The Reading Culture

“As my own mother is aging, she's telling me … before I take this to my grave, here is something you should know. So the secrets are coming out. And as more and more secrets are revealed, I'm learning more about myself.” - Ibi Zoboi Ibi Zoboi writes to remember—her own story, her family's legacy, and the long history of migration, myth, and memory that shaped them both. For Ibi, storytelling is a form of resistance and reclamation. It's how she makes sense of the secrets that shaped her life and gives voice to those left out of the narrative. A National Book Award finalist and the bestselling author of American Street, Pride, Star Child, and (S)Kin, Ibi's work blurs the line between folklore and futurism. In this episode, Stories Left Untold: Ibi Zoboi on Secrets Lost and Found, she opens up about growing up Haitian in 1980s Brooklyn, discovering a half-sister decades later, and finding her way to writing through soap operas, Stephen King, and the voices of women who came before her. She also shares how a Vodou ceremony in Brooklyn changed her relationship to her culture, why she always sought out elders and activists, and how she's still learning to push back against the pressure to fit a mold—on the page and off.Ibi's reading challenge, Haitian Creations, celebrates stories of migration and identity from first-generation and immigrant voices—stories that, like hers, speak to the truths we inherit and the ones we uncover for ourselves.Download Ibi's reading challenge at thereadingculturepod.com/ibi-zoboiAnd this week's Beanstack Featured Librarian is once again William Shaller, the librarian at Hoffman Middle School in Houston, Texas. This time, he shares how a surprise resurgence of Twilight led to an unforgettable moment of joy and connection in his school library.Show ChaptersChapter 1: Under The TableChapter 2: Danny BoyChapter 3: Two Thousand Suns Chapter 4: Brooklyn VodouChapter 5: GhostedChapter 6: Reading ChallengeChapter 7: Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Ibi ZoboiIbi Zoboi InstagramTwo Thousand SeasonsBeanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I tell kids that books are not there to torment you. The author has to get you in the first ten pages. If they do not, they fail, because a book is like a lawnmower—you pull it, and either it starts or it doesn't start.” –Soman ChainaiSoman Chainani wants reading to feel irresistible. The bestselling author of "The School for Good and Evil," series and the recently released graphic novel, "Coven," shares how his own reading life began—powered by Anne Rice, Michael Crichton, and a complete lack of adult supervision—and how those early obsessions shaped his belief that stories should be bold, boundary-pushing, and personal.In this episode, Soman explains why middle grade books can (and should) feel dangerous, how his grandmother's glamorous storytelling shaped his imagination, and what a book needs to do in its first ten pages to hook a reader. He also unpacks the “moral grayness” that defines his favorite novels and his own writing, and makes a compelling case for why kids need more honesty, not less, in the stories we give them.Tune in for a fast-paced episode that includes Madonna, hot takes, and tips for breaking (all) the rules. ***Soman's reading challenge, Immersive, is all about getting lost in a story. The books he curated blur the line between fiction and reality, pulling the reader in so completely you forget the world around you. Learn more and download Soman's recommended reading list at threadingculturepod.com/soman-chainani***This week's featured librarian is Jasmine Haverly from Aldine Independent School District in Texas. Jasmine shares how competitions and “book tastings” are growing the reading culture in her library.Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Florida Man Chapter 2 - Well, That Escalated Quickly Chapter 3 - The Picture of Dorian GrayChapter 4 - The Rules Are Made UpChapter 5 - Main Character Energy Chapter 6 - Use Your ImaginationChapter 7 - Express YourselfChapter 8 - Reading ChallengeChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupSoman ChainaiSoman Chainani SubstackSoman Chainani Instagram“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar WildeFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I think all of us had the experience after reading the book of looking in maybe our grandparents' wardrobe, our parents' wardrobe, and like knocking on the back of the wardrobe and being like, maybe this is my time. Maybe they're gonna call me in here."— Mychal ThreetsFor this week's episode, we are testing out a slightly different format, something we have named a “Mixtape” episode. Rather than making the reading challenge the last bit of an author's show, we have made the reading challenge the show itself.  We could not be more excited to welcome the biggest spot of joy on the web, Mychal Threets, to the podcast. In this episode, we learn about Mychal's playlist, the books that shaped him, and when he was a young library kid. As someone who grew up in the stacks and eventually made his calling his career, Mychal walks us through the books that sparked what he calls his "book joy."As it happens, Jordan will be doing a full interview with Mychal during a live recording at the upcoming American Association of School Librarians meeting (AASL) in St. Louis this October. But who wants to wait for the joy that Mychal brings? Nobody! Content Note: This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide, which come up in Mychal's reading passage. If you'd prefer to skip this portion, it runs from [19:50-23:35].Tune in for an episode that will brighten your day and give you insight into the early life and times of someone who has shined a light on the joy and importance of libraries (and librarians!).We have set up Mychal's mixtape “playlist” as a reading challenge that can be downloaded for free or activated on your Beanstack site. Learn more and download Mychal's reading challenge at thereadingculturepod.com/mychal-threetsShow ChaptersChapter 1 - Holes by Louis SacharChapter 2 - Henry Huggins by Beverly ClearyChapter 3 - Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine PatersonChapter 4 - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C. S. LewisChapter 5 - Son of the Mob by Gordon KormanChapter 6 - The Giver by Lois LowryChapter 7 - Love Among the Walnuts by Jean FerrisChapter 8 - The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsChapter 9 - Letters to You by Jazz ThorntonLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Mychal Threets InstagramMychal Threets TikTok2025 AASL National ConferenceBeanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“And I think that's what reading is… It's a personal interpretation of the story, and it may not be the same as somebody else's. That's the whole idea of a good teacher. There should be different interpretations, and sometimes a student will come up with something that I never thought of.” —Sharon M. Draper  Give a story to twenty kids, and you might get twenty different takeaways. Some will catch the details you didn't even notice. Others will pull out meaning that wasn't intentionally placed, but rings true all the same. Sharon M. Draper writes for everyone and fiercely advocates for students' right to read for themselves.Sharon knows the capacity of a book to transport and transform kids; she was the kid who maxed out her library card every Saturday at the Cleveland Public Library. She then became the teacher who read aloud to even the most skeptical students, and the writer whose bestselling novel "Out of My Mind," which was adapted into a film for Disney+ and remains requisite reading for many middle schoolers year after year. A two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner, Sharon is the author of "Stella by Starlight," "Blended," "Tears of a Tiger," and many, many more.In this episode, "Good Luck, They're Yours: Sharon Draper on Giving Students Room to Read," Sharon discusses what it means to trust readers, how her students helped guide her first book, and seeing her stories banned in classrooms. We also talk about church music, spiked lemonade, and how she ended up with a special library card that gave her access to the library's adult section, even as a child.When we asked Sharon to come up with a reading challenge, she was reluctant to give us a list of must-reads. Maybe that's not surprising, given her past frustrations with inflexible required reading lists. In true teacher fashion, she flipped the assignment and gave us a lesson plan. This week's Beanstack featured Librarian is William Schaller, the middle school librarian at Hoffman Middle School in Houston, Texas, for the past seven years! William shares his secret sauce for getting kids excited about reading. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - The Reader KidChapter 2 - Spike Lemonade and Porch StoriesChapter 3 - Shut Up and Say You Like ItChapter 4 - We Never Say That in the Locker RoomChapter 5 - Student TeachersChapter 6 - Reading ChallengeChapter 7 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Sharon DraperSharon Draper InstagramCleveland Public LibraryUp the Down StaircaseSharon M. Draper receiving the National Teacher of the Year AwardBeanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"It's very rare for a person to just be one thing. Most issues, most things that matter, are not so black and white." – Debbie LevyWe all want to believe in heroes and villains, right and wrong, and clear-cut answers. But history and life are rarely that simple. Debbie Levy has spent her career exploring the gray areas, challenging readers to see multiple perspectives and embrace complexity. A former lawyer, journalist, and now award-winning children's author, Debbie has written books like “I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark,” “The Year of Goodbyes,” and “A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools.” Her work invites readers to think critically, recognize misinformation, and understand that even those we disagree with are still human.   In this episode, We Contain Multitudes: Debbie Levy on the Dangers of Reductionist Thinking, Debbie reflects on what rabbis and Supreme Court justices have in common, why she's optimistic about students' ability to deal with disinformation, and how books can help kids hold space for complexity. Plus, a book so sad it was sold with tissues in it, a surprising childhood obsession with Superman, and why her mom taught her that being too good wasn't always a good thing. We also have a special hidden track at the end of the show. Debbie reflected on our conversation and shared a special story about her dad's unbelievable but real wartime experience that we saved for the very end.Tune in for an episode that will make you re-think your perspectives and let you settle into some delightful storytime moments!***Jewish identities vary across families, experiences, places, and so much more. In short, they are not one-size-fits-all. Debbie's reading challenge, Illuminating the Jewish Experience, highlights books that capture its richness and diversity. Learn more and download Debbie's reading challenge at thereadingculturepod.com/debbie-levy.*** This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is once again Amy McMichael, the media specialist at Dutchman Creek Middle School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the lead librarian for all secondary schools in her district. In this episode, Amy shares about the biggest impact Beanstack has had on the reading culture in her library and school.Show ChaptersChapter 1: Marbles on the Sewer TopChapter 2: Schoolyard Fist FightsChapter 3: The Funny GuyChapter 4: Tearjerker of the MonthChapter 5: Dissenting Opinions WelcomeChapter 6: It's ComplicatedChapter 7: The Art of Being WrongChapter 8: Reading ChallengeChapter 9: Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Debbie LevyDebbie Levy InstagramThe Funny GuyBeanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I lean on my community. I lean on the power of the pen. I lean on remembering who my ancestors are and what they endured, the colonization that they survived in the Americas, I think, ‘we've been here before, and the lineage from which I come is one that is powerful and resistant.' I would be dishonoring that legacy and that lineage if I didn't step up in this moment.” — Aida SalazarAida Salazar believes deeply in the power of words to change the world. For Aida, writing isn't just a creative act; it's a responsibility—an act of honoring her ancestors, healing personal wounds, and empowering her young readers. Her stories like The Moon Within, Land of the Cranes, Jovita Wore Pants, and Ultraviolet center on identity, social justice, and healing, with a particular focus on the immigrant experience. As a poet, novelist, activist, and mother, Aida discusses how writing helped her process grief, how Latin American literature gave her the permission to dream, how growing up in a mixed-status household shaped her, and how motherhood steered her toward children's literature.In this episode, she shares how the act of writing itself has been a huge part of helping her heal and survive difficult chapters in her own story. Plus, she reflects on how a fart poem, a Parker pen, and a punk rock-inspired zine all had unique roles in shaping her journey as a writer.Tune in for an episode that moves from gut-wrenching stories to gut-splitting laughs, the best kind of listening roller coaster!***For her reading challenge, Banned in Middle Grade, Aida curated a list of banned middle-grade books that reflect themes of identity, social justice, and the experiences of young readers navigating complex worlds. Aida is devoted to middle grade literature and wants to amplify the important stories that are so important for those readers. From Melissa by Alex Gino to Ghost Boys by Jewel Parker Rhodes, these titles spark essential conversations. Learn more and download Aida's reading challenge below.Download Aida's reading challenge at https://www.thereadingculturepod.com/aida-salazar.