In this episode of The Book Faire, we dive deep into the latest publishing news and kidlit releases that matter to young readers, librarians, and educators. Anthony introduces the new bi-weekly format, focusing this episode on recent book releases and the pressing challenges of censorship faced by schools and libraries today. Moving beyond the page, the episode addresses important current events in education and library sectors, including a leaked chat advocating for politically segregated schools and controversies over library budget votes in New York. Highlighting alarming statistics about school librarians in NYC, Anthony underscores the urgent need to support these essential professionals. The episode closes by reviewing ongoing court cases related to book censorship, a critical issue impacting access to children's literature and educational resources.

Tune in to stay informed on kidlit news, the evolving landscape of publishing, and crucial debates within schools and libraries that affect young readers everywhere.

New Releases:

• Destiny of the Diamond Princess by Sherri Winston
• Fustuk by Robert Mgrdich Apelian
• I Don’t Wish You Well by Jumata Emill
• The March for Hope by Valerie Bolling, illus. by Monica Mikai

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the New Format

01:13 Spotlight on New Releases

07:49 Support and Engagement with the Podcast

08:49 Current Events in Education and Libraries

12:40 Library Funding and Staffing Issues

15:28 Ongoing Censorship Cases and Legal Battles

20:16 Conclusion and Upcoming Interview

In this insightful interview focused on children's literature and kidlit, Denise Cesare, a seasoned speech language pathologist and author, shares her journey and creative process behind her poetry and children's books. Denise discusses her book "Moments in Motion with Love," written during the pandemic to address emotional disconnect in young readers, emphasizing themes of self-love, empathy, and mindfulness.

She also introduces her upcoming children's book, "I Love You More Than Chocolate," which explores love and connection through the joy of chocolate, inspired by her loving relationship with her son. Throughout the conversation, Denise reveals how her experiences as a speech language pathologist and her own voice disorder shape her empathy and creativity, enriching her storytelling.

Listeners will appreciate thoughtful insights about the healing power of music, the role of storytelling in education, and how embracing one's unique voice can inspire resilience and connection. This episode is a must-listen for librarians, educators, parents, and young readers passionate about kidlit and children's publishing news.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Denise Cesare and Her Book

01:40 The Role of a Speech Language Pathologist

04:02 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Empathy

05:26 The Healing Power of Music

09:18 The Creative Process Behind Writing

13:08 Upcoming Book: I Love You More Than Chocolate

16:46 Final Thoughts on Love and Communication

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, we explore the world of kidlit with author Shannon Messenger as she discusses her journey writing the beloved Keeper of the Lost Cities series and its graphic novel adaptation. Shannon shares valuable insights into her creative process, the challenges debut authors face in the children’s literature publishing industry, and the vital role of reader engagement in building a successful career. We also delve into current publishing news, including the impact of book bans and emerging technology, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in children’s literature. Librarians, educators, and young readers alike will find inspiration and important discussions about the future of kidlit in this enlightening conversation.

New Releases:

• The Language of Birds by Jon-Erik Lappano, illus. by Zach Manbeck
• The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, illus. by Reggie Brown
• The Uninvited by Nancy Banks

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Exploring the Keeper of the Lost Cities

02:48 The Writing Process and Character Development

05:51 The Journey of Publishing and Reader Engagement

09:00 Graphic Novel Adaptation Insights

12:04 Artistic Collaboration in Graphic Novels

15:03 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

16:13 Book Bans and Emerging Technology in Publishing

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, Anthony Soto interviews Alex Gino, author of 'Chris Makes a Friend,' diving deep into the powerful themes of loneliness, friendship, and the vital role of diverse voices in children's and YA literature. Alex reveals autobiographical influences in their writing and discusses the vulnerability involved in character development. The conversation explores the challenges of chronic illness on family dynamics, the maturity of young characters, and the importance of new experiences. They also highlight the harmful effects of book bans on identity formation and understanding. This episode underscores the need for inclusive literature that truly reflects young readers' lives and emphasizes empathy as a cornerstone of storytelling.

New Releases:

• Shaped by Love: An Ode to Mom Bods by Nikki Powers and illustrated by Amanda Calatzi
• Trail Rides and Starry Eyes by Katrina Emmel
• Twin Tides by Hien Nguyen

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:25 The Great Summer 72 Book Challenge

06:28 Family Dynamics and Character Development

15:05 Chris Makes a Friend: Meet Mia Yarning

21:24 Author Responds to Book Bans

27:40 New Releases

32:52 Updates on Library Funding Issues

37:21 Concerns Over LGBTQ+ Book Crackdown

In this insightful episode of the Book Fair Podcast, Anthony interviews Kate Frick, a digital content librarian, to discuss the critical role of digital content in schools and its impact on children's literature. They delve into the importance of representation and diversity in children's and YA literature, addressing the challenges posed by censorship and book banning. The conversation highlights new releases and recommendations for young readers, offering valuable insights for librarians and educators committed to expanding access to diverse literature. Additionally, the episode covers recent news about book bans in Ohio, updates from school and library boards, and Franklin's publisher's response to recent events, underlining the ongoing challenges for children’s books and libraries.

