Podcasts about School Library Journal

Notes and Links to Emely Rumble's Work          Emely Rumble, LCSW, is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and seasoned biblio/psychotherapist with over 14 years of professional experience. Committed to making mental health services more accessible, Emely specializes in the transformative practice of bibliotherapy. Passionate about advocating for the integration of creative arts in psychotherapy, mental well-being, and self-improvement, Emely champions the social model of disability and embraces a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach. A distinguished member of The National Association of Poetry Therapy, Emely's work has been featured in respected publications such as Parents Magazine, ‘School Library Journal', Bold Journey Magazine, BronxNet News, and The Bronx Is Reading. Emely shares her expertise beyond traditional avenues through @Literapy_NYC, her dedicated platform on Instagram, TikTok, and Podia, where she provides valuable educational content. Having earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and completed her social work degree at Smith College School for Social Work, Emely resides in the Bronx with her husband, two children, and her psychiatric service dog, Montana. She embodies a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health and well-being. Buy Bibliotherapy in the Bronx   Emely's Website     At about 2:10, Emely talks about the work and process involved as the book is about to be published At about 3:20, Emely talks about early feedback and her dynamic audiobook At about 4:35, Emely gives a brief summary of the book and talks about where to buy the book and where to find her online At about 10:30, Emely talks about “escapism” and “realism” and  At about 13:50, Emely responds to Pete's question about her reading of the Bible and connections to her grandmother as a healer and a Christian At about 17:15, Maya Angelou, Sister Souljah are among those Emely shouts out as formative and transformative writers, especially in her “adultified” youth At about 20:30, The two fanboy/girl about Maya Angelou and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings At about 21:30, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Alexis Gumbs are cited as some inspiring writers for Emely At about 24:40, Emely responds to Pete's questions about the pivotal reading from her grandmother's funeral and seeds for the book; she also shouts out a great editor in Nirmala Nataraj At about 29:25, Natalie Gutierrez and her foreword are discussed-books as “communal medicine” At about 30:30, Emely responds to Pete's questions about bibliotherapy and the intellect and the heart in concert At about 32:35, Emely responds to Pete's questions about what she learned from her aunt's schizophrenia and the ways in which she was treated and ideas of community and racism  At about 38:20, Emely gives background on early days of implementing bibliotherapy with patients and more connections to her aunt At about 44:20, Ned Ashton and Sonny Corinthos shout outs! At about 45:15, Pete asks Emely to define/describe bibliotherapy At about 45:50, The two discuss the great Ms. Parkins and Strega Nona and fairy tales and how “childish” books can work so well with adults  At about 50:30, Making a Godfather II reference (obvi), Pete asks about Emely's view on fiction and nonfiction and narratives in prescribing her books; Emely cites an interesting mindset of books as “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors,” as posited by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop At about 57:10, Emely responds to Pete's question about what a successful nonfiction prescription  At about 1:00:50, Emely talks about intake for bibliotherapy  At about 1:01:40, The two discuss Andrew Carnegie and problematic authors  At about 1:05:35, Mayte and her story that involves emotional resonance and intersectionality is discussed  At about 1:07:40, Emely expands on ideas of learning and empathy that happen with therapists and clients At about 1:13:00, Dr. Sadie P. Delaney is shouted out by Emely Rumble as a hero whom she learned about in her book research-The “Godmother of Bibliotherapy”    You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he's @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he's @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Episode 270 guest Jason De León is up on the website this week. A big thanks to Rachel León and Michael Welch at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting his one-man show, his DIY podcast and his extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode will feature an exploration of the wonderful poetry of Khalil Gibran. Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.    This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 283 with Jason Bailey, a film critic, author, and podcaster whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vulture, Vice, Rolling Stone, and Slate, among others. He is the editor-in-chief of Crooked Marquee, and the author of five books. The episode goes live this evening, April 29, which is also Pub Day for his exciting new book, Gandolfini, about the legendary actor, James Gandolfini.  

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!It's time for the next installment of our Banned Books Series! This month's book is The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Published in 2018, The Poet X tells the story of a 15-year-old Dominican American girl finding her voice as she grows up and comes to terms with life, school, and family.Although The Poet X is classified as a Young Adult book there's more than enough substance for "not so young" adults to hold on to. Join us in the discussion and let us know what you thought of the book if you've already read it or let us know what has tempted you to pick it up if you haven't yet. About Elizabeth Acevedo:Elizabeth Acevedo was the 2022 Young People's Poet Laureate and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Carnegie medal, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award. She is also the author of With the Fire on High—which was named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal—and Clap When You Land, which was a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor book and a Kirkus finalist.She holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. Acevedo is also a National Poetry Slam Champion.Support the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

*Trigger warning for this episode at book, as we do discuss briefly some of the traumatic experiences that are written about in the book. After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about our latest giveaway.   If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave us a 5-star review.   *Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.  In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Dr. David Dorado Romo about his book Borderlands and the Mexican American Story. We discussed a lot in this episode about stories that are often not taught about Mexican American History, why it is important to know for ourself, to teach about it, how it can be related to mental health and intergenerational trauma. Highlights include: 4:16 Dr. Romo shares why he wrote this book, including for himself as he was taught very little about his own history in school.   7:03 We discuss the bath riots. 18:53 Institutionalized racism.  20:37 Examples of young people protesting. 28:36 The importance of younger people knowing these stories. 30:05 Who this book is for and why. 32:44 Discussing why these stories are not told. About the author: David Dorado Romo, is an author, historian and musician with a Ph.D. in Borderlands History. He is the author of the award-winning Ringside Seat to a Revolution: An Underground Cultural History of El Paso and Juárez, 1893-1923 (Cinco Puntos Press, 2005) and Borderlands and the Mexican American Story (Penguin Random House, 2024), which was recently placed on the list of Best Books of 2024 by Kirkus Review and the School Library Journal. His historical essays have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Texas Monthly, Texas Observer, and Mexico's City's Nexus. Borderlands and the Mexican American Story is his first non-fiction book aimed at middle and high school students.  David is a curator and co-director of the Museo Urbano, a public history project based in El Paso that exhibited “Uncaged Art,” a 2018 exhibit the featured the artwork of migrant children interned at a detention center in Tornillo, Texas.

Send us a textDrag Story Hour is a global movement that brings the magic of storytelling, the art of drag, and the power of inclusion to libraries, schools, and community spaces, creating environments where kids can celebrate diversity, explore their imaginations, and embrace the beauty of self-expression. This week In the Den, Sara and Drag Story Hour's inaugural executive director Jonathon Hamilt discuss everything from the joy drag story  hour brings to children and families to addressing the challenges it faces to the ways in which drag story hours are changing the narrative about drag and LGBTQ+ representation in ways that are educational, empowering, and downright fun.Special Guest: Jonathan HamiltJonathan Hamilt (he/him) is the Executive Director of Drag Story Hour and co-founder of the NYC Chapter in 2016. Hamilt is the first Executive Director of the organization, taking it from a loose string of a few state's events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has spoken at Harvard, Yale, the Medical Library Association, the American Library Association, Public Library Association, School Library Journal, and SXSWEDU Conference. His activism spreads outside the work with Drag Story as his Drag persona "Ona Louise" hosts drag charity bingos across NYC. Ona Louise's personal goal is healing her inner child by offering affirming and accepting programming for kids which teaches them that it's more than okay to be different and they are loved no matter what!Links from the Show:Drag Story Hour's website: https://www.dragstoryhour.org/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.orgMama Dragons on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

What a glorious start to the year with the amazing Ali Terese first up for our author interviews @alitereseauthor 

