Summary

In this conversation, Jennifer and chat's with Paula Yoo about her love for writing narrative non-fiction and how her background in journalism influences her work. They also explore the power of literature for young people in shaping their hearts and understanding the world. Paula shares her experience as a reader, starting with her childhood love for Charlotte's Web and how it influenced her writing style. They discuss the importance of tackling tough topics in books for young people and the need for nuance and context in storytelling. Paula also talks about her latest book, Rising from the Ashes, which explores the 1992 LA uprising, and the importance of amplifying lesser-known stories and challenging stereotypes in media coverage.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing Paula's books from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Paula's Writing Journey

04:42 Charlotte's Web and the Influence of Setting

08:19 Tackling Tough Topics in Books for Young People

15:02 The Importance of Nuance and Context in Storytelling

26:34 Protesting Unfair Media Coverage

28:52 The Power of Collective Action

33:01 Exploring 'Han'

36:32 Emotional Journeys: Han, Hwa, and Jung

45:18 Future Projects

In this conversation, Jeff Zentner chats with Jennifer about his reader's heart and his writing process. They discuss the power of literature written for young people to shape hearts and help readers navigate the world. They also explore the themes of found family and redefining masculinity in Zentner's books. They delve into Jennifer favorite Jeff Zentner book: Rayne and Delilah's Midnight Matinee, and the importance of depicting relationships with mental illness in young adult literature. They also discuss Zentner's new book, Sunrise Nights,'a verse novel co-authored with Brittany Cavallaro, and Zentner's upcoming adult novel set in a puppet studio in 1970s New York City.

Show notes, including a chance to win 2 signed copies of Jeff's books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

03:02 The Power of Literature for Young People

08:26 Exploring Found Family and Redefining Masculinity

11:26 Depicting Relationships with Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature

40:46 Upcoming Adult Novel: A Journey into a Puppet Studio

In this episode Debbi Michiko Florence chats with Jennifer about her love for children's literature and the power of books to shape our hearts. She shares her own experiences as a reader, from her childhood memories of her parents reading to her and weekly trips to the library, to her rediscovery of reading for pleasure after college. Debbi emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in children's literature and the impact her books have on young readers, particularly those who see themselves reflected in her characters. She also discusses her upcoming middle grade series, Last Chance Academy, and the joy of writing sweet romances for tween and early teen readers.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Fan Appreciation

01:08 Debbi's Reader's Heart

07:06 Common themes in The Reader's Heart

10:01 Books as safe spaces

12:21 Creating authentic characters

16:31 Debbi's journey as a writer

20:15 The powerful first crush

22: 12 Aliza Werner shout out

28:35 Introducing Last Chance Academy

34:14 Importance of stories that explore layered identities

36:01 Wrap up and conclusions

In this conversation, Jennifer LaGarde and Katherine Marsh discuss the power of children's literature and the influence it has on shaping readers' hearts. They explore Katherine's own reader's heart and how it informs her writing. They also delve into the themes and characters of Katherine's book, Medusa, and the importance of representation and empathy in literature. They discuss the challenges of getting kids to read and the need for books that cater to different reading levels and interests. Finally, they touch on Katherine's upcoming projects and the role of books in mother-daughter relationships.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters:

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Elly Swartz discuss the power of children's literature to shape hearts and minds. They explore the importance of books in helping readers navigate life's emotions and connect with themselves and others. They also discuss the influence of social media on storytelling and the inclusion of themes like forgiveness in Swartz's books. Swartz shares her love for writing middle-grade books and the joy of connecting with young readers. They also touch on Swartz's upcoming book, Same Page, which tackles the themes of book banning, friendship, and finding common ground.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Shared Love for Children's Literature 09:00 The Influence of Social Media on Storytelling 13:13 The Power of Forgiveness in Swartz's Books 25:00 Exploring Book Banning and Friendship in 'Same Page'

In this conversation, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey chat with Jennifer about story as an engine for empathy and ceativity. They discuss their reader's hearts and how childhood reading experiences shaped their love for storytelling. They also talk about their book, The Last Stand, with Antwan Eady and the process of illustrating it. The conversation concludes with a discussion of their upcoming projects and congratulations on their recent accolades.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart 09:07 Childhood Reading Experiences 12:08 The Last Stand and Charlotte's Web 26:09 Upcoming Projects 29:16 Congratulations and Closing

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Ann Braden, an author who writes books that empower kids to find their voice and make a difference in the world. Ann shares her journey as a reader and writer, highlighting the books that had a profound impact on her life. She discusses the importance of recognizing our own voice and the power it holds. Ann also explores the themes in her books, such as facing tough topics and finding hope in difficult times. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and belief in oneself and others.

For more information about this episode, including detailed show notes and a discount code from Bookelicious, visit: librarygirl.net

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction 00:54 Anne's Reader's Heart 03:07 Discovering a Love for History 04:32 Finding the Confidence to Write 05:30 Using Voice to Change the World 07:19 Writing Books for Kids to Find Their Voice 10:26 Facing Bullying and Overcoming Challenges 13:06 Book Talk: Opinions and Opossums 14:46 The Impact of Anne's Books on Readers 16:47 The Importance of Art in Understanding Our Times 19:35 The Need for Connection and Belief 25:01 Finding Joy in the Darkness 28:28 The Darkness Turned Inside Out 29:27 Conclusion and Gratitude

Jennifer chats with author Erin Bow who shares a bit about her journey as a reader and writer, from her childhood love of books to her success as an author. She emphasizes the importance of reading widely and falling in love with reading as a child. Erin also shares her passion for trashy page-turning storytelling and the influence it has on her writing. But most of their conversation focuses on the role of children's literature in helping us to understand and navigate trauma. Erin discusses the inspiration behind Simon Sort of Says and why it was important to her that Simon's story be funny.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart

04:21 Childhood Reading and Influences

06:06 Trashy Page-Turning Storytelling

10:05 Expanding Genre and Writing Goals

11:57 Pseudonyms and Success

13:54 The Journey to Success

20:55 The Variety of Erin Bow's Books

26:09 Discussion of Simon Sort of Says

36:00 Upcoming Work and the Importance of Stories