New Releases:

• At the Speed of Gus by Richard Scrimger
• Down Came the Spiders by Ally Russell
• The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle and illustrated by Jo Rioux

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:06 Engagement with Schools and Content Curation

05:55 Recommendations for Young Readers

08:24 The Importance of Representation in Literature

13:02 Censorship and Book Bans

17:22 Resources for Combating Censorship

24:54 New Book Releases Overview

30:15 Ohio's Parents' Bill of Rights

35:30 Alabama Library Board's Restrictions

40:11 Positive News for Freedom to Read

45:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords

digital content, Sora, children's literature, book banning, representation, librarians, censorship, young readers, education, community support

Takeaways

Digital content librarians play a crucial role in curating school collections.

Sora is a valuable resource for accessing digital content in schools.

Engagement with schools varies, with some librarians communicating frequently and others less so.

Recommendations for books should be tailored to the specific needs of students.

Representation in literature is essential for all children to feel seen and understood.

Censorship and book banning are significant issues affecting access to diverse literature.

Librarians face challenges from pressure groups and government entities regarding book access.

Resources like ALA can help students and librarians combat censorship.

Community support is vital for librarians facing challenges in their work.

The freedom to read is fundamental for empowering young readers.

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony Soto interviews author and illustrator Steph Littlebird, exploring her contributions to children's literature and Indigenous art. Steph discusses her new children's book 'You Are the Land,' highlighting the importance of cultural representation in children's and YA literature. She shares insights into her Indigenous background, her journey as an artist, and how digital art shapes Indigenous futurism. This episode delves into the impact of literature and art on young readers, emphasizing community connection and the creative process, including collaboration and feedback. Listen in for an insightful conversation about the power of literature and art in shaping youth perspectives.

New Releases:

• The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett
• A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri, illus. by Vesper Stamper
• The Snow Theater Ryoji Arai, translated from the Japanese by David Boyd

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:31 You Are the Land: A Universal Message

05:16 Cultural Roots and Indigenous Identity

09:49 The Journey into Digital Illustration

14:29 The Power of Community and Representation

17:09 Final Thoughts and Artistic Responsibility

20:07 New Releases

24:46 Lawsuit against ILMS and DOGE

27:20 Book Ban News

33:50 School Board Elections News

In this episode of the Book Fair podcast, host Anthony Soto engages in an insightful conversation with author Kathleen Troy and her contributions to children's literature and young adult (YA) literature. Kathleen discusses her series 'Dylan's Dog Squad' and 'Never Believe', diving into themes of hope, redemption, and the essential role of character development in YA fiction. Kathleen also shares her perspective on the use of suspense in storytelling and how literature can profoundly influence readers’ lives. Further conversations explore the significant impact of book bans in schools, emphasizing the importance of diverse and thought-provoking literature for young readers. The episode includes a news segment highlighting new children's and YA book releases, as well as current censorship debates in Arkansas and Colorado, underscoring ongoing challenges in literature access for youth. Tune in for a meaningful discussion about the power and relevance of children's and young adult literature today.

New Releases:

• How Girls Are Made by Mindy McGinnis
• I’ll Find You Where the Timeline Ends by Kylie Lee Baker
• The Last Ember (The Aerimander Chronicles #1) by Lily Berlin Dodd

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:54 Creating Relatable Protagonists: The Case of Sage

06:00 The Role of Optimism and Survival in Character Development

11:46 Exploring the Never Believe Series: Plot and Character Arcs

16:17 The Dylan Dog Squad Series: Adventures and Life Lessons

24:58 Themes of Redemption and Hope in Literature

27:56 The Impact of Writing: Creating Memories and Changing Lives

32:59 New Releases

38:10 Recent Book Challenges and Censorship

41:16 Community Responses to Book Bans

More from Robin Benway: https://www.robinbenway.com/

Instagram @Robinbenway

This week: An interview with Robin Benway for her new book The Girls of Skylark Lane. Alabama Library reclassifies young adult collection as fiction. An Arizona teacher is under police investigation after a parental complaint over a reading assignment.

Recent Releases:

• Find Her by Ginger Reno
• Girlmode by Magdalene Visaggio, illustrated by Paulina Ganucheau
• Sixteen Minutes by K.J. Reilly

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Book Bans in Schools

03:40 Community Responses to Censorship

09:50 Recent Book Releases and Their Themes

14:29 Interview with Robin Benway: The Girls of Skylark Lane

40:36 The Role of an Author in Contemporary Literature