In this Native Circles episode, Eva Bighorse and Dr. Farina King sit down with Violet Duncan, an award-winning author, dancer, and storyteller from the Plains Cree of the Kehewin Cree Nation and of Taino descent. Together, they trace Violet's path as a creative force, diving into the themes of her National Book Award-nominated youth novel, Buffalo Dreamer (published by Nancy Paulsen Books in 2024), and her upcoming children's book, "Life is a Dance." The conversation touches on the impacts of the Indian residential school system, the power of storytelling in mental health and community healing, and the joys and challenges of family life. Violet's reflections on promoting Indigenous storytelling and arts through her work with Young Warriors, dedicated to cultivating spaces for Indigenous performance and practices, offer a powerful reminder of the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous peoples.Recommended Resources:Violet Duncan, official websiteViolent Duncan, About the Author webpage on Penguin Random HouseBuffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan webpage on Penguin Random House"Buffalo Dreamer: An Interview with Author Violet Duncan [S7 Ep. 228]," Brave New Teaching podcast, October 10, 2024I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer Reviewed by Debbie Reese, Social Justice Books"Violet Duncan- I Am Native," interview on KidLit in Color"Guest Post: Recognizing Our Past, Awakening Our Future by Violet Duncan (Buffalo Dreamer)," School Library Journal, September 4, 2024Violet Duncan on Instagram @violetduncan

I had the honor of speaking with Cheri Sterman and had such a wonderful chat! This is an episode that you don't want to miss! Be sure to share with others because Cheri provides such great insight and truly is an inspiration! We talked about the importance of creativity and what we can expect by participating in ⁠Crayola Creativity Week⁠! Sign up here: But first, learn more about Cheri in this week's episode! About Cheri Sterman, Senior Director of Education, Crayola  Cheri Sterman is a nationally recognized leader in child development and education, and a passionate advocate of creativity and the influence it has on a child's future potential. Cheri most recently helped Crayola launch its advocacy initiative, Campaign for Creativity, which challenges conventional perceptions about creativity, sparking a new dialogue about the value of creativity and helping parents incorporate more creative moments into their children's lives. Cheri has served as vice-chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Learning and on the executive boards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Child Development Council. Cheri helps educators and community leaders expand their creative thinking. She hosts Crayola monthly online programs including:  The Art of Learning, and Read Along-Draw Along where she interviews authors, illustrators, art therapists, and educators. Cheri has served as a consultant to the National Governors Association, White House Commission on Children and Youth, Children's Defense Fund, and the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities' Turn-Around Schools Initiative. Learn more about and connect with Cheri: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠X⁠ ⁠K12 Digest⁠ article about Cheri's work around creative thinking ⁠School Library Journal⁠ - article about Crayola's Creativity Week Be sure to sign up today! Crayola Creativity Week 2025! Subscribe to my blog, newsletter and contact me for speaking or PD events!

Here are some highlights from our conversation with NYTimes-bestselling, award-winning author Jasmine Warga!: Excavating not simply WHAT your characters want, but WHY they want it The necessity of internal contractions  Becoming a collector of ideas and moments throughout the drafting and revision process How images drive her plotting process The role of alchemy in storytelling The consistent theme at the root of her stories, and writing for our inner 10-year-olds The art of crafting the twist Jasmine Warga is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of middle grade novels Other Words For Home, The Shape of Thunder, A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall and A Rover's Story. Other Words For Home earned multiple awards, including a John Newbery Honor, a Walter Honor for Young Readers, and a Charlotte Huck Honor. The Shape of Thunder was a School Library Journal and Bank Street best book of the year, a finalist for the Barnes & Noble Children's and YA Book Award, and has been named to several state award reading lists. A Rover's Story, her latest novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller, a Indie Next List and a Junior Library Guild selection, and was named a best book of the year by Publishers Weekly and The Washington Post. She is also the author of young adult novel, My Heart and Other Black Holes, which has been translated into over twenty different languages. Originally from Cincinnati, she now lives in the Chicago-area with her family in a house filled with books.

During this episode of On the Air with Florenza, Margot Harrison co-hosts to discuss her newly released debut adult novel, The Midnight Club. "The Midnight Club" (September 2024) is Margot's adult novel, besides her four young adult thrillers. The Killer in Me, her initial YA novel, was chosen as an Indies Introduce pick and made it to the finals of the Vermont Book Award. It received a starred review from Publishers Weekly as well. Her second book, The Glare (Little, Brown, 2020), was highly praised by Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. We Made It All Up (Little, Brown, July 2022), her third book, was selected by the Junior Library Guild and made it to the finals of the Vermont Book Award. Her fourth book, Only She Came Back, was selected by the Junior Library Guild and acclaimed by the School Library Journal for its gripping and timely plot. She lives in Vermont and spends too much time reviewing vintage YA books and making skits about her weird childhood on TikTok. She also occasionally tweets and chronicles her reading on Instagram. Margot loves hearing from readers! #GraydonHouseBooks #Margot_Harrison #MargotFHarrison #Florenzadeniselee #onetheairwithflorenza #books #authorinterview #psychologoicalthriller #crimefiction #crime #booksofinstagram #authorinterview #gettingtoknowtheauthor #thestorybehindthestory #WordstoPonder #TimeTravelNovels

What if the stories inside you could help heal your deepest wounds? In this episode, I host a renowned author, Francesca Lia Block, who takes us through the magical connection between storytelling and healing. With a blend of poetry, symbolism, and magic realism, Francesca shares how creative writing can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, healing, self-discovery, personal growth, and navigating personal experiences.  In this podcast episode, Francesca Lia Block shares: - The body-mind connection in storytelling. - The 12-question framework to combining craft and personal healing. - The importance of community in the creative process. - Balancing craft and raw expression: how to navigate, allowing your authentic voice to emerge. - Overcoming fear and vulnerability and finding the courage to share through writing. - The healing power of fiction. - Writing as a somatic practice: incorporating movement and body awareness. - The evolutionary aspect of storytelling. - Practical tips for aspiring writers. - The importance of ongoing projects for maintaining momentum and emotional balance. And so much more! Francesca Lia Block, M.F.A., is the author of more than thirty books of fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and poetry and has written screenplay adaptations of her work. She received the Spectrum Award, the Phoenix Award, the ALA Rainbow Award, and the 2005 Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as other citations from the American Library Association and from the New York Times Book Review, School Library Journal, and Publisher's Weekly. Her work has been translated into Italian, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Portuguese. Francesca has also published stories, poems, essays, and interviews in The Los Angeles Times, The L.A. Review of Books, Spin, Nylon, Black Clock, The Fairy Tale Review, and Rattle, among others. In addition to writing, Francesca edits the Lit Angels online journal on Substack and teaches fiction at various places, including UCLA Extension, Antioch University, and privately in Los Angeles, where she was born and raised. Learn more and reach out: francesca.block@gmail.com https://www.francescaliablock.com/about --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aimee322/support

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, we are honored to welcome Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess, a renowned scholar and author of Three Summers. Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess joins Shemaiah to delve into her deeply moving and impactful book that chronicles the lives of five young cousins in 1980s Bosnia. As ethnic tensions escalate, their bond becomes a source of strength and resilience, illustrating the power of unity and sisterhood.Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess shares her profound insights on the importance of diverse storytelling and its role in fostering global awareness and empathy. Her personal journey—from a survivor of the Bosnian Genocide to a leading advocate for social cohesion and education—brings a powerful perspective on how life experiences can shape our understanding of the world.Tune in to hear how Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess's story not only sheds light on lesser-known historical events but also serves as a call to action for building a more compassionate and connected world. This episode is a compelling reminder of the strength found in shared stories and the impact they can have on our global community.  About Dr. Sabic-El-RayessPosition: Associate Professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University.Research Focus: Educational Displacement, targeted violence, hate prevention, interfaith collaboration, anti-Muslim racism, storytelling, radicalization, othering, transitional justice, corruption, social cohesion, social mobility, and social transformation.International Engagement: Delivered over 100 invited lectures and presentations across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.Research Grants: Received funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Muslim World League, U.S. State Department, and various foundations and institutes.Awards and Recognition:2021 Vecernjakov Pecat Award (Bosnia and Herzegovina) for research, activism, and contribution toward social cohesion.Finalist for the 2021 Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Medal by the American Library Association.Recognized by School Library Journal, Malala Fund, and others for her book The Cat I Never Named.Author:The Cat I Never Named—widely integrated into K-12 and higher education curricula in the U.S.Three Summers (Macmillan Publishers-FSG, 2024)—story of sisterhood and resilience during the Bosnian Genocide.Leadership Roles:First Muslim President of Brown University's Alumni Association.Chair of Brown University's Multicultural, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Alumni Committee.Board Director roles with the International Center for Transitional Justice, Tuxedo Park School, Women's March Global, and Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation.Global Collaboration: Member of the World Association of International Studies and the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies.Advisory Role: Scientific Advisor to the Forward Project, addressing radicalization in multiethnic contexts, funded by NATO and European Parliament.Community Engagement: Leads dialogues and workshops in U.S. schools, libraries, and communities, focusing on resilience, unity, and empowerment against hate and extremism.Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of War:https://a.co/d/cr7pFhFhttps://www.sabicelrayess.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

