I am thrilled to chat with Yamile, the author of one of my favorite books of all time: Furia. Yamile is wise and kind and engaging and I can’t wait to hear what she has to say about finding a voice for our characters that’s distinct from our authorial voice.

Yamile Saied Méndez is the author of many books for young readers, including Furia, a Reese’s YA Book Club selection and the 2021 Inaugural Pura Belpré Young Adult Gold Medalist. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, but has lived most of her life in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains with her family. An Inaugural Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she is also a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She’s a founding member of Las Musas, a marketing collective of Latine authors. Connect with her at www.yamilesmendez.com.