Congratulations to Kao Kalia Yang!

Dr. Artika Tyner, author of The Courageous Six Triple Eight graphic novel attended a congressional ceremony where the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal for their extraordinary service during World War II. 

Grab a copy of her graphic novel and learn more about these brave heroes!

This mentoring program is availabe to 12 early career Black writers. Participants will deepen their individual writing visions and skills; build connections with experienced writers; and connect with other emerging writers to create a community of support and encouragement to last long after the mentorship ends.

Find out more and apply here.

DEADLINE: June 30, 2025

Selected participants will be notified by July 30, 2025

Want to learn more about writing books for children or adults, and how publishing works today? Have questions about your own manuscript idea or project? Seeking guidance on next steps? Wondering about how to look for agents? Sun Yung Shin, an agented author and editor of thirteen books for children and adults, offers free or low-cost artist career consultations to artists, artist entrepreneurs, and creative small business owners through Springboard for the Arts. MN-based artists can start with one free 1-hour consultation with a consultant from their Artist Career Consultant Roster. Please go here to learn more and request an appointment. Sun Yung also works with writing clients on manuscript review and individual coaching. Please contact her at sunyungshin@gmail.com with inquiries!"  

The Loft's Summer Youth Writing Intensive for Ages 14-18 is led by acclaimed and published writers, including our own Shannon Gibney. These teaching artists are experts in their field! Over the course of four days, students will gain new insights into the craft of writing. Learn more!

Writers of all skill levels are encouraged to apply! This 4-day class is for ages 14-18. Register and submit a short application and writing sample here.

Planting People Growing Justice is hosting a Rondo Writing Competition celebrating the rich history and enduring legacy of the Rondo Community. They are inviting submissions for an original children's book from Black writers of all ages living in Minnesota. Visit their website for guidelines and submission details: Open: Rondo Writing Competition

The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.

CONGRATULATIONS to collective members who were named 2025 McKnight Fellows! This year’s recipients include Ty Champan for children’s lit and Sun Yung Shin for creative prose.

An honorable mention in children’s literature was awarded to collective member Cristina Oxtra.

You can check out the full press release here.

Check out The WildStory podcast and catch a conversation with the remarkable Mélina Mangal. Her latest works, Birds Sing Their Words and Trees Stand Tall, are lyrical board books for young readers, published by @freespiritpublishing. They discuss book censorship, the vital role of storytelling, and why the freedom to read and access information is essential to the health of our democracy.

Join these talented authors and illustrators on Thursday, May 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for an AAPI Creatives Celebration night at Big Hill Books!

Ten lucky educators in attendance will win a free author visit from one of these talented artists (to be arranged for next school year). Plus they’ll have goodie bags with bookmarks, Asian candies, store discounts, bindis and more!

RSVP here.

Come meet your favorite authors at the Flint Hills Family Festival! MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators will have a table where kids can make and take their own graphic novels! We’ll also give away free signed books, and host story times on Saturday, May 31st featuring collective members. Check out this lineup:

10-11 Emiko Rainbow (with a bookmark & coloring sheet giveaway!)

11-12 Jade Amez

12-1 Sarah Warren

1-2 Cristina Oxtra

2-3 Art Coulson

3-4 Thuba Nguyễn

Join author Karen Latchana Kenney at the Midtown Farmers Market for a story time and art activity at 10:30am. There will be free books and a story stroll from 9-noon.

Join PPGJ on Saturday, June 7th at the Rondo Community Library from 11am-1pm for an inspiring Leaders are Readers event featuring award-winning author, Dr. Artika Tyner. Dr. Tyner will share a book called J is for Juneteenth. Bring the whole family out for some literary fun, book giveaways, food, and more.

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Time: 11am-1pm

Location: Rondo Community Library,

461 N Dale St. Saint Paul, MN 55103

Author Discussion | Moving Words
Thursday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.  
Walker Public Library | 203 Tower Ave, Walker, MN 56484
Free | Registration not required

Enjoy a lively discussion with three multi-genre, Minnesota authors (including collective member Cristina Oxtra). Moving Words is an opportunity for writers and readers to explore various themes together: the impact of literature in their lives, their connection as fellow Minnesotans, and the lens through which we read. Find out more here.

RSVP here.

Join Meenal Patel at the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturday, July 12th at 9am for a book signing and giveaway!

Join Picture Book Parade at the Midtown Farmers Market for a story time featuring author Cristina Oxtra and get a free signed copy of her book! This book will be on display as a story stroll from 9-noon.

Join Kao Kalia Yang for the paperback launch of her MN-award winning book The Diamond Explorer at Red Balloon Bookshop, July 15, 6PM. Resister here.

On July 19th collective member Cristina Oxtra and fellow Filipino American author Selina Li Bi will be at the 37th Annual Philippine Day celebration from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ojibway Park in Woodbury, MN. Red Balloon Bookshop will have copies of their books available for purchase. The authors will provide an activity, candies, and swag. This event, hosted by the Cultural Society of Filipino Americans, includes live entertainment, food, vendors, games, and more. It is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Cultural Society of Filipino Americans' page on Facebook and Instagram.

Boisey Corvah and Asher Parks

Shannon Gibney

Jason Reynolds and the amazing Carolyn Holbrook

MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators Karen Kenney, Art Coulson, and Sarah Warren were on the scene to tell folks about our talented group!