Today's limericks are all about unexpected consequences. Happy reading.Children's poet and educator Constance Levy earned degrees at Washington University and currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its careful attention to external and internal rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, and assonance, Levy's work frequently takes encounters with the natural world as its subject. By drawing on her own childhood encounters, Levy re-experiences the world through verse in the fresh and exuberant ways that children perceive natural objects and phenomena, often for the first time. Reviewers have consistently praised Levy's poems for their accessible yet creative language. Her books include The Story of Red Rubber Ball (2004), Splash!: Poems of Our Watery World (2002), A Crack in the Clouds and Other Poems (1998), A Tree Place and Other Poems (1994), and I'm Going to Pet a Worm Today and Other Poems (1991). School Library Journal's Kathleen Whalin summed up the appeal of Levy's verse best in her review of When Whales Exhale and Other Poems: “To read Levy is to see the wonder of the everyday world.”-bio via Poetry Foundation Get full access to The Daily Poem Podcast at dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe

Amy is joined by school librarian, Casey O'Leary, to confront the alarming increase of book bans and challenges in recent years, exploring where these challenges are coming from, why parents are concerned, and how librarians and authors are pushing back again censorship. Casey O'Leary is a K-12 school media specialist in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has a bachelor of science in elementary education and a master of library science, both from Indiana University. O'Leary served as a public children's librarian and manager for 10 years prior to moving into school librarianship. She is active in the American Library Association and recently served on the Children's Literature Legacy Award Committee and is also a reviewer for School Library Journal.

SHOW NOTES: https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-state-of-middle-grade.html I love middle grade books! But what defines a middle grade book? What are the challenges to publishing for this age group? What is the state of middle grade literature today? To learn more, I invited 2 experts on the genre: ~ Librarian Karen Jensen, author of "Treatise on the State of Middle Grade and Young Adult Publishing Today" and creator of the Teen Librarian Toolbox blog on School Library Journal's website ~ Chris Baron, author of Jewish middle grade fiction and founding member of the Facebook group For the Love of Middle Grade LEARN MORE: Transcript of the episode Chris Baron's website Chris's books: All of Me | The Magical Imperfect | The Gray | The Secret of the Dragon Gems | On All Other Nights Teen Librarian Toolbox's "Mind the Middle" Project Karen's Treatise on the State of MG and YA Publishing Today Author support groups: For the Love of Middle Grade | Mighty Middle Grade Authors | Middle Grade Authorcade Evaluating Jewish Representation in Children's Literature: A Guide for Libraries Authors promoting middle grade: Rick Riordan Presents | Dav Pilkey's Little Free Libraries | James Patterson's imprint | Ambassador for Young People's Literature Jason Reynolds Karen's middle grade reading recommendation: A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd Chris's middle grade reading recommendation: Tale of the Flying Forest by R.M. Romero Podcast recommendation: Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong  

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

In this episode we welcome back Dr. Victor Santos, a children's book author and linguist, to dive into the fascinating world of languages, dialects, and accents. Join us as we explore how accents tell wonderful stories about the people around us and reflect their unique cultural backgrounds. Dr. Santos shares insights on the difference between dialects and languages, and how accents add to the vibrant diversity of our global society. We also discuss practical tips on how to communicate with friends who speak differently and the importance of embracing our differences with kindness and curiosity. Tune in to learn how accents can be a window into new experiences and friendships. Don't miss this exciting adventure in understanding the beauty of accents! Dr. Victor Santos: https://www.authorvictorsantos.com/ Purchase What Makes Us Human HERE. ******************************************************* To our valued listeners: please consider requesting that your local library add a copy of What Makes Us Human to their collection! To request a book purchase with your library (you must be a patron), you can simply Google for your library's name plus the keywords "suggest a title" or "request a title" and it should take you to a form where you can request a copy of What Makes Us Human using the information provided in the email template below. If that does not work, you can simply email your library using the wording in the email below (all you need to do is fill in your name): Subject: Book Purchase Request for Library Collection To the person in charge of acquisitions of children's books,  My name is (Your name) and I am a patron of the library.  I would like to request purchase for our collection of a wonderful new non-fiction children's book called "What Makes Us Human". The book, on the theme of language, languages, and cultural diversity, has received a starred review from School Library Journal and has been chosen by UNESCO as the official children's book for the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Below is further information about the book: ISBN: 978-0802856258 Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Year: 2024 Format: Print More information: starred School Library Journal review and very positive reviews by Booklist and Hornbook.  I believe this book would be an incredible addition to our library's collection and a way for our library to show our patrons that it cares about linguistic and cultural diversity.  Thank you for considering adding "What Makes Us Human" to your collection. Best regards,  (Your Name) ******************************************************* Birthday shoutouts, comments: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Please leave us a 5 star rating!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culture-kids-podcast/id1649055929 Instagram: @culturekidsmedia

“My Weird School” series (HarperCollins), illustrated by Jim Paillot, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in June 2024. In addition, six new My Weird School books will be published in 2024—including the 100th My Weird School book, Miss Nichol Is in a Pickle! By the end of the year, the series will include more than 100 titles across 10 series arcs, selling more than 35 million copies globally.Dan Gutman is the New York Times bestselling author of 185 books for young readers, including the My Weird School series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and the Genius Files. Dan's books have received nineteen state book awards and ninety-two state book award nominations. Called “an expert at merging humor with history” by School Library Journal, Dan's books span many subjects, including history, sports, science, and humor. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

You get to be a fly on the wall with this episode! It's a fun conversation between two writers, neighbors and friends. I met Carly Anne West when I moved to Seoul and we bonded over the trials, the joys, the ups and downs of the writing life which also then led to a meaningful and lovely friendship built over time taking what I call "walk and talks" together along the Han river in Seoul. One of the benefits of living the expat life is meeting people from all over the world. Carly was a generous and open hearted soul that helped me ease into Seoul my first year. Spoiler alert - it wasn't easy and her experience of living in Seoul already six years at the time helped a great deal. She's an "author of unnerving books" as her website says and isn't afraid of where fear takes us in the creative life. In fact she's kind of made her own genre out it. I loved this conversation and I know you will too! More about the fascinating and talented Carly: Carly Anne West is the author of spine-tingly books for readers of all ages. Carly's debut YA novel published by Simon Pulse—The Murmurings—was described by Shelf Awareness as “the perfect mix of horror and psychological thriller; jaw-dropping,” called “heart-thumping” (Kirkus) and “satisfyingly disturbing” (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books). Her sophomore YA (also from Simon Pulse)—The Bargaining— “rewards patient readers with both frightening action and emotional insight” (Kirkus Reviews) and is “akin to old school Stephen King novels, not to be read before bedtime” (School Library Journal).In her free time, Carly enjoys traveling with family and friends as much as possible, living globally with her husband, two children, giant dog named Belle, and tiny cat named Addie (yes, they're best friends). Shecurrently resides in Seoul, Korea, but grew up in the U.S. in Arizona, calling Nashville, Oakland, Seattle,and Portland home before moving overseas. She holds an MFA in English & Writing from Mills College. Carly on Insta: @carlyannewest Website: https://carlyannewest.comYou can learn more about me

Bestselling author Dan Gutman joins the show to discuss the 20th anniversary of the "My Weird School" series and the 100th "My Weird School" book Miss Nichol Is in a Pickle! Dan Gutman is the New York Times bestselling author of 185 books for young readers, including the "My Weird School" series, the "Baseball Card Adventure" series, and the "Genius Files." Dan's books have received nineteen state book awards and ninety-two state book award nominations. Called “an expert at merging humor with history” by School Library Journal, Dan's books now span many subjects, including history, sports, science, and humor.

