Podcasts about mitali perkins

Mitali Perkins has always thought of herself as an outsider writing for outsiders. And yet she has a remarkable gift for inviting people in. She has two new books out: Hope in the Valley is a middle-grade novel. Holy Night and Little Star is a picture book for Christmas.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitali Perkins returns to the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new book, "Holy Night and Little Star." The book is a retelling of the nativity story from the perspective of the galaxies. It focuses on a character named Little Star, who is hesitant to embrace change but eventually learns the beauty of accepting new things. Perkins emphasizes the importance of reading with children and using imagination to deepen one's faith. The conversation delves into forgiveness, the freedom to say no, and the significance of living one's faith in everyday life. Click here to visit Mitali's website - https://www.mitaliperkins.com/  Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com 

Book interview with Mitali Perkins – “The Story of Us”

Hello Backstory fans! Join us for this great episode when we sit down with author Mitali Perkins. Mitali has written numerous Young Adult books, and her book, Rickshaw Girl, has been recently made into a movie. She relays the story behind the book, and how the movie came about, her thoughts about the premiere of the movie, and how it felt to walk the red carpet. Mitali also tells us about how she got into writing, some of her travels, and talks about the writing process for her. Its a great interview with a successful author, and very interesting person. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her, and know you will as well A bit more about Mitali in her own words: ,"I was born Mitali Bose in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, and always tried to live up to my name—which means “friendly” in the Bangla language. I had to! Because my family moved so much, it was the only way I could make new friends. By the time I was 11, I'd lived in Ghana, Cameroon, London, New York and Mexico before settling in California just in time for middle school. Yep, I was the new kid again, in seventh grade, the year everybody barely makes it through. My biggest lifeline during those early years was story. Books were my rock, my stability, my safe place as I navigated the border between California suburbia and the Bengali culture of my traditional home. After studying political science at Stanford and public policy at U.C. Berkeley, I taught in middle school, high school and college. When I began to write fiction, my protagonists were often—not surprisingly—strong characters crossing all kinds of borders, seeking community, and promoting justice."

Chosen as one of the 100 great children's books of the last 100 years by the New York Public Library. In this award-winning novel for readers in grades 2-5 illustrated by Jamie Hogan, Naima must find a way to save her mother's golden bangle -- and fix her father's rickshaw. Booklist said this "lively, moving book has surprises that continue to the end," Kirkus promised that "Naima's story will be relished by students and teachers alike," and the Cooperative Center for Children's Books picked it as a must-read global title for children.   Mitali Perkins has written many books for young readers, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for a National Book Award) and Rickshaw Girl (adapted into a film by Sleeperwave Productions), all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders.    Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. And she has done it with Rickshaw Girl! 

Chosen as one of the 100 great children's books of the last 100 years by the New York Public Library. In this award-winning novel for readers in grades 2-5 illustrated by Jamie Hogan, Naima must find a way to save her mother's golden bangle -- and fix her father's rickshaw. Booklist said this "lively, moving book has surprises that continue to the end," Kirkus promised that "Naima's story will be relished by students and teachers alike," and the Cooperative Center for Children's Books picked it as a must-read global title for children.   Mitali Perkins has written many books for young readers, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for a National Book Award) and Rickshaw Girl (adapted into a film by Sleeperwave Productions), all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders.    Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. And she has done it with Rickshaw Girl! 

Mitali Perkins joins Andy to talk about writing for children, having to a connection to her characters, and what it feels like to have your work adapted. Intro music is "String Anticipation" by Cory Gray.

On tonight's Rogue Wav Season Finale, we interview acclaimed Author Mitali Perkins. Who's book Rickshaw Girl is now a new film available now on all Apple TV, Amazon and many other digital streaming platforms! PLUS: We discuss James Gunn's plan for Phase 1 ‘Gods and Monsters' of the DC of the future. Watch us LIVE + SUBSCRIBE – 8pm ET: https://Youtube.com/roguematter _______________________________⇩ Follow the Rogue Matter network ⇩_______________________________Website ► https://www.roguematter.com/Twitter ► https://twitter.com/rogue_matter Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/weareroguematter Twitch ►https://www.twitch.tv/weareroguematter Soundcloud ► https://soundcloud.com/roguematter Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/5xXzwTK5y1NIHgYhuSBYRq Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rogue-wav-podcast/id1503427846?uo=4 Google Podcasts ► https://www.google.com/podcasts? feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvMjIxNjE0NC9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk iHeart ► https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rogue-wav-podcast-80937476/Catch our guest on Social Media: https://twitter.com/MitaliPerkins

Pop Art Painter Jamie Roxx (www.JamieRoxx.us) welcomes Mitali Perkins Writer (Novel) (Rickshaw Girl: Movie: Drama, Family) to the Show!    (Click to go there) ● WEB: www.mitaliperkins.com ● TW: @MitaliPerkins Rickshaw Girl: ● WEB: www.rickshawgirlmovie.com ● FB: @RickshawGirlMovie ● IG: @RickshawGirlMovie ● IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt4853244 A daring Bangladeshi teenager attempts to help her struggling family by disguising herself as a boy and driving her father's prized rickshaw for much needed extra money. Based on the acclaimed novel by Mitali Perkins. ● Media Inquiries: OCTOBER COAST PR  octobercoastpr.com

On today's episode of Too Opinionated, we chat with author Mitali Perkins! Mitali Perkins (mitaliperkins.com) has written many books for young readers, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for a National Book Award) and Rickshaw Girl (adapted into a film by Sleeperwave Productions), all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders. Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. Want to watch: YouTube Meisterkhan Pod (Please Subscribe) Check out the website: Meisterkhan.com

If you need a jolt of encouragement, this podcast is for you. Today we're talking with author Mitali Perkins about empty-nesting, the grief and opportunity that comes with change, and a few of the practices that contribute to her creativity. Why are intergenerational friendships important? And what does the Litany of Humility have to do with writing?

This week Mike and Sarah talk with author Mitalia Perkins about her new book The Story of Us. Acclaimed author Mitali Perkins grew up loving nature. As her family moved often, she learned to appreciate the beauty and variety of the natural settings of her homes in Ghana, Cameroon, London, New York, and Mexico. It wasn't until age 12 or 13 that she became aware of natural disasters, and realized that the elements–fire, water, air, and earth, can  also be terrifying.  Decades later, Perkins' close friend lost her home in the Woolsey/Malibu fire in 2018. The loss brought back her childhood questions. Why are we, as humans, at war with the elements? Why do we neglect the care of them—the very essence of ourselves and the home God created for us? For comfort, Perkins turned to writing.  The result was The Story of Us, a poem-turned-picture-book that tells the biblical redemption story in a new way, by centering the four elements: air, water, earth, and fire. At the beginning of all things, Creator uses the elements to make humans. When creation falls into chaos—resulting in greed, war, and devastation—Redeemer comes as a baby, growing up to use air, water, earth, and fire in seemingly small ways to heal and serve. Next, Restorer arrives, calling us to care for the elements as we wait for the day when lasting peace will come between them and us. Perkins' lyrical message is brought to life by the luminous art of illustrator team Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell. It's a thought-provoking work that invites readers young and old to ponder our own relationship to nature and the Divine.

