Cynthea Liu

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About Cynthea Liu

Cynthea Liu writes for young people of all ages, from the very little all the way to teens. For Disney and Marvel, her latest titles include chapter books for Disney and Marvel for feature films like TURNING RED and SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS. She has also written picture books, Little Golden Books, picture story books, and photo books for both companies for these films and other Disney/Marvel properties that are loved by millions of kids throughout the world. Her books also include original extension stories such as THE PANDA IN YOU, MULAN'S PERFECT PRESENT, and TIANA'S FRIENDSHIP FIX-UP. Her original board books include GUS LOVES CINDERELLA, FLOUNDER LOVES ARIEL, and CHIP LOVES BELLE. From time to time, Cynthea also ghostwrites for other bestselling Disney properties.

Cynthea has also authored works for other major trade publishers including THE DARE (originally published by Penguin Random as PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE), a humorous mystery novel for grades 4-7, which was an Oklahoma Book Award Winner and an APALA Selection. For the younger set, Cynthea's picture book BIKE ON, BEAR! (Simon & Schuster) is an Illinois Reads title and Oklahoma Book Award Winner. Both books have been translated into multiple languages. Her book Wooby & Peep was a Barnes & Noble Summer Selection, and her young adult novel THE GREAT CALL OF CHINA was part of Speaks' bestselling teen S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) series.

Cynthea has also published her WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE (updated in 2022) to help others ramp up quickly on the business of writing for children and teens.

Based in Illinois, Cynthea has spoken to a number of schools in the state and across the country. She has also been a guest speaker for national conferences organized by the American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, Association for Library Services to Children, and the Young Adult Library Services Association, among others. In addition, Cynthea has had the opportunity to speak locally and regionally for the Illinois School Media Library Association, the Illinois Reading Council, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Chicago Teacher-Librarians Association. Cynthea is a frequent guest author for local family literacy nights, young author conferences, and local colleges and universities.

In adidtion to her work with other publishers, Cynthea enjoys teaching others the ins and outs of children's and teen book publishing as a book coach, teacher, and publishing consultant.

Cynthea Liu spent her formative years in Oklahoma and Texas where she was a Whiz Quiz member, an Academic Decathloner, and a spelling bee champion. (Yes, she was very popular.) After attending college on the East coast, she worked at a corporate job where she mastered PowerPoint and racked up thousands of frequent flyer miles. Eventually, she traded in her suit for sweats to do the fun stuff–writing for children.

To learn more about Cynthea and her books, please visit her author website at www.writingforchildrenandteens.com.

Suzanne Francis

Angela Cervantes

Steve Behling

-Scholastic-

Lily Murray

Barbara O'Connor

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₹ 449.00

Kindle Edition
₹ 140.00

Kindle Edition
₹ 192.00

Kindle Edition
₹ 449.00

Kindle Edition
₹ 658.35

Kindle Edition
₹ 83.54

Kindle Edition
₹ 83.54

Kindle Edition
₹ 404.04

Kindle Edition
₹ 565.00

Paperback
₹ 464.01

Paperback
₹ 462.03

Hardcover
₹ 464.01

Hardcover

Author Updates

Books By Cynthea Liu

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The Dare: Friends, Family, and Other Eerie Mysteries (a page-turning mystery book for kids age 9-12) 4 Jun, 2019

by Cynthea Liu

( 213 )

₹ 449.00

Cynthea Liu, author of Disney's junior novel Turning Red and Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, pens a fast-paced, creepy mystery told with heart and humor.

Age Level: 9 and up Grade Level: 4 and up
Illinois Reads List Author
U.S. Asian Pacific American Library Association Selection
Ben Franklin Gold Award Winner
Royal Dragonfly Award Winner
Scholastic Book Clubs selection
Oklahoma Book Award-Winning Author

Twelve-year-old Paris Pan has moved to a small town where she has a real shot at making friends. But that friendship comes at a price. She must take The Dare, something that caused a girl to disappear on the very property she now resides. To make matters worse, Paris must play basketball against her will, eradicate a crush on the least desirable boy in seventh grade, and cope with a family crisis that was possibly caused by a chili dog.