Have you ever wondered, "Why do languages matter?"Dr. Victor Santos, author of What Makes Us Human, a poetic riddle about language, history, and culture released in partnership with UNESCO for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, helps us uncover the powerful role languages play in shaping our identities, cultures, and communities. In this episode, we explore the perks of being multilingual and multicultural, the unique sounds and structures of different languages, and the intriguing work of linguists. Perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups, this episode will inspire you to appreciate the diversity of languages and understand why preserving them is crucial. Tune in for fun facts, insightful discussions, and a special quiz about the number of languages in the world! Don't miss out on the adventure—hit subscribe and stay tuned for more exciting episodes. Dr. Victor Santos: https://www.authorvictorsantos.com/ Purchase What Makes Us Human HERE. ******************************************************* To our valued listeners: please consider requesting that your local library add a copy of What Makes Us Human to their collection! To request a book purchase with your library (you must be a patron), you can simply Google for your library's name plus the keywords "suggest a title" or "request a title" and it should take you to a form where you can request a copy of What Makes Us Human using the information provided in the email template below. If that does not work, you can simply email your library using the wording in the email below (all you need to do is fill in your name): Subject: Book Purchase Request for Library Collection To the person in charge of acquisitions of children's books,  My name is (Your name) and I am a patron of the library.  I would like to request purchase for our collection of a wonderful new non-fiction children's book called "What Makes Us Human". The book, on the theme of language, languages, and cultural diversity, has received a starred review from School Library Journal and has been chosen by UNESCO as the official children's book for the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Below is further information about the book: ISBN: 978-0802856258 Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Year: 2024 Format: Print More information: starred School Library Journal review and very positive reviews by Booklist and Hornbook.  I believe this book would be an incredible addition to our library's collection and a way for our library to show our patrons that it cares about linguistic and cultural diversity.  Thank you for considering adding "What Makes Us Human" to your collection. Best regards,  (Your Name) ******************************************************* Birthday shoutouts, comments: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Please leave us a 5 star rating!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culture-kids-podcast/id1649055929 Instagram: @culturekidsmedia

About: Elizabeth Acevedo is the New York Times-bestselling author of The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Carnegie medal, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award. She is also the author of numerous other titles including Family Lore; With the Fire on High, which was named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal; and Clap When You Land, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor book and a Kirkus finalist. Acevedo has been a fellow of Cave Canem, Cantomundo, and a participant in the Callaloo Writer's Workshops. She is a National Poetry Slam Champion, and resides in Washington, DC with her husband.       Find out more at gloryedim.com

Jennifer Donnelly discusses her newest book Beastly Beauty.Jennifer Donnelly is the author of A Northern Light, which was awarded a Printz Honor and a Carnegie Medal; Revolution, named a Best Book by Amazon, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and the Chicago Public Library; and many other books for young readers, including Lost in a Book, which spent over 20 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley. 

Our guest, Jennifer Donnelly, is a multi-award winning, New York Times bestselling author of several highly regarded books. These include A Northern Light, which was awarded a Printz Honor and a Carnegie Medal; Revolution, named a Best Book by Amazon, Kirkus Reviews, and the School Library Journal, as well as many other books for young readers, most notably Lost in a Book, which spent over 20 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Jennifer joins us to share all about her just released, new book, Beastly Beauty. Her story is based on a fairy tale that we all know… but there's an engaging, gender related twist that is guaranteed to keep you captivated and turning pages well into the night. So be sure to tune in for this one and hear what Jennifer has to share about her delightful twist on an old fairytale!

Have you heard of synesthesia?It is when your brain routes sensory information through multiple unrelated senses, causing you to experience more than one sense simultaneously. Some examples include tasting words or linking colors to numbers and letters. My guest this week, Emily Barth Isler, is an author of essays and children's books, including the middle grade novels AfterMath and The Color of Sound, which was published March 5, 2024.  The Color of Sound features a character who, like Emily, has synesthesia.  It has received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and the School Library Journal.  I first met Emily on my other podcast, Neuroversity, to talk about her first book, AfterMath, which is an award-winning middle grade novel about grief, resilience, friendship, math, and mime. Emily and I quickly realized that there were so many things we should talk about that I promised to get her on WeSTAT and the release of her new book seemed like the perfect fit.Find out more about Emily hereSupport the Show.Keep up with all things WeSTAT on any (or ALL) of the social feeds:InstagramThreads : westatpodFacebookLinkedInTwitterHave a topic or want to stay in touch via e-mail on all upcoming news?https://www.westatpod.com/Help monetarily support the podcast by subscribing to the show! This is an easy way to help keep the conversations going:https://www.buzzsprout.com/768062/supporters/new

Synesthesia is when your brain routes sensory information through multiple unrelated senses, causing you to experience more than one sense simultaneously. Some examples include tasting words or linking colors to numbers and letters. It's not a medical condition, and not something to be cured, therefore it falls right under the neurodivergent umbrella.  Today's guest not only has synesthesia, she also just recently published a middle grade novel about it, which is fantastic and called The Color of Sound. Emily Barth Isler is the author of AfterMath, an award-winning middle grade novel about grief, resilience, friendship, math, and mime. Comedian and activist Amy Schumer calls AfterMath  "A gift to the culture," and author Judith Viorst pronounced it "pretty close to perfect." Emily's latest book, The Color of Sound, features a character who, like Emily, has synesthesia, and was published March 5, 2024. It has received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal . In 2026, her first picture book, Always Enough Love, will be published by Nancy Paulsen Books. She has a BA in Film Studies from Wesleyan University and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two children. Follow Neuroversity on all our social platforms:Neuroversity WebsiteIGFacebookTwitterLinkedInPatreon

Show notes: What is History? How andWhy Should I Teach It by Susan Wise Bauer Why Learn History When it's Already on Your Phone? By Sam Wineburg Sam Wineburg for CBS Research on middle schoolers ability to interpret information on the internetA helpful introduction to teaching historical thinking skillsResources for Teaching History: The Big History Project (skills taught: contextualization, sourcing, causation, comparison, continuity & change over time, close reading) Digital Inquiry Group (formerly Stanford History Education Group or SHEG). This organization offers free lesson plans and assessment ideas that emphasize historical thinking skills, perfect for logic stage students. The “Lunchroom I” and “Lunchroom II” lesson plans are a fun introduction to historical thinking skills. A great introduction to history for rhetoric stage students: Telling the Truth About History Reading Lists for Hard History American Indians in Children's Literature Web Page by Debbie Reese Heritage Mom Recommendations for Black HistoryAnnotated Reading list for Grammar Stage: Picture Books About Slavery and Freedom via Heritage MomAnnotated Reading list for Logic Stage: Age-Appropriate Books about the Holocaust via School Library Journal (you know your student, some of these may be too heavy for younger logic stage students). Another reading list with both grammar stage and logic stage titles on enslavement: Children's Books about Slavery and Enslavement via Pragmatic Mom (00:00) - Intro (00:25) - History as a battleground (05:21) - A Drag Queen example (08:31) - History as a story and historical "accuraacy" (16:49) - 4 historical approaches (16:57) - Biographical history (19:06) - Progressive history (29:35) - Positivist history (33:55) - Social history (37:33) - How do we teach this? (40:10) - History in the grammar stage (47:52) - History in the logic stage (55:21) - History in the rhetoric stage (58:37) - Wrapping up (59:22) - Outro

Penny is critically acclaimed author who writes under pen names Sasha Dawn and Brandi Reeds. You will learn a lot for this episode about our town as well as several good laughs.  About the author Brandi Reeds is a critically acclaimed author who writes young adult novels under the pseudonym Sasha Dawn. Her debut psychological thriller, Oblivion, was chosen as one of the New York Public Library's Best Books for Teens, recommended by the School Library Journal, endorsed by the American Library Association, and selected by the 2016 Illinois Reading Council as a featured book. On her way to becoming an author, Reeds earned her BA in history and English from Northern Illinois University, followed by an MA in writing from Seton Hill University. When not working on her next book, she teaches college English and works as a kitchen design consultant and cabinetry specialist. She's also an avid traveler, reader, and dance enthusiast. Reeds is a Chicago native (Go, White Sox!) and currently lives in the northern suburbs with her husband, daughters, and three puppies. Visit her at www.sashadawn.com.