Renowned author, Mitali Perkins, joins us this week to share about her powerful new children's book, "The Story of Us." It speaks to the power of creation, our relationship with the elements, the chaos of natural disaster, and wondering how God comes as the restorer of broken relationship."One of life's greatest joys is to create spaces where young people feel safe, welcome, and beloved. Stories are one such space." — Mitali PerkinsAbout Mitali in her own words:I was born Mitali Bose in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, and always tried to live up to my name—which means “friendly” in the Bangla language. I had to! Because my family moved so much, it was the only way I could make new friends.By the time I was 11, I'd lived in Ghana, Cameroon, London, New York and Mexico before settling in California just in time for middle school. Yep, I was the new kid again, in seventh grade, the year everybody barely makes it through.My biggest lifeline during those early years was story. Books were my rock, my stability, my safe place as I navigated the border between California suburbia and the Bengali culture of my traditional home.After studying political science at Stanford and public policy at U.C. Berkeley, I taught in middle school, high school and college. When I began to write fiction, my protagonists were often—not surprisingly—strong characters crossing all kinds of borders, seeking community, and promoting justice.

Jessica and Helena share a selection of picture books to read as a family. These titles explore the theme of moving to a new country: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins, and My Favorite Memories by Sepideh Sarihi.

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review the YA book You Bring the Distant Near, by Mitali Perkins! This is a great book that I'd recommend for all teens. It was truly a fantastic read! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ellie-mano/message

Host Samantha Rahmani speaks with author Mitali Perkins about her book Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls, a study of classic children's literature. Perkins discusses her journey as a children's author, the need for multistoried experiences for children, the navigation of problematic and harmful works with young readers, and ways to critically examine bias in our own reading and writing practices. Episode mastered by Samantha Rahmani.

In episode #58 of Rewrite Radio, Mitali Perkins offers five truths about fiction. Listen as she thinks of stories as windows and mirrors that teach us to make things right. Theme music is Modern Attempt by TrackTribe and June 11 by Andrew Starr.

Recording of Off the Shelf Radio Show from WDLR with co-hosts George Needham and Nicole Fowles. Our special guest this week is Katy Hite, Assistant Branch Manager of Adult Services at the Orange Branch. We speak with her today about celebrating poetry month with a Poet-tree which will be on display at the Orange Branch through the month of April. Recommendations include Just Jaime by Terri Libenson, Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, and Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins.  Read more about today's episode here. Listen live every Friday morning at 9 AM https://wdlrradio.com/program-schedule/off-the-shelf/  This episode originally aired on April 1, 2022

Mitali Perkins has been a nominee for the National Book Award. She was born in India, but has lived all over the world. So it comes as no surprise that her books for young readers all explore the crossing of borders of one kind or another. Her newest book, Bare Tree and Little Wind, is a picture book that tells the story of Holy Week. In 2021, she published her first nonfiction book for adults, Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh our Tired Souls. In this episode, Mitali and Jonathan Rogers discuss the benefits of being an outsider, the transmission of morality and hope, and literary "aunties and uncles." Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's April and it's all about the kiddos! We have recommendations for juvenile fiction books, picture books, and library programs coming up.  New to the library this month, our juvenile book choices include chapter books, picture books and readers.  Why not try out one of these: Amelia Bedilia Hops to It by Herman Parish, Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor, Planet Omar - Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian, Amah Faraway by Margaret Chiu Greanis and Aru Shah & The Nectar of Immortality by Roshani Chokshi. Aru Shah and other Rick Riordan Presents books will be the topic of discussion at the May Middle School Book Club on Monday, May 9th at 3:30!  This week's guest is Jennifer R., the Youth Specialist from our Outreach Department.  Jennifer recommends Wutaryoo by Nilah Magruder and Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renee Felice Smith.  Via also recommends Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum, Kaylen from the Outreach Department recommends Snail Crossing by Corey Tabor and Katy pops in to recommend Steeped In Stories by Mitali Perkins if you want to revisit some children's literature classics! Music Credit:  Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Mitali Perkins is on the #ReadingWithYourKids #Podcast to celebrate her new #PictureBook Bare Tree And Little Wind, A Story For Holy Week. Mitali tells us this is a lyrical, captivating retelling of the Palm Sunday and Easter story that she hopes will  become a beloved tradition for families of faith. Click here to visit Mitali's website - https://www.mitaliperkins.com/ Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

This week Amy and Mike catch up with author Mitali Perkins about her book Bare Tree and Little Wind: A Story for Holy Week. A lyrical, captivating retelling of the Palm Sunday and Easter story from National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins, author of Rickshaw Girl, that is sure to become a beloved tradition for families of faith. Little Wind and the trees of Jerusalem can't wait for Real King to visit. But Little Wind is puzzled when the king doesn't look how he expected. His wise friend Bare Tree helps him learn that sometimes strength is found in sacrifice, and new life can spring up even when all hope seems lost.   This story stands apart for its imagination, endearing characters, and how it weaves Old Testament imagery into Holy Week and the promise of Jesus's triumphant return. While the youngest readers will connect to the curious Little Wind, older children and parents will appreciate the layers of meaning and Scriptural references in the story, making it a book families can enjoy together year after year. Mitali Perkins writes novels for young people, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for the National Book Award) Rickshaw Girl (NYPL best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years; film in 2021), Bamboo People (ALA Top 10 YA novel), and Tiger Boy (South Asia Book Award winner.) Her newest are Home Is In Between, a picture book published by Macmillan FSG, and a nonfiction book for adults, Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh our Tired Souls, published by Broadleaf. She currently writes and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Kevin Krueger spoke with Mitali Perkins author of "Bare Tree & Little Wind: A Story for Holy Week".

