The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers

https://melaniehill.au/Listen to Melanie on the Story Nerd Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VpT4dT2aev91ri2zylSv1?si=5584f2280cc244b4Melanie Hill, author of the middle grade novel Jet Cooper, shares her journey from an Air Force career to becoming an author of children’s literature. Inspired by her aviation background, she explores themes like grief, perseverance, and the thrill of flying in her book. Hear about her insights into self-publishing and how she connects with young readers through her storytelling. This episode is perfect for librarians, educators, and anyone interested in middle grade and children’s literature, offering valuable perspectives on nurturing young readers and the importance of diverse stories in the face of challenges such as book bans.

Dive deep into the world of children's literature as we explore exciting new book releases and the impactful challenges surrounding book bans affecting young readers and librarians alike. In this episode, we discuss recent legislative developments in Florida and Wyoming that influence library collections and access to diverse children's books. Stay tuned for an exclusive preview of our upcoming interview with middle-grade author Melanie Hill, where we'll explore her approach to writing for young audiences. Whether you're a librarian, educator, or passionate about children's literature, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of kids' books and the ongoing efforts to protect literary access.New Releases:Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illus. by Aliaa Betawi (Ages 4-8)Breakout by Christina Wyman, illus. by James Lancett (Ages 8-12)No Way Never Sisters by Chantel Acevedo and Natalia Sylvester (Ages 8-12)King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore (Ages 12+)Right as Rain by Tashie Bhuiyan (Ages 12+)These Shattered Spires by Cassidy Ellis Salter (Ages 14+)

https://www.macbarnett.com/https://www.carsonellis.com/Join us in this episode of The Book Faire as we delve into the art and craft of picture books in children's literature with author Mack Barnett and illustrator Carson Ellis. Together, they discuss their latest adaptation of the classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin, exploring how illustrated stories captivate young readers and convey important morals. We also examine the role of picture books in fostering a love of reading among children and the importance of diverse storytelling in kids' literature. Whether you're a librarian, educator, or parent, discover insights on how picture books contribute to early literacy and navigate the challenges posed by current book bans affecting young readers today.

On this week's episode of the Book Faire Podcast, Anthony delves into the critical issues surrounding book bans and politics affecting children’s literature and education. We highlight the latest diverse children’s books and YA novels that are making waves among young readers. Tune in as we discuss a new national book banning law targeting schools and explore how local communities are mobilizing to defend the freedom to read, countering efforts by chapters like Moms for Liberty. This episode is essential listening for librarians, educators, and anyone passionate about protecting access to diverse literature for young readers.New Releases:Loops by Jashar Awan (Ages 4-8)The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine WargaDragon Girl and the Awakened Flames by Jenny Moore (Ages 8-13)Red Stones: A Graphic Account of the Salvadoran Civil War by Ernesto Sasde (Ages 14+)Estela, Undrowning by René Peña-Govea (Ages 14+)

This week, Anthony interviews author Maureen Devlin, who transitioned from a lawyer to a celebrated children's literature author. They discuss how her “Let’s Go Backer and Backer” series inspires curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for everyday people and things, making it a valuable resource for librarians and educators supporting young readers. Discover how her work contributes to the field of children's literature by fostering natural curiosity and respect in children. Tune in to learn insights on nurturing a love for reading amidst ongoing challenges like book bans and how librarians can use this series to engage young readers effectively.Learn more about Maureen and her work at maureendevlinauthor.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Maureen Devlin's Background01:37 The Inspiration: Kids' Endless Questions05:13 The Importance of Guided Curiosity06:31 Researching New Topics for Books09:45 Cultivating Curiosity and Respect in Children13:49 Empathy as a Natural and Cultivated Skill17:46 Upcoming Book: The Beautiful and a Bit Broken Shell19:39 Maureen's Vision as an Author

