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

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

https://sarahjmendonca.com/

The conversation covers the introduction to the Bookfair Podcast, the author's book 'An Encontadora's Guide to Monstruos and Magic,' the exploration of social and economic themes, fighting against oppression, characters' agency, inclusion of personal cultural background, the second book 'An Encantadora's Guide to Legends and Lies,' the editorial process and collaboration, and the author's vision and aspirations as a writer.

Takeaways

• Importance of agency in young characters
• Inclusion of personal cultural background in writing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:52 Exploring the Social and Economic Ladder in the Story
• 06:06 Fighting Against the System of Oppression
• 10:37 Inclusion of Personal Cultural Background
• 12:57 The Second Book: 'An Encantadora's Guide to Legends and Lies'
• 17:58 Editorial Process and Collaboration
• 23:24 Author's Vision and Aspirations

https://www.liberatinglit.com/

This episode of the Book Faire Podcast covers new book releases for young readers and the challenges faced by libraries due to book ban laws. It delves into the impact of book ban laws on libraries, library responses to these laws, advocacy for the freedom to read, and a documentary on anti-censorship advocacy.

New Releases:

• And Then We Saw the Bag...: Trash to Them, Treasure to Us by Emma AdBåge, trans. from the Swedish by Melissa Bowers (Ages 4-9)
• Be the Acorn by Jason Douglas Griffin (Ages 4-8)
• The Continuation of Summer Dillon by Sarah Everett (Ages 8-12)
• The Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society by Lindsay Currie (Ages 9-12)
• Anger is Only a Shadow by Elizabeth Acevedo (Ages14+)

Takeaways

• New book releases for young readers
• Challenges faced by libraries due to book ban laws

Chapters

• 00:00 New Book Releases for Young Readers
• 09:22 Impact of Book Ban Laws on Libraries
• 14:05 Library Responses to Book Ban Laws
• 17:56 Advocacy for Freedom to Read
• 18:51 Documentary on Anti-Censorship Advocacy

https://shifasafadi.com/

This week's interview features middle grade author Shifa Saltagi Safadi covers the introduction of the novel 'Sisters Alone' and delves into the themes of sisterhood, survival, grief, intrusive thoughts, and the inclusion of faith in literature. It also explores the challenges faced by the author in representing Muslim characters and the importance of representation in children's literature.

Takeaways

• Sisterhood and survival
• Representation matters

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Sisters Alone
• 03:05 Processing Grief
• 06:09 Writing Siblings
• 12:16 Intrusive Thoughts and Anxiety
• 18:59 Novel in Verse
• 24:29 Inclusion of Faith
• 27:39 Facing Negative Pushback
• 32:00 The Writer's Intention

This episode covers new picture book releases, stirring verse novels, heartwarming nonfiction, identity-focused verse novels, transformative novels, Alabama library policies, LGBTQ youth hardship in schools, Utah State Board of Education investigation, and Missouri public library standing strong.

New Releases:

• Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’ by Lizzo, illus. By Mark Pett (Ages 4-8)
• Don’t be Scared by Saadia Faruqi, illus. Shadia Amin (Ages 8-12)
• Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi (Ages 8-12)
• The Wild Season: The Remarkable True Story of a Rabbit Rescue by Dashka Slater, illus. By Jamey Cristoph (Ages 8-12)
• Evamar by Margarita Engle (Ages 12+)
• Adam, Mine by K. Ancrum (Ages 13+)

Takeaways

• New releases feature diverse and engaging stories for young readers.
• LGBTQ youth face hardship in schools and require support and inclusivity.

Chapters

• 00:00 New Picture Book Releases
• 10:26 Alabama Library Policies
• 13:20 LGBTQ Youth Hardship in Schools
• 16:13 Utah State Board of Education Investigation
• 18:09 Missouri Public Library Stands Strong

https://www.greghowardbooks.com/

The interview with Greg Howard covers the author's background, the plot overview of his book 'The Travelers,' the themes of loss, grief, and generational trauma, and the impact of his work on young readers. Greg shares personal experiences that inspired his writing and discusses the importance of representation and empathy in children's literature.

Takeaways

• Representation in children's literature is crucial for young readers to see themselves and their stories as valid.
• Grief and generational trauma are recurring themes in Greg Howard's work, reflecting his personal experiences and the impact on young readers.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:42 Ben's Loss and Foster Familyr
• 10:08 The Mystery of Clifton House
• 12:03 Writing about Unfamiliar Settings
• 16:39 Grief and the Past
• 20:12 Generational Trauma and Breaking the Cycle
• 23:21 Impact of Greg's Work on Young Readers

https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and its impact on literacy, the controversy surrounding library funding, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in school materials are the primary themes of the conversation. The episode also features new book releases and news stories related to library policies and acquisitions.

New Releases:

• Starman: The Cosmic Voyage of David Bowie by Matthew Cordell (Ages 4-8)
• Quetzal’s Labyrinth by Karla arenas Valenti (Ages 8-12)
• Absent by Rex Ogle, illus. By LJ-Baptiste (Ages 10-14)
• Blightfall by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson (Ages 12+)
• Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner (Ages 10+)
• Your Boyfriend Needs an Exorcist by Justine Pucella Winans (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has had a significant positive impact on literacy and family reading habits.
• Controversies surrounding library funding and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in school materials continue to be important topics in the literary world.

Chapters

• 00:00 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
• 05:29 New Book Releases
• 17:32 Library Funding Controversy
• 21:24 Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Themes in School Materials
• 22:48 Library Policies and Acquisitions

https://www.sandramagsamen.com/

Sandra Magsamen, author of interactive board books, discusses the creative process, the impact of her work on parents and children, and the importance of love and presence in child-rearing. She emphasizes the value of creativity and the joy of sharing love through her books.

Takeaways

• Interactive board books engage children's senses and enhance the reading experience.
• The importance of love, presence, and creativity in child-rearing.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:22 Novelty Board Books and Interactivity
• 06:28 Hello Baby and Writing for Newborns
• 11:19 The Importance of Reading to Young Children
• 16:50 Creativity and the Creative Process
• 25:18 Impact of Sandra's Work on Parents and Children

The episode covers a range of topics, including new book releases, AI-generated mistakes in course materials, challenges to book bans, school budgeting and funding, book bans and censorship, and support for rural libraries. The conversation also highlights the impact of book bans and censorship on school libraries and the community.

New Releases:

• The Brunch Shift by Adrienne Thurman, illus. by Mags DeRoma (Ages 4-8)
• Freedom to Read: The Story of Teacher Mary Peake and One Mighty Oak Tree by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illus. by James E. Ransome (Ages 4-8)
• The Magical Library of Waterfall Way by Julie Abe (Ages 8-11)
• Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H. (Ages 8-12)
• No Place on Earth by Andrea Beatriz Arango (Ages 10+)
• Bite Me by Jennifer Dugan, illus. By Kit Seaton (Ages 12+)
• The Harrow Home for Wayward Girls by Jessica Spotswood (Ages14+)

Takeaways

• The impact of book bans on school libraries and the community
• The importance of supporting rural libraries and the role of authors in library funding

Chapters

• 00:00 New Releases
• 15:33 AI-Generated Mistakes in Course Materials
• 17:25 Challenges to Book Bans
• 19:46 School Budgeting and Funding
• 21:40 Book Bans and Censorship
• 28:15 Support for Rural Libraries