The books we read in childhood have the power to transform us lifelong. So what do we do with the classics that are so good yet have those problematic bits because they're products of their era? Do we avoid giving our kids these great works because they don't reflect everything we believe in? Seth and Tsh are joined by fellow writer Mitali Perkins, who has passionate thoughts about why what we read in childhood matters. Her own immigrant story was steeped in stories. Seth: Newsletter | Website Tsh: Newsletter | Website Pick up a round of drinks & help keep the show going Come to Italy with us! Mitali Perkins: Twitter | Instagram | Website Mitali's new book, Steeped in Stories: Bookshop | Amazon The Chair on Netflix Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport The Book of Waking Up, by Seth Why Art Matters, by Alistair Gordon A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year (and Night), by Jane McMorland Hunter

Enjoy our presentation of You Bring the Distant Near, written by Mitali Perkins and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. In today's story, from 1965 through the present, an Indian American family adjusts to life in New York City, alternately fending off and welcoming challenges to their own traditions.This title has won numerous awards, including School Library Journal's and Publisher's Weekly's Best Book of the Year. You Bring the Distant Near is recommended for ages 12+. Please visit Kirkus for more information and reviews: http://bit.ly/DistantReviewsThis title is available in the following formats:Libby Ebook: http://bit.ly/DistantLibbyEbookLibby Audiobook: http://bit.ly/DistantLibbyAudioPlease visit www.calvertlibrary.info for more information.Music: Sad Clown (excerpt) by Orquesta Arrecife. Licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0 http://www.opsound.org/artist/orquestaarrecife/ 

Authors Padma Venkatraman and Grace Lin answer the question Why don’t you make your story as a movie ? and kid reviewer Mila reviews Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins.   *To become a patron of Kids Ask Authors: https://www.patreon.com/kidasaskauthorspodcast

Today, I will be sharing a cause-and-effect essay on the book Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins

In this episode, the first page of three YA novels will be read:Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins,Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip, andSnow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

It’s the third ever, ridiculously long mega-sized Middle Grade Ninja clips show, featuring snippets from episodes 60 through 100. New episodes are scheduled to return January 30th. Until then, enjoy this compilation of clips from conversations with AUTHORS Catherine Linka, Barbara Shoup, Kaela Noel, Sayantani DasGupta, Avi, Anna Meriano, Anne Bustard, Rob Harrell, Joy McCullough, Mitali Perkins, Carlie Sorosiak, Claire Swinarski, Josh Berk, Saundra Mitchell, Hugh Howey, Anne Nesbet, Tracy Wolff, Dorothy A. Winsor, Lillie Evans, Tony Perona, C.L. Shore, Janet E. Williams, Paula Chase, Preeti Chhibber, Annie Sullivan, MarcyKate Connolly, Laura Stegman, Daniel Kraus, Patrick Huellery, Margi Preus, Hayley Chewins, Marcella Pixley, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Victoria Bond, John Gallagher, Hena Kahn, Melissa de la Cruz, G. Neri, LITERARY AGENTS Kristy Hunter, Kiana Nguyen, Jim McCarthy, EDITORS Sarah LaPolla, Sara-Jayne Slack, Mari Kesselring, Elizabeth Law, Cheryl Klein, and PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERT Sarah Miniaci.

Show Notes:Intro - On the Needles - ~Katy's 2020 Birthday Socks on US1.5 (2.5mm), Abstract Fiber Super Sock+ in the Thistle colourwayProject bag from Nerd Bird Makery & Progress Keeper from Ann TudorFinished Projects - ~Hello Pumpkin Socks on US1.5 (2.5mm), Pandia's Jewels Snug in the Pumpkin Spice colourway & XrayAnn Fingering in the Semi Solid Battleship colourway~2020 Preemie Hat #41 on US6 (4mm), Bernat Softee Baby in the Princess Pebbles colourway & Caron Simply Soft in the Grey Heather colourwayFlosstube - Begins at timestamp 8:08Dami - ~Baa Baa Black Sheep by The Prairie SchoolerProject bag from Tilting Planet~Cats and Mandalas - February by Kitty and Me DesignsProject bag from Stitch ToolboxSnipattie from cattycrosstitchesNeedle Minder from Gecko Rouge~Edinburgh Castle by Terra Luna StitcheryNeedle Minder from TopKnotStitcherProject Bag from KnitRunDigGrime Guard from Crab Shack StitcherySnipattie from cattycrosstitchesUsing Pattern Keeper software on Kindle Fire 7Silicone ties28,800 / 265,824 sts complete10.834% complete5 / 60 pages completeYummies (our current favourite things) - ~Shirt from Rivi~Color Street from Creativity by Gidge (Amy)~Auctions in partnership with Michelle Bendy Stitchy on her Instagram to benefit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month. NILMDTS is an organization that volunteers to take family photos for families who have lost babies. This way the family can hold on to memories despite not being able to hold on to their babies anymore.~Crafty Photo A Day Challenge - #GGKCraftyPAD - details for October hereWhat We're Watching, Reading, + Listening To - Please be aware that we do discuss recent tv show episodes that have aired in the last week or so. This is your spoiler warning!Episode 417 Bookshop ListOctober / November / December 2020 RAL - 15 minutes of reading daily challenge* 88-92 of 92 days - 1 or more giveaways for eBook, everyone gets $1.20 off any single pattern coupon code & 88+ days RAL virtual badge * 61-87 of 92 days - 1 or more giveaways for single pattern, everyone gets 61+ days RAL virtual badge* #GGKRAL202020 RAL Yearlong Challenge~October / November / December* 92 days - 10 entries* 88-91 days - 8 entries* 61-87 days - 5 entries~Read All 366 days - 10 bonus entries~Complete the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2020 Reading Challenge - 12 bonus entries [all or none] (we'll open a thread for you to post this in December 2020)~3 grand prize winners drawn from all the entries~Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms by Matthias Roberts - C.C. is reading~The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole by Arielle Schwartz - C.C. is reading~Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) - C.C. is rereading with Harry Potter & the Sacred Text podcast & Swish and Flick: An All Potter Podcast~Forward Me Back To You by Mitali Perkins - C.C. finished reading~Lucy Kincaid Series by Allison Brennan - C.C. finished reading Book 11~The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley - C.C. finished reading~The Night Swim by Megan Goldin - C.C. finished reading~Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust - C.C. finished reading~Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots - C.C. is reading~Monk - finished rewatching Season 1 & rewatching Season 2~Switched At Birth - watching Season 1~DeafU - watching~The Masked Singer - Season 4~Supernatural - watching Season 15~My Favourite Murder podcast~David Tennant Does a Podcast With… podcast~Unlocking Us With Brené Brown~Evolving Faith podcast~Random Spotify PlaylistsSeptember / October / November Artistic Autumnal AL -*Runs from 1-September through 30-November*Details - any project you knit/crochet/weave/spin/stitch/sew that you can convince us relates to autumn*No WIPS - Your project must be begun no earlier than 1-September and finished no later than 30-November*Each project that you knit/crochet/weave/spin must be at least 20yds/18.3m that you finish and post in the Facebook Group FO Thread counts as 1 entry into the giveaways. If your project is not at least 20yds/18.3m, you need to group it in a single post with other projects that together total at least 20yds/18.3m. For stitching/sewing projects, we’ll leave it to your best judgment. If you wanted our official ruling, PM email us at ggkcspodcast@gmail.com*Feel free to poly-dip in other ALs as long as it fits in with other rules*Please complete our Google form in order to help us make sure you are receiving a prize that you'll actually enjoy using.*Prizes: If you’d like to donate one, email us at ggkcspodcast@gmail.comStitch Marker Sets made & donated by Julia of Pandia's Jewels - 1 Labyrinth & 1 Frankenstein - 2 winners will each win a random setOrange Camper bag by ArtByAna from RhondaJust CrossStitch Volume 37, No. 5 - October 2019Hilde’s Brew pattern by Michelle of Bendy Stitchy DesignsZipper Pouch & mini-skeins from Hillary*Must be a member of the our Facebook group ~ GGKCS Podcast / FlossTube to participate*Social Media Hashtag: #GGKCSAutumn20*Thread will be locked the morning of 1-December and winner(s) drawn on the next podcast following that*For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!*There is a Chatter Thread in our Facebook group so we can encourage each other along the way.Misc. - ~Support the Podcast, Become A PatronEach week, we create a list on Bookshop of all the books we talk about in that week's episode. Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. If you purchase a book from our list, we earn a commission & local, independent bookstores also earn money from your purchase.~Want another way to help support our podcast? Throughout our website, links to books, tv shows, movies, etc. are Amazon Affiliate Links. We receive a portion of what you spend when you click through our website to shop on Amazon. What we receive helps us with the costs associated with producing this podcast as well as with prizes & shipping for giveaways. Thanks in advance for your support!If you are in the UK, please click this link, Amazon.co.uk, or the banner below to shop:If you are in Canada, please click this link, Amazon.ca or the banner below to shop:~For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!Find Us Online -C.C. -~ on Instagram as CC_JavaPurlDami - ~ on Instagram as damisdoodlesPink Purl - ~on Instagram as pinkiepurlJavaPurl Designs~ JavaPurl Designs websiteGGKCS -~ our Facebook group ~ GGKCS Podcast / FlossTube~ our Facebook page~ email us: ggkcspodcast@gmail.com~ on Apple Podcasts~ on YouTube~ Support the Podcast, Become a PatronUntil next time,

