All in the Library

Tune in for a thrilling interview with middle grade author Fleur Bradley! We're diving into her book Daybreak on Raven Island, a 2024-2025 Battle of the Books pick. Perfect for mystery lovers and young readers.

In this episode of All in the Library, we sit down with middle-grade author Meg Kuyatt to discuss her heartfelt and inspiring book Good Different. Join us as we explore themes of self-acceptance, embracing differences, and the importance of finding your voice. Perfect for students, teachers, and book lovers alike!

In this episode of All in the Library, we sit down with Mari Mancusi to dive into her thrilling book New Dragon City. Join us as Mari shares the inspiration behind this captivating story, explores the dynamics of a world where dragons and humans collide, and reveals her process of creating complex, relatable characters. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, a curious young reader, or a teacher looking for new reads to inspire students, this conversation is packed with insights that bring New Dragon City to life.

Dive into an icy adventure with us on All in the Library as we interview bestselling author Jennifer Nielsen about her riveting historical novel Iceberg, one of our picks for this year's Battle of the Books! In this episode, Jennifer takes us behind the scenes, sharing the real-life events and historical details that inspired this epic tale of survival and bravery aboard the Titanic. Perfect for students, parents, teachers, and book lovers alike, this conversation uncovers secrets from the story and highlights what makes Iceberg a can't-miss read. Tune in to discover Jennifer's creative process and hear the answers to questions from our student readers!

On this episode of All in the Library, we're thrilled to welcome C.C. Harrington, author of the enchanting novel Wildoak. Join us as we explore the world of Wildoak and the unforgettable journey of its characters, crafted with heart and a love for nature. Whether you're a student, teacher, librarian, or simply a book lover, this episode offers insight into the story's themes and the inspiration behind it. Tune in to discover how Wildoak captures the beauty of friendship, resilience, and the wild.

In this episode of All in the Library, we dive deep into the wonders of the underground world with author Nell Cross Beckerman! Join us as we explore the fascinating world of caves, uncovering their secrets and mysteries, perfect for young adventurers. Nell shares her inspiration and creative process, making science and nature come alive for elementary students. Don't miss this journey into the hidden realms beneath our feet!

In this heartfelt episode of All in the Library, Lesley and Vanesha sit down with author Andrea Beatriz Arango to discuss her poignant book, Something Like Home. Together, they delve into the concept of "home" and how it can hold various meanings for different people. Andrea shares her inspiration for the story and offers insights into the characters' journeys.

In this episode of All in the Library, Lesley and Vanesha sit down with author Barbara Dee to discuss her latest book, Unstuck. They dive into important conversations about mental health, explore the challenges Barbara faced while writing this powerful story, and get a sneak peek at what she's working on next. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt discussion with one of today's most thoughtful middle-grade authors.

For the last podcast of the year, Lesley and Vanesha talk to Pablo Cartaya about his book The Last Bookkeeper.

People told her she shouldn't write a book with kids and magic. It won't sell. We have Harry Potter. Boy, were they wrong. Listen as Dhonielle talks about her book The Marvellers.

Have you ever wondered where ice cream comes from? Listen to this episode where we talk to Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman about their Texas Bluebonnet nominated book Ice Cream Man and the father of ice cream, Augustus Jackson.

Todd talks to Lesley and Vanesha about some of his amazing books he has written. In particular, they discuss The Good War and its relationship with The Wave.

Lesley and Vanesha talk to Houstonian Saadia Faruqi about her Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero as well as her many other books from early chapter books to middle grade.

Lesley and Vanesha have fun talking to Natalie Lloyd about Hummingbird. She discloses some fun tidbits about why she chose to write this novel now.

Lesley and Vanesha bring in students from Atascocita Middle School to talk to Rex about his books.

Christina talks with Lesley and Vanesha about her Newbery Award-winning book The Last Mapmaker as well as other books she has written.

Listen to award-winning author Sandra Nickel talk about her book, Breaking Through the Clouds, the story of Joanne Simpson and her rise to meteorological heights.

Debbie has retired and Lesley has a new co-host. Welcome Vanesha to the podcast.

Taylor is a high school media specialist who writes books in her spare time. Her first book Leather and Sage will keep you guessing.

