The Book Faire: Children's Literature for Grownups

The interview with Sarah F. Shacter discusses her book 'Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign' and explores themes of empathy, connection, and the intersection of science and creativity. Sarah shares insights into the characters, plot, and the inspiration behind the 99% campaign. The interview also delves into the importance of finding common ground and fostering empathy, especially in the co...

The episode covers new releases for young readers, policy changes in Florida and Wisconsin, library governance and public opinion, and challenges to diversity and inclusion in public spaces. It explores the impact of these topics on the literary community and the broader public. New Releases: A Day Off School by Oliver Jeffers, illus. by Oliver Jeffers and Kevin Waldron (Ages 4-8) HeartLand by Jil...

https://www.lindsaychampion.com/ This week's interview covers the introduction and development of the Cast vs. Crew trilogy by Lindsay Champion, the role of an editor in publishing, addressing serious topics in middle grade literature, creating diverse and realistic characters, the role of beta readers and sensitivity readers, the inclusion of fictitious and real musical references, a discussions...

This week's episode of the Book Fair Podcast covers the new Texas Department of Education's reading list for public schools, as well as local groups helping bring access to banned books in their community. The episode also features a review of the newest books out this week. New Releases: The Big One by Dashka Slater, illus. by Myo Yim (Ages 4-8) *Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceresn (Ages 8...

Brittney Cooper on Instagram: @professor_crunk In this interview Brittany Cooper covers the inspiration behind her book 'Mama Says I'm Fine,' the therapeutic and political aspects of the story, and the influence of her academic background on her writing. The episode also delves into the representation of family structures and the emotional intelligence of young readers. Takeaways The importance of...

Words on Trial Documentary: https://youtu.be/G-RtfYnydEw?si=LN4nOEyz3ku02eEP This episode covers a range of topics including privacy in library records, sensitivity training for volunteers, book bans, and access to sensitive information in schools. It also delves into the impact of book bans on communities and the controversy surrounding desired outcomes at a library. New Releases: Together for Ma...

https://www.katieyamasaki.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony interviews celebrated author, illustrator, and muralist Katie Yamasaki about her stunning new picture book, Ripples. The conversation dives into the narrative heart of the book, which follows a young girl named Ayla and her Aunt Koko on a river raft journey where small, ordinary acts of neighborhood compassion t...

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony exposes the alarming escalation of censorship tactics, examining a shocking incident of a modern book burning and the ongoing challenges to library books nationwide. We dive into how communities are fighting back, highlighting the crucial work of independent libraries stepping up to preserve access, alongside the successful grassroots efforts...

https://pullerwrites.wordpress.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with playwright and author J.S. Puller to discuss her deeply moving middle-grade novel, The Lost Things Club. We dive into the inspiration behind the book, which follows a young girl helping her cousin heal and find his voice after surviving the trauma of a school shooting. Puller shares her uniqu...

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony breaks down the high-stakes legal battles shaping school libraries across the country. We dive deep into the recent crisis in Tennessee, where Knox County Schools banned Alex Haley’s masterpiece Roots under the state's 2022 Age-Appropriate Materials Act—and how community pushback successfully stopped this attempt to whitewash American history...

https://maggiemadethis.com/ In this episode, we connect with bestselling kidlit author-illustrator Maggie Edkins Willis to explore the creative heart behind her beloved Little Ghost children's book series. Maggie shares how she crafts stories that engage young readers, the power of community in the illustration world, and how she navigates important, serious themes in children's literature without...

Stay informed on the critical issues affecting children's books, school districts, and public libraries. In this episode, we spotlight the newest kidlit releases alongside pressing global news, including PEN America's urgent report on jailed and detained writers. We break down the tangible effects of book bans and upcoming anti-censorship legislation on the future of children's literature. To wrap...

https://www.matthewkmanning.com/ https://www.mattloux.com/ The conversation covers the introduction to The Spark Experiment, the science experiments, the story, character design and development, designing the microverse, grounding science fiction in reality, collaboration and storytelling, and insights from the authors. The authors discuss their collaborative approach to storytelling, the blending...

The podcast episode covers new releases in children's literature, the impact of a new bill on school policies, conservative influence on school boards, library challenges and legislation, and initiatives for promoting literacy. Each chapter explores a distinct theme, providing comprehensive insights into the topics discussed. New Releases: Kindergarten Gets Ready by Naomi Damis, illustrated by Pet...

magiktheatre.org SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ The interview with Alexandria Sepulveda, Education and Outreach Manager for Magik Theatre, covers the role of arts education in children's development, the programs offered by the Magik Theatre, and the impact of arts education on lifelong learning. It also discusses the involvement of parents and guardians in cultiv...

SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ The episode covers new book releases, a report from PEN America on book bans, the introduction of a new audience category in publishing, and a heartwarming story of a young advocate for libraries. The themes include new book releases, book bans, new audience category in publishing, and advocacy for libraries. New Releases: Bear for a...

https://www.randismithwrites.com/ SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ In this week's interview with Randi Smith the conversation covers the themes of book banning and censorship, as well as the experience of writing for young readers. It delves into the plot of Ada Holloway's Had Enough, the review process and book bans, Ada's missteps and flaws, the support for Ada an...

SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ The episode covers new release and news related to book bans, library closures, funding for local libraries, and community responses to book bans. It highlights the challenges faced by libraries and the efforts to support and preserve access to literature. New Releases: Dad by Christian Robinson (Ages 3-6) My Papi’s Hands by Melissa...

SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ The conversation covers the inspiration behind 'We Need to Talk About Cancer' and the approach to communicating complex medical concepts to young readers. Dr. Sanjay Juneja shares insights on cancer misconceptions, advancements in research, and the decision to make the book accessible. The discussion also delves into the author's fut...

SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ The episode covers new book releases, news stories, and positive initiatives in the literary world. It also highlights the involvement of librarians in state political offices and the challenges they face. The episode concludes with an update to BPL's Books Unbanned program. New Releases: Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend by Joy Michael Elli...

https://katherineapplegate.com/ SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ The interview with Katherine Applegate covers her introduction and the discussion of her book 'Wombat Waiting', the exploration of the voice inside us, the impact of climate change on young readers, the significance of animals in children's literature, writing from personal passion, writing from the pe...

Subscribe HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, Anthony dives into critical library headlines, including a former librarian’s lawsuit in Tyler, Texas and the high-stakes closure threat facing the Oak Lawn Branch Library. We also analyze the police raid on Russia’s largest publisher over LGBTQ+ content and the rise of PragerU's "patriotic"...

https://clairefreelandwrites.com/ https://www.jacquelinetoner.net/ https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with child psychologists Dr. Claire Freeland and Dr. Jacqueline Toner to discuss their essential new interactive workbook, What to Do When It's Not Fair. They explore...

SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR GIVEAWAY: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony provides an essential roundup of new children’s book releases and high-stakes library news from across the country. We explore the legislative progress of Alaska’s Freedom to Read Bill and provide a critical update on the Rutherford County Library System’s ongoing policy challen...

https://www.globalgalactics.com/ SUBSCRIBE HERE for the giveaway: https://bookfairepod.riverside.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Karina and Timothy Karsten, the founders of Global Galactics, to discuss their innovative approach to early childhood education. We explore their mission to ignite curiosity and wonder in children aged 5-9 through the adventure...