Show Notes:Intro - On the Needles - Dami - ~hat on the needles soon C.C. -~Hello Pumpkin Socks on US1.5 (2.5mm), Pandia's Jewels Snug in the Pumpkin Spice colourway & XrayAnn Fingering in the Semi Solid Battleship colourwayProject bag from Nerd Bird Makery & Progress Keeper from Ann TudorFinished Projects - Dami - ~NoneC.C. -~2020 Preemie Hat #40 on US6 (4mm), Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in the Orange colourway & Bernat Cottontots in the Strawberry colourwayFlosstube - Begins at timestamp 8:35Dami - ~NoneC.C. - ~Baa Baa Black Sheep by The Prairie SchoolerProject bag from Tilting Planet~Hello Pumpkin by Stitching With the Housewives~Cats and Mandalas - February by Kitty and Me DesignsProject bag from Stitch ToolboxSnipattie from cattycrosstitchesNeedle Minder from Gecko Rouge~FO! RBG Freebie by Bendy Stitchy Designs~Edinburgh Castle by Terra Luna StitcheryNeedle Minder from TopKnotStitcherProject Bag from KnitRunDigGrime Guard from Crab Shack StitcherySnipattie from cattycrosstitchesUsing Pattern Keeper software on Kindle Fire 728,000 / 265,824 sts complete10.533% complete5 / 60 pages completeYummies (our current favourite things) - ~cards from Yuko & Dami~candle & plant from Katy & family from Live Well Ink~cross stitch kit from Michelle~Honeyberry Studio 2021 calendar~Auctions in partnership with Michelle Bendy Stitchy on her Instagram to benefit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month. NILMDTS is an organization that volunteers to take family photos for families who have lost babies. This way the family can hold on to memories despite not being able to hold on to their babies anymore.~Bellzi.com plushes~Crafty Photo A Day Challenge - #GGKCraftyPAD - details for October hereWhat We're Watching, Reading, + Listening To - Please be aware that we do discuss recent tv show episodes that have aired in the last week or so. This is your spoiler warning!Episode 416 Bookshop List~So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Dami is reading~M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang - Dami finished reading~The Language Archive by Julia Cho - Dami finished reading~The Glass Scientists (webcomic) by Sabrina Cotungo - Dami is readingJuly / August / September 2020 RALWinners announcedOctober / November / December 2020 RAL - 15 minutes of reading daily challenge* 88-92 of 92 days - 1 or more giveaways for eBook, everyone gets $1.20 off any single pattern coupon code & 88+ days RAL virtual badge * 61-87 of 92 days - 1 or more giveaways for single pattern, everyone gets 61+ days RAL virtual badge* #GGKRAL202020 RAL Yearlong Challenge~July / August / September* 92 days - 10 entries* 88-91 days - 8 entries* 61-87 days - 5 entries~October / November / December* 92 days - 10 entries* 88-91 days - 8 entries* 61-87 days - 5 entries~Read All 366 days - 10 bonus entries~Complete the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2020 Reading Challenge - 12 bonus entries [all or none] (we'll open a thread for you to post this in December 2020)~3 grand prize winners drawn from all the entries~The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor - C.C. finished reading~Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms by Matthias Roberts - C.C. is reading~Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, Deception, and Double Lives by Tina Alexis Allen - C.C. finished reading~The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole by Arielle Schwartz - C.C. is reading~Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) - C.C. is rereading with Harry Potter & the Sacred Text podcast & Swish and Flick: An All Potter Podcast~The Sacred Dark Series by May Peterson - C.C. finished reading Books 1 & 2~Forward Me Back To You by Mitali Perkins - C.C. is reading~Movies - Psych 2: Lassie Come Home~This Close - finished watching Seasons 1 & 2~Monk - rewatching Season 1~Switched At Birth - watching Season 1~The 100 - finished watching Series~The Masked Singer - Season 4~My Favourite Murder podcast~David Tennant Does a Podcast With… podcast~Unlocking Us With Brené Brown~Evolving Faith podcast~Cabin Pressure~Random Spotify PlaylistsSeptember / October / November Artistic Autumnal AL -*Runs from 1-September through 30-November*Details - any project you knit/crochet/weave/spin/stitch/sew that you can convince us relates to autumn*No WIPS - Your project must be begun no earlier than 1-September and finished no later than 30-November*Each project that you knit/crochet/weave/spin must be at least 20yds/18.3m that you finish and post in the Facebook Group FO Thread counts as 1 entry into the giveaways. If your project is not at least 20yds/18.3m, you need to group it in a single post with other projects that together total at least 20yds/18.3m. For stitching/sewing projects, we’ll leave it to your best judgment. If you wanted our official ruling, PM email us at ggkcspodcast@gmail.com*Feel free to poly-dip in other ALs as long as it fits in with other rules*Please complete our Google form in order to help us make sure you are receiving a prize that you'll actually enjoy using.*Prizes: If you’d like to donate one, email us at ggkcspodcast@gmail.comStitch Marker Sets made & donated by Julia of Pandia's Jewels - 1 Labyrinth & 1 Frankenstein - 2 winners will each win a random setOrange Camper bag by ArtByAna from RhondaJust CrossStitch Volume 37, No. 5 - October 2019Hilde’s Brew pattern by Michelle of Bendy Stitchy DesignsZipper Pouch & mini-skeins from Hillary*Must be a member of the our Facebook group ~ GGKCS Podcast / FlossTube to participate*Social Media Hashtag: #GGKCSAutumn20*Thread will be locked the morning of 1-December and winner(s) drawn on the next podcast following that*For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!*There is a Chatter Thread in our Facebook group so we can encourage each other along the way.Ask the Geeks - Originally asked/answered in 2015:Lucy asks:I have a question for both of you - how do you knit? Are you ‘pickers’ or ‘throwers’? Have either of you ever done anything to deliberately develop your knitting technique or do you just take it as it comes? (I am considering trying to modify my own - I am a ‘thrower’ and keep wondering if I’d knit faster and with less strain on my hands if I ‘picked’.)Misc. - ~Support the Podcast, Become A PatronEach week, we create a list on Bookshop of all the books we talk about in that week's episode. Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. If you purchase a book from our list, we earn a commission & local, independent bookstores also earn money from your purchase.~Want another way to help support our podcast? Throughout our website, links to books, tv shows, movies, etc. are Amazon Affiliate Links. We receive a portion of what you spend when you click through our website to shop on Amazon. What we receive helps us with the costs associated with producing this podcast as well as with prizes & shipping for giveaways. Thanks in advance for your support!If you are in the UK, please click this link, Amazon.co.uk, or the banner below to shop:If you are in Canada, please click this link, Amazon.ca or the banner below to shop:~For any and all giveaways, prizes, competitions, ALs, etc. that we host, the winner(s) have 30 days from the date of announcement (the date the podcast episode in which the winner was announced goes live) to contact us to claim their prize or it will be forfeited. If this occurs, the prize will be used for another giveaway at our discretion. Thanks for understanding!Find Us Online -C.C. -~ on Instagram as CC_JavaPurlDami - ~ on Instagram as damisdoodlesPink Purl - ~on Instagram as pinkiepurlJavaPurl Designs~ JavaPurl Designs websiteGGKCS -~ our Facebook group ~ GGKCS Podcast / FlossTube~ our Facebook page~ email us: ggkcspodcast@gmail.com~ on Apple Podcasts~ on YouTube~ Support the Podcast, Become a PatronUntil next time,

