The A-list set of contributors includes Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, and Renee Ahdieh.
As such, many of these authors have relayed deeply personal stores so you can inspire their readers.
Read the exclusive interview below.
Penguin Young Readers
NIC STONE:I did it because I felt like it was important.
If theres anything anybody needs right now.
So, you done good with this project, Rosie!
Penguin Young Readers; Christy Archibald
DR. BROCK:Thank you, Nic!
Julie, what about you?
JULIE MURPHY:Well, I get asked to be in anthologies all the time.
Penguin Young Readers
and Im like, I dont know!
Dont ask me that!
DR. BROCK:Hope Nationis about inspiring readers to fight for hope in their own lives and doing good … STONE:There is a charity here in Atlanta called Lost-N-Found Youth.
Its a charity that focuses on helping homeless LGBTQ youth here in Atlanta.
Queer teen homelessness is a big problem here.
First of all, we are in the Bible Belt.
So given this opportunity, I wanted to make this donation on her behalf.
Whether they need legal resources or mental health resources and provide physical support as well.
STONE:So this is March of 2017 and we are a couple months post-inauguration.
Another YA author, Ashley Woodfolk, and I drove up into Gatlinburg, Tenn. for a writing retreat.
(Julie was there Hi, Julie!)
But driving through Tennessee, it was like we were seeing Confederate flags every five feet.
Straight Outta Azkaban was plastered across the front.
These points of connection, these points of commonality, they are there.
We just have to find them.
MURPHY:I think thats a really good reminder about the South, too.
At least not for the most part.
We live in major cities and thats just not as acceptable here.
So, my story!
But for me, when I actually sat down, it just wasnt there.
I am almost glad she doesnt know because she would probably get a really big head really fast!
I think many kids can relate to that feeling of the stress of a familys financial insecurities.
MURPHY:Thanks, Rose!
STONE:For me, its Jason Reynolds because I want to be better than him at everything.
Itll never happen, but I havent been able to get rid of that drive.
His greatness and seeing all hes accomplished is actually a source of hope for me.
MURPHY:Oh, this is so hard.
I am excited to read everyones.
Libba Bray, obviously.
For 2018, the most exciting part for me is getting to meet readers.
Doing festivals and school visits is such a joy for me its my favorite part of the job.
That is what I am most looking forward to in 2018.
DR. BROCK:You forgot to mention being a finalist for the American Library Associations Morris YA Debut Award!
STONE:Was that 2017?
I guess it was!
MURPHY:That is a super big deal!
For me, it has been a crazy year.
Movie related things, mostly watching people be really good at their jobs.
Getting to visit the set ofDumplinand see how much work goes into a movie being made.
And then, I mean, getting to meet Dolly Parton and
STONE:Yas!
MURPHY: getting to work with her on the soundtrack of the movie.
Thats like, out of this world crazy.
I just met her a week ago now and I am still mentally recovering from it.
I am going to tell you a really funny tidbit about Dolly Parton: she doesnt email with people.
Her manager does that for her, which makes sense.
I just got a sweet little letter today that was like, It was so great to meet you.
It was so great meeting you and your husband, you are such precious people.
And its like, no big deal, Dolly Parton, but I will frame that above my desk.
DR. BROCK: & STONE [in unison]:Yes!
Im excited for that!
