Podcast appearances and mentions of Chrystal D Giles

In this episode, Chrystal D Giles joins Jennifer LaGarde to discuss the power of children's literature to shape readers' hearts and provide guidance in navigating the world. Chrystal shares her experiences as a young reader and how she now gravitates towards contemporary realistic fiction that tackles social and cultural topics. They also discuss Chrystal's book, Not An Easy Win, which follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy named Lawrence as he learns to play chess and navigates complex emotions and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and the impact of books in helping children understand and process their own experiences. They also explore the role of technology and the value of finding healthy alternatives, as well as the significance of strong grandparent characters in children's literature. Chrystal shares her upcoming projects and the joy she finds in school visits and connecting with young readers. Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart 03:02 Not An Easy Win 06:02 Representation and Shame 09:31 Technology and Healthy Alternatives 13:18 Grandma's Role 21:00 Future Projects 25:10 School Visits and Impact 27:31 Conclusion

Author Chrystal D. Giles had a son and began to crave seeing him and her family reflected in children's books. In this episode she tells 6th grader, Christina, how this absence of diversity spurred her on to write the books missing from the shelves. Once an accountant, she's now a full-time author who believes we have time to do “all the things” we're interested in.

On today's episode, Jill's coworker Beth comes on to share some Middle Grade titles! These books might be written for kids but can be appreciated for readers of all ages. Books mentioned in this episode: Mystery on Magnolia Circle by Kate Klise One Kid's Trash by Jamie Sumner The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan Frankie and Bug by Gayle Forman Willodeen by Katherine Applegate Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes Starfish by Lisa Fipps The Awakening Storm by Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truoung Beasts and Beauty by Soman Chainani The Hiddenseek by Nate Cernosek  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're replaying Episode 56 from May 11, 2021, featuring Martha from the Auburn branch and Ana González from The Public's Radio to talk about her podcast, Mosaic. They also discuss murder mysteries, new Latinx made podcasts, and comedies that teach you something. During The Last Chapter they discuss: would you rather listen to an audiobook with a terrible reader but an amazing story OR listen to an audiobook with an amazing reader but a terrible story? Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you'd like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your topic suggestions to downtime@cranstonlibrary.org. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Little Fish by Casey Plett Crónica de Una Muerte Anunciada de Gabriel García Márquez Wicked Things by John Allison and Max Sarin Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles Astronauts: Women On the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks Selena: Queen of Tejano Music by Silvia López and Paola Escobar AV Adam Sandler Bob's Burgers (2011- ) Suave (podcast) Anything for Selena (podcast) La Brega (podcast) Derry Girls (2018- ) Tales From the Loop (2020- ) Other Mosaic - The Public's Radio

This week Tayla is joined by Martha from the Auburn branch and Ana González from The Public’s Radio to talk about her podcast, Mosaic. They also discuss murder mysteries, new Latinx made podcasts, and comedies that teach you something. During The Last Chapter they discuss: would you rather listen to an audiobook with a terrible reader but an amazing story OR listen to an audiobook with an amazing reader but a terrible story? Like what you hear? Rate and review Down Time on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice! If you’d like to submit a topic for The Last Chapter you can send your topic suggestions to downtime@cranstonlibrary.org. Our theme music is Day Trips by Ketsa and our ad music is Happy Ukulele by Scott Holmes. Thanks for listening! Books Little Fish by Casey Plett Crónica de Una Muerte Anunciada de Gabriel García Márquez Wicked Things by John Allison and Max Sarin Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles Astronauts: Women On the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks Selena: Queen of Tejano Music by Silvia López and Paola Escobar Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla by Diana López and Teresa Martinez AV Adam Sandler Bob’s Burgers (2011- ) Suave (podcast) Anything for Selena (podcast) La Brega (podcast) Derry Girls (2018- ) Tales From the Loop (2020- ) Other Mosaic - The Public’s Radio

  Special Guest: Author Chrystal D.Giles Chrystal D. Giles’s refreshing middle-grade debut TAKE BACK THE BLOCK (Random House Books for Young Readers / On sale January 26, 2021 / Ages 8–12) is chock-full of powerful characters and a community every reader will want to be a part of. With beautiful writing and strong historical references inspired by African American experiences, Chrystal D. Giles is an own voices writer, with a strong focus on creating stories that bring the hopes and hurdles of African American children to the mainstream children's book market. She is a member of SCBWI and was selected as a 2018 We Need Diverse Books Mentee. One of Chrystal's poems appears in the poetry anthology, THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE (Lerner/Millbrook, September 2019).