Karl Beckstrand was exposed to gay sex at age 8 by a male peer. Because of that experience at such a tender age, Karl developed a dysfunctional relationship with sex. He became hypersexual from that first encounter at age 8 until he was about 40, at which point he went to the other extreme and became a recluse for a decade. Here, he tells the story of how he learned to get his emotional needs met in a healthy way. Guest Bio College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand is the best-selling author/illustrator of twenty-seven multicultural/multilingual books (60 e-books—reviews by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal). Raised in San Jose, California, he has lived abroad, earned a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in international relations and conflict resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate. His western novel, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand loves volleyball and singing (in rock bands or choirs). His Y.A. stories, e-book mysteries, immigrant biographies, self-help, Spanish/bilingual books, and STEM books feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. See: Amazon, Apple/iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Follett, Ingram, Walmart, Target, and PremioBooks.comTurning 40 and Embracing Intimacy Over SexIn this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, host Stephanie McLaughlin talks to Karl Beckstrand, who reflects on his early experiences with hypersexuality and his attempts to suppress his attraction to men. He discusses the negative impact this had on his relationships and his decision to become a recluse for 10 years. Karl eventually realized that he needs emotional connection rather than sexual encounters to fulfill his needs. He opens up about his deep and lasting friendships with men, which he describes as "bromances." Karl challenges some of the societal norms in the gay community and emphasizes the importance of meeting emotional needs in relationships. This episode offers a unique perspective on relationships and personal growth in midlife.Highlights:Karl shares his early exposure to sex by a male peer and how it led him to act hypersexually along with his attempts to suppress his attraction to men.He discusses the negative impact of his out-of-control behavior on his relationships and his decision to become a recluse for 10 years.Karl realizes that he needs emotional connection rather than sexual encounters to fulfill his needs.He opens up about his deep and lasting friendships with men, which he describes as "bromances."Karl challenges societal norms and emphasizes the importance of meeting emotional needs in relationships.If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be honored if you would rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast.Guest ResourcesConnect with Karl on Facebook Connect with Karl on Instagram Do you have the Midlife Ick? Download Stephanie's guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick Listen, Rate & SubscribeApple Podcasts SpotifyAmazon Podcasts

Broken to the Fist. Friend of the pod and Creator of Counterpart, Justin Marks, is back on tv with Rachel Kondo for Hulu's Shōgun. Red & Ivan are joined by Award winning Author and friend of the pod, Maggie Tokuda-Hall!!! Pre-Order Maggie's Graphic Novel, The Worst Ronin!!!! Maggie is the author of the 2017 Parent's Choice Gold Medal winning picture book, Also an Octopus, illustrated by Benji Davies. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea is her debut young adult novel, which was an NPR, Kirkus, School Library Journal and Book Page Best Book of 2020. Its sequel, The Siren, The Song and The Spy comes out September 2023. Her graphic novel, Squad, is an Ignyte and Locus Award nominated comic book, and her newest picture book, Love in the Library, has been named a Best Picture Book of 2022 by Book Page, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Publisher's Weekly. Maggie is a founding member of Authors Against Book Bans. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, children, and objectively perfect dog.  Also, check out Red & Maggie Tokuda-Hall's podcast, Failure to Adapt, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or via RSS As always: Support Ivan & Red! → patreon.com/boarsgoreswords Follow us on twitter → @boarsgoreswords Find us on facebook → facebook.com/BoarsGoreSwords

Have you ever felt stuck? How about feeling like you've hit a wall? What did you do to overcome it? How did you push through? These questions and more are covered in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast! About Barbara Dee Barbara Dee is the award-winning author of fourteen middle grade novels, all published by Simon & Schuster. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post's Best Children's Books, ALA Notable Children's Books, ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, School Library Journal's Best Middle Grade Books, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Her books appear on numerous state awards lists as well. Barbara graduated magna cum laude from Yale with honors in English. She has a MA degree from Middlebury College's Bread Loaf School of English and a JD degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was an associate editor of the law review. She has taught high school English and has practiced law. Barbara is one of the founders and a former board member of the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival, now the largest children's book festival in the country.   About 'Unstuck' Lyla is thrilled when her seventh-grade English language arts class begins a daily creative writing project. For the past year, she's been writing a brilliant fantasy novel in her head, and here's her chance to get it on paper! The plot to Lyla's novel is super complicated, with battle scenes and witches and a mysterious one-toed-beast, but at its core, it's about an overlooked girl who has to rescue her beautiful, highly accomplished older sister. But writing a fantasy novel turns out to be harder than simply imagining one, and pretty soon Lyla finds herself stuck, experiencing a panic she realizes is writer's block. Part of the problem is that she's trying to impress certain people—like Rania, her best friend who's pulling away, and Ms. Bowman, the coolest teacher at school. Plus, there's the pressure of meeting the deadline for the town writing contest. A few years ago, Lyla's superstar teen sister Dahlia came in second, and this time, Lyla is determined to win first prize. Finally, Lyla confides about her writing problems to Dahlia, who is dealing with her own academic stress as she applies to college. That's when she learns Dahlia's secret, which is causing a very different type of writer's block. Can Lyla rescue a surprisingly vulnerable big sister, both on the page and in real life?   Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.   With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)   Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life!    At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care.    Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com   The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team!  https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. She writes for the School Library Journal blog A Fuse #8 Production and reviews for Kirkus. She is the host of the Story Seeds podcast as well as the co-host of the Fuse 8 n' Kate podcast that she creates with her sister. Betsy is the author of nonfiction, picture books, anthologies, and the historical middle grade novel Long Road to the Circus (Knopf, 2021), illustrated by David Small. Her new picture book Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme is out Fall 2024. You can follow Betsy @fusenumber8 on Instagram, Threads and TikTok or @fuse8.bsky.social on BlueSky. In our animated conversation, we talk about what makes a great picture book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. She writes for the School Library Journal blog A Fuse #8 Production and reviews for Kirkus. She is the host of the Story Seeds podcast as well as the co-host of the Fuse 8 n' Kate podcast that she creates with her sister. Betsy is the author of nonfiction, picture books, anthologies, and the historical middle grade novel Long Road to the Circus (Knopf, 2021), illustrated by David Small. Her new picture book Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme is out Fall 2024. You can follow Betsy @fusenumber8 on Instagram, Threads and TikTok or @fuse8.bsky.social on BlueSky. In our animated conversation, we talk about what makes a great picture book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to prolific author Karl Beckstrand. Karl talks to us about marketing and the difference between traditional and self-publishing. College media instructor Karl Beckstrand is the best-selling author of 27 titles (and 65 e-books) with reviews by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. Karl was raised in San Jose, California and has a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate. His western, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand's mysteries, nonfiction, STEM, and Spanish/bilingual books feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. Karl has a plethora of accolades: His 27th book - Abundant Paths (nonfiction) was just called “Definitive” by Publisher's Weekly. His bilingual picture book Crumbs on the stairs was named in the top 10 "Best Books" of 2011 by ForeWord Reviews Magazine and featured in School Library Journal. His western novel - Swallow the earth won a 2016 International Book Award and was a Laramie Award finalist. His kid's parable on earning a living - the Bridge of the golden wood was selected by the State of Vermont for primary school career/finance curriculum (another was selected for agriculture curriculum in Oregon and Georgia). Karl also teaches media at a state college, has had numerous books at #1 in their category, and have received nods from Kirkus and The Horn Book.

