George Brown, executive director of the Highlights Foundation, joins Matthew to talk about the rebranding of the Highlights Foundation as Boyds Mills.

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), joins Matthew to talk about paying for our words.

Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com

Other helpful links:

• Alexandra Villasante at the Highlights Foundation

• LGBTQIA2S+ Voices at the Highlights Foundation - Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for LGBTQIA2S+ creatives and professionals in and around the children's book industry.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Yuyi Morales, author illustrator of Little Rebels (Neal Porter Books), shares what is giving her hope today: taking care of something important to her.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Visit Yuyi Morales online at yuyimorales.com

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Alison Green Myers, author of This Way to Happy (Dutton Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about the inconsistent upbringings and emotional rollercoasters.

Visit Alison Green Myers online at alisongreenmyers.com

Other helpful links:

• Alison Green Myers at the Highlights Foundation

• Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! - Our Summer Camp is a not-to-be-missed experience with 1:1 mentorship, educational and inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions in your chosen track, a community of fellow creatives, time to create, and lots of fun!

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up.

Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion.

Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com

Other helpful links:

• Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation

• Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This scholarship celebrates Black and Afro-Indigenous female writers and poets.

• The Nikki Grimes Cottage at the Highlights Foundation - New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is a long-time friend of this organization and our community. This cabin honors her, and features some of her awards and copies of most of her published work. The Nikki Grimes Scholarship at the Highlights Foundation supports Black and Afro-Indigenous Women Writers and Poets.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. And read on.

Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things.

This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today.

Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/).

Our music is by Podington Bear.

Podcast hosting by Libsyn.

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.