We are just a few weeks away away from the release of one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith. comes out on August 26!

This anthology of interconnected stories about a mythical drive-in that appears whenever you need guidance centers Native joy and is perfect for both young adult and adult audiences alike!

I was lucky enough to be able to ask a few questions to some the contributors of the anthology ! Below you'll find responses from Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee), author of the upcoming Raven, Rising (Heartdrum 2026) and Until We Meet Again: Donadagohvi (Heartdrum 2027). Christine is a contributor to JustYA, an open source anthology from OpenOKState.

Naomi: Hi Christine! Can you discuss why you started writing and what your writing journey has been like?

CHD: I've been writing since elementary school! I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, and then over a decade later I went to grad school to earn my MFA in Writing for children. I started writing because I love reading and storytelling, and I wanted to be a part of that world. I kept writing to put Cherokee characters and language on the page, to show we belong in that space. Drawn out, my journey would likely be full of switchbacks, loops, backtracking, and meandering paths, but I continue trying to move forward and grow.

Naomi: Why do you write for a young adult audience?

CHD: I didn't have a lot of access to Native-authored books growing up. This is partially due to the lack of representation and partially my age and access. I didn't see Cherokee language in a book—at least not one I hadn't specifically sought out—until I was 33 years old (that book was Cynthia Leitich Smith's Sisters of the Neversea, and yes, I cried seeing my Native language on the page unexpectedly!). I write for a young adult audience so that hopefully, Native kids will find themselves in my stories, and non-Native kids will recognize that Native kids still exist, live beyond the borders that exist in their minds, and belong as the heroes in their own stories, too. 

Naomi: Why do you think representation is important, especially for youth? 

CHD: Representation signals belonging. Belonging signals community. Community means you aren't on your own. And of course, psychological studies have shown that reading increases empathy, and empathy is much needed in this world. Not having good, authentic representation is dangerous, because if representation means belonging, then a lack of representation means a lack of belonging.

Naomi: What are some of your favorite themes to write? Do you find yourself returning to the same themes in different projects?

CHD: I do! I've joked I accidentally make every character move, as so many of my works in progress involve a big move. This is something I experienced frequently as a kid, and moving from being a near-rez or on-rez kid to a an at-large citizen isn't something I've seen represented a lot. The daily life of at-large tribal citizens is another theme, as most of my Nation lives off-rez, and I've lived away from my reservation for much of my life. Belonging goes hand in hand with these themes, and is another touchstone for me. How do we stay connected despite distances? What does it mean for belonging when you don't have a big Native community nearby? These are ideas I explore frequently.

Naomi: What do you hope readers take away from your story in the  anthology? From your work? (Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers)

CHD: That they aren't alone, they're worthy of being seen, understood, and welcomed into community. And to try trapeze, of course!

Naomi: What changes have you seen in the publishing industry in terms of support for Indigenous authors?

CHD: Growing up, most books I encountered with Native characters were not written by Native people, and all were historical. Now? We have contemporary Native characters in a variety of genres written by Indigenous authors. We have Native folks working in publishing, Native-focused imprints, and so many talented voices sharing their stories.

Naomi: Who are the Indigenous authors that influenced you? 

CHD: Cynthia Leitich Smith, Traci Sorell, Andrea Rogers, Darcie Little Badger, Angeline Boulley, Jen Ferguson—I could go on and on. Every Native author I've read has influenced me, because through their work, I see myself, my friends, my family, my community—our future.

Naomi: What is one book by an Indigenous author you recommend to everyone?

CHD: K.A. Cobell's Looking for Smoke for YA, We Still Belong by Christine Day for MG, Andrea Rogers' When We Gather: Ostadahlisiha for PB (I can never only recommend one book!).

Naomi:.      Who are you reading now?

CHD: I just started Cheryl Isaacs The Unfinished.

Naomi: What are you working on next?

CHD: I'm currently revising a middle grade novel in verse and drafting a YA.

Naomi: So excited for your future works to come into the world!

Legendary Frybread Drive-in Intertribal Stories Synposis:

The road to Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June's serves up more than food: it hosts live music, movie nights, unexpected family reunions, love long lost, and love found again.

That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most.

Legedary Frybread Drive-in Intertribal Stories features stories and poems by: Kaua Mahoe Adams, Marcella Bell, Angeline Boulley, K. A. Cobell, A. J. Eversole, Jen Ferguson, Eric Gansworth, Byron Graves, Kate Hart, Christine Hartman Derr, Karina Iceberg, Cheryl Isaacs, Darcie Little Badger, David A. Robertson, Andrea L. Rogers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Brian Young

Releases: August 26, 2025 and is Good Day To Read Indigenous Book Club reading selection for September!

Pre-order it now!