In this episode, Chrystal D Giles joins Jennifer LaGarde to discuss the power of children's literature to shape readers' hearts and provide guidance in navigating the world. Chrystal shares her experiences as a young reader and how she now gravitates towards contemporary realistic fiction that tackles social and cultural topics. They also discuss Chrystal's book, Not An Easy Win, which follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy named Lawrence as he learns to play chess and navigates complex emotions and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and the impact of books in helping children understand and process their own experiences. They also explore the role of technology and the value of finding healthy alternatives, as well as the significance of strong grandparent characters in children's literature. Chrystal shares her upcoming projects and the joy she finds in school visits and connecting with young readers.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart

03:02 Not An Easy Win

06:02 Representation and Shame

09:31 Technology and Healthy Alternatives

13:18 Grandma's Role

21:00 Future Projects

25:10 School Visits and Impact

27:31 Conclusion

In this conversation, Chris Baron chats with Jennifer about the power of children's literature in shaping readers' hearts and helping them navigate tough situations. Chris shares his own experiences as a reader, giving a shoutout to his 3rd grade teacher, and how books became a stable presence in his life. They also discuss the influence of comics on both their readers' hearts. Chris shares the inspiration behind his book The Gray and its themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the role of technology. Chris talks about the importance of empathy and storytelling in connecting with young readers. He also shares his upcoming projects, including an anthology of passover stories for middle grade readers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Roles as a Reader and Writer

04:23 The Power of Children's Literature

11:36 Discussion of The Gray

23:00 Themes in Chris Baron's Books

31:43 Upcoming Projects

34:32 Conclusion and Gratitude

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Fan Moment

00:54 Connecting Story to a Reader's Heart

01:37 Chris Barton's Reading Habits

03:03 Setting Reading Challenges

04:27 The Research Process for Nonfiction Books

06:34 Balancing Serious Topics with Joy

08:34 Making Historical Events Relevant and Safe for Kids

09:48 Personal Experiences and Writing for Young Readers

11:39 Children's Literature as a Guide Through Life

13:11 The Influence of Personal Experiences on Writing

14:14 The Role of Reading in Coping with Tragedy

17:23 Meeting Favorite Authors

18:27 Recommendation for Jennifer Ziegler's Book

19:16 The Importance of Joyful Reading

20:41 The Power of Graphic Novels and Personal Reading Preferences

23:34 Nonfiction as a Joyful Pursuit

24:46 The Fascination with Book Dedications

29:51 Working on Multiple Books Simultaneously

31:43 Upcoming Books and Projects

34:46 The Book Dedications Podcast

38:19 Conclusion

In this episode, author/illustrator Corinna Luyken joins Jennifer to discuss her lifelong love for reading and the influence of her early library experiences. She shares how her passion for language and poetry led her to become a picture book author and illustrator. Corinna emphasizes the power of picture books in fostering connection and inclusivity, and the importance of asking better questions. She also discusses her book ABC and You and Me and the inspiration behind it. In this conversation, Corinna and Jennifer discuss the importance of movement in learning and how it can be incorporated into educational settings. They also explore the power of inclusive illustrations in children's books and the impact they can have on readers. Finally, they touch on Corinna's upcoming projects, including a book about a community of people who are very good at arguing and an ocean-themed book.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

01:19 Early Love for Reading and Library Experiences

02:18 Influence of Language and Poetry

05:22 Connection Between Read Aloud Experiences and Becoming a Picture Book Author and Illustrator

08:49 The Power of Picture Books and the Golden Age of Picture Books

11:21 Themes of Connection and Inclusivity in Picture Books

15:29 The Importance of Connection and Asking Better Questions

20:36 The Book 'ABC and You and Me'

27:50 The Inspiration Behind 'ABC and You and Me'

32:42 The Importance of Movement in Learning

36:16 Creating a More Inclusive World Through Books

37:40 Upcoming Projects

In this conversation, Saadia Faruqi joins Jennifer to chat abouther journey as a reader and writer, as well as the importance of representation in children's literature. They also delve into Saadia's books, including Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero and Saving Sunshine, and the inspiration behind them. Saadia shares her experiences as a writer and the impact she hopes to make with her stories. The conversation highlights the need for diverse voices and perspectives in literature and the power of storytelling to create understanding and empathy.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.

Chapters

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Pura Belpré honor winning poet Jasminne Mendez, They discuss Jasminne's reader's heart and the power of children's literature. They also delve into the inclusion of chronic illness in Aniana del Mar Jumps In and the importance of poetry in conveying the story. Jasminne talks about the power of storytelling, and her future projects including a YA novel in verse centered around theater and activism. 

