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 Diño
• How We Play the Game by Alexis Nedd
• You Had Me at Hello World by Rona Wang

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:57 The Inspiration Behind Yumi and Monster

04:31 The Journey of Writing and Illustrating

08:12 Navigating the Publishing Process

11:21 The Nuances of Acceptance and Toxic Positivity

15:25 The Importance of Accessibility in Advocacy

19:04 Future Projects and Creative Endeavors

24:39 Notable New Releases in Children's Literature

27:45 Book Bans and Censorship in Utah

30:23 Impact of Rising Digital Costs on Libraries

34:42 Good News: Restoring Banned Books and New Initiatives