Order of Cynthia Leitich Smith Books

Cynthia Leitich Smith is an American author of children’s and young adult fiction. She is a New York Times bestselling author. Cynthia is celebrated for her engaging stories that often center on contemporary Native American life and culture. She has written novels, short stories, and poetry that blend humour, heart, and real-world issues, including her acclaimed Tantalize series and Jingle Dancer. A recipient of numerous awards, including the American Indian Youth Literature Award, her work has been widely praised for its authenticity, compelling characters, and emotional depth. Cynthia is also a speaker, educator, and advocate for diverse voices in literature, inspiring readers and writers alike.

Cynthia Leitich Smith made her debut as an author in 2000 with the children’s book Jingle Dancer. She published her first novel the next year with Rain Is Not My Indian Name. Below is a list of Cynthia Leitich Smith’s books in order of when they were originally released:

Publication Order of Feral Books

Publication Order of Tantalize Books

Publication Order of Tantalize Graphic Novels Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Children's Books

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of The Blue Stars Books

(with Kekla Magoon)

Publication Order of Anthologies

If You Like Cynthia Leitich Smith Books, You’ll Love…

• Traci Sorell
• Angeline Boulley
• Carole Lindstrom

Cynthia Leitich Smith Synopses: Rain Is Not My Indian Name is a standalone novel by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Six months have passed since Cassidy Rain Berghoff’s best friend, Galen, died, and she has kept herself firmly shut off from the world. But when controversy arises around Aunt Georgia’s Indian Camp in their mostly white Midwestern town, Rain steps back into the world, taking a new job photographing the campers for the local newspaper.

As she navigates the camp, Rain must decide how involved she wants to be with the other Native teens. Can she maintain a professional distance – or will grief, friendship, and the possibility of new beginnings draw her in?

In Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith, When Louise Wolfe’s first serious boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she ends things with a sharp e-mail. It’s senior year, and Lou would rather focus on her family, friends, and the school newspaper.

Paired with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, Lou quickly finds herself at the center of a major story: the school musical director’s inclusive casting of The Wizard of Oz has sparked backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are surfacing, targeting teachers, parents, and especially the students in the spotlight – including Lou’s little brother, cast as the Tin Man.

As tensions rise at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey. But navigating love as a Native teen is never simple. In trying to protect her own heart, can Lou avoid breaking his?

Harvest House is a standalone novel by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Deftly navigating the crossroads of contemporary realism and haunting mystery, Cynthia Leitich Smith returns to the world of her American Indian Youth Literature Award winner Hearts Unbroken. Halloween is approaching, and Hughie Wolfe is eager to volunteer at a new rural attraction: Harvest House. He’s ready for spooky fun – until he learns that an actor portraying the vengeful spirit of an “Indian maiden,” inspired by local legend, will headline the show.

Folklore aside, strange occurrences have been happening near the crossroads at night: a creepy man is stalking teenage girls, especially Indigenous girls; dogs are restless; and wild animals are acting strangely. As Hughie wrestles with whether and how to speak up about the prejudiced legend, he and his friends begin investigating the crossroads – and the possibility that it might truly be haunted. When the Moon rises on All Hallow’s Eve, can they protect themselves and their community from the dangers lurking in the night?