On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius Publishing, husband, father of nine, author, fisherman, backpacker, and aspirational musician based in the Central Valley of California, talks to Sarah Smith; a distinguished district librarian from California's Central Valley about books and the current book banning trend within the United States.    Having served as a high school librarian and English teacher, Sarah's passion now extends to professionally reviewing manga and graphic novels for esteemed publications like Booklist and School Library Journal. she has penned articles for California English and Diamond Bookshelf, enhancing our understanding of the written word. Her voice has enriched podcasts such as School Librarians United and The Literacy Advocate, and her expertise has been showcased at conferences hosted by the American Library Association and the School Library Journal Summit.   Episode Highlights: 01:58 Christopher opens the dialogue with a reflection on the current state of book banning and censorship in the United States, emphasizing its unprecedented scale and acknowledges the need to balance the protection of our right to read with parental concerns over potentially objectionable content. 02:34 Statistics reveal a significant rise in challenged titles in libraries, with a shift towards collective challenges on multiple books rather than individual titles. 04:22 Sarah describes the issue of book banning as a significant element in a wider cultural conflict, particularly as a means to challenge public education. She notes that the pandemic, by bringing school into the home, gave some parents a closer look at educational content, which has spurred a pushback against certain materials. 05:27 Sarah reveals a startling statistic from a recent study showing that a majority of the book challenges can be traced back to a relatively small number of individuals, suggesting the influence of a vocal minority rather than a widespread movement. 07:38 Christopher seeks Sarah's insight on how parents can address concerns about content their children are exposed to in school libraries. 09:06 Sarah touches on regional differences in content appropriateness, particularly within California's diverse political landscape. She discusses the challenges librarians face in ensuring age-appropriate content and the reliance on various tools and resources to assist in book selection. 10:49 The goal of reconsiderations process is to approach concerns objectively and fairly, without succumbing to emotional or biased judgments, says Sarah. 11:56 Christopher clarifies the objective criteria in place for parents to submit concerns about content and the inclusive review process involving various community members. 13:19 Christopher discusses the variability of policies across districts and states, and the importance for parents to be informed about their school's specific policies. 13:35 Sarah advises parents to check school board policies on their school's website, typically found under the instruction section, to understand the policy regarding book challenges. 14:26 Sarah emphasizes the importance of civility when parents address concerns with schools, suggesting that a polite approach is more effective. 16:34 Sarah introduces the idea of parents discussing content limitations directly with libraries, potentially preventing the need for book removals. She shares a personal anecdote about respecting a parent's request to restrict specific genres for their child and notes that this is a right parents have. 18:51 Christopher also discusses cultural literacy, encouraging exposure to a broad range of literature, music, and film to enrich children's understanding of the human experience. 20:10 On constitutional aspect, Christopher questions how current cultural conflicts and legislation align with the freedom of speech and the freedom to read as guaranteed by the First Amendment. 21:27 Sara mentions guidance issued by the California District Attorney in June, reminding schools of their obligation to follow due process when considering the removal of books, underlining potential consequences for failing to do so. 22:46 Christopher inquiries about historical precedents for comic censorship, leading to a discussion on the Comics Code Authority established in response to accusations that comics were contributing to juvenile delinquency. 23:40 Sara explains the self-regulatory measures of the comics industry to avoid Congressional censorship and how the 1980s saw a shift with publishers choosing to ignore the Comics Code to produce content for mature audiences. 25:54 Sarah stresses the diligence that goes into selecting books for libraries, pointing out that professional reviews are a resource for librarians and can be a tool for parents as well. She mentions that professional reviews are available for parents to check if a book is age-appropriate and suggests that these resources can also guide parental choices. 28:16 Christopher discusses the importance of trade publications in the library collection development process and their availability on platforms like Amazon.   Key Points:  Christopher and Sarah explore the concerning trend of book banning in the U.S., discussing the need to find a balance between protecting the freedom to read and addressing parental concerns over certain educational content. Sarah offers insights on the book selection process in libraries, emphasizing the role of professional reviews and trade publications to ensure age-appropriateness, and suggests that direct communication between parents and libraries can pre-emptively address content concerns. The conversation also addresses the constitutional implications of book banning, historical censorship in comics, and the importance of cultural literacy, underscoring the significance of due process and civility in the discourse around library content and book challenges.   Tweetable Quotes: "Unprecedented scale of book banning in the U.S. calls for a balance between our right to read and addressing parental content concerns." - Christopher Robbins "A vocal minority, not a widespread movement, often drives the rise in book challenges." - Sarah Smith "Civility and direct communication with libraries can address content concerns more effectively than book removals." - Sarah Smith "Cultural literacy is enriched by exposure to a broad range of literature, music, and film." - Christopher Robbins   Resources Mentioned Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple https://www.graphiclibrary.org/about-me.html Podcast Editing

Website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram- @perksofbeingabookloverpod FaceBook- Perks of Being a BookLover. To send us a message, go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find out more about Kelcey Ervick on her website kelceyervick.com This week we chat with Kelcey Ervick whose graphic memoir The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives Amy discovered after our friend and former guest, Bethany, told us about what a great book it was. Kelcey is the author of four books but The Keeper is her first foray into a full graphic experience. She weaves her own personal story of being a high school and Division I college soccer player with the history and effect Title IX has had on women in all areas of their lives, not just in sports. If you loved the feminist bent of the movie Barbie, this book will give you similar vibes. The Keeper has been recommended by the NYT Book Review, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, and was the winner of the state literary prize of Ohio, the Ohioana Book Award, which has been awarded to other notable authors including Celeste NG, Ross Gay, and John Scalzi. Even if you aren't a sports fan (and I am not), you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Remember, that in Season 10, Amy has a new project which is to give listeners book recommendations. If you're looking for a book set in Romania, or a book about rabbits, or a book about changelings, or anything in between, send us a message and we'll recommend a similar read you can add to your nightstand. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives by Kelcey Ervick 2- The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 3- The Bitter Life of Bozena Nemcova: A Biographical Collage by Kelcey Ervick 4- The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature edited by Kelcey Ervick and Tom Hart 5- Good Talk by Mira Jacob 6- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 7- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel 8- Pretending is Lying by Dominique Goblet 9- The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron 10- Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland 11- Wild Seed by Octavia Butler 12- Mind of My Mind by Octavia Butler 13- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler 14- America Redux by Ariel Aberg-Riger 15- Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen 16- Landings: A Crooked Creek Farm Year by Arwen Donahue 5 Star Book Recommendation by a Fellow Book Lover Barbara K. - @msbarbarasbookshelf - Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Podcasts mentioned-- The To Read List Podcast (Jul 2020 episode)

Website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram- @perksofbeingabookloverpod FaceBook- Perks of Being a BookLover. To send us a message, go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find out more about Kelcey Ervick on her website https://kelceyervick.com This week we chat with Kelcey Ervick whose graphic memoir The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives I (Amy) discovered after our friend and former guest, Bethany, told us about what a great book it was. Kelcey is the author of four books but The Keeper is her first foray into a full graphic experience. She weaves her own personal story of being a high school and Division I college soccer player with the history and effect Title IX has had on women in all areas of their lives, not just in sports. If you loved the feminist bent of the movie Barbie, this book will give you similar vibes. The Keeper has been recommended by the NYT Book Review, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, and was the winner of the state literary prize of Ohio, the Ohioana Book Award, which has been awarded to other notable authors including Celeste NG, Ross Gay, and John Scalzi. Even if you aren't a sports fan (and I am not), you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Remember, that in Season 10, Amy has a new project which is to give listeners book recommendations. If you're looking for a book set in Romania, or a book about rabbits, or a book about changelings, or anything in between, send us a message and we'll recommend a similar read you can add to your nightstand. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives by Kelcey Ervick 2- The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 3- The Bitter Life of Bozena Nemcova: A Biographical Collage by Kelcey Ervick 4- The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature edited by Kelcey Ervick and Tom Hart 5- Good Talk by Mira Jacob 6- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 7- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel 8- Pretending is Lying by Dominique Goblet 9- The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron 10- Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland 11- Wild Seed by Octavia Butler 12- Mind of My Mind by Octavia Butler 13- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler 14- America Redux by Ariel Aberg-Riger 15- Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen 16- Landings: A Crooked Creek Farm Year by Arwen Donahue 5 Star Book Recommendation by a Fellow Book Lover Barbara K. - @msbarbarasbookshelf - Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Podcasts mentioned-- The To Read List Podcast (Jul 2020 episode)

