Mike Curato joins Jennifer to discuss the power of children's literature to shape our hearts and navigate the world with compassion. They explore their own experiences as readers and artists, emphasizing the importance of personal storytelling and self-expression. They also discuss the impact of social media on creativity and self-perception. Mike shares his approach to school visits, focusing on his personal journey and the challenges he faced. Mike discusses his book Flamer'and the importance of creating stories that address issues faced by marginalized communities. He also shares his upcoming projects, including an adult graphic novel and a middle-grade graphic novel.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Children's Literature 10:58 The Impact of Social Media 36:57 Upcoming Projects

In this episode, Ami Polonsky joins Jennifer to discuss the power of storytelling and the importance of accessible reading. They explore how being a teacher influences Ami's storytelling and how her books empower young readers to make a difference. They also discuss the relevance of stories like World Made of Glass in today's world and the need for diverse voices in literature. Ami shares her upcoming project, a companion book to World Made of Glass, and reflects on the challenges and importance of writing hopeful stories in difficult times.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reader Identity

03:00 The Importance of Accessible Reading

08:00 The Influence of Teaching on Storytelling

13:00 World Made of Glass and the Power of Stories

19:00 Writing for Change and Empowering Kids

25:00 The Need for Stories in Challenging Times

29:00 Upcoming Projects and the Importance of Hope

35:44 The Journey of Writing a Book

36:14 The Power of Books

36:38 Upcoming Book Release

37:05 Enjoyable Conversation

In this episode, Chrystal D Giles joins Jennifer LaGarde to discuss the power of children's literature to shape readers' hearts and provide guidance in navigating the world. Chrystal shares her experiences as a young reader and how she now gravitates towards contemporary realistic fiction that tackles social and cultural topics. They also discuss Chrystal's book, Not An Easy Win, which follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy named Lawrence as he learns to play chess and navigates complex emotions and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and the impact of books in helping children understand and process their own experiences. They also explore the role of technology and the value of finding healthy alternatives, as well as the significance of strong grandparent characters in children's literature. Chrystal shares her upcoming projects and the joy she finds in school visits and connecting with young readers.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart

03:02 Not An Easy Win

06:02 Representation and Shame

09:31 Technology and Healthy Alternatives

13:18 Grandma's Role

21:00 Future Projects

25:10 School Visits and Impact

27:31 Conclusion