***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Amy McMichael. She is the media specialist at Dutchman Creek Middle School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the lead librarian for all secondary schools in her district. She does it all! In this episode, she discusses her strategy for luring reluctant readers with an unconventional library setup.Show ChaptersChapter 1: Fart PoemsChapter 2: A Spark from Clark and a Parker PenChapter 3: Writing Through GriefChapter 4: Beneath the Shadow of the Freeway Chapter 5: Writing Through Grief. Again. Chapter 6: The Three Pillars of Poetry Chapter 7: Reading ChallengeChapter 8: Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Aida SalazarAida Salazar InstagramZacatecas, MXPoema al Pedo ;)The Parker Pen!Sarah Cynthia Sylvia StoutBeneath the Shadow of the FreewayBeanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Pippa Johnstone, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“Their white classmates can read Harry Potter and relate to going to Hogwarts and flying on brooms. But a Black kid can't aspire to go to Paris, which can actually happen.” – Jerry CraftGrowing up, Jerry Craft did not enjoy reading. He says he simply never encountered a children's book that intrigued him enough or felt right. But Jerry loves defying expectations, and so naturally, the boy who rarely set foot in a library grew up to become a celebrated children's book author and illustrator. He has made defying expectations—and breaking stereotypes—a guiding principle in his storytelling. Jerry Craft is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, best known for “New Kid,” the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal. “New Kid,” along with the subsequent books in the three-part series—“Class Act” and “School Trip”—were groundbreaking for middle-grade literature, especially the power of graphic novels. While many of us may know and love Jerry's more recent graphic novels, his road to those books was winding and unexpected.  In this episode, Jerry tells us about the one teacher who finally found the secret to inspiring him, explains how being a Black comic strip creator was a lot like the movie Highlander, and ponders whether his dad's night shifts might be the reason he still works best at 3 AM.Settle in for an episode filled with wry humor and the colorful stories of Jerry Craft's journey to becoming a beloved author for students and teachers alike!***Jerry curated a group of graphic novels for his reading challenge, How It Started, How It's Going. These graphic novels chronicle his own journey as a creator—from the books that inspired him to those that helped forge his path and finally to those for which he laid the groundwork. Learn more and download Jerry's reading challenge at thereadingculturepod.com/jerry-craft***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Laurie Schalliol, media specialist at Heritage Intermediate School in Middlebury, Indiana. Laurie dishes about a spicy incentive that pushed her students' reading to the next level.***Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Oh SnapChapter 2 - Stay HumbleChapter 3 - Xylem StripsChapter 4 - To One PersonChapter 5 - The HighlanderChapter 6 - That's Not For YouChapter 7 - Reading Challenge Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupJerry CraftMomma's BoyzTo the World… (Jerry's Quote)Follow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“For every child that thinks something is wrong with them, my books are saying, ‘be you, even if others can't see you. The people who don't see your beauty, see your glory–they have a problem. Something is wrong with their eyes, their soul.'” – Jewell Parker RhodesRaised mainly by her grandmother on a steady diet of porch stories (and lots of bread), Jewell Parker Rhodes spent decades writing for adults, perfecting her craft in order to “be good enough” to write for kids. For Jewell, that has meant creating books that speak to a range of kids with different experiences and backgrounds (like her grandma used to refer to as a “mixed blood stew”) and to the educators and librarians supporting them.Jewell channels her inner Hamilton, as she notes, always writing like she is running out of time. And since she started writing for kids, she has indeed been prolific. Jewell is an award-winning author whose work spans adult and children's fiction. Her children's books include her children's debut, “Ninth Ward,” which won a Coretta Scott King Honor Award, “Bayou Magic,” “Towers Falling,” and “Ghost Boys,” a New York Times bestseller that continues to spark critical conversations about racial justice. And many, many more. In this episode, Jewell opens up about her tumultuous childhood, reflects on her grandmother's wisdom, and recounts many of the surprising twists of her life. That includes Jewell's amazement at living this long and what she'd tell her students if she ever returned as a ghost.Settle in for an episode you don't want to miss with the exceptionally colorful stories of Jewell Parker Rhodes!***Jewell's reading challenge, Comic Trips, celebrates timeless classics she adored as a child alongside today's graphic novels. It's an opportunity to explore how the comic art form has grown and to challenge the misconception that graphic novels aren't “real” books. Learn more and download Jewell's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/jewell-parker-rhodes***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is once again Kat Gatcomb, previously a youth services supervisor at Nashua Public Library in New Hampshire and now in customer success at Beanstack! This week, she shared two key lessons she wished she had known earlier as a librarian. ***Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Bread Freak (03:27)Chapter 2 - Spellbound (09:53)Chapter 3 - Prince(ss) Valiant (15:13)Chapter 4 - The People Could Fly (17:50)Chapter 5 - Simply Complex (25:10)Chapter 6 - Schoolbound (32:32)Chapter 7 - You Can't Pierce My Soul (35:25)Chapter 8 - Gunnin' for 120 (41:49)Chapter 9 - Comic Trips, Jewell's Reading Challenge (45:10)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupJewell Parker RhodesJewell Parker Rhodes Instagram“The People Could Fly” by Virginia HamiltonFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“Every time I read “Big” at a school, obviously I'm there to speak to kids about the story, and I hope they're all connecting with it, but at every single reading there is always an adult woman that comes to me and says, this is my story, I needed this when I was young. And I just wish we all knew that we were all going through the same thing.” -Vashti HarrisonVashti Harrison burst onto the children's book scene with her book, “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.” But to hear her tell it, Vashti still cannot believe that her entry point for kidlit was through nonfiction. Perhaps that is why she took such care and tenderness in creating her first fictional picture book, “Big.” In “Big,” we meet a young girl whose journey feels universally relatable, even if her story is uniquely hers. The book earned Vashti many accolades, including the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. But its profound effect on her personally was also a great gift and illuminating force for Vashti.  A New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and filmmaker, Vashti's words and artwork explore themes of identity, self-acceptance, and representation. In this episode, “Scratching the Surface: Vashti Harrison on Going Past Skin Deep,” Vashti reflects on how everyday magic and storytelling have shaped her life and work. She reflects on her childhood in "Only Lonely," Virginia, where she immersed herself in books and films and first thought of herself as a drawer. She also considers how she has navigated the complexities of beauty standards and body image over the years and shares the drawing contest she entered on a whim that led to a book deal in 24 hours!***Vashti's reading challenge, The BIG Reading List, is a curated list of books that inspired and helped her write “Big.” The titles are all about understanding and dismantling anti-fat and adultification bias and celebrating Black girlhood. Learn more and download Vashti's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/vashti-harrison***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Kat Gatcomb. She was previously a youth services supervisor at The Nashua Public Library in New Hampshire and is now in customer success at Beanstack! Kat shares about an innovative program she facilitated that called upon a cross-section of her community. ***Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Lonely OnlyChapter 2 - Big Trouble in Little VashtiChapter 3 - Picking The WoundChapter 4 - The Secret GardenChapter 5 - Missing WinnieChapter 6 - Can You Be A Drawer? Chapter 7 - ReturningChapter 8 - Drawing In Little Readers Chapter 9 - Vashti's Caldecott SpeechChapter 10 - Vashti's BIG Reading ChallengeLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupVashti HarrisonVashti Harrison Instagram“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Barnett“The Secret Garden” MovieVashti's 2024 Caldecott Medal Acceptance SpeechFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“Life is a wheel and humanity has been through countless cycles of ups and downs. The things that seem so dire now won't be this dire forever. Eventually, there is an upswing. I always needed that reminder, and it made me think that my young readers need that reminder as well.” - Yamile Saied MendezWith a storytelling style that radiates warmth and resilience, Yamile Saed Méndez's work reflects the cycles of life's challenges and triumphs. Born in Rosario, Argentina, in the midst and then long shadow of the Dictatorship years, she learned early on the power of hope and the enduring strength of the human spirit. From mastering a second language to embracing life in a new country, Yamile's journey is one of transformation and connection to her roots. Yamile is a bestselling author whose work spans children's, young adult, and adult fiction. Her novel “Furia”–a 2021 Pura Belpré winner and a Reese's YA Book Club selection–earned her widespread recognition for its powerful storytelling and cultural resonance. Her other books include “Shaking Up the House,” “On These Magic Shores,” “The Beautiful Game,” “Where Are You From?” and “What the Moon Saw.” With accolades such as the Cybils Award and the Américas Award, Yamile has established herself as a beloved voice in contemporary literature.In this episode, Yamile reflects on the pivotal transitions that have shaped her life and work. She reflects on her experience as the eldest sister in a family facing constant scarcity of resources and on how her school life impacted her perspective on a young woman's potential. Yamile shares how storytelling has grounded her through moments of turbulence and highlights how resilience has inspired the protagonists in her books. ***Yamile's reading challenge, Indomitable Characters, celebrates protagonists who embody resilience and remind us all of the inevitable upswing in life's wheel.Learn more and download Yamile's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/yamile-saied-mendez***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is, once again, Billy Allen, the Branch Manager of Whitney Library in Las Vegas's Clarke County Library District, aka 3KingVisions, on YouTube. And most recently, he is featured on season 9 of Queer Eye. Billy tells us about a unique incentive that motivated the kids at his library to crush their summer reading goals.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Women of ArgentinaChapter 2 - GibberishChapter 3 - The Angel's GameChapter 4 - Full StopsChapter 5 - Indomitable CharactersChapter 6 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupYamile MendezYamile Mendez Instagram“The Angel's Game” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón Monteiro LobatoHeidiMaría Elena WalshFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb Wilkinson, Jackie Lamport, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb Wilkinson, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

It's official. Two years in a row makes it a tradition. The Reading Culture Yearbook is here. It's the year end celebratory episode where we look back and highlight some of our favorite moments in the form of awarding superlatives. Or, as we dubbed them last year and seemingly forgot, “The Readies”.This year's edition features awards such as “Best [Not] Meet Cute”, the “Owning It Award”, the “Merriam-Webster Award” (alternatively titled “most likely to know more words than Merriam-Webster”), and “The Teen Whisperer Award”.And just like last year, we promise to make you laugh, and potentially cry depending on how quickly you reach for the tissues.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Best Alter EgoChapter 2 - The Teen Whisperer AwardChapter 3 - Full Circle Moment Chapter 4 - Best [Not] Meet CuteChapter 5 - Citizen of the World AwardChapter 6 - Odd Couple AwardChapter 7 - The All In AwardChapter 8 - Most Moving Dream Chapter 9 - Best Life Lesson From LiteratureChapter 10 - Owning It Award Chapter 11 - Most Likely to Rewrite the Stars Chapter 12 - Merriam-Webster AwardChapter 13 - Best Dinner Party GameLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I am saying: reader, we're going on a journey. You are going to come with me and then I'm pulling them gently into the narrative. And then again, if I'm doing my job, I'm holding them like a hug.” - Andrea Davis PinkneyAndrea Davis Pinkney stands tall at just 4'11”, but she is still somehow larger than life. In her writing, she has what she refers to as “the page one pact,” a commitment to getting her readers' attention right away. As an interviewee, she does the same. Andrea's passion, commitment to adding to the canon of Black kid lit, and desire to inspire all kids to love reading come through from the moment she begins to talk. Drawing deeply from the writing style she honed during her early years in journalism, Andrea's goal is to craft meaningful stories for kids—often about real people—while ensuring that reading is never (ever) a chore. Instead, she strives to make it a journey young readers are eager to go on with her.Andrea Davis Pinkney is a New York Times bestselling author known for her books for children and young adults, including “The Red Pencil,” “Because of You, John Lewis,” “Duke Ellington,” “Let It Shine,” and so many more. She is the winner of many awards, including the prestigious Coretta Scott King Book Award, and a four-time NAACP Image Award nominee. She is also a beloved editor (yes, she has a day job!), a librettist, and an industry leader. The only thing she may not overachieve in is, well, sleep!In this episode, Andrea tells the story of her own introduction to the Civil Rights movement through her parents, explains how her writing career began by winning a contest she never even entered, and how changing a burger into a donut became a matter of journalistic integrity in one of her books. Settle into an uplifting conversation that goes from John-Boy in the Waltons to the iconic Faith Ringgold with the indefatigable Andrea Davis Pinkney!***If you've read her renowned story “Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down,” you've likely noticed her gift for weaving verse-like prose and rhythm into her writing. That style inspired her reading challenge, Rhythm and Muse—a curated collection of stories that celebrate the same lyrical flow and musicality.Learn more and download Andrea's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/andrea-davis-pinkney.***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is the inspirational Billy Allen, the Branch Manager of Whitney Library in Las Vegas's Clarke County Library District, aka 3KingVisions on YouTube. He tells us about his musical approach to exciting kids about reading.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Mom, Dad, and Civil Rights.Chapter 2 - SanctuariesChapter 3 - White Spaces Chapter 4 - Tar BeachChapter 5 - The IgniterChapter 6 - The Page One PactChapter 7 - Kerlan ExhibitChapter 8 - Rhythm and MuseChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupAndrea Davis PinkneyAndrea Pinkney (@andreapinkney1) • Instagram photos and videosTar Beach – Faith Ringgold3 King VisionsMary Tyler MooreEssence MagazineFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport, Wanyee Li, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