On this Episode, Jessica Vitalis shares her thirteen-year journey to becoming a published author. Her latest novel, Coyote Queen, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2023, and it received a starred review from School Library Journal. Books mentioned in this episode include:Coyote Queen, by Jessica VitalisThe Wolf's Curse,  by Jessica VitalisThe Rabbit's Gift, by Jessica VitalisStory Engineering, by Larry BrooksA Monster Calls, by Patrick NessA Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine PatersonAttack of the Black Rectangles, by A.S. KingI love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm. For the same price as other major audiobook providers, you can find all your favorites as well as curated lists of audiobooks written by or recommended by guests of the Middle Grade Matters podcast. Click here to learn more! Consider buying your books from the Middle Grade Matters Bookshop, where proceeds support this podcast as well as independent bookstores everywhere. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow Middle Grade Matters on Instagram and Twitter.If you're enjoying this podcast, please be sure to follow us and please leave us a review.

Every self-published author knows how important reviews are - but there are different types of reviews than just those left by readers. Editorial reviews and review journals are a legacy of traditional publishing, but still incredibly valuable - even to self-published writers. In fact, review journals are unsung heroes in helping authors expand their reach beyond just publishing in the digital realm. In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland have invited back a previous guest to help dive deep into the world of review journals such as Booklist, Library Journal, and the School Library Journal - all to demonstrate how useful they can be to an author's career. Returning guest Dr. Roger Leslie is not only a seasoned author and owner of his publishing company, but someone who also spent eight years as a Booklist reviewer. With this experience, Dr. Leslie provides an exceptional explanation not only of the purpose of review journals but also the steps authors need to take to get featured within them. Doing so can supercharge any author's career by not only helping get their books into libraries, but also by enhancing their editorial credibility (and potentially leading to securing coveted spots in mainstream bookstore chains.)   Dr. Roger Leslie https://rogerleslie.com/ Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

 Karl Beckstrand  College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand is thebest-selling author/illustrator of twenty-seven multicultural/multilingualbooks (65 e-books—reviews by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, The Horn Book, andSchool Library Journal). Raised in San Jose, California, he has lived abroad,earned a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict resolution, and a broadcast& film certificate. His western novel, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016International Book Award. Beckstrand loves volleyball and singing (in rockbands or choirs). His Y.A. stories, e-book mysteries, biographies,Spanish/bilingual books, wordless and STEM books feature diverse characters—andusually end with a twist. See: Amazon, Apple/iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Barnes& Noble, Follett, Ingram, Target, Walmart, and      https://PremioBooks.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlbeckstrand           karl@premiobooks.com  

In K-12 education, there's been a recent push to go digital, and many educators are wondering if people creating the products have the kids' best interest in mind; especially in the for-profit space.That's why I invited Meg Hearn to episode 131 of the De Facto Leaders podcast to get a behind-the-scenes perspective of curriculum and tech products for kids. Meg is an educator with over 20 years of experience. She currently leads a highly collaborative and growing team of curriculum specialists that enhance the Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics core curriculums. In her previous role as Director of Mathematics Curriculum at Age of Learning, she worked with teams that created digital curriculum content for educational games, serving learners ages 2-10. Before that, she oversaw the development of a K–5 digital curriculum at LearnZillion. Her work in public schools preceded her foray into the Edtech world. As a mathematics coach in the Howard County Public School System in Maryland, she facilitated school-based professional development with elementary school teachers focusing on developing conceptual understanding through problem-based teaching. She's been published in School Library Journal and by ISTE and has spent a decade as an adjunct professor at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she teaches gaming in education and mathematics methods courses at the graduate level. She holds a Mathematics Instructional Leadership Graduate Certificate from Notre Dame of Maryland University, a post-master's certificate in administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University, a master's degree in education from McDaniel College, and a bachelor's degree from University of Maryland. Her bachelor's degree was in design, not education. She is still applying what she learned from her design training to this day, which we talk about in the interview.In this conversation, we discuss:✅How EdTech product teams work; and how they test their products to make sure they're helping kids learn.✅The balancing acts K-12 EdTech companies face; including content, design, application features, usability, and other factors that impact accessibility and equity. ✅Designing a learning experience: Prioritizing accountability, alignment, and evidence-based practices while still making learning a creative, engaging experience. ✅Why math can be a prime opportunity to work on executive functioning, why it's embedded in to many math curriculums; plus early math skills kids need to thrive. You can connect with Meg on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-hearn-m-ed-nbct-47a67071/In this episode, I mentioned the Time Tracking Journal, a strategy for improving time-management, future planning, and executive functioning during daily tasks like academic assignments or daily routines. You can learn more about the Time Tracking Journal here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/timejournal

Highlights from this episode with acclaimed author Maggie Tokuda-Hall include: Writing protagonists that are not role models The magic of the 25k word count and refusing to string along dead writing and trashing drafts Her thoughts on determining what are *her* stories to tell Why telling truth to kids matters and untangling what "age appropriate" means Mermaids, serial killers, and another perspective on The Giving Tree An overshare that should empower us all to say NOPE! Maggie Tokuda-Hall is the author of many books, including Love in the Library, and her debut young adult novel The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea, which was named a Best Book of 2020 by NPR, Kirkus, School Library Journal and Book Page. Maggie is relentlessly bold in her writing and her truth-telling, and is an absolute force in the world of kid lit and beyond. IG and TikTok: @maggietokudahall Website: https://www.prettyokmaggie.com/ Discussion around the Scholastic censorship controversy   

EPISODE 1684: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to Michael G. Long, the editor of BAYARD RUSTIN: A LEGACY OF PROTEST AND PROTEST, the political and personal bravery of Bayard Ruskin on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington Michael G. Long (longmg4242@gmail.com) has a Ph.D. from Emory University and is the author or editor of numerous books on nonviolent protest, civil rights, LGBTQIA rights, politics, and religion.Mike's first YA nonfiction biography—a coauthored book titled Troublemaker for Justice: The Story of Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the March on Washington (City Lights Books)—earned starred reviews in Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and the School Library Journal. The Bank Street Center, Kirkus, and SLJ selected Troublemaker as a best book of the year. Mike has also written on civil rights and protest for the Los Angeles Times, The Undefeated (ESPN), the Progressive, the Chicago Tribune, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the New York Daily News, the Afro, USA Today, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Huffington Post, and more. His work has been featured in or on MSNBC, NPR, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, USA Today, The Root, The Nation, The UnJonathan Taplin is a writer, film producer and scholar. He is the Director Emeritus of the Annenberg Innovation Lab at the University of Southern California and was a Professor at the USC Annenberg School from 2003-2016 in the field of international communication management and digital media entertainment. defeated (ESPN), Mother Jones, Huffington Post, Salon, CNN, Book Forum, Ebony/Jet, and many other places. Mike has spoken at Fenway Park, Citi Field, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Library of Congress, the National Museum of American History, the National Archives, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the City Club of San Diego, the Schomberg Center of the New York Public Library, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the New-York Historical Society, among other places. Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kris, aka "The Road Trip Warrior Audiobook Listener," and Tara have talked many times about their love of audiobooks. The right audiobook is a mix of the right story and the right performer. If you only have one, the project doesn't work. So, it's with great joy that we welcome two very special guests this week to talk about all things audiobooks. If you've listened to a sapphic romance in the last 5 years, chances are good you've heard Lori Prince's voice. And if you listen to historical fiction, then you've probably heard Marisa Calin, too. Here's the other cool thing: Marisa and Lori are married to each other! You know what narrators, readers, and writers also love to do? Laugh. There's a lot of laughing in this episode, probably because there's a lot of love here. Love for stories and how they reach out through our headphones, our speakers, or just the page itself, to connect us all together. Like Kris, aka "The Pusher," is fond of saying, “Punch and roll, bitches. Let's go!” Works/People Discussed SAG-AFTRA strike website WGA Strike Hub Interview with Adam Conover, member of WGA's negotiating committee (A More Civilized Age podcast) "AI is coming for your audiobooks. You're right to be worried." (Washington Post, August 16, 2023) Alison Bechdel's Dykes to Watch Out For, by Alison Bechdel and Madeleine George (audiobook) My Covid Romance by Gabra Zackman About our guests Lori Prince is an New York City based actor and narrator with over 25 years of acting experience. She has an extensive theatre background from Off-Broadway to some of the country's top regional theatres and you've probably seen her on TV. With over 150 audiobooks on Audible, she has become a go-to Sapphic Romance narrator with two Earphones Awards. Marisa Calin is an Audie, Odyssey, seven-times Audiofile Earphones Award winning and SOVAS nominated audiobook narrator. She's had an Audible Best Audiobook of the Year, Apple Books Must-Listen audiobooks of the month, starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, and books on YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks of the year list. She's also the author of Between You & Me, a queer YA coming of age novel which was selected for ALA's Rainbow Book List, and the writer of the film A Million Happy Nows, which won best feature at the first Clexacon conference.  Support & follow our show Buy us a Ko-fi Sign up for our newsletter Twitter: @queerlyrec Facebook: @QueerlyRecommended Instagram: @queerlyrecommended Tumblr: @queerlyrecommended TikTok: @queerlyrecommended Get all our links on Linktr.ee Support local animal shelters by joining Kris's Patreon

