Authors in Forthcoming Volumes

Below are some of the authors and illustrators that will be featured in upcoming volumes of SATA. These include new entries on the swiftly rising stars of the field, as well as completely revised and updated entries (indicated with *) on some of the most notable and best-loved creators of books for children.

*David A. Adler ▮ Prolific author David A. Adler has produced a wide range of work for children—from picture books and juvenile adventure stories to biographies and nonfiction volumes on such topics as science, history, math, and holidays. Adler's extensive publication list includes such well-known titles as Young Cam Jansen and the Zoo Note Mystery, and Andy Russell, Not Wanted by the Police.

Hilari Bell ▮ Hilari Bell has penned several science fiction and fantasy novels for children, such as Songs of Power, A Matter of Profit, and The Goblin Wood. Throughout Bell's novels, readers will note the absence of heroes and villains. Instead, Bell takes a more logical approach to her characters' beliefs and has them draw their motivation from political considerations rather than from a sense of honor or duty. Bell's current trilogy "The Book of Sorahb", which was launched in 2003, extracts its story's foundation from an ancient Persian myth.

*Susan Cooper ▮ Newbery Award-winning author Susan Cooper is widely known for the fantasy fiction that she creates for both children and young adults. Cooper's fantasy fiction novels that are aimed towards young adults include "The Dark Is Rising" series, which delves into such themes as the duality of human nature and the constant struggle between good and evil. Cooper's children's books include such titles as Mathew's Dragon, Danny and the Kings, and The Boggart. Though these children's titles are lighter in nature than her young adult books, they still have the same imaginative and mind inspiring qualities that characterize each of Cooper's works.

*Minfong Ho ▮ Minfong Ho presents realistic depictions of her native Southeast Asia in award-winning young adult novels such as Sing to the Dawn, Rice without Rain, and The Clay Marble. Ho's oeuvre doesn't specifically focus on young adult readers, but also includes books for middle grade readers as well as for younger children. Ho has no reservations about documenting some of the harsher realities of Southeast Asia, such as poverty and violent death, in her stories. But she also takes care to weave universal themes, such as family and its stabilizing influence, throughout her work garnering her the approval of critics worldwide.

Marilyn Nelson ▮ Marilyn Nelson has been nationally recognized as one of the leading African-American female poets of her generation. In one of Nelson's books for children, The Cat Walked through the Casserole and Other Poems for Children, Nelson uses poems to explore domestic problems and pleasures in a humorous tone. In Carver: A Life in Poems, another book of poetry geared towards children, Nelson introduces the African-American pioneer George Washington Carver to her young readers and details his life through a series of poems.

Doreen Rappaport ▮ Doreen Rappaport is the author of numerous nonfiction and historical fiction books for children, which attempt to convey American and world history to young children as well as young adult readers. Some of Rappaport's books focus on African-American history such as No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance and Free at Last! Stories and Songs of Emancipation. Other books, such as Dirt on Their Skirts, focus on women's history within sports. Regardless of the topic, Rappaport has won the acclaim of critics for her ability to imaginatively recreate history for her young readers.

Carl Reiner ▮ Internationally known for his contributions to comedy in both television and film, Carl Reiner has long established himself within the entertainment and media industry. But with his first children's publication, Tell Me a Scary Story…But Not Too Scary Reiner is successfully beginning another career within the children's literary domain. Tell Me a Scary Story…But Not Too Scary includes eerie illustrations by James Bennett and is written as if Reiner was telling it directly to a child, complete with interjections and questions directed towards the young reader.

Alex Sanchez ▮ Alex Sanchez was greeted with critical praise in 2001 for his publication of Rainbow Boys, a thought-provoking and controversial novel that explores the issue of homosexual identity in young adults. The central themes of Rainbow Boys include those of personal integrity and acceptance. In fact one of Sanchez's hopes for his first novel included wanting to instill within straight students an understanding and empathy for gays and their difficulties, and he does so by portraying his characters in a lucid and honest light.

*Rick Walton ▮ With dozens of laughter-inducing books for young readers to his credit, Rick Walton is known for his many collections of riddles and humorous picture books. The topics that Walton chooses to write on range from sports, animals, names, the alphabet—and even Santa Claus. Walton is also the author of a series of concept books, which use bunnies to teach counting, modes of transportation, and many other skills to young students and readers.

Jeanette Winters ▮ Author and illustrator Jeanette Winters is best known for her distinctive illustrations, which are comprised of simple painting, uncluttered pictures, and Winter's signature bright colors that are more vivid than life. With such publications as Day of the Dead and My Baby, Winters has established herself as a uniquely creative author and illustrator who intricately intertwines her stories and illustrations.