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, Anthony explores the latest in children's literature, spotlighting new releases including indigenous debut author Christopher Roubique and a heartfelt picture book about the diverse life in a garden. We also delve into pressing education policy issues such as book bans and controversies surrounding school boards' decisions on high school reading lists. Librarians and educators will find valuable discussions on how these developments impact public libraries and access to quality literature for young readers. Stay tuned to learn more about the evolving landscape of children's literature and its challenges.New Releases:The Weedy Garden: A Happy Habitat for Wild Friends by Margaret Renkl, illustrated by Billy Renkl (Ages 4-8)Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi (Ages 8-12)Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique (Ages 8-12)Limelight by Andrew Keenen Bolger (Ages 12+)The Twelve by Joey Graceffa, with Mackenzie Lyn Marr (Ages 13+)Chapters00:00 Introduction to New Book Releases and Upcoming Interview10:41 Impact of US State Department's new passport processing rules on libraries14:32 School board decisions on curriculum and the importance of contemporary fiction17:50 Funding delays in Arkansas libraries and their implications19:42 Community response to curriculum and book selection in Pennsylvania

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony interviews Danna Smith about her new children's book, Zenguin, which explores anxiety and coping strategies through the engaging story of a penguin seeking calm in a noisy world. They discuss the importance of children's literature in helping young readers understand and manage emotions, sharing personal experiences with anxiety that resonate with many. The conversation also highlights the evolving role of librarians and parents in guiding children's interactions with literature, and touches on challenges such as book bans that affect access to diverse stories. Danna shares insights into her writing process, the significance of editor feedback, and expresses the joy of connecting with young readers through storytelling to foster awareness and communication about feelings.00:00 Introduction to Dana Smith and Zenguin06:11 Personal Experiences and Writing for Children11:46 Sibling Relationships and Teaching16:10 The Role of Parents in Children's Stories19:04 Writing for Publication22:14 The Importance of Feedback27:42 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, Anthony explores the latest in middle grade and children's literature, highlighting new book releases that delve into themes of cultural identity, grief, and historical narratives. The discussion extends to the critical issues of censorship and book bans in schools, focusing on inspiring student activism and librarian efforts to combat these challenges. Listeners will also learn about the Library of Congress's upcoming interactive learning space designed specifically for young readers. This episode is an essential listen for librarians, educators, and anyone passionate about supporting diverse children's literature and advocating against censorship in schools.New Releases:If This Were the World Stephen Barr, illus. by AG Ford (Ages 4-8)Each and Every Spark by Claire Swinarski (Ages 8-12)Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-rin Yu (Ages 8-12)Birdy by N. West Moss, with illustrations by Carrie Shyrock (Ages 10-14Postscript by Cory McCarthy (Ages 14+)

In this episode of The Book Faire, Greg Howard delves into his latest middle grade novel, 'The Visitors,' discussing key themes relevant to kidlit such as historical trauma and LGBTQ representation. He explores the importance of empathy in storytelling and addresses the challenges faced while writing during the pandemic. Howard reflects on his inspiration for the setting and character dynamics, emphasizing the role of modern technology alongside historical context. This conversation is especially valuable for librarians and educators seeking diverse and meaningful literature for young readers. Tune in for insights that spotlight representation and respect in contemporary children's publishing.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Book Release Context02:59 The Writing Journey of 'The Visitors'05:54 Setting and Inspiration Behind 'The Visitors'08:58 Modern Perspectives: Technology and Historical Context11:53 Character Dynamics and LGBTQ Themes14:50 Exploring Intersectionality and Historical Trauma18:02 The Role of Empathy in Storytelling20:48 The Importance of Representation in Literature23:53 Final Thoughts on Writing and Impact