We revisit our episode with Gregory Maguire.******"That's really all we are obliged to do for those we call our enemies. We are obliged to see them as humans, and then we behave the way we will. We are obliged not to consider them as less than human because that way, all hell breaks loose. - Gregory MaguireGregory Maguire expresses himself with extreme precision. While many of us may grasp for words to communicate a specific emotion or to describe a series of events, Gregory seemingly has words and turns of phrase on command. What a delight it is to listen to Gregory talk about his journey, his writing, and his thoughts on a wide variety of topics. Close to Gregory's heart is the belief that everyone has a backstory, a context—even our enemies. And no matter how difficult the task may seem, he believes it is our duty to understand that story and find it within ourselves to empathize with them—not to excuse them but to simply see them as humans.Gregory has built his career around telling the stories of antiheroes, most notably through the reimaginings of classic fairytales in novels such as "Wicked," "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister," and "Mirror Mirror." That ability to find empathy and a curiosity to understand even the most seemingly undeserving characters emerges in his other children's and young adult books and is deeply rooted in experiences from Gregory's early life.In this episode, Gregory shares those early life experiences (which can honestly be described as “Dickensian”) and how his relationships with his father and siblings have impacted his writing and life choices. He tells us about his love of the “arresting strangeness” of literary worlds and how this sensation inspired him to become a writer. He also shares why he believes in the children's stories he writes, not always getting a “happily ever after.”***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, Arresting Strangeness (a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien), Gregory has compiled a list of his favorite books that envelop you completely and force you to look at the world around you anew. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/gregory-maguire***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Lauren Mobley, a middle school librarian in Atlanta, Georgia. She tells us about a fun reading program she set up in her school inspired by a hit reality TV show.ContentsChapter 1 - Travel of the MindChapter 2 - Home, the Orphanage, and back againChapter 3 - The Children of Green KnoweChapter 4 - Harriet the RecorderChapter 5 - Origins of EmpathyChapter 6 - The Absence of a Happily Ever AfterChapter 7 - Arresting StrangenessChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupGregory MaguireGregory (@gregorymaguire) • Instagram photos and videosWICKED Official Trailer (2024)by JRR Tolkien - On Fairy-StoriesThe Children of Green Knowe (Green Knowe, #1) by Lucy M. Boston | GoodreadsThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I think kids are actually generally a better audience for literary fiction, for art, for ambitious storytelling that asks the reader to do work. And a lot of that is just based on how their brains work and their place in the world.” - Mac BarnettGrowing up, Mac Barnett's mom never took their picture books off their shelves. They remained a part of his reading world, even as he grew up and could read more mature books. Maybe that choice helped Mac's youthful spirit alight for longer. As he often notes, kids' minds are portals to the imaginary, to making believe. For them, everything is possible: superheroes, magic, ghosts. Mac believes that open-mindedness is crucial to fully understanding and appreciating fiction, which is why he makes the argument that kids are the best audience for fiction, and in particular, picture books. Mac Barnett is a best-selling, prolific children's author celebrated for his clever, imaginative storytelling and sharp sense of humor. He is known for books like “Extra Yarn,” “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole,” “The Terrible Two,” series and the “Mac B, Kid Spy” series. He has received numerous accolades, including two Caldecott Honors and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. In this episode, Mac shares why he believes that most adults struggle to understand what makes a good children's book. He also unpacks “Frog and Toad” as a work of experimental fiction and reflects on the lessons he's learning from his three-year-old son. Given Mac's passion for picture books, it's fitting that his reading challenge centers around them. For his challenge, “The Possibilities of Picture Books,” he has curated a selection designed to help us see the capaciousness of the picture book format—just as his mother once did for him. Learn more and download Mac's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/mac-barnett***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Mari Martinez, an assistant manager and librarian at Broward County Library. She tells us why she sees the library as a secret buffet.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Show ChaptersChapter 1 - The Picture Book ProclamationChapter 2 - A Hall of ClocksChapter 3 - Smaller, Better, Faster, Smarter Chapter 4 - Writing for Five-Year-OldsChapter 5 - The Will to Make Believe (and believe it)Chapter 6 - Mac to Mac Chapter 7 - The Possibilities of Picture BooksChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupMac BarnettMac Barnett: InstagramThe Picture Book ProclamationMac Barnett: Why a Good Book is a Secret DoorAre Five-Year-Olds Better at Reading than Adults?"Writing for Five-Year-Olds" by Margaret Wise BrownFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I think it caused me to get over some of the sort of narcissistic impulses in my writing and not make it about me and impressing, but instead about having the best reading experience I could imagine.” - Eliot SchreferAt a young age, Eliot Schrefer acknowledged that he was hiding himself. Growing up queer when he did meant concealing a key part of his identity for the sake of self-preservation. It was through books that he first learned to accept his queerness. That thread leads to one of his most well-known books, “Queer Ducks (and Other Animals).” We unravel that and so much more about Eliot's journey in this episode.While his coming of age taught Eliot Schrefer to stop living his life exclusively as an observer, as an author, found himself once more removing himself from his work. This time, though, it's intentional and for vastly different purposes. To Eliot, writing is about asking questions that the author is not supposed to answer. That's for the reader to do.Eliot is a bestselling author celebrated for his young adult and middle-grade novels, including “Endangered,” and the rest of his Ape Quartet series, “Queer Ducks” (that even landed him on The Daily Show!), as well as “The Darkness Outside Us” and its newly released sequel, “The Brightness Between Us.” Eliot is also a Printz Honoree and a two-time National Book Award finalist. In this episode, Eliot shares how he has practiced self-concealment in both his life and stories, and why he believes this has helped him better connect with his teen audience. He also reveals why his current influences include Carl Sagan, Jane Goodall, and Eeyore. For his reading challenge, Beyond the Human Experience, Eliot wants us too to practice seeing the world outside of the human perspective. He says it "reminds us that we're not the only creatures worth caring about." Learn more and download Eliot's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/eliot-schrefer***This episode's Featured Librarian is Tammy McIntyre, a library media specialist in Gwinnett County Georgia for many years and now works with us at Beanstack. Today she offers a guiding principle she follows as a librarian and especially as a parent.Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Carl Sagan and M.T. Anderson Walk Into a Bar…Chapter 2 - Science, Fantasy, and the Matrix (Printer) Chapter 3 - What I BelieveChapter 4 - The View From the ClosetChapter 5 - Duck HuntChapter 6 - I Ask the Questions Around HereChapter 7 - Beyond the Human ExperienceChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupEliot SchreferEliot Schrefer (@schrefer) • Instagram photos and videosPale Blue DotM.T. Anderson on The Reading CultureGregory Maguire on The Reading CultureEM Forster - WHAT I BELIEVEHowards End by E.M. Forster | GoodreadsFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“The two most important things you can do as a writer are to make people wonder what will happen next and to understand why it matters. - Katherine MarshEvery moment of every day, our attention is the subject of a battle. As adults, we struggle to focus on the 'right' things—so how can we expect our kids to? With this in mind, capturing and holding young readers' attention is a key focus for Katherine Marsh in her books. But she's determined to do so without sacrificing intellectual depth. Striking this balance has become her mission: to keep readers on the edge of their seats, while delivering something meaningful. To achieve that, she draws on her journalism background and the early influence of her grandmother's captivating stories from Ukraine.Katherine Marsh is an award-winning author best known for her novels “The Night Tourist,” “Nowhere Boy,” and “The Lost Year,” a National Book Award finalist for young people's literature. Her stories often unfold against the backdrop of the harsh, historical, or present realities, but as she notes, all of her stories are also mysteries. They have always had that hook! Her work has earned her several honors in addition to being a National Book Award finalist, including the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery, along with being a New York Times notable selection.In this episode, Katherine explores ways to address the setback in children's reading caused by the pandemic and dives into her article on the topic for The Atlantic. Katherine also recounts a jarring story passed down to her and considers the profound role of the story in raising her. She also reflects on how her time as a journalist has impacted how she approaches that craft of storytelling.Fun fact about Katherine: we attended the same high school! In fact, so did my script editor, Josia. It was a boarding school where we all did not know one another but shared the experience of being atypical students. Because of that coincidence and the fact that, as Katherine says, “kids love boarding school stories,” she curated her reading challenge, "Boarding School Ties,” which includes books that all take place in or are about boarding schools.  Learn more and download Katherine's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/katherine-marsh.***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Ms. Mari Martinez, an assistant manager and librarian at Broward County Library. She tells us that sometimes the best strategy for the library... is to get out of the library!Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Stories From GrandmaChapter 2 - The Joy of Being BoredChapter 3 - Our Animal Friends at Maple FarmChapter 4 - Cutting Through the NoiseChapter 5 - A Diverse DietChapter 6 - The Kids Are (Sort of) All RightChapter 7 - Boarding School TiesChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupKatherine MarshWhy Kids Aren't Falling in Love With Reading - The AtlanticKatherine Marsh - National Book FoundationOur Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice Provensen | GoodreadsBroward County LibraryFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“Why am I fighting this? Like, why am I fighting the thing that I want to write? For who? For like a teacher that I haven't seen in five years or ten years? For a critic who I don't know?” - Zoraida CórdovaZoraida Córdova doesn't care about what a book should be. When she writes, she's interested in.. well… what she's interested in. That means Zoraida doesn't prioritize following rules or meeting pre-set expectations. If she wants to write about sappy zombies, she will. If she wants to create a deep, profound novel, she will. Above all, she values creative freedom.She has always made a way for herself and her spirit to shine through her work. Whether it's writing for Star Wars or Disney's Meant to Be collection, short stories for one of her anthologies about creatures like vampires, mermaids and faeries, or her epic novel “The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina," Zoraida keeps it fresh and original. And her readers love it! By following her own passions instead of trying to satisfy what she “should do,” Zoraida delivers something readers crave—authenticity.Zoraida Córdova is an award-winning author celebrated for her genre-blending, magical tales like “Labyrinth Lost,” the first book in her Brooklyn Brujas series, which earned her an International Latino Book Award. Her versatility spans adult literary fiction, romance, young adult fiction, editing anthologies, and even adding a touch of romance to the Star Wars universe.In this episode, Zoraida reflects on the importance of writing for yourself, shares the “about the author” blurb that changed her life, and details her tween years as a green-haired Wiccan screamo-punk (you can't make this stuff up). Let's just say that Zoraida's commitment to rejecting the expectations placed on her began at an early age. (And she has the journals to prove it!)***For her reading challenge, Screw the Comfort Zone, Zoraida leans into her love of breaking the rules. To break free from her comfort zone. For her reading challenge, she selected a list of books she has read over the past few years that she adored but seemed "hard to pitch" to publishers because of how they defy convention. Difficult to pitch but still infinitely loveable.