Tonya is the author of The Sophie Washington Series for kids ages 8-12. Set in the suburbs of Houston, Sophie deals with common problems like fighting off bullies, squabbling with siblings, managing social media, and more.

Liara Tamani is a critically acclaimed young adult author who lives in Houston. She is the author of Calling My Name, a 2018 PEN America Literary Award Finalist and SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist, and All the Things We Never Knew, a 2020 Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year.

Selected among Book Sense and Indie Next top picks, and Amazon and Bookbub Editor's Picks for Best Books, Suzanne writes novels that School Library Journal calls "amazing" and "poignant" and VOYA calls "heart-stirring" and "marvelous." Suzanne, the author of both middle grade and young adult fiction, is a wife, mother, a crafter of dollhouse miniatures, an avid traveler, dog hugger, nap expert, and chocolate lover extraordinaire. Suzanne's novels have received starred reviews in SLJ, KLIATT, VOYA and BCCB, and have been selected for state and national reading lists. After living all over the United States, Suzanne and her family now make their home back in her native state of Texas. suzannecrowley.com

Anne is the award-winning author of Blackbird Girls. She talks with Debbie and Lesley about her books, and inspirations and then has a little fun with their author's version of Would you Rather.

Alda talks about her inspiration for Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna and her newest book The Other Side of the River with Debbie and Lesley.

Debbie and Lesley talk to author Varsha Bajaj about her books. From picture books to teen books, Varsha's books are delightful.

Lesley and Debbie are back with Season 2 of All in the Library. In this episode, Lesley interviews Lisa Fipps as part of the Spirit of Texas Reading List nominees. Lisa talks about her book, her start and all things Starfish.

Texas author Lynne Kelly talks to Debbie and Lesley about her award-winning book A Song for a Whale.

Susan Schilling, a high school librarian talks about some of the newest books released this year.

In this episode, Debbie and Lesley talk to middle school students to see what books they are reading. Follow the link to see the breakdown of each book including the lightning round.

Lesley and Debbie talk to librarian and author Laura Jackson about her books. Ta

On this episode, guest host, Brooke King interview author James Ponti about his newest book release in the City of Spies series. Check out this link for all the booktalks from the episode.

Debbie brings on 4 high school students who LOVE to read. Their insight into these books is amazing. To access the books that were discussed, follow the link Episode 5 Book List

Lesley and Debbie sit down with children's book author and librarian, Susan K. Mitchell to discuss her fiction and non-fiction books. Rainforest All Around, Kersplatypus, and Stone Pizza. Check out her website to see her Non-Fiction titles and more. For the Lightning Round, Susan K. Mitchell takes the cake (not really, but that would be yummy). She book talks 7 books. She starts with Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart, followed by Honest Truth by Dan Gemeninhart, Lexi Magill and the Teleportation Tournament by Kim Long, Refugee by Alan Gratz, Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol by Andres Miedoso, Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson and Mr. Limoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein. Lesley fared better with Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte, Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm, Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullen and Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega. Debbie ends the round with Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Majesty by Katharine McGee and Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson.

Hosts Lesley Nickelson and Debbie Sewell talk to Chari Kauffman, the chairman of the Spirit of Texas Reading Committee to find out more about the program and how it helps librarians. Programming resources are available on the TLA website. In this episode we talk about We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal, We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal, and Starfish by Lisa Fipps, An Occasionally Happy Family by Cliff Burke and American Royals by Katharine McGee In our lightning we quickly book talk Schooled by Gordon Korman, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and Fable by Adrienne Young.

Your hosts, Lesley Nickelson and Debbie Sewell talk to Jared Amato, the founder of Project Lit, a national grassroots literacy movement. Follow the movement on Twitter @ProjectLITComm. Apply to become a Chapter Leader. The books we talk about are Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Visit her website to see what other amazing books she has written. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and her website. In the lightning round, we QUICKLY book talk, The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. by David Levithan, Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer, and Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo.

Hosts, Lesley Nickelson and Debbie Sewell talk to children's librarian Vanesha Ford about their favorite books right now. For Elementary - Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin, For Middle School - The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynne Barnes and for High School - Pride by Ibi Zoboi.