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

https://diterlizzi.com/

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Search for WondLa) to discuss his illustrated middle-grade novel, The Wump. Tony reflects on the 20-year journey to write what he calls the most honest story of his career, drawing directly from his own middle school experiences with bullying, feelings of powerlessness, and a fascination with insects.   Tony breaks down how the story's main character, Tim, sees his internal anger and suppression manifest as a physical shadow monster—a "wump"—that starts as a revenge fantasy before raising the stakes. He explains how he consulted with a child psychologist to explore Jungian shadow-self theory, using alter-ego tropes like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and The Incredible Hulk to give a young protagonist the agency needed to stand up for himself.   The conversation also dives into the craft and business of middle-grade publishing. Tony explains how he collaborated with Dial and Penguin to print the heavily illustrated book on heavy graphic novel paper, intentionally creating a visual bridge to help reluctant readers transition from comics to prose.   Teachers, school librarians, and parents will find this episode invaluable for understanding middle-grade social-emotional learning (SEL), visual literacy in the classroom, and how empathy-building literature helps young readers navigate grief, anger, and self-acceptance.  

Welcome to the Book Faire Podcast, my name is Anthony and this show is all about children’s literature and the freedom to read. This week we have an interview with Tony DiTerlizzi, author of the Wump.

Takeaways

• Exploration of bullying themes
• Importance of self-identity in literature

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to The Wump
• 03:02 Character Development and Personal Reflection
• 06:34 Tim's Relationship with His Mother
• 08:10 Creating Larger-than-Life Characters
• 11:42 Navigating Middle School Challenges
• 15:36 The Evolution of The Womp
• 18:08 Illustration and Visual Storytelling
• 23:27 Publishing Insights and Community Support
• 25:36 Final Thoughts on Storytelling

In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony analyzes major policy shifts and structural audits in public education. We lead with a landmark report from the Texas Freedom to Read Project, presented to the Texas Senate Education Committee. Based on public information requests across 900+ school districts, the audit exposes 7,861 book removals or restrictions during the 2025–2026 school year—a 400% surge driven primarily by flawed AI screening tools and administrative fear rather than parent challenges.

Staying in Texas, we examine the fallout from the state's $1 billion school voucher program, as new data reveals 70% of funds benefited students already in private schools, leaving public districts facing an estimated $300 million annual loss.

In international news, author Sally Rooney and publisher Faber have pulled two titles (Normal People and Intermezzo) from UK publication following legislation that prevents passing earnings to the author due to her support for Palestine. In Tennessee, the Jefferson County School Board voted 5-2 to review 34 library books brought forward by a new board member using an undisclosed rating website.

Finally, on a community note, we highlight Pizza Hut’s Book IT! program partnering with Little Free Library to distribute custom book-sharing boxes and steward giveaways through October 31st.

Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode vital for tracking state school board policies, understanding AI in library collection management, and defending the freedom to read.

New Releases:

• I Wonder if I’m Growing by Raffi, illus. by Jon Klassen (Ages 3-7)
• We Used to Be Friends by Marcy Campbell, illus. by Aimée Sicuro (Ages 3-7)
• Brittle Magic by Kate O’Shaughnessy (Ages 8-12)
• Everything’s Not Lost by Frederick Joseph (Ages 14+)
• The Age of Fury by John Stephens (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• New children's book releases
• Controversial book bans and legislation

Chapters

• 00:00 New Children's Book Releases
• 09:53 Controversial Book Bans and Legislation
• 14:08 Texas School Voucher Program Issues
• 18:29 Pizza Hut's Book It Partnership

https://prettyokmaggie.com/

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Maggie Tokuda-Hall—children’s and YA author and co-founder of Authors Against Book Bans—to explore her new non-fiction picture book, What Do People Do at the Science Museum? (illustrated by Chin Leng). Maggie shares the fascinating nine-year journey from an initial California Academy of Sciences tour to the book's long-awaited release, explaining how the text serves as a behind-the-scenes celebration of the scientists, taxidermists, and science communicators who make STEM accessible to young readers.

Maggie details her social research process interviewing marine biologists and planetarium experts, while breaking down a deliberate vocabulary update made during production: transitioning from "citizen scientist" to "community scientist" to ensure public participation in science remains un-gatekept and welcoming to all.