“I cannot do an interview without talking about who I come from as it pertains to the writers who have influenced my work because their fingerprints are all over [it].” - Elizabeth AcevedoIn an interview, we may hear Elizabeth Acevedo's singular voice, but she assures us she is not alone. Elizabeth reminds us that she is part of a lineage and an amalgamation of many voices. She, like all of us, represents those who came before her, those whose books she devours, those who have shaped her life, and those who inspire her. A Greek chorus, if you will. In fact, when I asked Elizabeth about her personal journey, she called on her community and family at every phase—the community that raised her and continues to nurture her. Elizabeth credits everyone, from the neighborhood boys who encouraged her to spit bars at the local corner store to the teacher-mentors, with being essential to her rise as a critically acclaimed author and international slam poet star.Elizabeth Acevedo is a beloved poet and author, celebrated for winning prestigious honors like the National Book Award, the Prinz Medal, and the Pura Belpré Award. She also held the title of Young People's Poet Laureate. And on a personal note, she is one of my all-time favorite authors. Elizabeth is renowned for her young adult novels, including "The Poet X," "Clap When You Land," and "With The Fire on High," along with her recent adult novel, "Family Lore." Her writing vividly explores her Afro-Latina heritage, delving into themes of identity, family, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.In this episode, we discuss Elizabeth's secret mentors (and mentees), and some of the spurns she has encountered within the literary community. She reminisces about Friday nights in her apartment building, reflects on the importance of names, and ruminates about what her future may hold. She even shares her original rap name!***True to her poetry roots, in her reading challenge, "Novels Through Poems" Elizabeth has compiled a list of books that are just that tell stories through poetry. Learn more and download Elizabeth's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/elizabeth-acevedo.***This episode's Featured Librarian is Tammy McIntyre. Tammy served as a library media specialist in Gwinnett County Georgia for many years and now works with us at Beanstack! She shares a memorable interaction with a student that continues to resonate with her, highlighting the vital role the library plays as a community space.Show ChaptersChapter 1 - Who Is Here Chapter 2 - It Takes a VillageChapter 3 - The House on Mango StreetChapter 4 - Paying it ForwardChapter 5 - Novels Through PoemsChapter 6 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupElizabeth Acevedo Elizabeth Acevedo - "Hair"The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros | GoodreadsGwinnett County Public LibraryFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport, Elena Guthrie, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I talked about how I didn't process things in my journals. Well, in poetry, I did. All of a sudden, it was cracking that door open.” - Ari TisonWhen we're kids, the world still feels so big. Everything is a discovery, from why flowers bloom to why we go to school and what it feels like to make friends… everything is new. But for some kids, life can hit faster than they're ready to process. The logical side, the “why,” isn't as important as the safe space to feel the emotions. In Ari's native Bribri culture, monsters play an important role in stories, but for Ari the monsters were also present in her real life. She was young and unable to understand or logically process her trauma when she experienced it, but through reading and writing poetry, Ari found an emotional outlet. A debut author, Ari has already gained critical acclaim for her novel, “Saints of the Household,” which earned accolades such as the Walter Award, the Walden Award, and the Pura Belpré Award. She's also an accomplished poet, using her craft to delve into deep themes of identity, healing, and self-discovery.In this episode, Ari shares how art connects her to her ancestral heritage. She discusses her unheard call for help with poetry, healing at her own pace, spirituality, the poets who shaped her writing, growing up between multiple places and cultures, and much more. ***Ari's reading challenge, YA With Creative Structures, is inspired by her forthcoming novel, “Together We See.” She has curated a list of books that take unconventional approaches to structure, from the use of time to the inclusion of unexpected narrators. Learn more and download Ari's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/ari-tison.***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Jared Lessard, Branch Manager for the Calcasieu Parish Public Library System in Southwest Louisiana. He told us about an experience that constantly reminds him about the power of libraries in rural communities.ContentsChapter 1 - Thrown InChapter 2 - Safety in Letters (art)Chapter 3 - Because of Because of Winn-DixieChapter 4 - The Voices That Came BeforeChapter 5 - Justice and HealingChapter 6 - Reading ChallengeChapter 7 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupAri Tison - Official WebsiteSaints of the Household on HarperCollinsAri Tison's Poetry on Split This RockAri Tison on LitHubAri Tison on TwitterAri Tison on InstagramBecause of Winn-Dixie – Kate DiCamilloCalcasieu Parish Public LibraryFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I see my job as trying to soothe the trauma that teenagers don't know they have yet because everybody's so busy telling them that they don't.” - A.S. KingThe older we get, the more we understand that life is impossible to actually understand. Things are not often straightforward, and the more we do discover, the more we realize there is to discover. But when we read, we want to relate, to see the words on a page and have them reflect the world back at us in a way that makes it feel more digestible. A.S. (Amy Sarig) King has found that the only way to really do that is to make the mirror as absurd as the real thing. In today's American political realm, the word weird is taking on a new layer of meaning. But for Amy, weirdness has always been a lifeline. For her and her characters. She draws on weirdness and absurdity to tap deeper into the trauma her characters face. From anger to misplaced guilt, sadness to grief, and a general sense of overwhelming anxiety, teens have so much to process. And nothing peeves Amy like adults' dismissal of these experiences, of this trauma, for teens. She is passionate about challenging that norm, validating teens, and offering a surreal mirror to help them understand the world as it truly is: weird.A.S. King is a prolific, unique writer best known for "Dig," "Ask the Passengers," "Please Ignore Vera Dietz," and "The Collectors." She has received the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Edgar Award, and the Printz Honor—twice. Her work often combines surrealism with raw emotional depth, offering a fresh perspective on the human experience.In this episode, she critiques pointless teen shaming by adults, discusses why surrealism resonates with young readers, and shares her advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth through Gracie's House, a nonprofit named after her late daughter. She also reveals how her cheese tattoo led to an insight into humaneness.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***Keeping it on brand and consistent, Amy offers us a truly unique reading challenge with a bizarrely loveable title. Weird stuff that's totally readable, may be old, but it's really good. Hear me out. That's Amy's pitch and title for her reading challenge.  It's a good one! Find out more for yourself at thereadingculturepod.com/as-king.***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Alana Graves, a Librarian and Summer Experience Coordinator at Austin Public Library. She recounts an adorable mermaid story from one of her summer programs.ContentsChapter 1 - Sci-Fives and Reading (Pennsylvania)Chapter 2 - Embracing the StrangeChapter 3 - The Job of ValidationChapter 4 - Gracie's House, Gracie's HandsChapter 5 - Surrealism, For RealChapter 6 - Pick The LockChapter 7 - Weird stuff that's totally readable, may be old, but it's really good. Hear me out.Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian - Alana Graves (Austin Public Library)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupA.S. KingGracie's HouseHome | Kurt VonnegutGod Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. | GoodreadsFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

“I think it has to do with powerlessness, and with the kind of hierarchy that kids endure every day, where these grown ups are not making sense, and the world doesn't make sense, and animals are basically suffering the same fate.” - Katherine ApplegateWhy do kids see themselves in animals? Children's media is full of stories from and about the perspective of animals. But why? Katherine Applegate has been exploring this question since she was a child, fascinated by the inner worlds of the animals around her. The answer she's come to is hope. Like animals, kids exist in a state of a lack of control over their own lives, which the adults around them essentially dictate. And the greatest antidote to that sense of powerlessness is hope. Teaching that is what she believes to be the true purpose of a children's author.However, holding onto hope can be challenging for kids as they face the harsh realities of our world, feeling powerless in the face of injustice, suffering, and even death. Stories play a crucial role in helping our children build resilience to face these hardships.Katherine Applegate is a prolific and celebrated author best known for the beloved “Animorphs” series, “Wishtree,” “Odder,” and, of course, her Newbery Medal-winning “The One and Only Ivan.” In this episode, she discusses the unique bond between kids and animals, including her early stint as a gerbil peddler!

We revisit our episode with Matt de la Peña.****"Kids are growing up in an interesting time and they're led to believe that if we don't feel happy, we're doing something wrong. I think what I respond to is a deeper truth, which is, happiness is incredible and we should strive for it, but we should also acknowledge that half of our life is challenging or melancholy." - Matt de la PeñaHailing from a working class border town in Southern California, Matt de la Peña (Last Stop on Market Street, Mexican WhiteBoy, Milo Imagines the World) grew up in an environment that deeply valued strength and stoicism and oftentimes discouraged big displays of emotion from men. Instilled with a strong work ethic and the pursuit of opportunities, he followed in the footsteps of the men in his family and community. But still, there was a deeper truth to life within a buried emotional side that he felt compelled to explore.As early as high school, Matt would embrace this side of himself by secretly writing poetry, continuing on this journey to emotional self discovery throughout adulthood. Now, influenced by writers such as Kate DiCamillo and the late Cormac McCarthy, Matt's books seek out the deeper and sometimes darker parts of life, teaching kids the invaluable skill of acknowledging melancholy and granting them the permission to appreciate their own emotional complexity.In this episode, Matt will share his lifelong journey to accessing his own emotions and how his writing teaches kids to do the same. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Matt on social @Mattdelapena.***For his reading challenge, Conversation Starters, Matt invites us to ponder alongside our youngest readers with his curated selection of picture books. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculture.com/matt-de-la-pena.This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal's 2020 school librarian of the year, from Gwinnett County Public Schools. Cicely, aka the Read Woke librarian, shares about an awesome way to keep high schoolers excited about reading for pleasure and also a very fun birthday tradition at her school. ContentsChapter 1 - One Side of the Border (2:24)Chapter 2 - The Good, Bad, and Masculine (7:20)Chapter 3 - The Closet Poet (11:14)Chapter 4 - Sutree (14:38)Chapter 5 - The Future of Latinx Voices (24:38)Chapter 6 - Leaning Forward (27:58)Chapter 7 - Writing Up (31:58)Chapter 8 - Conversation Starters (33:59)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:55)LinksThe Reading CultureMatt de la PeñaMatt's BooksThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureWhy We Shouldn't Shield Children From Darkness | Matt's Letter to Kate DiCamilloThe Children's Book PodcastHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

We revisit our episode with Sabaa Tahir.******"This is happening in our world and at the very least you can bear witness to it. That's literally the absolute least you can do. - Sabaa TahirSabaa Tahir's (“All My Rage,” “An Ember in the Ashes” quartet) upbringing in the Mojave desert, isolated nearly 100 miles from the nearest city, exposed her to an unforgiving landscape and also many unforgiving truths of humanity. Within this backdrop, one place held significant importance in shaping her worldview: The Motel, a small business operated by her immigrant parents.  As she notes, “The good is what helps you survive, but the bad is what makes you wary and careful and makes you lonely at times.” Sabaa ventured into the realm of academia and later pursued a career in journalism, where her understanding of the world's imperfections deepened. The essence of Sabaa's stories lies in the raw exploration of sorrow and frustration…and taking action.  In this episode, Sabaa delves into the experiences of her childhood that left an indelible mark on her perspective of the world. From the motel her parents ran, to sonic booms, to wearing (dreaded) dresses on Mondays, Sabaa's youth sounds eerily like a superhero origin story. She also opened up about the “outsized impact” of her time copy editing at The Washington Post and its influence on her writing. Sabaa reveals how she channels her outrage to resonate with her coming-of-age readers, validating their shared frustrations and coming to terms with her own.***Keep up with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Sabaa on social @SabaaTahir***For her reading challenge, Authors of the Muslim Diaspora, Sabaa wants readers to open up to other perspectives from Muslim diaspora authors, including their cultures, traditions, mythologies, and humor. She curated a fabulous reading list, and I invite you to check it out. Reading challenges are always available at thereadingculturepod.com.In this episode, we're once again changing things up for our Beanstack featured librarian. Today we give the mic one more time to Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada, the current American Library Association president, to share more about the upcoming ALA conference and exhibition. Beanstack has proudly participated in ALA exhibitions for the last eight years! ContentsChapter 1 - The Middle of Nowhere (for real)Chapter 2 - The MotelChapter 3 - One ArtChapter 4 - The Eyes of an EditorChapter 5 - Books Like Sad SongsChapter 6 - Back to Fantasy LandChapter 7 - Lego Proof SocksChapter 8 - Muslim DiasporaChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureSabaa TahirSabaa's Books The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureSabaa Tahir on growing up in a motel - VoxALA Annual ConferenceThe Children's Book PodcastHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I feel like it was this little miracle that in some areas of my life, I'm shutting myself up and shutting myself down. But with my writing, I was always really connecting with that inner voice.” - Shannon HaleFlaws. We do everything to hide them away and pretend they don't exist. But what if these flaws  that we try so desperately to mask are exactly what we need to access our power, our story? How does one tap into it? How does  one express the very things they have tried so hard to hide? For Shannon Hale, it was writing. By picking up the pen, she found her voice, purpose, and true, messy, loveable self. As Shannon puts it, “If my gravestone simply said ‘Author of The Princess in Black,' I would be happy.” Caregivers for young kids likely know Shannon and her husband Dean Hale as the authors of the beloved, bestselling “Princess in Black” series featuring a princess with a secret superhero identity. The books have turned countless kids into avid readers, and Shannon has an endless list of anecdotes to show it. But her career spans far beyond the series. Shannon is an acclaimed author celebrated for her children's and young adult novels, such as the Newbery Honor-winning "Princess Academy" and her memoir graphic novel “Real Friends” series. In this episode, Shannon will tell us about growing up in a deeply conservative culture, and how writing unearthed her true voice from where it had been simmering beneath the surface. We discuss everything from anxiety to the family cat to boys' relationship with the color pink. Oh, and we have a special visitor, Shannon's husband and co-creator, Dean Hale, to discuss their combined writing journeys!