There has been devastating news in Israel and Gaza in recent days — with some areas now fully at war. That was not the case over the summer, when Serenitee Graham, a Ludlow High School student in NEPM's Media Lab, interviewed Hannah Moushabeck about her new book, "Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine."

The Media Lab is interviewing western Massachusetts authors of books for young readers. Next up: Kaliis Smith, co-author of "Sir Morien: The Legend of a Knight of the Round Table."

Mychal Connolly Sr. is himself a business owner. He shared his motivation for the book during an interview with with NEPM's Media Lab.

Tiffany Jewell is the author of "This Book is Anti-Racist" and — more recently — "The Anti-Racist Kid." She was interviewed by Kiara Lee, a student at Springfield Honors Academy and intern with NEPM's Media Lab.

"The Adventures of Robo-Kid" by Amherst, Massachusetts, author and illustrator Diane deGroat is about a child living in the real world who encounters a comic book character.

Ellington, Connecticut, author Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo leaned to rock climb in order to write her third book. She also met Ndengo Gladys Mwilelo, a New Haven resident and refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together they wrote "Each of Us a Universe," the story of two 11-year-old girls: American-born Cal and Rosine, a Congolese refugee.

In “Alicia and the Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico,” Newman writes about a family displaced by Hurricane Maria and how their resilience helped rebuild their community.

"Make Your Own Money" originated with Jackson's own son wondering how to spend the $50 he made from a lemonade stand.

Growing up in the hills of western Massachusetts, Astrid Sheckels always had a knack for telling and drawing stories — and she’s managed to turn those skills into a full-time career.

Rosie pays close attention to the care her mother, a veterinarian, gives to animals in need. When Rosie grows up she, too, wants to be able to help animals like her mom does. Author Jennifer Welborn of Amherst talks about the origins of her first children's book.