Shifting into literary defense, Maggie offers a sharp, urgent analysis of modern censorship tactics. She breaks down why book challenges target public institutions and marginalized voices, why public libraries remain essential centers for voluntary inquiry, and how four proposed federal book banning bills threaten millions of dollars in state public school funding.

Teachers, school librarians, and literacy advocates will gain valuable insights into science communication in the classroom, curriculum-aligned non-fiction, and practical ways to support local library staff while defending the freedom to read. Plus, Maggie previews her newly released haiku picture book, Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, and her upcoming companion title, What Do People Do at the Library?

Takeaways

• Importance of community science
• Impact of book bans

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Children's Literature and Book Bans
• 05:52 The Research Process Behind the Book
• 10:58 Community Science and Engagement
• 16:49 The Role of Libraries and Book Bans
• 24:00 Final Thoughts on Writing and Impact

In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony breaks down critical developments on the censorship frontlines, starting with a new directive from the Florida Department of Education. The state is pressuring school superintendents to initiate a 90-day review of library collections, threatening criminal investigations for noncompliance following a year that saw over 600 titles removed.

Shifting to local governance, we analyze York County, South Carolina, where the library board voted to override professional staff recommendations and reclassify five acclaimed titles—moving books like Elizabeth Acevedo’s The Poet X and Kyle Lukoff’s When Aidan Became a Brother to the adult section. We examine why local investigative journalism remains essential for holding school and library boards accountable across the country.

Ending on a celebratory note, we highlight major literary milestones, announcing the five finalists for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (Holloway, When Tomorrow Burns, That Which Feeds Us, The Fight of Our Lives, and Shook) and celebrating Elizabeth Acevedo’s Anger is Only a Shadow as the winner of the 2026 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature.

Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode essential for tracking state-level school library policies, staying current on youth literary honors, and defending the freedom to read.

New Releases:

• Bathtime for Snow Monkeys by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illus by Yas Imamura (Ages 4-8)
• Realmsweep by H.E. Edgmon (Ages 8-12)
• Where the Wild Horses Are by Amy Alznauer (Ages 10+)
• It’s Not Over Yet by Salma Hussain (Ages 12+)
• Everything New Again by Renée Watson (Ages 13+)
• When the World Was Happy by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• Support freedom to read
• Recognize literary achievements

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring New Book Releases
• 11:49 Censorship and the Freedom to Read
• 17:04 Literary Awards and Recognitions

https://www.alanbarillaro.com/

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with director, animator, and author Alan Barillaro (Piper, Bunns Rabbit) for an in-depth conversation on visual storytelling, character empathy, and the craft of middle-grade fantasy. After a 25-year career at Pixar working on iconic animated films, Alan shares how observing real-world nature sparked the journey of Buns—a unique meadow rabbit whose shorter ears and innate kindness thrust her into an epic elemental world.

Alan discusses the release of Bunns Rabbit 2: Return of the Spirit Rabbit, exploring how the sequel expands Buns’s hero’s journey from self-acceptance to global responsibility as she ventures into the deep ocean to protect her world. We dive into the book's rich world-building, where competing animal species—from birds to rabbits—each carry their own oral traditions and conflicting mythologies.

We also go behind the scenes of the publishing industry. Alan explains his vision for creating a hybrid format between a graphic novel and a traditional chapter book to build reading stamina and enhance family bedtime reading. Plus, he reflects on pitching a massive 550-page fully colored manuscript, applying animation editing habits to editorial revisions, and viewing art as an evolving conversation between creator and reader.

Takeaways

• Embrace collaboration in storytelling
• The importance of diverse perspectives

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 02:21 Exploring Bun's Rabbit: Character and Themes
• 06:27 Bun's Journey: From Self-Acceptance to Heroism
• 11:19 Illustration and Storytelling: The Visual Aspect
• 17:20 Editorial Insights: Collaboration and Feedback
• 20:04 Looking Ahead: Bun's Rabbit Two
• 24:03 Final Thoughts: The Artist's Perspective

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony exposes a troubling new tactic in school library censorship: Utah’s Davis School District moving book ban appeals onto consent calendars to eliminate public comment and open board discussion prior to book removals. We also examine North Carolina, where state house leaders are threatening legislative retaliation against Wake County Public Schools over a policy protecting library books that aren't used for required classroom instruction.