***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***Taking inspiration from her beloved series “The Princess in Black,” Shannon's reading challenge is Favorite Early Chapter Books. For this, she has created a list of thoughtful and engaging early chapter books for new and emerging readers. Download the list at thereadingculturepod.com/shannon-hale***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Ady Huerta, the Program Manager of Youth, Family, & Equity Services at San Diego Public Library who serves on the presidential advisory committee for incoming president Cindy Holt. She tells us what to expect for the upcoming ALA Conference.ContentsChapter 1 - ‘Squeetus' the Highly SensitiveChapter 2 - A Loophole to the Inner VoiceChapter 3 - Anne of Green GablesChapter 4 - The Family in BlackChapter 5 - Boys Like Pink TooChapter 6 - The Key to FriendshipChapter 7 - Reading ChallengeChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupShannon Hale WebsiteFollow Shannon on Instagram Anne of Green GablesFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport  and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I'm not a person that's like, let's throw out the classics. It's, let's move forward. Let's disrupt the canon. Some of these universal themes, some of these ingredients that we love, how do I remix them into a new stew?” - Dhonielle ClaytonWhat is life without a little magic? Fantasy gives us the space to break free from the confines that reality often brings and the freedom to dream the typically unimaginable. But with all its magic and wonder, the fantasy genre doesn't always reflect the diversity of its real-life readers' stories. Dhonielle Clayton, a literary mover and shaker, is dedicated to changing that narrative, filling in the gaps to ensure that all kids see a reflection of themselves in these wondrous worlds.Dhonielle is an acclaimed author known for her works, including "The Belles" series, "The Conjurverse" series, and "Shattered Midnight." She is also the co-author of several novels, such as "Blackout" and "Tiny Pretty Things." Equal parts creative and determined, Dhonielle is the co-founder and incoming CEO of the influential organization We Need Diverse Books. She is a one-woman powerhouse!In this episode, Dhonielle traces the magic in her books back to its roots in African folklore, details the challenge of stepping out from the long shadow of Harry Potter, and outlines her mission to hire her own collective of diverse writers. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***Dhonielle expands on her stories about magic and fantasy on the podcast with her reading challenge, Retelling Heroes and Magic. Dhonielle takes inspiration from her goal to disrupt the world of fantasy storytelling with a wonderful suggested reading list.  Download the list at thereadingculturepod.com/dhonielle-clayton***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Erin Baker, media specialist at Durham Middle School in Georgia. She tells us her secret sauce for getting the whole school on board with reading initiatives and why it involves some unlikely allies.ContentsChapter 1 - Hot Summers in the Deep SouthChapter 2 - The People Could FlyChapter 3 - Let's Talk About Harry PotterChapter 4 - Reality in FantasyChapter 5 - Let Them Eat Cake! (Creative)Chapter 6 - PurposeChapter 7 - Reading ChallengeChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupDhonielle Clayton Website Follow Dhonielle on Instagram The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales by Virginia HamiltonDurham Middle SchoolFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Jackie Lamport, Sydni Michelle Perry, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"That barrier between what is “real” and what is not, when that's more fluid, I think it's that's where the fun of fiction comes in. Especially when you're writing for kids.” - Minh LêLife is full of barriers. Barriers between reality and the imagination, the spiritual and physical world, and perhaps most crucially, the ones we create for ourselves. When a barrier is a boundary, it can be a good thing. But in many cases, the barriers we create are holding us back. Minh Lê's life was defined by many of these self-imposed barriers until well into his adult life. But slowly, through nudges from friends and family and a lot of self-reflection, Minh began to learn that the only thing in between him and his dream of being a picture book author, was himself.Minh is a children's book author best known for "Drawn Together," winner of the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, as well as the Eisner-nominated "Lift" and "The Blur." He also authored the Green Lantern graphic novel series and contributed to numerous short story anthologies. Minh has a full-time day job and is also very active in the kidlit community, especially his work with We Need Diverse Books. He is intentional with his time and dedication and has made a deep impact on children's literature. In this episode, Minh discusses how he overcame his insecurities to achieve his dream of becoming a picture book author. He also recounts the transformative experience of writing the biography of the beloved Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, and shares an absolutely breathtaking story about their encounter. Minh shares his philosophy on why we should all blur the lines between the real and the imaginary.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***Minh expands on his stories about meditation on the podcast with his reading challenge, "Meditative Picture Books." With this curated list, Minh invites young readers and their grown-ups to embrace the present moment fully. Download the list at thereadingculturepod.com/minh-le***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Erin Baker, media specialist at Durham Middle School in Georgia. She tells us her secret sauce for getting the whole school on board with reading initiatives and why it involves some unlikely allies.ContentsChapter 1 - The Vietnamese Mini Van (2:17)Chapter 2 - As Few Words as Possible (6:38)Chapter 3 - You Haven't Even Tried (10:44)Chapter 4 - Dreamtigers (12:19)Chapter 5 - Lucid Dreaming (19:34)Chapter 6 - Even Fewer Words (a silent retreat) (22:28)Chapter 7 - Meditative Picture Books (35:19)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:15)Chapter 9 (Bonus) - Baby Minh and Baby Dan (39:17)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupMinh LeMinh Lê (@bottomshelfbks) • Instagram photos and videosDreamtigers by Jorge Luis Borges | GoodreadsThich Nhat Hanh | Plum VillageDurham Middle SchoolThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I've found that the books that have resonated with me the most are books where your body is incidental, but it's still something that you can never leave behind.” - Julie MurphyJulie Murphy has an unexpected story, one that involves a winding road to her writing career. With equal parts quick wit and matter-of-factness, Julie shares that part of her confidence that she could dare to be a writer came after falling deep into the Twilight series. If Stephanie Meyer, an untrained author, could write an international bestseller about shiny vampires, why couldn't she write a bestseller too? Okay, possibly not that easy, and of course Julie's journey to self-assurance and self-love, both for her writing and herself, has been far from just getting caught up in Team Edward vs Team Jacob. Navigating the tumult of unstable finances, queerness within Christian religious environments, and body image issues, Julie's coming-of-age years were full of challenges. Yet, through writing, reading, and self-reflection, she has cultivated a deep love and appreciation for her authentic self and her body. Now, she writes stories that feature characters who undertake similar journeys of self-discovery and who live in and love their bodies.Julie Murphy is beloved by kids and adults alike. Her acclaimed novel "Dumplin'" was adapted into a popular Netflix film. Along with the “Dumplin'” series, Julie has written the middle grade “Camp Sylvania” series, the "Faith Herbert Origin Story" series and was widely celebrated for her 2014 debut novel, "Side Effects May Vary." In all of her stories, Julie features plus-sized characters whose bodies are incidental to the story, but that inclusion is central to Julie's own story and to the die-hard fans of her books (raises hand!). In this episode, Julie tells us about the double-edged sword of her self-deprecating humor and how she feels about the response she gets not just from her young readers, but especially from their moms. She also discusses the evolution of body politics. She shares the college class that bored her into oblivion, leading her to discover the Twilight series and sparking the chain reaction that landed her in the literary world. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***While Julie's own love story is rom-com worthy (she'll share in the episode!), for her reading challenge, “Love Hurts”, she wants us to read love stories that also… well…. hurt.***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Lauren Mobley, a middle school librarian in Atlanta, Georgia. She tells us a funny, heartwarming story about her attempt to curate a special book selection for some new students.ContentsChapter 1 - Texas Needs Churches TooChapter 2 - Dieting with MomChapter 3 - Twilight: A MasterpieceChapter 4 - Ask The PassengersChapter 5 - Finding Confidence… and RejectionChapter 6 - One Step Back, Two Steps ForwardChapter 7 - Julie Murphy Fan ClubChapter 8 - From Cradle to GraveChapter 9 - Love HurtsChapter 10 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupJulie Murphy (@andimjulie) • Instagram photos and videosJulie MurphyDumplin' | Official Trailer [HD] | NetflixAsk the Passengers by A.S. King | GoodreadsThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"...the reader's mind is filling in the blanks in between those panels and as a lip reader, that's what I do. I fill in the blanks. I'm trying to piece together what that person says. So, comics really make sense to me.” - Cece BellI first came to know Cece Bell through her groundbreaking semi-autobiographical graphic memoir novel, “El Deafo.” It was SO good that I had to read more by her. That's when I found out, through reading aloud with our (then younger) kids, that Cece's work is hilarious. Her zany, expressive storytelling combined with her vibrant illustrations create her unique style which she dubs, “absurdism for children.” During our conversation, Cece explains that it is in fact a style born out of misunderstandings, of her trying to make sense of the world around her while navigating it with deafness. While Cece is best known for "El Deafo," which received a Newbery honor, most of her books are for a slightly younger set. These include her laugh-out-loud funny "Chick and Brain" series, and her earlier Sock Monkey trilogy. Cece's journey to pursuing a career as an artist was first dependent on her discovering confidence in her abilities, and also in her disability. Something that she didn't fully realize until she wrote “El Deafo.” In this episode, Cece shares insights into her creative process, revealing how her experiences navigating the world with deafness have shaped her storytelling and sense of humor (and draws the connection between her deafness and her love for puns). She also tells us about the gory job that convinced her to pursue a career as an artist. For any budding comic creators, she also reveals the only book you need to read before your write your first graphic novel.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***For her reading challenge, Sibling Stories, Cece has curated a list of books that highlight the special relationships between siblings, something that has always fascinated her. In case you wondered, Cece has two older siblings. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/cece-bellThis episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Amanda Maslonka, a 26-year veteran in education, and an elementary school librarian at Pasadena ISD in Texas. She tells us a funny and heartwarming story from her days working with first graders.ContentsChapter 1 - Funny Family (2:02)Chapter 2 - No One Makes Fun of the Funny Kid (6:23)Chapter 3 - At The Dentist (13:54)Chapter 4 - Understanding Comics (18:08)Chapter 5 - El Deafo (24:21)Chapter 6 - High Tech Hearing (26:46)Chapter 7 - Absurdism for Children (31:05)Chapter 8 - Animal Albums (37:08)Chapter 9 - Sibling Stories (39:24)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (41:04)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupCece Bell (@cecebellbooks) • Instagram photos and videosCece Bell Animal Albumsscottmccloud.com - Understanding ComicsLittle Nemo ComicsCece Bell on El Deafo at the National Book FestivalCece's Reading Challenge: Sibling StoriesThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"That's really all we are obliged to do for those we call our enemies. We are obliged to see them as humans, and then we behave the way we will. We are obliged not to consider them as less than human because that way, all hell breaks loose. - Gregory MaguireGregory Maguire expresses himself with extreme precision. While many of us may grasp for words to communicate a specific emotion or to describe a series of events, Gregory seemingly has words and turns of phrase on command. What a delight it is to listen to Gregory talk about his journey, his writing, and his thoughts on a wide variety of topics. Close to Gregory's heart is the belief that everyone has a backstory, a context—even our enemies. And no matter how difficult the task may seem, he believes it is our duty to understand that story and find it within ourselves to empathize with them—not to excuse them but to simply see them as humans.Gregory has built his career around telling the stories of antiheroes, most notably through the reimaginings of classic fairytales in novels such as "Wicked," "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister," and "Mirror Mirror." That ability to find empathy and a curiosity to understand even the most seemingly undeserving characters emerges in his other children's and young adult books and is deeply rooted in experiences from Gregory's early life.In this episode, Gregory shares those early life experiences (which can honestly be described as “Dickensian”) and how his relationships with his father and siblings have impacted his writing and life choices. He tells us about his love of the “arresting strangeness” of literary worlds and how this sensation inspired him to become a writer. He also shares why he believes in the children's stories he writes, not always getting a “happily ever after.”***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, Arresting Strangeness (a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien), Gregory has compiled a list of his favorite books that envelop you completely and force you to look at the world around you anew. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/gregory-maguire***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Lauren Mobley, a middle school librarian in Atlanta, Georgia. She tells us about a fun reading program she set up in her school inspired by a hit reality TV show.ContentsChapter 1 - Travel of the MindChapter 2 - Home, the Orphanage, and back againChapter 3 - The Children of Green KnoweChapter 4 - Harriet the RecorderChapter 5 - Origins of EmpathyChapter 6 - The Absence of a Happily Ever AfterChapter 7 - Arresting StrangenessChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupGregory MaguireGregory (@gregorymaguire) • Instagram photos and videosWICKED Official Trailer (2024)by JRR Tolkien - On Fairy-StoriesThe Children of Green Knowe (Green Knowe, #1) by Lucy M. Boston | GoodreadsThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I spend a lot of time trying to hope that I'll remember little things and how a certain simple thing felt. …  Writing is one way of trying to capture that feeling, even if I'm fictionalizing it still.” - Nina LaCourIf Nina LaCour were a drink, she would be a cozy cup of tea. You're not rushing to finish a conversation with Nina. Rather, you are spending time exploring the details. And that is exactly what we did in this episode.The world moves fast. Usually faster than we'd like it to. But writing can gift us the ability to slow a moment down, to digest and analyze at a more intentional pace. For Nina LaCour, writing starts with observing the world around you, getting ready to break it down into words and unravel the meaning on a page. As a new writer, Nina found it best to share those observations through young adult literature after falling in love with it in college. She has since written a picture book, “Mama, Mommy and Me in the Middle,” and returned to an adult novel she shelved early in her career (“Yerba Buena”). More recently, she released "The Apartment House on Poppy Hill," the sweetest chapter book. Nina's work is notably thoughtful and gentle. Her complex topics have resonated deeply with young readers and adults alike (including our own recent guest, Mark Oshiro). She's best known for her novels such as “Hold Still,” "Everything Leads to You," and "We Are Okay," which received the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. In this episode, she shares her journey to falling in love with young adult literature and how Virginia Woolf helped her find the love of her life. She also explores writing's capacity to uncover the depth within every moment and discusses the importance of queer family representation in literature.