"Author Talk" is a collection of interviews with YA authors that focuses on the autobiographical elements that shaped their lives, as well their individual approaches to the writing process. Featured authors include: Judy Blume, Karen Cushman, Russell Freedman (nonfiction), James Howe, Lois Lowry, Gary Paulsen, Seymour Simon (nonfiction). The book offers a nice cross-sampling of how a handful of YA authors approach their craft, and what events led them to where they are. ( )

This was a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author highlighted 15 juvenile authors and interviews them about their childhood, method of writing, and advice they would give to aspiring, young writers. The book is very organized with an introduction in each chapter to the author, and the interviews are very detailed. There are photographs of the authors, along with photographs of rough drafts of the author's work, which I found very exciting. This is a wonderful book for young readers who are interested in becoming writers, or who just want to know more about their favorite authors. I would definitely recommend this book to any teacher. ( )