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, Anthony explores the latest publishing news in young adult and middle grade literature, highlighting new kidlit releases that tackle important themes such as resilience, climate change, and personal growth. The discussion includes pressing issues faced by librarians and educators, focusing on community reactions to book banning and censorship in libraries. Listeners will gain insights into how these challenges affect access to diverse stories, including positive strides to support LGBTQ+ literature and inclusive library resources. Stay tuned for a detailed conversation about the evolving landscape of literature for young readers and the role of librarians in championing freedom to read and diverse voices in publishing.New Releases:Bread Is Love by Pooja Makhijani, illus. by Lavanya Naidu (Ages 4-8)Change Is in the Air: The Hidden Discoveries of Eunice Newton Foote, the First Climate Scientist by Rebecca Donnelly, illus. by Mercè López (Ages 4-8)Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi, illus. by Chaaya Prabhat (Ages 8-12)Pinkie’s Turnabout by Sue Lloyd-DaviesCall of the Dragon by Natasha Bowen00:00 Introduction to New Releases02:00 Exploring New Young Adult Titles09:18 Headlines and Community Reactions10:15 Concerns Over Library Governance14:34 Legislative Changes Impacting Libraries16:34 Positive Developments in Library Access

In this insightful episode, Patty McGee, an experienced educator and advocate for innovative grammar instruction, shares her groundbreaking approach in her book 'Not Your Granny's Grammar.' She challenges traditional methods and offers fresh, shame-free strategies that engage young readers and students in exploring language through curiosity and collaboration. Patty's work resonates deeply with educators, librarians, and anyone passionate about kidlit and literature education. Additionally, she discusses her role as a pollinator in the world of publishing news and educational resources, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary sharing to support young learners. Tune in to learn how Patty’s innovative methods are transforming grammar teaching and inspiring a new generation of young readers and educators alike.

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony dives into the latest publishing news, spotlighting new picture book and kidlit releases that celebrate diversity. Listeners will explore engaging middle grade and young adult literature tailored for young readers and librarians alike. The episode also tackles critical issues impacting libraries, including censorship battles, privacy concerns, and legal challenges surrounding book readings. Highlighting the vital role of community spaces such as libraries, the discussion underscores the ongoing fight for the freedom to read and supports educators, librarians, and families navigating these challenges. New Releases:I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam (Age 4-8)The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kitt Thomas (Age 6-10)The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff (Age 8-12)The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennybacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen (Age 8-12Few Blue Skies by Carolina Ixta (Age 14+)

Follow the guest on Instagram and Threads @CJVoiklisIn this insightful episode, Charlotte Jones Voikilis, granddaughter of legendary author Madeline L'Engle, discusses the enduring legacy of 'A Wrinkle in Time' within the landscape of children's literature and kidlit. She delves into the challenges faced during publication, the novel's exploration of themes like alienation and agency, and the importance of young protagonists to young readers and librarians alike. The episode also examines societal expectations on gifted individuals and how the story's timeless narrative continues to resonate through various adaptations, underscoring its relevance in contemporary literature and education.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:30 The Journey of A Wrinkle in Time's Publication03:25 Themes of Alienation and Agency in A Wrinkle in Time05:54 The Importance of Young Protagonists08:27 Expectations and Identity in Literature11:34 Timelessness and Adaptations of A Wrinkle in Time14:43 Cultural Relevance and Humanity in A Wrinkle in Time

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, Soto dives into the latest new releases in children's literature and kidlit, exploring themes of identity, family dynamics, and cultural representation. We also cover important publishing news, including recent library legislation updates and community responses to immigration enforcement. Highlighting the crucial role of librarians and local bookstores as safe havens, the conversation emphasizes how literature can address social issues and foster community support for young readers, educators, and families.New Releases:Suuban’s First Day: A First Day of Herding Story by Shugri Salh, illus. by Àlàbá Ònájìn (Ages 3-6)Reach by Celesta Rimington (Ages 10+)Eureka by Victoria Chang (Ages 10-14)Run Home: A Graphic Memoir by Alyssa Bermudez (Ages 10-14)Saber-Tooth by Robin Gow (Ages 10-14)Chapters00:00 Introduction03:08 Exploring Notable New Releases in Children's Literature08:55 Library Legislation and Community Support Updates