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In her reading challenge, At the Intersection, Nina has curated a list of books at the intersection of queerness and family.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/nina-lacourThis episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Faith Rice Mills, librarian at Nelda Sullivan Middle School in Pasadena, Texas. She tells us a heartwarming story to remind librarians of the importance of their work, even when that impact isn't obvious.ContentsChapter 1 - The Outsider…Chapter 2 - …Becomes the ObserverChapter 3 - Mrs. DallowayChapter 4 - On Being GentleChapter 5 - Bang BangChapter 6 - At the IntersectionChapter 7 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupNina LaCourNina LaCour (@nina_lacour) • Instagram photos and videosThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"There's something very lovely about feeling like, well, it's not my name, and it's not me, it's just the books.” - LeUyen PhamTo listen to LeUyen Pham is to feel inspired. She is full of hope and ideas and sees potential everywhere and in everyone. In LeUyen's ideal world, diverse representation is a natural outgrowth of art that truly reflects our world. Her career as an artist and writer has been her contribution to making that a reality. Her career as an artist and writer has been her contribution to making that a reality. If you have ever read a book that LeUyen illustrated, you already know this to be true. The diversity we see in LeUyen's pages is at once realistic and aspirational. Her illustration credits include over 130 books, such as “Bear Came Along,” recognized with a Caldecott Honor, the popular “The Princess in Black” series, “Lunar New Year Love Story,” and my kids' favorite when they were younger, “Grace for President.” She has also illustrated and written a few of her own, including the award-winning “Outside, Inside” and “Big Sister Little Sister.”In this episode, LeUyen tells us why she prefers to be an “art chameleon” (and how that led to challenges early in her career). She talks about how support from her teachers showed her that a career as an artist was even a possibility and how an accusation of cheating (well, not really) put her on the right path.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter.***In her reading challenge, Chasing Home, LeUyen gets personal and invites us to explore the concept of what home means, especially from her perspective as a refugee.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/leuyen-phamThis episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Marva Coney, a librarian at Jackson Intermediate in the Pasadena Independent School District. She shares a story about just how important books can be as kids start to grow and experience newer and harder parts of life for the first time.ContentsChapter 1 - Temple City and Bill Peet (2:06)Chapter 2 - From Wynne to LeUyen (8:16)Chapter 3 - The Witch of Blackbird Pond (10:01)Chapter 4 - Art Chameleon (18:51)Chapter 5 - Incidental Diversity (24:55)Chapter 6 - The Artist Shows Herself (31:05)Chapter 7 - Chasing Home (36:52)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (38:18)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupLEUYEN PHAM (@uyenloseordraw) • Instagram photos and videosLeUyen Pham (she/her) - The Author VillageThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"Love is risky. Love always ends. Should you do it anyway?” - Nicola YoonLove is a feeling that never exists solely on its own, and those likely companions to love (anxiety, grief) often bring questions such as, is this worth it? It's this question and others like it that Nicola Yoon explores in each of her novels. Nicola is a hopeless romantic. The affliction began in childhood after the discovery of her aunt's harlequin romance collection. From then on, Nicola's love of love would only grow stronger. But while her passion for romance was a love at first sight, her passion for writing was more of a slow burn.Today, Nicola Yoon boasts an impressive resume as a two-time New York Times bestselling author, a finalist for the National Book Award, a recipient of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and a winner of the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award. Notably, her first two novels have been successfully adapted for the big screen.In this episode, she'll tell us why she fell in love with the romance genre, and how she found her way to writing as a career after 15 years in finance. She also shares her own ridiculously cute, out-of-a-movie love story about how she ended up with her husband and fellow writer, David Yoon. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***Inspired by her own novel, "Instructions for Dancing,” in her reading challenge, Good Grief, Nicola invites us to explore the intersection of love and grief with a list of some of her favorite books.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Nikki Hayter, a library manager with the Des Moines Public Library system. As summer inches closer, she tells us about a unique program her library started a couple of years ago with graphic novels.ContentsChapter 1 - Harlequin Romance (1:37)Chapter 2 - An Unrequited Love (6:36)Chapter 3 - The Great Gatsby (11:24)Chapter 4 - A Requited Love (16:26)Chapter 5 - The Airport Scene (19:02)Chapter 6 - Questions About Love (22:53)Chapter 7 - Not a Case of Love at First Sight (25:43)Chapter 8 - Expectations of Love (27:34)Chapter 9 - Don't read this book! (applies to children) (31:21)Chapter 10 - Joy Revolution (33:40)Chapter 11 - Good Grief (36:45)Chapter 12 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (38:22)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupNicola YoonEVERYTHING, EVERYTHING - Official Trailer 2THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR - Official TrailerJoy Revolution, Imprint Led by Nicola Yoon and David Yoon, to Launch Inaugural List in Spring 2023 | Penguin Random HouseJoy Revolution Books (@joyrevbooks) • Instagram photos and videosThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I'm putting every single ounce of who I am into every single book that I write, so y'all know to expect the blackest books you have ever read from yours truly.”  - Derrick BarnesDerrick Barnes' introduction to vulnerable storytelling was through the jazz and R&B records he found in his family's collection. For young Derrick, reading the liner notes in albums was just as important as any other kind of reading. Eventually, artists like Prince, Rakim, and John Coltrane taught him about the power in simply and truly being yourself. Inspired, young Derrick began writing his own poetry and short stories, which served as the beginning of a long and fruitful writing career. A career that includes being the first black creative copywriter for Hallmark cards.In his work as an author, Derrick embodies the authenticity of his idols, being uncompromising in his goal to tell an array of black stories, for black kids. Although already an established writer, Derrick's breakthrough picture book, "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" brought him national attention and accolades such as the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, a Newbery Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Award. More recently he earned a National Book Award honor for the graphic novel “Victory Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice.” In this episode, Derrick tells the story of how music inspired him to write, how his idols taught him to never compromise his voice as a black man, and why he considers himself a freedom fighter. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Derrick's reading challenge, "Resistance and Resilience" he invited us to read powerful stories of resilience from America's black history.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Connie Sharp, a Librarian Training and Development Specialist at Metro Nashville Public Schools. She told us about how her district utilizes Beanstack with community partnerships to encourage students to read.ContentsChapter 1 - Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B (1:59)Chapter 2 - Literacy and Lyrics (6:31)Chapter 3 - A Hallmark Story (9:11)Chapter 4 - The Fresh Cut (12:52)Chapter 5 - Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (19:22)Chapter 6 - Freedom Fighter (25:00)Chapter 7 - The Blackest Books (28:56)Chapter 8 - The Legacy of Derrick Barnes (31:29)  Chapter 9 - Resistance and Resilience (35:31)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:29)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupDerrick BarnesCaleb McLaughlin Reads "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" | Bookmarks | Netflix JrVictory. Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice - National Book FoundationThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I'm a bad liar. So I'm just like, I'm really good at telling the truth.”  - Brandy ColbertGoing down internet rabbit holes and discovering everything there is to know about random subjects is a relaxing way to spend an evening, according to Brandy Colbert. This passion for research is part of the secret sauce that helps her build such deep and believable characters in her fiction work. In her nonfiction writing, Brandy's ability to bring humanity to the real “characters” in the story is what brings history to life. Brandy is a true acolyte of the writing craft. She spent her youth creating stories of her own and occasionally borrowing and reinterpreting tales from TV. After studying journalism in college she spent the early stages of her career contributing to niche magazines, where she honed her research prowess.Today, Brandy brings all those skills together to write gripping, detail-oriented, character-driven fiction and nonfiction stories. Brandy Colbert is known for works such as "Little & Lion," which won the Stonewall Book Award, "The Only Black Girls in Town," and "Pointe". Meanwhile, her nonfiction book about the Tulsa Race Massacre, "Black Birds in the Sky" won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.In this episode, she tells us where she developed and honed her research skills, how she brings characters to life, and why a character by any other name is just…. not the same character.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Brandy's reading challenge, "Powerful Nonfiction" she challenges us to read a list of nonfiction books that she says will, “open minds, challenge assumptions, and highlight the power of historical truth.”  You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Cindy Philbeck, Teacher-Librarian at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She told us a heartwarming story about a student's discovery of Sabaa Tahir's All My Rage.ContentsChapter 1 - Reading in the Ozarks (1:47)Chapter 2 - Early heartbreaks (5:54)Chapter 3 - A Midwestern college experience (11:57)Chapter 4 - A Humanist View (14:00)Chapter 5 - Women's muscles (17:43)Chapter 6 - Rejections (19:58)Chapter 7 - Write what you know research (23:55)Chapter 8 - A bad liar (27:37)Chapter 9 - Black Jewish Lesbians (exist) (30:19)Chapter 10 - Powerful Nonfiction (36:55)Chapter 11 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:44)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupBrandy ColbertBrandy Colbert (@brandycolbert) • Instagram photos and videosTRANSCRIBED as PUBLIC SERVICE Toni Morrison at Portland State, May 30, 1975 Transcribed by Keisha E. McKenzieThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"Books can be the perfect prescriptions to let us know that we're going to be okay.”  - John SchuJohn Schu's entire life has been shaped by books. As a kid, he fell in love with Shel Silverstein; Emily Dickinson comforted him as he was battling an eating disorder, and “The One and Only Ivan,” well, that book changed his life. In fact, it nearly put him into debt (he tells that story in the episode!)The powerful impact books have had on his life inspired him to dedicate his life to sharing this power with everyone he can. His career as an educator led him to the library, the library led him across America, and now he has started a new career as a writer of stories himself.John made his debut with "This is a School," followed by "This is a Story" and "The Gift of Story." However, in his latest work, "Louder Than Hunger," he bravely delves into a new realm of vulnerability. This semi-autobiographical tale draws from the most challenging period in his life, navigating the depths of his battle with anorexia.In this episode, Mr. Schu, as in Mr.SchuReads,  tells us about the transformative reads that shaped his life and explains how some of those stories helped him and some actually harmed him. We'll hear how he became an author, and about the emotional toll it took to write “Louder Than Hunger.”***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In John's reading challenge, Story Within a Story, he wants us to read the actual books found in the pages of his book, “This is a Story.”You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Amanda Maslanka, a 26-year veteran in education and an elementary school librarian in South Houston. She offered valuable advice for parents and caregivers to get kids excited about reading.ContentsChapter 1 - Mr.SchuReads' GrandmaChapter 2 - An Internal StruggleChapter 3 - Recovery and Emily DickinsonChapter 4 - Best Teacher EverChapter 5 - Becoming a WriterChapter 6 - The One and Only IvanChapter 7 - Power to Heal, Power to HarmChapter 8 - Ready to ShareChapter 9 - Story Within a StoryChapter 10 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupJohn SchuMr. Schu ReadsLouder Than Hunger by John Schu | GoodreadsThe One and Only IvanThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show"It's practice. Vulnerability is practice. It is learning that you can do things and say things that seem scary, but ultimately know that you're safe.”  - Mark OshiroMark Oshiro was taught to fear the world. To be someone they were not and to repress someone they were. But books were an escape. Books taught them that freedom was possible.Mark spent over a decade blogging about the stories they consumed, empathizing with characters, criticizing choices, and embracing every person's journey. But then they realized it was their turn to share, and in that sharing, they learned the transformative power of storytelling from the other side of the pages. They knew the healing power of vulnerability.Mark debuted on the YA scene with their 2018 novel “Anger is a Gift” and has since written titles such as “Each of Us a Desert" and the latest installment in the Percy Jackson universe, “The Sun and the Star.” But their recent semi-autobiographical novel, 'Into The Light,' represents their most ultimate and vulnerable storytelling to date.In this episode, Mark shares their life story and reflects on the refuge that books and libraries offered them as a youth from an abusive household. They also discuss how lowering their emotional defenses led them to discover the healing power of vulnerability.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Mark's reading challenge, "Stories of Vulnerability," they want us to explore other stories with the same rawness they bring to their work.You can find their list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Cindy Philbeck, a teacher librarian at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She told us about her library's lunchtime strategy that encourages students to visit and see the space as a refuge.ContentsChapter 1 - A Controlled EnvironmentChapter 2 - Safety in BooksChapter 3 - Losing GripChapter 4 - We Are OkayChapter 5 - Mark Does Stuff (lots of stuff)Chapter 6 - The Practice of VulnerabilityChapter 7 - Closure?Chapter 8 - Stories of VulnerabilityChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupMark OshiroMark Does StuffAnger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro | GoodreadsWe Are Okay by Nina LaCourCindy Phillbeck's Library (this week's featured librarian)The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

