY RIVERS: A HISPANIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TOLD IN POEMS.