Leslie Helakoski is the author of many picture books, including Are Your Stars Like My Stars? illustrated by Heidi Woodword Sheffield, and Woolbur illustrated by Lee Harper. She has also written and illustrated several books, including Hoot & Honk Just Can’t Sleep. She is a recipient of the 2020 Gwen Frostic Award for her work in literacy and divides her time between south Louisiana and northern Michigan.

M.R. Fournet’s ties to New Orleans are part of her own origin story. As as kid, she would go fishing in South Louisiana and eat crawfish with her family in Houma. She has always been fascinated by the myths and legends of New Orleans. When not writing, she is a professional artist, belly dancer, and autism mom. She now lives in Texas with her husband, son, and ungrateful cat. Brick Dust and Bones is her middle grade debut.
 

Marti Dumas is the author of more than a dozen books for kids where being black or brown is never the problem. This, of course, excludes any historical non-fiction in her catalog because Dumas does not yet have the power to turn back time.
She lives in New Orleans with her family and can frequently be heard saying, “An iced coffee a day keeps the doctor away.” Hopefully that last proves true.

The recipient of the 2017 Louisiana Writer Award, Johnette Downing is a musician, author, illustrator, and poet dedicated to sharing her Louisiana roots music and books with children across the globe. Called the "Cajun Raffi" and the "Pied Piper of Louisiana Music Traditions" by the media, Johnette has performed on five continents, has received dozens of awards, and is the author of thirty books and twelve recordings. 

Adam Dennis is an author residing in New Orleans, LA. He received his bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in Columbus, OH.

Adam has written for multiple online publications satirizing the confusing world of parenting or over-analyzing the fictional goings-on of superheroes. His background in music, cooking, and the law gives his writing a unique and colorful foundation.

Naomi DeBerry is the author of My Daddy Needs a Gift. Like the main character in the book, Naomi is a young leader who cares about her family and community and wants wellness for all. She dreams of being a transplant surgeon someday.
Naomi is a stellar student who loves swimming, gardening, and playing the violin and clarinet. The 7th grader has appeared in commercials, a national talk show, and public service announcements. 

Tessa B.H. Ruiz grew up in Portland, Oregon. She received her BA in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, where, in the depths of the library, she became enamored with the architecture of New Orleans. After living in the French Quarter, she wrote her debut picture book, The House, the Ghost, and Me, in 2015 under the watchful eye of her newborn. Tessa currently lives in Portland with her husband and two daughters.
 

Tamisha is an illustrator working for various clients such as Penguin Random House, Macmillan Publishers, Little Brown, and Chronicle Books. She finds that educating little ones or the young at heart always inspires her art. She has been an educator for the past several years teaching at institutions such as the New-York Historical Society and the Harlem School of the Arts. Currently she is teaching an art history + illustration class called Redrawing Black History with Lilla Rogers for Make Art That Sells.