Shifting to state data and industry shifts, we break down the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse 2026 Report, analyzing a 20% rise in library challenges alongside the reassuring news that 96% of challenged titles remained available. On the business side, we cover Scholastic’s $71 million acquisition of Cottage Door Press to expand its early childhood and interactive board book offerings.

New Releases:

• A Forest, a Family, a Harbor, a Home by Nikki McClure (Ages 4-8)
• Dasia (Forever) by Nic Stone, with illus. By Simone Douglas (Ages 8-12)
• Children of Owl by Darcie Little Badger, illus. by Abigail Rajunov (Ages 12+)
• We’re Here, We’re Queer! A History of LGBTQ+ Activism by David Roberts (Ages 12+)
  Like Glass by Jen Ferguson (Ages 13+)
• Being Amani by Annabelle Steele (Ages 14+)
• Radio Free Texas by Libba Bray (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• New releases in young adult literature
• Impact of book bans on education

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring New Young Adult Releases
• 13:10 The Controversy of Book Bans
• 24:07 Scholastic's Acquisition and Future Plans

https://www.jumpin.shadrastrickland.com/

The conversation features an interview with Shadra Strickland, an author and illustrator of children's literature, discussing her journey in publishing, her latest book 'Here Comes the Band', and the cultural significance of HBCUs in the context of marching bands. Strickland shares her personal experiences, the creative process behind her work, and her aspirations to inspire young readers through joyful storytelling.

Takeaways

• Inspiration from personal experiences
• Cultural significance of HBCUs

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Shadra Strickland
• 03:36 Transitioning to Author-Only Projects
• 05:07 Celebrating Marching Bands
• 08:41 The Role of HBCUs in Community
• 12:54 Inspiring Young Readers
• 15:08 Reflecting on Formative Moments
• 19:43 Shadra's Vision as an Author

This episode of the Book Faire Podcast discusses the ongoing issues surrounding book bans in various states, highlights new book releases, and emphasizes the importance of student advocacy in the face of censorship. The conversation also covers legal challenges to book bans and the impact of local politics on library access.

New Releases:

• Gathering the Light by Joy Harjo, illus. by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Ages 4-8)
• Night Ride by Christopher Myers (Ages 4-8)
• Building 903 by Lois Lowry (Ages 8-12)
• Film Nerds by Sofia Warren (Ages 8-12)
• Trust Fall by Lynn Painter (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• Book bans are increasing
• Student advocacy is crucial

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Book Bans and New Releases
• 10:46 ACLU's Guide on Book Bans
• 15:06 Legal Challenges to Book Bans
• 17:29 Florida's Book Removal Report
• 20:40 Local Politics and Library Access
• 23:01 Student Advocacy and Legal Victories

Megan McDonald discusses her new series, the Fairy Door Diaries, and the importance of imagination in children's literature. She shares her inspiration, challenges, and the magical world she has created for young readers.

Takeaways

• Imagination and creative play are essential for young people
• The Fairy Door Diaries series is a result of Megan McDonald's childhood experiences and her love for storytelling

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing the Fairy Door Diaries
• 03:23 The Power of Imagination
• 11:41 Challenges in Publishing
• 15:51 Evolution of the Series
• 21:04 The Magic of Storytelling

https://www.anovelmind.com/

This week's episode of the Book Fair Podcast features new middle-grade book releases, the National Book Award for Young People's Literature nominees, a resource for finding books featuring neurodiverse and mental health representation, and news on book banning and student activism. The episode also includes a shout-out to a resource for parents, educators, and young readers, and concludes with an announcement of an upcoming interview with author Megan McDonald.

New Releases:

• Young Cat, Old Cat by Jillian Tamaki (Ages 3-7)
• Deerheart by Eoin Colfer, illus. By P.J. Lynch (Ages 9-12)
• Mischief and Monsters by Adrianna Cuevas (Ages 10-12)
• To Our Untamed Core by Sonido Reyes (ages 13+)
• Foreigners by E.L. Shen (Ages 13+)

Takeaways

• New middle-grade book releases
• National Book Award for Young People's Literature nominees
• Book banning and student activism
• Resource for finding books with neurodiverse and mental health representation

Chapters

• 00:00 New Middle-Grade Book Releases
• 10:16 National Book Award Nominees
• 11:39 Book Banning in Schools
• 13:35 Resource for Neurodiverse and Mental Health Representation
• 15:02 Impact of Students in Pushing Conservative Book Banners