Hilde Kate Lysiak has a collection of impressive accomplishments in her life thus far: American Journalist. Founder of Orange Street News. She’s been profiled by the New York Times, NBC Today, and The Washington Post. She’s also the inspiration of the AppleTV+ series Home After Dark. Yet the person I’m describing isn’t old enough to earn her driver’s license. But while her desire to share the news led her down this awe-inspiring journey, now it’s her turn to tell her own story in Hilde on the Record: Memoir of a Kid Crime Reporter.

Older and/or NYC-based readers might recognize the name “Lysiak”; Hilde’s father is none other than Matthew Lysiak, known for his work as an investigative reporter for the New York Daily News. From a young age, Hilde was able to tag along with her father whenever he received a tip about a news-worthy event that needed reporting. These experiences, along with some inherited qualities I’m sure, enabled Hilde to discover and exercise her passion for reporting the news. 

In Hilde on the Record, Lysiak describes her journey creating the Orange Street News, and how her exclusive coverage of a small-town murder significantly enlarged her newspaper readership yet exposed her to the negative side of “going viral.” She also recounts her struggles with being taken seriously as an eight-year-old local crime reporter and her own mental health. 

Hilde on the Record is a quick read and great for aspiring middle-grade journalists/reporters. Even as someone who never considered the profession, I really enjoyed reading Lysiak’s story. Those who have followed her father’s work will also appreciate learning more about the Lysiak family, which is clearly important to her as demonstrated in her writing. It is clear that her family is essential not only to who she is, but also how she carries herself. Her parents, grandparents, and sisters were also the support she needed to be a successful reporter and cope with the criticism that followed. 

Hilde Kate Lysiak joins us for a Cantina Conversation where we talk about her experiences and confrontations during her investigations, biggest challenges of being a kid crime reporter, and any ambitions for the future. Hilde on the Record: Memoir of a Kid Crime Reporter is available on April 19. Pre-order now and keep an ear out for an upcoming episode of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast.