Favorite Interviews

“I know just about everything about my characters. In my opinion, there is nothing more important than your characters.”
— Inside Writing with Gotham Writers Workshop
Books Can Be an Entry to Talking about Sadness with Your Child
— The Washington Post
Writing Habits and Creative Spirit — Middle Grade Ninja Podcast
“Seventh grade was my first before-and-after year. It was a difficult, difficult time for me.”
— Interview with Mr. Schu
Real-Life Bullying Experience Weaves its Way into Author’s Books — The Washington Post
Newbery Medal-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly has stories in her brain all the time. When she writes them down, things get really interesting.
— Wisconsin Public Radio
“Erin writes the kind of books you want to hug when you’re finished … She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics or hard truths, but she provides a safe, gentle space to explore them. It kind of feels like she’s holding your hand while you’re reading.” — Feature in Delaware Live
Hedgehogs, Filipino Snacks, and What to Wear When You Win the Newbery
— Newbery Tart Podcast
Sometimes the best—and only—answer to difficult times is to embrace a big, beautiful imagination. — Interview with BookPage
“I started writing very young. I was probably about eight years old.”
— Interview with Reading Rockets
Erin Entrada Kelly Toasts Her Newbery Win — Feature in Publishers Weekly
Fil-Am Author on Bullying, Hope, and Her Filipino-Folklore Inspired Book
— CNN Philippines
Q&A with Erin Entrada Kelly — Publishers Weekly
Awards
- Newbery Medal (Hello Universe)
- Newbery Honor (We Dream of Space)
- NPR Best Book (Hello Universe)
- Today Show Best Book (We Dream of Space)
- Audie Award Finalist (We Dream of Space)
- Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis [The Children’s Literature Prize of Germany], (Hello Universe)
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book (We Dream of Space, Lalani of the Distant Sea, Hello Universe, Blackbird Fly)
- SLJ Best Book (Blackbird Fly, The Land of Forgotten Girls, Hello Universe, You Go First, Lalani of the Distant Sea, We Dream of Space)
- The Week Jr., Best Summer Reads (Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey)
- Best Books 2021, Parents Magazine (Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey)
- Best Books 2021, Chicago Public Library (Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey)
- Indie Next Pick (We Dream of Space, Lalani of the Distant Sea, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey)
- Horn Book Fanfare (We Dream of Space, Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- CCBC Choices Book (We Dream of Space, You Go First, Blackbird Fly)
- Publisher’s Weekly, Best Summer Reads (We Dream of Space)
- Booklist, Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth (We Dream of Space)
- BCCB 2019 Blue Ribbon Book (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- Junior Library Guild Selection (Blackbird Fly, The Land of Forgotten Girls, Hello Universe, You Go First, Lalani of the Distant Sea, We Dream of Space, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey)
- Kirkus Best Book (Lalani of the Distant Sea, You Go First, Hello Universe)
- Booklist Editors Choice (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- Booklist, Top 10 Books of the Year (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- Booklist, Top 10 Fantasy Books of the Year (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- Booklinks Lasting Connection (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- BookPage, Best Books of 2019 (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature Finalist (Lalani of the Distant Sea)
- Nerdie Book Club Nerdies (Lalani of the Distant Sea, You Go First)
- Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year (You Go First, Blackbird Fly)
- ILA-CBC Children’s Choices List (You Go First)
- GoodReads Choice Award Finalist (You Go First)
- IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities (Hello Universe)
- AudioFile Best Books of the Year (Hello Universe)
- Catholic Children Youth Book Prize finalist (Hello Universe)
- APALA Award for Literature (The Land of Forgotten Girls)
- Parents Choice Gold Award (The Land of Forgotten Girls)
- Booklist, Top 10 Multicultural Fiction for Youth (The Land of Forgotten Girls)
- NAIBA Book of the Year Finalist (The Land of Forgotten Girls)
- Cybils Finalist (Blackbird Fly)
- APALA Award for Literature Honor (Blackbird Fly)
- SCBWI Golden Kite Honor (Blackbird Fly)