Linda Williams Jackson is the author of Midnight Without a Moon, which was an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, a Jane Addams Honor Book for Peace and Social Justice, and a Washington Post Summer Book Club Selection. Her second book, A Sky Full of Stars, received a Malka Penn Honor for an outstanding children’s book addressing human rights issues and was a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year. Her third book, The Lucky Ones, also a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year—among other award nominations—was inspired by Robert Kennedy’s 1967 Poverty Tour of the Mississippi Delta and is loosely based on Linda’s own family’s experiences in the Delta. Good Housekeeping magazine recognized The Lucky Ones as one of the best 50 kids’ books of all time, and author Kate DiCamillo recommended it as one of her top five books for kids.
Born and raised in Rosedale, Mississippi, Linda Williams Jackson lives in Southaven, Mississippi, with her family.
Will Hillenbrand is a celebrated author and illustrator whose works include eighty picture books for young readers. In addition to his own self-illustrated titles, he has also illustrated the works of writers and retellers, including Verna Aardema, Judy Sierra, Margery Cuyler, Judith St. George, Phyllis Root, Jane Yolen, Karma Wilson and Jane Hillenbrand.
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About his book THE VOICE IN THE HOLLOW, School Library Journal said: 'There's not a word out of place in this blustery adventure. It's a masterful collaboration of illustration and text. This cozy winter tale, with its striking pictures, may appear to be cold but is quite the opposite.'
Will has spent most of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up as the youngest of four boys. His childhood routines revolved around the neighborhood, his parents' barbershop, the Northern Hills Library, playing baseball, and drawing. He now works in a small studio in the upstairs of his Cape Cod home, which he shares with his wife, Jane, a kindergarten teacher. Their son Ian, a geologist, is an avid reader and writer of many published scientific papers. Currently, he is doing postdoctoral work at the United States Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado.
Hallie Christensen is a children's author who loves to write books full of adventure and hope. Her middle grade fantasy Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy was published in 2021 (Sweetwater Books). She’s an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and loves connecting with other readers and writers on social media.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys going on walks, attending rock concerts from musicians her parents’ age, reading, and spending time with her husband and their cats in northern Alabama.
Heather C. Morris is the grateful author of all kinds of stories for kids – fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and middle grade – including Trunk Goes Thunk! (Gnome Road Publishing, 2024), a ghost story in the Haunted States of America Anthology (Godwin Books/Macmillan, 2024), and the upcoming Backyard Stew (Gnome Road, 2026). She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has written multiple titles for the educational market.
When Heather’s not reading, typing, or doodling, you’ll find her hiking the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with her family.