Tsh talks with YA author Mitali Perkins about writing, reading, the pursuit of beauty and truth, and the magic of rereading childhood classics, especially when life feels uncertain. Mitali Perkin's website Mitali on Twitter & Facebook Forward Me Back to You, by Mitali Perkins on Amazon & Bookshop The Silver Chair, by C.S. Lewis on Amazon & Bookshop Shadow & Light Browse Tsh's recommended books Create Your Rule of Life Tsh on Twitter & Instagram

Jen is joined by Mitali Perkins and Erin Wasinger to discuss the reading life of children. They talk about the power of stories in the lives of kids, as well as the surprising tension and conflict in the discussion concerning what literature children should have access to, as well as how to encourage a love for reading as children grow. This is a fantastic conversation for those readers who have little ones in their lives!Books Mentioned in this Episode:Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins and Sara PalaciosWe We Loved Books by Mitali Perkins (forthcoming)Little Women by Louisa May AlcottThe Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienA Little Princess by Frances Hodgson BurnettYear of Small Things: Radical Faith for the Rest of Us by Sarah Arthur and Erin WasingerThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson BurnettThe Little House (series) by Laura Ingalls WilderEmily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart LovelaceAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud MontgomeryThe Silver Chair by C.S. LewisMiracles on Maple Hill by Virgina SorensonHeidi by Johanna SpyriHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. RowlingNew Kid by Jerry CraftWhen Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar MohamedForward Me Back to You by Mitali PerkinsThe Adventures of Tintin by HergeThe Story of Babar: The Little Elephant by Jean De BrunhoffThe Voyages of Dr. Dolittle by Hugh LoftingThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark TwainCharlotte's Web by E.B. WhiteDog Man (series) by Dav PilkeySweet Valley High (series) by Francine PascalThe Baby-Sitter's Club by Ann M. MartinThe Crossover by Kwame AlexanderThe Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee StewartThe Chosen by Chaim PotokThank You, Omu! by Oge MoraMom's Sweater by Jayde Perkin

Author Mitali Perkins takes us behind the scenes of her picture book, BETWEEN US AND ABUELA: A FAMILY STORY FROM THE BORDER, illustrated by Sara Palacios.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO READING CONFERENCES by Jennifer Serravallo.

Mitali Perkins and I chat about her classic novel, RICKSHAW GIRL, its uncertain and difficult path to publication, its steady rise to prominence, and the new film based upon it. We also talk about the ups and downs of her career writing for children, cultural differences and code switching, the benefits of rereading favorite books, the benefits of arranged marriages, my discomfort with Nicholas Spark’s emotionality, flying saucers, Pennywise the Dancing Clown, and more. Note: This was recorded before the quarantine for COVID-19, so we don’t discuss it. Mitali Perkins has written many novels for young readers, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for the National Book Award) Rickshaw Girl (a NYPL best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years, film adaptation coming in 2020), Bamboo People (an ALA Top 10 YA novel), and Tiger Boy, which won the South Asia Book Award for Younger Readers. She currently writes and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you listened to the previous episode, you know that Maile has been struggling with discouragement--this episode, which was actually recorded a few months ago, is the perfect follow up. Mitali Perkins offers the perfect encouragement, the perfect answer to, "Why keep writing?" Mitali (mitaliperkins.com) has written many books for young readers, including Between Us and Abuela (2020 Charlotte Huck Honor Book), Forward Me Back To You (SLJ and Kirkus Best YA Books of 2019), You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for a National Book Award, six starred reviews), and Rickshaw Girl (adapted into a film by Sleeperwave Productions), all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders.

