In this episode of the Book Fair podcast, we delve into 'YA literature' with an engaging interview featuring Alan Gratz, the author of 'War Games.' Gratz discusses his extensive body of work and provides insight into the vital role of historical fiction in children's literature. We explore the powerful themes within his books, including political implications and the challenges of censorship in education. Alan shares his writing process and emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy in shaping stories that resonate with young readers. This episode also addresses the alarming trends of book bans and highlights the need for open dialogue about literature in schools, signalling a crucial conversation for educators and parents alike.

New Releases:

• Dragonborn by Struan Murray
• Invisible: The (Sort of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease by David Soren
• Kindred Dragons (Kindred Dragons #1) by Sarah Mensinga
• The Leaving Room by Amber McBride

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alan Gratz and His Work

03:18 Exploring 'War Games' and Its Themes

06:15 The Political Undertones of 'War Games'

09:22 Understanding the Hitler Youth and Its Impact

12:05 The Role of Young Readers in Historical Context

14:45 Writing Historical Fiction: Balancing Fact and Fiction

17:57 The Legacy of Alan Gratz's Writing

19:58 New Book Releases

26:40 Censorship and Book Bans Update

34:46 Parental Rights and Library Access in Florida

38:32 National Book Awards Finalists Announcement