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pura Belpré Win

03:18 Jasminne's Reader's Heart

07:20 Reading with Her Daughter

11:49 The Power of Children's Literature

15:17 Inclusion of Chronic Illness in 'Anayana Del Mar Jumps In'

20:21 The Shame and Complexity of Chronic Illness

25:19 The Importance of Poetry in 'Anayana Del Mar Jumps In'

29:02 Crafting the Novel in Verse

30:41 Upcoming Projects

32:14 Writing and Publishing Process

34:22 The Power of Storytelling

35:23 Future Projects

This week, Lisa Fipps joins Jennifer to discuss the power of children's literature and its ability to shape hearts and offer survival tools for readers. Lisa shares her early reading experiences and how books allowed her to escape her challenging childhood. They discuss Lisa's book And Then, BOOM! and how it reflects her own experiences of poverty, abandonment, and hunger. They also explore the importance of representation in children's literature and the need for books that address topics like dementia. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of asking for help and giving back.

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Friendship

02:04 The Power of Children's Literature

02:23 Lisa's Early Reading Experiences

03:20 The Impact of a Book on Lisa's Childhood

04:16 Lisa's Desire to Explore the World

05:12 Using Books to Escape

07:00 Lisa's Childhood Hiding Spots

08:26 Finding Hope in Books

09:52 Authors Lisa Admires

10:44 Lisa's Writing Process

12:49 Writing for One Person

13:41 Lisa's Book 'And Then Boom'

19:10 Reflecting Personal Experiences in And Then, BOOM!

23:24 The Importance of Representation in Children's Literature

24:17 Recognizing the Commonality of Childhood Experiences

29:10 The Impact of Poverty on Children

32:42 The Importance of Asking for Help and Giving

36:48 Lisa's Future Projects

39:26 Conclusion and Book Recommendations

Sarah Everett joins Jennifer to discuss her book The Probability of Everything and the power of books to connect readers. She shares her own experiences as a reader and the impact of books like Charlotte's Web on her as a reader and a writer. The importance of read-alouds and tackling tough topics in children's literature are also explored. Sarah talks about the process of writing and developing characters, as well as the mystery element in her book. She discusses reader reactions and the hope that her books spark important conversations.  Sarah concludes by sharing details about her upcoming book.

Show notes and other information related to this episode can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:48 The Power of Books to Connect

03:36 The Impact of Charlotte's Web

04:56 The Importance of Read-Alouds

06:22 Tackling Tough Topics in Children's Literature

07:44 Writing About Grief and Difficult Emotions

10:23 The Process of Writing and Developing Characters

12:54 The Mystery Element in 'The Probability of Everything'

14:59 Reader Reactions and Feedback

17:33 Using Children's Literature to Spark Conversations

19:42 The Importance of Supportive Secondary Characters

22:43 Finding Light in Darkness

26:04 Upcoming Book and Conclusion

In this episode of The Reader's Heart, Jennifer chat's with award winning author Kyle Lukoff. They discuss various topics, including the importance of empathy in children's literature, the role of reading in shaping a reader's heart, the process of writing and revision, and the theme of vegetables in Lukoff's books. Lukoff shares his perspective on transphobia and why he chooses not to include it in his characters' journeys. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling to create safe spaces and foster understanding.

Takeaways

• Reading plays a significant role in shaping a reader's heart and informing how they navigate the world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Transphobia

02:22 Reader's Heart and Reading Journey

04:25 Writing and Revision

06:45 Sharing Work and Imposter Syndrome

08:05 Creating Safe Spaces in Books

14:17 Themes of Vegetables and Social Constructs

18:29 Empathy in Children's Literature

25:30 The Role of Children's Literature in Challenging Times

33:03 Fruit and Vegetable Theme

34:05 Conclusion

In this conversation, Traci Sorell joins Jennifer to discuss her passion for storytelling and the importance of representation in literature. She emphasizes the need for diverse stories that reflect the experiences of Native people and dispel stereotypes. Traci also shares her writing process and the significance of incorporating Cherokee language and culture in her books. She encourages readers to connect with one another through stories and use their gifts and abilities to foster understanding and empathy.

More information about this episode, including a discount code for purchasing Traci's books through Bookelicious, can be found at librarygirl.net

Takeaways

• Representation in literature is crucial for marginalized communities, as it allows readers to see themselves and their experiences reflected in stories.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Fan Appreciation

01:25 The Reader's Heart

07:06 The Writing Process

12:35 Critique Groups and Feedback

15:51 Cherokee Language Books

26:23 Representation and Dispelling Stereotypes

36:43 Upcoming Projects

46:17 The Power of Storytelling