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

NOT our first Mercer Mayer! Previously we did his book There's a Nightmare in My Closet but it's hardly the man's most famous book/series. Meet Little Critter! At last, he makes his debut on our podcast! The two books we're discussing today originally came out in 1975 and 1983 and then went on to spawn the series we know so well. So once again we have to ask: How come they're moderately well known but not household name known? Interested in how we made these podcasts, by the way? Well, I would like to note that our podcast will be recording at 2:30 CST on Saturday, June 24th in the School Library Journal booth on the ALA Conference floor. If you'd like to hear us do a show, stop by and see us! Show Notes: For the full show notes, please visit us at: https://afuse8production.slj.com/2023/06/19/fuse-8-n-kate-just-for-you-i-was-so-mad-by-mercer-mayer/

Tonight we're chatting with David Bowles and Guadalupe Garcia McCall about their new book Secret of the Moon Conch, about a modern-day young woman and a young 16th-century Aztec warrior who each are going through their own adventures and learn they can communicate across time.David Bowles is an award-winning Mexican American author and translator from Texas. His books include The Smoking Mirror, Feathered Serpent Dark Heart of Sky, and They Call Me Güero. He has been published in the New York Times, School Library Journal, Strange Horizons, English Journal, Rattle, Translation Review, and the Journal of Children's Literature. In 2017, he was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters, and in 2020, he co-founded #DignidadLiteraria, a social justice movement advocating for greater Latinx representation in publishing. Find him at davidbowles.usGuadalupe García McCall is the award-winning author of Under the Mesquite, Summer of the Mariposas, Shame the Stars, All the Stars Denied, and Echoes of Grace. She has received a Pura Belpré Author Award, a Westchester Young Adult Fiction Award, and the Tomás Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award, and was a finalist for the William C. Morris Award and the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy, among many other accolades. She advocates for literacy and diverse books. She lives with her husband in Texas. Find her at ggmccall.com. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4268760/advertisement

Shannon McClintock Miller is an international speaker, consultant and author who has a passion for education, librarianship, advocacy, technology, social media and making a difference in the world and lives of others, especially children.  Shannon serves as the preschool-12th grade district teacher librarian at Van Meter Community School District in Iowa. She currently serves as the Future Ready Librarians  Spokesperson and Future Ready Schools National Faculty Member working with librarians, educators and students around the world every day.  She is also Capstone's Teacher Librarian Community Leader. Shannon is the author of the award winning The Library Voice blog and enjoys writing for various blogs, journals and other forums including ISTE, School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. She has written 12 children's books about library skills and Makerspaces with Capstone; wrote Leading from the Library with her writing partner Bill Bass and ISTE; and has contributed to several other professional books about libraries and education. In 2011, Shannon was awarded the Connecting People Shorty Award and was chosen to be part of the SLJ New Leaders Program in 2012. In 2013, she was named one of the Faces of Innovation from Broadband for America; one of 50 featured in the 2013 Center for Digital Education Yearbook; and one of the featured Connected Educators with the Connected Educators projects partnered with the US Department of Education.  In 2014, Shannon was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker. In 2016, she was awarded the Making it Happen Award by ISTE.  In 2018, she was awarded the AASL Leadership Luminary Social Media Superstar.   And her most favorite roles of all….She is the mom to three amazing children and lucky wife of Eric.  In this episode, we discuss: Shannon's passion for infusing creativity to serve her school community in the library as well as through her consulting and speaking work. Her experience moving into her position as a librarian as well as the roots of her leadership nationally and abroad And she shares her experiences as a mom and the beautiful way she stays radiant by living her full life in all the special roles she serves beyond the library. Connect with Shannon: Shannon on Twitter Shannon on Facebook Shannon on IG Shannon's email Shannon's choice boards Shannon's Blog Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah's Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message

Today I welcome Debbie Reese to talk about her scholarship focused on Native representation in children's literature, her AICL resource, and advice for teachers about selecting texts to use in the classroom. Later, I'm joined by my colleagues Lainie Powell, Angie Forero, and Molly Wood to discuss practical takeaways. **To learn more about this podcast, see the first season's guests, read full transcripts and blog responses from listeners, and read more about Jennifer Serravallo and her work, visit www.jenniferserravallo.com**About this episode's guest:Deb Reese is tribally enrolled at Nambé Owingeh, a sovereign Native Nation. Born at the Indian Hospital in Santa Fe, she grew up on Nambé's reservation, went to Nambé's Day School and later, to public school. She got a teaching degree from the University of New Mexico and taught elementary school in Albuquerque before moving to Oklahoma to work on a Master's degree in school administration. She taught at Riverside Indian School in OK, Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, and Pojoaque Elementary School in Pojoaque.In the early 1990s she moved to Illinois to work on a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. At the time, the University of Illinois had a stereotypical Indian mascot. She worked alongside Native students and allies, and helped establish the Native American House at the University, and soon after that, launched an American Indian Studies program. A few years later, the university's mascot was discontinued.During graduate school at Illinois, she reviewed for Horn Book. She has written for library publications such as Horn Book Magazine and School Library Journal, and educational publications like Language Arts, published by NCTE. She served on the Multicultural Advisory Board for Reading is Fundamental, and the board for Reach Out and Read American Indian/Alaska Native. In 2018, she was selected to deliver the American Library Association's 2019 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture.  Special thanks to Scotty Sanders for audio editing this episode. https://www.scottysandersmedia.com/Support the show

This week, Ayana is joined by Francesca Lia Block in a heartfelt conversation recognizing the search for self and love through magic, literature, and deeply-felt presence. Francesca brings listeners into her writing practices as she navigates centering beauty in a world of intensity. Moving through the depths of empathy, pleasure, and presence, Francesca considers passion as a practice of gratitude to the world around us. As she discusses her most recent book House of Hearts, with Ayana, she emphasizes the healing and growth that comes from examining ourselves and our passions deeply. As we journey through life, what mentors, books, and practices give us the inspiration we need to keep moving forward? Francesca Lia Block, M.F.A., is the author of more than twenty-five books of fiction, non-fiction, short stories and poetry, and has written screenplay adaptations of her work. She received the Spectrum Award, the Phoenix Award, the ALA Rainbow Award and the 2005 Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as other citations from the American Library Association and from the New York Times Book Review, School Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly.Music by 40 Million Feet, India Blue, and Ariana Saraha & Flight Behavior. Visit our website at forthewild.world for the full episode description, references, and action points.Support the show