With the 2023 year coming to a close (our first full year in production!), we wanted to celebrate. And what better way to do that than high school yearbook superlative style?Welcome to a special edition of The Reading Culture podcast – "The Reading Culture: Yearbook."In this episode, we're rolling out the red carpet to unveil "The Readies," an award show of sorts, to remember the standout moments and stories from the show this year.Yes, it's a clip show. We'll relive the "Most Hilarious Admission," "Most Moving Parenting Story," and "Most Emo Moment," and we'll hand out the "I'm Not Crying, You're Crying" and name the author "Most Likely to Build a Functional Spaceship." Think you know who gets that one? And there's even more than those!Join us as we reflect back on some of the best moments of The Reading Culture.Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "It's not like I haven't experienced pain or tragedy or grief in my life, and it's not like I want to deny that. I don't think that that's the entirety of my song. When I want to look back on my life, I want to look at all the amazing things and experiences I had because that's what makes the time we have in this world so incredibly special, is that we have these connections, we have these experiences with people.” - Oge Mora Life is full of small pleasures, bits of magic in ordinary moments that so often go underappreciated. Oge Mora wants to draw attention to those small things and show us the true depth and meaning those moments have in our lives.In her work as a collage artist, she takes bits and pieces of scrap material and shows us their beauty when all put together. Much like her stories, we are shown that small things are what make the big things, like a Saturday spent with a loved one, or the enticing aroma of an old family recipe. Oge Mora burst onto the kid lit scene with her picture book “Thank You, Omu!”, a book that earned her a Caldecott Honor, a Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award, and a host of other accolades. She was also a 2021 Forbes 303 Under 30 lister. In this episode, Oge tells us about the community support that built the foundation for her career, the art school epiphany that shifted her perspective from shame to pride, and why she wants her books to feel like a cup of hot cocoa. If you're looking for a moment of joy, you have found it here. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Oge's reading challenge, "Story Collage" she shares some of her favorite picture books with collage illustrations.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Alli Buffington, Library Media Specialist at Holley Navarre Intermediate School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. She'll tell us about the most successful reading challenge she's run at her school.ContentsChapter 1 - Repeat Renewals (2:31)Chapter 2 - Sister Catherine and The Doodler (7:13)Chapter 3 - A Street Called Home (14:27)Chapter 4 - That Little Bit of Shift (18:40)Chapter 5 - An Homage to Connection With Others (25:28)Chapter 6 - More of Less, and More (32:12)Chapter 7 - Collage of Stories (32:57)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:15)Links The Reading Culture The Reading Culture Newsletter Signup Oge Mora Forbes 30 Under 30 - Oge Mora Oge Mora (@oge_mora) • Instagram photos and videos Columbus Public Library King Arts Complex “A Street Called Home” Mural – 2005 – Kristine Schramer Aminah Robinson Romare Bearden Alli Buffington's Library (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "There's these universal truths [...] specific details, but universal feelings and universal experiences that people hopefully can relate to. And that's what I go for in all of my books. Common humanity.” - Hena Khan Hena Khan didn't believe her perspective mattered. As a Pakistani-American Muslim, she grew up not seeing her or her family reflected in the media she was consuming. As any kid might do, she concluded that it was simply because her experience was not important, a realization that became clearer in hindsight. Recalling her childhood writing, she discovered she had unintentionally white-washed her own homemade family newspaper.Building confidence in her perspective was a gradual process, extending into adulthood. Initially lacking self-assurance, she began writing while toning down her cultural identity to conform to perceived publisher expectations. Over time, her confidence grew, and today, she is recognized for authentically portraying stories rooted in her culture and religion.Reflecting on her own reading experiences, Hena values shared human experiences that transcend cultural backgrounds. She aims to demonstrate that these relatable moments exist in stories featuring non-white characters and diverse cultures.Renowned for works such as "Amina's Voice," its sequel "Amina's Song," the "Zara's Rules" series, and "More to the Story," Hena Khan shares her journey of grappling with invisibility as a young reader and the evolution of her faith in herself and her unique perspective. She also recounts the unexpected connection to a book about Christian white sisters in the 1800s in her unconscious quest for stories reflecting her Muslim immigrant family.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Hena's reading challenge, "Read Desi" she encourages us to celebrate South Asian American writers.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Allie Buffington, Library Media Specialist at  Holley Navarre Intermediate School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. She tells us about the importance of making the library a space that kids want to come back to.ContentsChapter 1 - “Religious Holiday” (2:38)Chapter 2 - Gogol Search (6:16)Chapter 3 - Little Women (and the Khanicles) (9:43)Chapter 4 - Three Cheers From Andrea (18:17)Chapter 5 - Just Living (22:18)Chapter 6 - Common Humanity (30:20)Chapter 7 - Curious About Curious George (33:50)Chapter 8 - The Door is Open (35:31)Chapter 9 - Read Desi (37:28)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (38:54)Links The Reading Culture The Reading Culture Newsletter Signup (for bonus content) Hena Khan Little Women by Louisa May Alcott | Goodreads Hena Khan's More to the Story is a Love Letter to Little Women | School Library Journal Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin  The Salam School for Girls  Alli Buffington's Library (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (to see reels of author conversations) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

A Good Guest: Daniel Nayeri on the Obligations of a StorytellerOn Today's Show "Don't follow your dreams if that's the only thing you're doing. Ask yourself, what will make you most useful? What will make you most, in terms of a purpose, help you do meaningful work?” - Daniel Nayeri You want Daniel Nayeri at your dinner party. Always with a story or an insightful question, it turns out he is also the person you want on your podcast! The Iranian-American author of the Printz Award-winning “Everything Sad is Untrue,” and the more recent “The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams,” offered up fresh conversation and a good deal of humor. As a writer, Daniel Nayeri is deeply aware of the impact his writing has on readers. As he noted in our conversation, there is perhaps no more intimate power than becoming the dialogue in one's head. And Daniel feels strongly about using that power to have a positive impact on those who read his words. Part of his purpose, or obligation, he believes, is to “remystify the world.” Just wait until we talk about why cherries grow in pairs! In this episode, Daniel explains what he means by remystifying the world, talks about the roadside storyteller that initiated his storytelling journey, and shares his views on purpose (why he takes his so seriously). From his life-changing experience with the Junior Great Books program in elementary school to his current film and book projects, Daniel delves deep into his role as storyteller. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Daniel's reading challenge, "Wise Shorts" he keeps our work and life load in mind offering a curated selection of short stories, reminding us that even the smallest things can have a major impact.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Nikki Hayter, Library Manager at Franklin Avenue Library in Des Moines, Iowa. Nikki tells us about a program that highlights the deep impact libraries have on communities.ContentsChapter 1 - The Ferris Wheel and The Storyteller (2:15)Chapter 2 - A Retired Conan the Barbarian (6:43)Chapter 3 - Alberic The Wise (11:30)Chapter 4 - Remystifying the world (7:18)Chapter 5 - You get a memoir! And you get a memoir! And… (25:25)Chapter 6 - How to be interesting (28:20)Chapter 7 - Wise Shorts (33:31)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:32)Links The Reading Culture Daniel Nayeri Alberic the Wise by Norton Juster | Goodreads The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

We revisit our Halloween special episode with Lamar Giles.******On Today's Show"The fear is like the ramp on the roller coaster. It's that build-up of adrenaline intention that you're having in that moment when that roller coaster is cranking. It's not the same fear of you walking through a dark alley at night and you sense someone's behind you in real life. That's a different type of fear that I don't know that anybody really wants. This is controlled fear. This is me going into it saying, Okay, I know this part's gonna be scary, but this part's gonna be fun and I want all of it." - Lamar Giles Lamar Giles says horror is a pressure valve. It has the ability to release pent-up anxiety and fear in a controlled, safe, and fun environment. That's why he'll watch Hellraiser at 4 a.m. to comfort himself when he can't sleep. While the genre isn't for everyone, he knows there are other young readers that will resonate with it the same way he did when he first read Stephen King at 11 years old.Giles' career has been full of mystery and thriller stories, but with the 2022 release of The Getaway, he has finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of writing a true horror novel. He tells us more about how the genre has helped him in his life and why he thinks kids resonate with his writing.ContentsChapter 1 - Growing Up as Lamar Giles (3:16)Chapter 2 - The Dinosaur in the Cereal Box (5:48)Chapter 3 - The Draw to Horror (8:26)Chapter 4 - It (9:30)Chapter 5 - The Pressure Valve (13:54)Chapter 6 - Connecting with Young Readers (17:23)Chapter 7 - Writing Black Characters (16:19)Chapter 8 - Publishing Horror (20:19)Chapter 9 - The Getaway (22:07)Chapter 10 - A Vehicle for Social Commentary (23:59)Chapter 11 - Fear On Screen (25:10)Chapter 12 - Scary Good Stories (27:18)Chapter 13 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (27:53)This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Christopher Parker, a media specialist at Blue Ridge Elementary in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Today he shares with us more about his most successful library program, 'Book Buddies'. Links Lamar Giles Don Cheadle & Sony Pictures TV Developing YA Book ‘The Getaway' For TV – Deadline The Reading Culture Podcast Beanstack Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "It (TV) was my junk food, but also it was my in with the kids to be able to talk about pop culture, to know all the little nuances and jokes about the cultural zeitgeist things.” - Dan SantatMedia and stories around us around us are more than just entertainment. They provide a common space, a piece of the world around us that connects us to others. We learn from these stories, shape our own views and ideas, and listen to and share these ideas with others. Dan Santat, a son of Thai immigrants in rural SoCal, found solace and belonging in the storytelling of 80's TV shows and movies, connecting with others' experiences and perspectives. His fascination with storytelling coupled with his talent for drawing led him on a journey of self-discovery that would ultimately diverge from the career path his parents had urged him to pursue.In this episode, Dan shares openly about his fraught relationship with his dad. Dan's honesty is humorous and nostalgic and real all at once. He talks about the freedoms and limitations of growing up in the 1980s and how they helped him discover a passion for storytelling as a means of communicating. Dan also tells us about his experience of embracing art, despite his parents' differing expectations, and how his journey has impacted the messages he imparts to students he meets today.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "Profound Panels" Dan wants listeners to embrace the hidden wisdom in the medium that first sparked his love of storytelling: comics.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Connie Sharpe from Metro Nashville Public Schools. She told us about the importance of the connection between administrators and librarians. ContentsChapter 1 - Thai in SoCal (2:25)Chapter 2 - Crime Fighting (vehicle here) (6:55)Chapter 3 - The Trial and Death of Socrates (12:59)Chapter 4 - A Book About Dan (21:04)Chapter 5 - Passing on Heritage (and advice) (24:09)Chapter 6 - A Storyteller's Legacy (31:03)Chapter 7 - Profound Panels (34:17)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (35:40)Links The Reading Culture Dan Santat Dan Santat | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Longlist for National Book Award for Young People's Literature Shane (movie) - Dan's dad's favorite movie before moving to America X-Men (comics that changed Dan's life) Flowers in the Attic (how were we allowed to read this at such a young age?!) The Trial and Death of Socrates (a critical book for Dan) The Replacements (Dan's show on Disney) Kung Fu: The Movie (starring David Carradine…hmmm) Dan's acceptance speech at Caldecott-Newbery banquet A conversation about “Drawn Together” by Dan and Minh Lê American Born Chinese (a book that is very important for Dan) Dan Santat Dan Santat | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Connie Sharp at MNPS (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I think that has a lot to do with why I was so interested in writing for children. It's like, I was trying to heal. I was trying to heal my childhood experiences through writing, through these characters.” - Kacen Callender Just as books provide readers with a space to learn, see themselves, reflect, and cope with their inner thoughts, writing has served as a means for Kacen Callender to process and heal from their own trauma. Throughout their writing journey, Kacen has traversed the various stages and ages of their life, opening wounds and finding ways to heal them through fiction. This transformative process began with their debut novel “Hurricane Child” in 2018 which not only earned Kacen critical acclaim but also accolades such as the Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award. Since then, Kacen has authored other titles such as “Felix Ever After” and “King and the Dragonflies”, the latter of which won a National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Now, Kacen is entering the next phase in their writing journey, delving into the enduring adult repercussions of childhood trauma.Kacen's vulnerable and emotional storytelling has had profound impacts on readers around the world, particularly Queer readers who often find their own journeys reflected in Kacen's work. In this episode, Kacen shares more about their personal journey of processing trauma through writing. They also discuss how fanfiction played a pivotal role in inspiring their creative path and how the fictional storyline within a Canadian teen drama that helped them come to terms with their own identity.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In their reading challenge, "Trans YA Spec"  Kacen wants readers to imagine freedom for the trans community through works of speculative fiction.You can find their list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Meredith Derrick, library coordinator for Klein Independent School District outside of Houston, Texas. She shares a funny story about a student's attempt at a thoughtful teacher appreciation surprise.ContentsChapter 1 - Reckoning with TraumaChapter 2 - Annie JohnChapter 3 - Fiction in Our Own HandsChapter 4 - Honest RepresentationChapter 5 - The Journey ContinuesChapter 6 - Dream StateChapter 7 - Diversity on the ShelvesChapter 8 - Trans YA SpecChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian Links The Reading Culture Kacen Callender Fan Fiction Adam Torres (Degrassi) Annie John Stonewall Book Award | Kacen Callender Klein ISD The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I'm just being real. I'm telling my story. I think Nikki Giovanni calls it dancing naked on the floor. I am unafraid and I'm doing my dance… I don't feel like I can go wrong if I'm just being me.” - Kwame AlexanderExciting reluctant middle school kids about reading (or really, anything) can be a battle. Getting them to think reading is cool is another. Kwame Alexander excels at both. His ability to authentically relate to his readers is a skill around which he has built his career.Kwame is beloved by parents, educators, and students, for his ability to ignite a love of reading (especially middle school boys) through poetry and characters who reflect their real experiences. But his impact extends beyond just an introduction to books, he also opens the door for readers to explore their own emotional depths. As he tells us, “I think part of my job is just to show a different side of masculinity.”Kwame is best known "The Crossover," "The Undefeated," "The Door of No Return," and numerous other novels and poetry collections. He also recently authored his memoir "Why Fathers Cry at Night." He won the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award among many other awards, and this year "The Crossover" was adapted into a Disney Plus original TV series. In this episode, he tells us about his own upbringing surrounded by Black storytelling and literature, reveals his secret to making middle-schoolers think he's “cool”, and shares about a letter he received (which was “not fan mail”) that inspired a surprise visit to an unsuspecting kid.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "Blackout,"  Kwame wants listeners to utilize their favourite books to look inward and make some art of their own.