December 29, 2019: A sermon by the Rev. Jane H. Rowe using Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins, preceded by Psalm 126 and Luke 2:21-35

(00:00:00) - Jen’s children were singing a wildly inappropriate song in the background of her Instagram. While playing this song she accidentally airs inappropriate lyrics. (00:10:36) - Jen had to take a word out of her Word of the Year Generator because people were so bad about it. She also explains why carolers terrify her. (00:32:40) - Mitali Perkins tells Jen how strange it was to move to the US from India during the holiday season, as they tried to figure out why the fat guy only brought presents to everyone else

We’re just two weeks away from this year’s Kirkus Prize ceremony in Austin, Texas! On October 24, three of the authors of this year’s best books, as determined by judges’ panels comprised of eminent writers, Kirkus critics, booksellers, and librarians, will take home $50,000 each. In this special episode of Fully Booked, editor-in-chief Tom Beer interviews Kirkus Prize writer-judges Min Jin Lee (fiction), Jack E. Davis (nonfiction), and Mitali Perkins (young readers’ literature) about the responsibility of judging, the deliberation process, what makes a book prizeworthy, and much more. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of the richest literary awards in the world.

If we rely on a single story without giving access to the stories of others, we can create silos of isolation as individuals or as a culture. But through the diverse influences of others, we can develop a tapestry of community that is beautiful and richly woven. This month is Immigrant Heritage month- how appropriate to have this episode about crossing borders on The Afterword! Mitali Perkins shares resources on her website about how to use the power of  story to explore the idea of neighbors & hospitality so that strangers become part of our community. Samuel Parker uses the metaphor of jazz to help us understand the significance of border crossing stories.   

Which borders have you crossed? How do we view national, emotional, socio-economic, religious & cultural borders in our lives? As we consider border crossing stories and relationships with others who are different from ourselves, our worldview expands. Authors Samuel Parker and Mitali Perkins share their stories and experiences about developing cultural fluidity through relationships. In addition, they offer several suggested resources such as the TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and books like Refugee, Devil's Highway and At Play in the Fields of the Lord to help us gain perspective and relevant insight to the journeys and stories of others.  Borders are everywhere. How we view those borders will shape and mold how we interact and give access to the stories of others. Join us at our table as we discuss this relevant topic.

(00:26:13)- Jen sees an advantage to not advancing in a comedy contest.   (00:35:19)- Bestselling author Mitali Perkins talks about having the courage to follow your blue flame.

Mitali Perkins, celebrated children’s author, reflects on her childhood in India, studying political science and public policy, and transitioning to writing stories about characters who navigate cultural difference. For more resources for a deeply formed spiritual life, visit Fuller.edu/Studio

Mitali Perkins (@MitaliPerkins) is the author most recently of YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR, but the paperback release and audiobook release of TIGER BOY, Mitali's 2015 novel, is what first drew me closer to her writing. This story of a boy living in Kolkata, attending school, and becoming involved in the rescue of a tiger pup was as beautiful as it was awakening to me, as life in the Sunderbans is unlike anything you or more readers have experienced before. Mitali's focus on social justice is ever-present in her writing and this conversation is rich in inspiration. I think it will stick with you for a long while, as I know it has me. You can access even more information about this book and its author illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast.