A humorous, suspenseful middle-grade novel featuring a tween protagonist who is caught up in a "ghostly" mystery in a small town while navigating sticky situations at school and at home
Great for children ages 9-12 who have grown out of chapter books and are looking for engrossing, fast-paced reading.
Popular with both upper elementary and middle school girls and boys grades 4-7
Addresses social issues from peer pressure, bullying, empathy, friendship, and more
Makes a wonderful tool or gift for anyone looking for a story featuring a diverse, spunky female protagonist

"Paris's desire for friendship will ring true with middle school readers." - School Library Journal

"I have read it five times. Cynthea Liu, you are awesome, you write the best books in the world." Your number one fan, Hanna

"We're going to do one chapter a night as our bedtime reading. It's really easy to read out loud, too. We're enjoying it!" - C. Tahmaseb, Parent

"I bought two copies and gave one to [daughter's] best friend ... Meanwhile, they are reading (without being pushed) a chapter a night to each other ... Then they discuss the chapter and are LOVING the book." - Flora, Parent

"Oh, I loved it! I finished it in one sitting tonight! Paris is a hoot!" - Kathleen, Children's Bookseller

"I loved it too! I'm really looking forward to you visiting our school! I know the kids will really enjoy it!" - Courtney, Elementary School Teacher

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the book. I stayed up past my bedtime last night reading and then finished it over breakfast this morning, making myself late for work!" - Roxanne, Writer

"A masterpiece. Child readers will grow up and present battered copies to their children who will wonder what all the fuss is about, then present even more battered copies to their children." FredTownWard ★★★★★

"Surprisingly creepy in parts, and freshly genuine throughout all ... the perfect starter scary story for the 10 and up set, and a charming addition to any Coming Of Age collection." - S. Mitchell ★★★★★

"Enjoyed the book. Even my mom read it. I received good points for my book report and my teacher was proud.

Other Formats: Hardcover

inclusive of all taxes

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

How to Write a Query Letter for a Children's or Teen Book (Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course 1) 6 Nov, 2011

by Cynthea Liu

( 6 )

₹ 140.00

From the popular book, Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course,, "How to Write a Query Letter is a nine-page article that outlines and dissects every major part of a query letter., whether you're pitching a picture book, a chapter book, early reader, middle grade novel, or a young adult masterpiece. This simple article breaks it down for you in clear and specific terms. You will not want to lose this article when you attempt to write your own. Cynthea Liu is an active, working author, published by Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Disney, Scholastic and Sterling, among others. Her work has been translated into multiple languages. Ms. Liu spends the majority of her days as an author who can pitch in her sleep, on the road, in the grocery store, AND in the elevator. Look no further. Heed the advice contained within, and most of all, keep it simple!

For this query letter article, topics include

Greeting
Introduction
Pitch
Pitch Part II
Bio -
Closing
Sign-off
Enclosures

inclusive of all taxes

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

I Took the Dare: 1 Book. 1 Social Experiment. 18 Young Writers 5 Feb, 2018

by Cynthea Liu

( 1 )

₹ 192.00

Inspired by a social experiment/writing contest created by children's book author Cynthea Liu (Paris Pan Takes the Dare, The Great Call of China, and Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course), eighteen young writers in grades 2-7 take a dare to better themselves for seven days, then write about it. The stories range from the warm to the wise to the sublimely hilarious. In this wonderfully charming and inspiring anthology, readers get a glimpse into tween minds as they struggle with issues like sibling rivalry, self-esteem, bullying, friendship, and many more. For educators, this little book serves as a great jumping off point for character education or units concerning the personal essay. Not only will students relate to the stories, they'll walk away inspired to write with the beautiful voices they already possess. Maybe they'll even think of their own dares and write about it. Information on how young writers can be included in future volumes of this anthology is also provided.

Other Formats: Paperback

inclusive of all taxes

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course: How to Write, Revise, and Publish with Publishers 31 Dec, 2007

by Cynthea Liu

( 42 )

₹ 449.00

Strap on your helmet. Buckle up! Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course has been updated in 2023 by Disney and Marvel author and coach Cynthea Liu. If you're dying to know how to get your children's or teen book published, hop in this fun ride and rev that story engine. Please note: this book is not only suitable for adults but also for determined young writers (age 12 and up, middle school and high school grades, too). If you have younger writers in the family or classroom, this is a fun resource for you to learn from to help answer their questions about how children's book publishing works.

Nowhere will you find a more comprehensive, current, and detailed reference guide designed specifically for writing children and young adults, written by a bestselling, award-winning children's book author who is in the field today.

