Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson, joins us to discuss her new book, The Hero Two Doors Down: A Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a Baseball Legend. Plus, we hear from filmmaker Ken Burns about his new documentary, Jackie Robinson, coming this April.

Guests:

• Sharon Robinson

Special thanks:

• Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl

Additional resources:

• The Breaking Barriers Essay Contest is a chance for diverse students in grade 4–8 to share their personal stories and show how they use Jackie Robinson's values to face their own barriers. Deadline is March 14, 2016.

Scholastic editor Liza Baker joins us to talk about Scholastic's new awareness campaign, “The Story Starts Here,” which emphasizes the importance of reading to children from day one. Plus, Stephen Savage (Where’s Walrus and Penguin?) joins us to discuss his work as an award-winning picture book author and illustrator.

Guests:

• Liza Baker, VP/Executive Editorial Director for Cartwheel and Orchard Books at Scholastic

Special thanks:

• Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl

What are the big trends in children’s literature for 2016? Look out for superheroes, graphic novels, diverse characters and mythology! Experts David Allender and Preeti Chibberr share their projections for the coming year.

Guests:

• David Allender: Editorial Director, Scholastic Reading Club

Special thanks:

• Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl

Literacy experts Pam Allyn and Ernest Morrell join us to talk about their new book, Every Child A Super Reader. The book helps parents and educators develop seven key strengths in young learners, transforming them into “Super Readers”—avid, passionate and critical. Learn more about Every Child a Super Reader at scholastic.com/superreader.

Guests:

• Pam Allyn: Literacy expert, author, and Founding Director of LitWorld

Special thanks:

• Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl

Giving the gift of reading isn’t always easy, especially when you have a reluctant reader on your holiday shopping list. Experts David Allender and Preeti Chhibber answer parents’ questions about their trickiest book-buying challenges. Plus, we interview Scholastic employees about what books they’re buying this holiday season and why. 

Guests:

• David Allender: Editorial Director, Scholastic Reading Club

Special thanks:

• Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl

What makes the Harry Potter series so special? How did it become the most popular in all of children’s literature? Cheryl Klein talks about her work as continuity editor on the series and shares harrowing stories about keeping the manuscript secret. Literacy expert Pam Allyn, Founding Director of LitWorld, weighs in on how Hogwarts and the lessons Harry Potter teaches us can be valuable for educators.

Guests:

• Cheryl Klein: Executive Editor, Arthur A. Levine Books
• Pam Allyn: Literacy expert, author, and Founding Director of LitWorld

Special thanks:

• Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl
• Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan
• Produced by Megan Kaesshaefer