Intro Hey everyone! This is Books Between - a podcast for teachers, parents, librarians, and anyone who wants to connect kids between 8-12 to books they’ll love.  I’m your host, Corrina Allen - a teacher, a mom of two daughters, and ridiculously excited about the new twinkle lights on my Christmas tree this year.  Sometimes - you have to take joy in the small things. This is Episode #39 and today we are celebrating some of the best middle grade books published in 2017. And today’s episode is brought to you by WriteAbout.com - a writing community and publishing platform perfect for classrooms. If you are like me and are looking for an engaging and authentic way for your students to share their ideas with a wider audience, you are absolutely going to want to visit WriteAbout.com to check it out.    Main Topic - The Top 20 Middle Grade Books of 2017 This year has been another strong reading year for me so far. I read a lot more picture books thanks to participating in #ClassroomBookaDay but I still kept up with my middle grade reads. And as I look at my book list and genre tracker, I notice I read fewer fantasy books compared to last year and way more graphic novels thanks to the CYBILS. And also my plans to boost my nonfiction reading... failed. So this is an all fiction list.  And I decided to separate out the graphic novels this year since I read so many more of them so be on the lookout for another best of podcast very soon featuring just the middle grade graphic novels.    So, last year at this time,  I read 75 total books including 60 middle grade books with  31 of those published in in 2016. And my top three books last year were Booked, Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, and The Wild Robot as my favorite read last year. (You can find that list here.) This year (2017), as of December 20th - I have read 91 books, not including picture books. 79 of those were middle grade with 55 of those published in 2017. A quick word before I begin. Picking JUST 20 was excruciating. And they are not necessarily the most “literary”. I read some beautifully written books this year, ones that are bound to get some top awards, but these are the ones I felt were both well-written and had that special spark that would appeal to young readers.  Even with that - I could easily share with you another 20 (or more!) fabulous books, but then we’d be here all night. Alright here we go - these are my Top 20 middle grade novels of 2017: This Is Just A Test by Madelyn Rosenberg & Wendy Shang This novel is about a boy named David who is preparing for his bar mitzvah while trying to please both his Chinese and Jewish grandmothers. (Not a small feat!)  Oh - and building a nuclear fallout shelter just in case things get out of hand with the Soviets. I loved this book because of its warmth and humor AND because it’s set in 1984. And I am all about that 80s nostalgia lately. (If you want to hear more about this book, check out episode 28 to hear an interview with Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Shang.)   Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes This book is about zany (and flexible!) 3rd grader Beatrice whose first day of school plans get derailed when her best friend, Lenny, shows up to school NOT wearing the matching ninja outfit they both agreed on. AND Lenny shows up with a new friend. I loved this book for it’s playful language, fun orange-tinted illustrations, and Beatrice’s great attitude. And since I have my own ninja-clad wall-climbing 8 year old gal at home, I have a special place in my heart for Beatrice.   Enginerds by Jarrett Lerner Speaking of playful books - what is not to love about a robot that blasts cubes out of its butt? But don’t be fooled by the humor - this is one smart book that celebrates the engineering spirit. It’s about a kid named Kennedy who discovers a mysterious box on his front step that assembles itself into a rather demanding robot. And Kennedy and the rest of his enginerd friends have to figure out how to contain this band of rogue robots who have escaped into their town.  Last week I had the honor of chatting with Jarrett Lerner  about Enginerds - and lots of other things - so watch for that episode in January!   A Rambler Steals Home by Carter Higgins This debut middle grade book by Carter Higgins is about Derby Clark who, along with her dad and younger brother, travel around in their Rambler car, selling Christmas trees in the winter. And hot chocolate and gingersnaps and cinnamon sugar donuts out of an old concession stand trailer. In the summers, they make their home in Ridge Creek, Virginia where they set up their concession stand in the parking lot of a minor league baseball team. But this year when they arrive - Derby discovers that her minor league family is different - with mysteries to solve, people to help, and wrongs to make right. This is ones of those books with characters that stay in your heart - and for me, reading so so many books - it’s a rare find when they’re this memorable.   A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold One of my great reading pleasures this year was getting to know the sweet and quirky Bixby Alexander Tam - or BAT for short. And I was excited to hear that there is at least one more book coming!  In this first one, Bat’s mother, who is a Vet, brings home an orphaned baby skunk to take care of and all Bat can think about is how to find a way to prove his responsibility and get to keep him. This book is adorable and poignant and a great fit for younger middle grade readers.   Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart This incredible adventure is like Lord of the Flies meets Holes with a hint of The Ethan I Was Before.  It’s about a kid named Jonathan who has been sent to an island prison for kids for a crime he admits to committing but does not reveal until the end. On the island he encounters this tough group of 14 misfit boys - all imprisoned on this Alcatraz-type reformatory school for their crimes. Then suddenly, an incident occurs and the adults are all gone and the boys have to figure out what to do. If this one passed you by this year - definitely check it out! It’s got adventure and cool literary references and secret tunnels and oh it keeps you turning those pages!!   Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk This is Lauren Wolk’s second novel after her 2017 Newbery Honor book Wolf Hollow. And oh is this a masterful follow up! And one of those books that had me constantly pausing to research the historical details referenced.  Beyond the Bright Sea is about a young girl called Crow who as an infant washed ashore in an old boat on one of the Elizabeth Islands off the coast of Massachusetts. Other than the reclusive fisherman who is raising her, the other people on the island shun her because they think she came from Penikese Island - the nearby leper colony. When one night Crow spots a campfire on that supposedly abandoned island, she decides to find out for herself what answers that place may hold. This book enveloped me in that world and was full of surprises.   Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson This incredible, important, and beautifully written historical fiction novel takes place in rural Mississippi in the summer of 1955 right after the brutal murder of Emmett Till. That event and its aftermath has shifted the world of the main character -  Rose Lee Carter, her family, and her community.  But this isn’t just a Civil Rights story but the story of young girl dealing with self-doubt and family complications, and trying to decide how to balance making a better life for herself and making a better world for everyone to live in. And in a society that is asking us all to make those same calculations and bringing to light prejudices that some thought were on their way out, this is must read to understand our country and ourselves. I’d probably recommend this one for maybe ages 12 and up or perhaps a little younger with the understanding that the n-word is used. So some readers might need some context for that  - which would be a fantastic opportunity for much-needed conversation. And the sequel, A Sky Full of Stars, is coming out on January 2nd - a perfect time to read or reread the first book and have the second one ready to go!   Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry This is a novel told in alternating chapters of prose and poetry. The poetry sections are told from the point of view of Calli who is smart, sensitive, and into astronomy. She also has Tourette syndrome (TS) and was advised by her doctor and mom to hide that fact from people. But since she’s just moved to Utah with her mom, Calli is in this stressful position of starting a new school and trying to mask her tics and noises. The other chapters are from the point of view of her classmate and neighbor Jinsong. He is the student body president and the two of them form a fragile friendship that seems like it might be doomed when his friends start to target her. I adored this book and I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover (but we all do) - and Forget Me Not has such a gorgeous and meaningful cover. Kudos to Anna Booth for the cover design.   Funny Girl edited by Betsy Bird This collection of short stories is truly laugh-out-loud hilarious. Every one is written by women and about experiences young girls in particular can relate to. But - the boys in my class are loving this book, too!  It’s a great mix of personal narratives, poetry, comics, quizzes, and all kinds of cool formats. Some of my favorites are “One Hot Mess by Carmon Agra Deedy, “Bad Hair Day” by Kelly DiPucchio and “Brown Girl Pop Quiz” by Mitali Perkins. You really can’t go wrong with this book. And if you want to hear more about it, check out my interview with Betsy Bird on episode 32.   Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan This is a lovely and heartfelt story about a Pakistani-American Muslim girl, Amina, who is trying to navigate the complicated tides of middle school friendship where old friends are changing and old adversaries might be changing, too. Amina also has to deal with her rather traditional and more religiously strict uncle visiting their family and figuring out for herself how to express her beliefs and culture and voice in a way that feels right to her. This was Hena Khan’s debut middle grade, and I’m excited to see what else she has in store for us.   The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie This book has taken my class by storm!  I read it in one weekend and loved how much it creeped me the heck out. Every sentence - every detail in that first chapter ratchets up the tension as Tessa arrives at her new (possible haunted?) home in Chicago where things start to disappear, and mysterious figures are drawn in her sketchpad, and her brother’s ventriloquist dummy is… acting strangely.  