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Kirsten, the programming specialist for the Indianapolis Public Library. She shares some moving stories about a book club she runs for teens at a residential treatment facility. ***ContentsChapter 1 - Glasses first (2:10)Chapter 2 - Mom's stories, dad's garage (3:53)Chapter 3 - Love After Love (9:11)Chapter 4 - The “Reluctant” Readers (14:01)Chapter 5 - Kwame Shows Up (17:50)Chapter 6 - America's Next Great Authors (24:18)Chapter 7 - Blackout (27:34)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (28:09)Links The Reading Culture Kwame Alexander Folly Island NYT article by Teddy Wayne about the potential benefits of clutter Beef, No Chicken Love After Love by Derek Walcott Kwame's Newbery Banquet Speech Why Fathers Cry: The Podcast | Kwame Alexander #KwameShowsUp Nikki Giovanni Collected Poems, 1948-1984 -  Derek Walcott The Crossover | Official Trailer | Disney+ America's Next Great Author The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I think it comes down to caring about the characters. When you care about the characters, you care about the world that they live in.” - Neal Shusterman When Neal Shusterman was in college, he was told to stop building worlds and start building characters. He listened. And from then on, his worlds became more magical and deep than ever before, because, as he says, when you care about characters, you care about the world they live in.Neal's career has revolved around incredible and fantastical lands of his own creation. In these worlds, he builds rules and structures that he sticks to rigidly, even if that means following a story arc he had no intention of writing to begin with (he tells us that story in the episode). Getting immersed in settings unlike – but not far from – our own provides crucial lessons about perspective. This outside perspective allows us to shed our preconceptions and witness characters and events in a way we would be unable to otherwise. It's an incredibly impactful storytelling style for young readers just learning these skills, and Neal is a master at it.Neal Shusterman is best known for his "Unwind Dystology" series, his Printz-winning "Scythe" trilogy, and "Challenger Deep," which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2015. In this episode, Neal shares how getting immersed in his favorite fictional worlds inspired him to create some of his own, he'll talk about how and why he prioritizes characters to enhance immersion, and how seriously he takes sticking to the rules of his world.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "The Nature of Consciousness," Neal wants to send us into various fictional worlds to challenge our perception of a prevailing debate in our own world: A.I.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Danielle Masterson, assistant director at the Wilmington Public Library in Massachusetts. Danielle shares some wisdom to settle the debate of what “qualifies” as reading.ContentsChapter 1 - The Trouble with Star Trek Blueprints (2:11)Chapter 2 - The Jaws of (Neal's) Life (9:02)Chapter 3 - Desktop Quotes (10:32)Chapter 4 - Stories From the Cabin (15:14)Chapter 5 - No Characters, No World (18:02)Chapter 6 - A Sense of Hope (24:10)Chapter 7 - The Power of a Teacher (27:12)Chapter 8 - The Nature of Consciousness (30:30)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (31:23)Links The Reading Culture Neal Shusterman Neal's National Book Award Speech for “Challenger Deep” Jaws movie trailer The Talmud Neal's Upcoming Graphic Novel, “Courage to Dream” The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Challenger Deep - National Book Foundation Wilmington Memorial Library The world of Scythe - An interview with Neal Shusterman Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "That's still my trick too, never tell them how they're feeling. Never begin to even show how they're feeling. They'll get it anyway. You're describing negative space and the negative space you can't even get at.” - Jon Klassen Where there is empty space, our brains will fill in the blanks, and often, the way in which we personally fill those blank spaces is far more potent than anything that can be written in words or shown in an image. That's why despite being gifted in both illustrating and writing, Jon Klassen always intentionally restrains himself from specificity. Jon is a Caldecott Medal winner author and illustrator known for his distinctive minimalistic art style and quirky but profound writing. His work includes his Hat Trilogy, starting with "I Want My Hat Back", along with newer works such as "The Rock from the Sky," “The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale” and many collaborations with his longtime friend and author Mac Barnett. In this episode, Jon tells us the story of how he learned to embrace the unspoken through a “gunshot moment” in his youth. He'll talk about how he intentionally incorporates negative space into his work and why that is so impactful for young readers in particular, and we'll hear about the SNL classics that inspired his coy sense of comedy. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "A Tale to Remember," Jon invites readers to follow a process that for him emerged unintentionally in the creation of his latest book, "The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale." You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Ellen Clark, the Children's Outreach Librarian for Kokomo Howard County Public Library in Indiana. Ellen shares an experience she recently had that highlights the emotional impact librarians have not just on a community writ large, but on each individual reader.ContentsChapter 1 - Seventies University Guy Reads (2:25)Chapter 2 - Sketch Book Art Kids (not Jon) (7:51)Chapter 3 - Waiting For Godot (13:10)Chapter 4 - The Existential Gun Shot (19:40)Chapter 5 - No Sad Bears (21:47)Chapter 6 - Part 2 (28:34)Chapter 7 - A Girl and Her Skull (30:37)Chapter 8 - A Tale to Remember (34:51)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (36:12)Show Links The Reading Culture Jon Klassen The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Elm Trees of Manitoba P.D. Eastman Mac Barnett Jon's Ghost Story The Hat Trilogy Waiting for Godot For Whom the Bell Tolls Jack Handy - Fuzzy Memories George and Martha by James Marshall Book Review: ‘The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale,' by Jon Klassen - The New York Times The Far Side Comics Bill Watterson Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy The Children's Book Podcast KHCPL.org Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Grace Lin (The Year of the Dog, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon) shares her thoughts on the value art provides to those who experience it and those who create it, and how it contributes to getting us in touch with our own humanity.****On Today's Show"Maybe if they haven't been in that situation, they know someone who has, or they have friends who have really struggled with losing loved ones. That all helps build empathy." - Karina Yan Glaser Karina Yan Glaser is always emotionally honest in her stories. Pulling largely from her own experiences, she lets her feelings seep onto the pages in a way that makes it impossible not to feel as a reader. But despite writing for children, she doesn't hide any of those hard emotions such as anger, sadness, and grief. She believes in the power of stories to help kids practice empathy and be prepared for the tough situations we all face in life.Her takes on community, diversity, and hardship are what make her series The Vanderbeekers such a success. In this episode of The Reading Culture, she joins to share how her own reading journey has shaped who she is as a writer and how she approaches building empathy into her stories.Karina has also developed a reading challenge in partnership with Beanstack for listeners and Beanstack partners. Her theme is books where New York City is a character. You can learn more about the challenge here.ContentsChapter 1 - Getting to know Karina (3:53)Chapter 2 - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (8:22)Chapter 3 - Becoming a Writer (16:36)Chapter 4 - Empathy in Stories (20:16)Chapter 5 - The Culture of Reading in Schools (28:59)Chapter 6 - A Question From a Reader (33:35)Chapter 7 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (36:41)This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Megan Wilson, a librarian at Aggieland High School in College Station, Texas, which is part of the International Leadership of Texas charter schools network. Today, Megan shares with us a book she loves to recommend to her students.Show Links Karina Yan Glaser Only in New York reading challenge Only in New York reading challenge on Bookshop.org (all proceeds go to fighting book bans) Karina's Episode The Vanderbeekers final installement A Tree Grows in Brooklyn All of a Kind Family The Moffats The Saturdays Claudia Kishi (The Babysitters Club) Linda Sue Park Grace Lin Jacqueline Woodson Homes for the Homeless Columbus School for Girls Aggieland High School Lovely War by Julie Berry Beanstack

We revisit our episode with Renée Watson.****On Today's Show"There's just something about literally raising your voice and letting these words come out of you. That's powerful." - Renée Watson Maya Angelou was mute for six years. After a traumatizing childhood experience, the famous poet and activist retreated inward and lost her voice. In Renée Watson's kid-friendly but unflinching retelling of her story in "Maya's Song", Watson shows how poetry was the means to Maya finding her voice and going on to use it in unforgettable ways. That's the power of poetry. And that power is something that Renée is passionate about giving to kids.From incorporating poetic elements in her stories to writing entire stories in verse, Renée utilizes poetry in her writing frequently. In this episode, she joins to tell us more about how she came to believe in the power of poetry, how she makes it accessible to children, why she thinks it's so important for youth, and more.ContentsChapter 1 - Intro to Reneé (2:43)Chapter 2 - 1619 project (5:24)Chapter 3 - Knoxville, Tennessee (10:36)Chapter 4 - Telling Maya's Story (14:11)Chapter 5 - Teaching Youth Poetry (19:37)Chapter 6 - Music as a Gateway to Poetry (22:42)Chapter 7 - Writing About Portland (27:26)Chapter 8 - Sharing Joy With Ryan Hart (29:39)Chapter 9 - Library visits (32:02)Chapter 10 - Voice Through Voice (33:02)Chapter 11 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (33:54)Links https://www.reneewatson.net/ https://www.beanstack.com https://thereadingculturepod.com/renee-watson

Exciting news! We are hosting a big summer reading giveaway in which you can choose any three titles by any three authors who have been on our podcast. Three books each for three winners. The magic number really is three, y'all!We will select our three winners on August 11, so make sure that you have done a few things to get maximum entries! Follow The Reading Culture pod on Instagram   Comment on our post about this giveaway Subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter  

On Today's Show "For me, in the fiction, it is so much about keeping that continuum going, that someone's going to come along after me and tell a story that's connected to the story that I've told. I'm telling the story that's connected to the writers and the relatives who came before me.” - Jacqueline Woodson Jacqueline Woodson was born a watcher. An observer. Even as a young girl, she recognized that our stories are part of an enduring legacy that stretches far before and beyond our own lifetimes. Woodson is an icon in American literature, and author of works like “Brown Girl Dreaming,” “Red at the Bone,” and “Each Kindness.” Her voice has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.In this episode, she shares about her relationship with her siblings growing up, her sense of melancholy as a child, and how some of the earliest books she read gave her a deep sense of fairness and social justice. She reveals the book that most impacted her own writing and the one thing that gives her hope, even in dark times. Jacqueline has witnessed the evolution of literary spaces over decades, along the way establishing herself as a legendary voice in the industry. She has become a guiding force, pushing publishers, readers, and writers toward a more inclusive future, a future that features creators of the global majority. She reflects on the industry's evolution throughout her career through the lens of a Black queer writer, and she talks about setting the next generation up to carry on our stories and the stories that came before us. Now, in addition to her own work, Woodson dedicates her time to providing resources and support to the next generation of voices through the Baldwin For the Arts. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Connect with Jacqueline on social @jacqueline_woodson.***For her reading challenge, Reading Black, Jacqueline challenges us to use her reading list as a way to look forward and back. The books she has chosen are all by black authors, telling their brilliant and varied stories of the American diaspora - stories this country is attempting to erase through book bans and challenges. She asks us to read these books and consider what other books they remind us of? For those we reread, what is new in the re-reading? What was it we missed the first time around? What thoughts and ideas have changed for us in the re-reading? You can find her list, designed for high school to adult readers, and all of our author challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Returning as this episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal's 2020 school librarian of the year, from Gwinnett County Public Schools. Cicely, aka the Read Woke librarian, talks about why read-alouds are so important even for high school students, and why she refuses to stop using the word “woke” to inspire young people to read important narratives.ContentsChapter 1 - Starting in the Middle (2:30)Chapter 2 - The Continuum (5:44)Chapter 3 - Ballad of the Sad Café (10:44)Chapter 4 - Jacqueline's Beginning (15:44)Chapter 5 - Empowering the Future (20:31)Chapter 6 - A Different Story (28:00)Chapter 7 - 500 Questions (35:37)Chapter 8 - Reading Black (36:33)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:41)Links The Reading Culture Jacqueline Woodson Carson McCullers reads from The Ballad of the Sad Cafe (1958) Baldwin for the Arts The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture The Children's Book Podcast Cicely Lewis (Read Woke Librarian) Brown Girl Dreaming Red at the Bone Ballad of the Sad Café Greenville, SC Juno Diaz Jamaica Kincaid MacDowell Bastard Out of Carolina Toshi Reagon Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "Kids are growing up in an interesting time and they're led to believe that if we don't feel happy, we're doing something wrong. I think what I respond to is a deeper truth, which is, happiness is incredible and we should strive for it, but we should also acknowledge that half of our life is challenging or melancholy." - Matt de la Peña Hailing from a working class border town in Southern California, Matt de la Peña (Last Stop on Market Street, Mexican WhiteBoy, Milo Imagines the World) grew up in an environment that deeply valued strength and stoicism and oftentimes discouraged big displays of emotion from men. Instilled with a strong work ethic and the pursuit of opportunities, he followed in the footsteps of the men in his family and community. But still, there was a deeper truth to life within a buried emotional side that he felt compelled to explore.As early as high school, Matt would embrace this side of himself by secretly writing poetry, continuing on this journey to emotional self discovery throughout adulthood. Now, influenced by writers such as Kate DiCamillo and the late Cormac McCarthy, Matt's books seek out the deeper and sometimes darker parts of life, teaching kids the invaluable skill of acknowledging melancholy and granting them the permission to appreciate their own emotional complexity.In this episode, Matt will share his lifelong journey to accessing his own emotions and how his writing teaches kids to do the same. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Matt on social @Mattdelapena.***For his reading challenge, Conversation Starters, Matt invites us to ponder alongside our youngest readers with his curated selection of picture books. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculture.com/matt-de-la-pena.This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal's 2020 school librarian of the year, from Gwinnett County Public Schools. Cicely, aka the Read Woke librarian, shares about an awesome way to keep high schoolers excited about reading for pleasure and also a very fun birthday tradition at her school. ContentsChapter 1 - One Side of the Border (2:24)Chapter 2 - The Good, Bad, and Masculine (7:20)Chapter 3 - The Closet Poet (11:14)Chapter 4 - Sutree (14:38)Chapter 5 - The Future of Latinx Voices (24:38)Chapter 6 - Leaning Forward (27:58)Chapter 7 - Writing Up (31:58)Chapter 8 - Conversation Starters (33:59)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:55)Links The Reading Culture Matt de la Peña Matt's Books The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Why We Shouldn't Shield Children From Darkness | Matt's Letter to Kate DiCamillo The Children's Book Podcast