Writing for Children and Teens is a ten-step course that addresses the nitty-gritty details of the business and covers core principles for picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult novels, including ...

How to stress-test your book ideas for the marketplace for any format
How long your manuscript should be for any format
How to format your manuscript
How to write and revise your manuscript to make your book great including topics such as target audience, target market, character, plot, theme, setting, and description
Common writing issues to avoid along with possible solutions
How to determine if one should pursue major trade, small press, self-publishing, independent publishing, or hybrid publishing
How to physically or electronically submit to literary agents and editors
How to write a cover letter, query, synopsis, and author bio designed to entice
Submission strategies for just about any situation for writers who have little to no experience
How to interpret confusing submission guidelines, complete with advice on how to communicate professionally with agents and editors using their lingo
Where to seek valuable input and help from the writing community
Important resources, tools, and organizations every children's and teen book writer should know about

Book coach Cynthea and her pooch crew from her website of the same name (Writing for Children and Teens) have been hard at work on this latest edition to deliver practical, current advice for you, your family members, your friends, and any of your fur-babies interested in writing for children and young adults.

The new paperback and hardcover editions are coming soon to an Amazon page near you.

Praise for Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course

"There are lots of books about writing for children out there. Many are good. Some are great. What sets this book apart is Cynthea Liu's straightforward, take-no-prisoners approach to teaching writing. There's no fat or fluff or baloney in this book; no long philosophical rants about writing. Instead, you'll find a distillation of how to write for kids written in clear, direct, language that's fun to read. It's like having a friend explain something to you over a plate of brownies. If want to learn how to write for kids, then this is the book to get." - EQ ★★★★★

"The number of books lining the shelves on writing for children is mind-boggling. This is THE ONE you should pick up. Cynthea teaches the ins and outs of writing strong books for children with humor and excellent examples.

Other Formats: Paperback

inclusive of all taxes

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Bike On, Bear! 2 Jun, 2015

by Cynthea Liu, Kristyna Litten

( 27 )

₹ 658.35

Bear can do everything—except ride a bike. Discover how he overcomes his two-wheeled challenge in this irresistibly adorable picture book!

Bear can do almost anything. His one-paw pawstand is perfection. He can solve the trickiest of equations. He can even out-build a brigade of beavers. But the one thing Bear can’t do? Ride a bike.

Bear tries everything to help him learn: library books, training wheels and super-cheers from his fellow animal friends. But all of those fail to get poor Bear on two wheels.The situation is looking unbearable—but an unexpected mishap might be just the thing that propels Bear to bike on!

Other Formats: Hardcover

inclusive of all taxes

How to Write a Children's or Teen Book Series Proposal 6 Nov, 2011

by Cynthea Liu

( 2 )

₹ 83.54

Ever wonder how writing for a children's or teen book series works? Author Cynthea Liu, who has written for Penguin's S.A.S.S. series breaks it all down in this fifteen-page article that answers all of your major questions about writing series books.

Topics include
- Identifying a publisher or packager
- A study checklist
- The components of a proposal (synopsis, chapter outlines, character sketches, sample chapters)

Cynthea Liu is an active children's book author represented by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and published by Penguin.

inclusive of all taxes

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

How to Write a Synopsis for a Children's or Teen Book [Article] (Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course 2) 6 Nov, 2011

by Cynthea Liu

₹ 83.54

From the popular book, Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course, "How to Write a Synopsis" is a short, to-the-point two-page article that outlines and dissects every major part of a synopsis for a children's or teen book.

Author Cynthea Liu is an active children's book author represented by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and published by the Penguin Group.

inclusive of all taxes

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Great Call of China (S.A.S.S.) 25 Jan, 2009

by Cynthea Liu

( 18 )

₹ 404.04

Chinese-born Cece was adopted when she was two years old by her American parents. Living in Texas, she's bored of her ho-hum high school and dull job. So when she learns about the S.A.S.S. program to Xi'an, China, she jumps at the chance. She'll be able to learn about her passion - anthropology - and it will give her the opportunity to explore her roots. But when she arrives, she receives quite a culture shock. And the closer she comes to finding out about her birth parents, the more apprehensive she gets. Enter Will, the cute guy she first meets on the plane. He and Cece really connect during the program. But can he help her get accustomed to a culture she should already know about, or will she leave China without the answers she's been looking for?

Other Formats: Paperback

inclusive of all taxes

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