And I haven’t even told you about the cemetery part yet!! If you have young kids who love a scary mystery - get this book in their hands!   Patina by Jason Reynolds This is Book 2 in the Track series and the follow up to Ghost. Here we the story of Patina “Patty” Jones - one of the new and fastest kids on the Defenders Track team. A girl who is running away from a lot - the taunts of the girls at her fancy new school. But also a girl who is running for a lot - for her mom who lost her legs to diabetes and won’t ever run again. And those stresses can sometimes manifest themselves in what looks like a bad attitude toward others and her teammates. So of course, her coach challenges her to run the event that requires the most cooperation - the relay.  It’s a rare sequel captures my heart as much as the first book but this one absolutely did it. And that first chapter about false starts and false finishes is one that has stayed on my mind a lot this year.   Wishtree by Katherine Applegate Did we have any doubt that this book would be wonderful? I have loved seeing how much my students are enjoyed this story about a brave and wise tree named Red and its loyal band of oddly-named tenants. The more subtle themes of immigration and racism take some coaxing and explaining and rereading to bring forth for them, but the the ideas about friendship are at the forefront of their minds. In a time when we all could use a dose of empathy and hope, Wishtree is the book we need.   The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez I really fell hard for this story about a Mexican-American girl reluctantly moving to Chicago with her mom and trying to both fit in and stand out and figure out who she is and what’s worth standing up for. Her fashion choices put her at odds with both her new school and her mother who wishes she could be more “senorita” and less punk rock. But the oh how I loved Malú and her parents and her friends, and I just wanted to go hang out with them in Chicago coffee shops and record stores. And the many zine sections in this book add a uniqueness that makes this book really stand out. (If you want to hear more about The First Rule of Punk, check out episode 33 to hear an interview with Celia.)   Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling This is a book that I came a little late to but when just about every single one of my middle grade Twitter friends are raving about a book, you know it’s something special. And they were right! And I’ll be honest with you - the moment I was sold on this book was the moment I took off the cover and saw the glorious undies - the cover underneath. But - I should tell you about the plot, too - right? This is a mystery centered around Aven - a girl with a fabulous (and sorta sick) sense of humor who likes to tell people that she lost her arms in a wildfire or an alligator attack. In reality, she was born without them and due to her adoptive parents’ vigilance - she can do just about anything that any other kid can do. But - when they all move so her parents can take over running the Stagecoach Pass theme park, Aven has to start a new school and deal with all that entails. Along the way, she meets a couple other “outcasts” who help her start to solve a major mystery at Stagecoach Pass. I loved this book because of how funny it was and how much research the author did to tell Aven’s story. Ban This Book by Alan Gratz I wish I had the guts that this main character has. But - she doesn’t start off so confident. Amy Anne is a shy, sweet fourth grader who loves the library, who loves to read, and who loves From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It’s her favorite book - and one of my childhood favorites, too. But - when her favorite is banned from the school library - along with more and more books, she forms a secret banned book library that she runs out of her locker. Until…. well, I won’t tell you but it’s fantastic! With twists along the way, references to so many other books, and a special (cameo?) by Dav Pilkey who visits her school. Please get this book and has a great message that might be different than what you think.   Posted by John David Anderson As I’ve mentioned before, when you get a new book by an author whose previous work blew you away (Ms. Bixby’s Last Day), you’re almost expecting to be let down.But Posted is incredible. It’s the story of four middle school friends whose equilibrium is shifted when two things happen. One - a new girl comes to school (Rose) and some of them want her in their group and some don’t. Two - cell phones have been banned due to a recent ‘incident” and one of the four main friends, DeeDee, inadvertently starts a trend of posting sticky notes on lockers to communicate instead. Those two catalysts jump start this series of events that lead to a bike. And a hill. And a post-it. And so much more that threatens to fracture their friendship forever. I loved this book and how the author structured it - how it brought forward past information in a flashback but then withheld the next step and then brought everything together at the end. It just was so well crafted.     Refugee by Alan Gratz This book was the most powerful, most emotional I read all year. And I’ll admit that it left me a bit of a mess, and there were times I needed to pause. But how Alan Gratz braided the three stories of Josef and Isobel and Mahmoud together was brilliant and beautiful and raw.  Bringing forward one strand and then another and another, binding them together.  The three stories are - Josef a young Jewish boy, who is traveling with his family from 1930s Germany to Cuba on the infamous ship called the St. Louis. Then there is Isobel and her family who are traveling on a tiny makeshift raft from 1980s Cuba to Florida. And finally Mahmoud and his family who are making their way from war-torn Syria in 2015 to Austria. Since I read this book last summer, there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by where I haven’t thought of the courage and resilience of these characters and their brave parents in the face of the harshest realities. And… you know, it’s easy to be judgemental when reading about tragedies from the past, thinking to yourself, “Well, I would have done things differently - I would have stood up for those refugees.”  We often talk about books that encourage empathy - well, to me, this book helped me move beyond just empathy to some action. And if you’re looking to do more as well, please read Gratz’s suggestions at the end of the book about how you can help refugees around the world today. And I’ll link to those resources in the show notes if you want to check those out as well. (Alan recommends donating to UNICEF and Save the Children.)       Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder If you have spent any time with me over the past year, you have heard about this book. And if you’ve read it, I’ve probably cornered you for a long conversation to compare theories. And because I can’t stop thinking about it and talking about, and dwelling in the glorious uncertainty of it - my favorite book of 2017 is Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder!  On this mysterious eden-like island there live nine children - no more and no less. And every year when the green boat arrives bearing a new young arrival, the eldest child goes. This year, Jinny is now the Eldest and charged with teaching her young Care, Ess, all the rules she needs to follow to survive on the island and maintain that balance. But…  but.  This is a beautiful and compelling novel about goodbyes and childhood and innocence, and so so much more. I was really honored have the chance to chat with Laurel Snyder on the podcast last May when this book was released and if you want in on that conversation, take a listen to episode 25. Alright there it is. And this list, just like any other, is flawed. It reflects my own preferences and biases and I know there is just no possible way that I could read all the fabulousness in middle grade that was published in 2017. So there will be some of your favorites that I missed. In fact, one of my loves of last year - The Girl Who Drank the Moon - you know, the winner of the Newbery - wasn’t even on my 2016 list.  Because I didn’t finish it until after the episode aired. Right now, I am almost finished with The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish and the audio version of Jack Cheng’s See You in the Cosmos and both are turning out to be incredible! So a quick shout out to some 2017 middle grade releases that are on my To Be Read list: Top Want to Read Books from 2017 The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Bradley (but first I need to read The War Saved My Life) Me and Marvin Gardens by A.S. King Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams Garcia Vincent and Theo by Deborah Heiligman The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla   Annnd…. lots more that I know I’m missing! So - I want to hear from YOU - what were your favorite 2017 reads and which ones should I prioritize in the new year? You can drop me an email at booksbetween@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter or Instagram with the handle @Books_Between. Closing Alright, that’s a wrap! Look for our next episode featuring the top middle grade graphic novels of 2017. And, If you have a question about how to connect kids between 8-12 to books they’ll love or an idea about a topic we should cover, I really would love to hear from you. You can email me at booksbetween@gmail.com or message me on Twitter/Instagram at the handle @Books_Between. Thank you so much for joining me this week. You can get a full transcript of this show and all of our previous episodes at AlltheWonders.com. And, if you are liking the show, please leave us some love on iTunes or Stitcher. And thanks again to WriteAbout.com for supporting the podcast this month - if you head over to their website you’ll find awesome ideas to get your students writing this year. Thanks and see you soon!  Bye!

Acclaimed author Mitali Perkins joins us for a conversation about her career, what authors think of author visits, and characters of color.

We have another Kind of Epic author on our show this week! Teaming up with Racebending.com Gabe talks to Mitali Perkins a young adult and childrens fiction author who opened up very personally on the subject of race and humor for her book Open Mic and for us. Remember to follow us on twitter @kindofepicshow and our two epic hosts this week @Davidwestkoes and @gabrialcanada as well as our guest Mihtali @MitaliPerkins who was kind enough to give us her time.

Mitali Perkins' essay "Writing Race in Novels" is both a collection of practical advice on a matter of writing craft, and a philosophical analysis of how our treatment of identity--our own or that of others--reveals how we approach otherness. Though this essay is directed towards writers, it bears thought-provoking ideas for non-writers as well.