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Denise Cesare and Her Book01:40 The Role of a Speech Language Pathologist04:02 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Empathy05:26 The Healing Power of Music09:18 The Creative Process Behind Writing13:08 Upcoming Book: I Love You More Than Chocolate16:46 Final Thoughts on Love and Communication

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 ScrimgerDown Came the Spiders by Ally RussellThe Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle and illustrated by Jo RiouxChapters00:00 Introduction03:06 Engagement with Schools and Content Curation05:55 Recommendations for Young Readers08:24 The Importance of Representation in Literature13:02 Censorship and Book Bans17:22 Resources for Combating Censorship24:54 New Book Releases Overview30:15 Ohio's Parents' Bill of Rights35:30 Alabama Library Board's Restrictions40:11 Positive News for Freedom to Read45:49 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywordsdigital content, Sora, children's literature, book banning, representation, librarians, censorship, young readers, education, community supportTakeawaysDigital 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 McGinnisI’ll Find You Where the Timeline Ends by Kylie Lee BakerThe Last Ember (The Aerimander Chronicles #1) by Lily Berlin DoddChapters00:00 Introduction02:54 Creating Relatable Protagonists: The Case of Sage06:00 The Role of Optimism and Survival in Character Development11:46 Exploring the Never Believe Series: Plot and Character Arcs16:17 The Dylan Dog Squad Series: Adventures and Life Lessons24:58 Themes of Redemption and Hope in Literature27:56 The Impact of Writing: Creating Memories and Changing Lives32:59 New Releases38:10 Recent Book Challenges and Censorship41:16 Community Responses to Book Bans

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, focused on children's literature and YA literature, Anthony interviews author and illustrator Kam Redlawsk about her book 'Yumi and Monster.' The conversation explores themes of acceptance and the emotional journey of living with a disability. Kam shares insights into her creative process, challenges in publishing, and the impact of book bans, particularly within libraries and schools. They also discuss the importance of accessibility, advocacy for disabled individuals, and the power of storytelling in YA literature. The episode includes book recommendations released this week and news related to book bans in Utah and Maryland libraries, providing valuable context for educators, librarians, and young readers.New Releases:The Firefly Crown by Yxavel Magno DiñoHow We Play the Game by Alexis NeddYou Had Me at Hello World by Rona WangChapters00:00 Introduction01:57 The Inspiration Behind Yumi and Monster04:31 The Journey of Writing and Illustrating08:12 Navigating the Publishing Process11:21 The Nuances of Acceptance and Toxic Positivity15:25 The Importance of Accessibility in Advocacy19:04 Future Projects and Creative Endeavors24:39 Notable New Releases in Children's Literature27:45 Book Bans and Censorship in Utah30:23 Impact of Rising Digital Costs on Libraries34:42 Good News: Restoring Banned Books and New Initiatives

In this episode of The Book Faire, Anthony interviews Scott Hoying from Pentatonix and his husband Mark Hoying about their new children's book, Fa La La Family, which beautifully celebrates diverse family structures during the holidays. The conversation dives into the creative process behind writing children's literature and the importance of inclusivity in books aimed at young readers. They also discuss how music enriches their storytelling. Additionally, Scott and Mark share their future plans for more children’s books and address ongoing challenges like book bans, underscoring the need for community support to protect the freedom to read. This episode offers valuable insights into children's literature and its role in promoting acceptance and diversity in families.New Releases:Chris Makes a Friend by Alex GinoColdwire by Chloe GongGirls Who Play Dead by Joelle WellingtonUnder a Fire-Red Sky Geraldine McCaughreanChapters00:00 Intro03:06 The Importance of Inclusivity in Family Representation08:38 Holiday Traditions and Family Bonding14:08 Artistic Responsibility and Future Aspirations16:09 New Book Releases22:04 Controversies in Literature and Censorship27:22 Advocacy for the Freedom to ReadKeywordsChildren's books, family diversity, holidays, found families, banned books, inclusivity, community support, Scott Hoying, Mark Hoying