In Between The Pages with James Lott Jr.

Arvind is an Olivier nominated playwright who also writes novels and television. His seven graphic novels include the official adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s "Trouble Is My Business" and the Bram Stoker Award–nominated "Darkness Visible" with Mike Carey. Arvind has also written multiple chart-topping audio originals, including the science fiction anthology series "Earworms", "The Crimes of Dorian Gray", and the nonfiction audiobook "Douglas Adams: The Ends of the Earth."In theatre, Arvind has created adaptations of the Douglas Adams novels "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" and "Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency" (co-written with James Goss) as well as the children's musical "The Boy With Wings", based on Sir Lenny Henry’s children’s books, for which he received an Olivier nomination. He was also a lead producer of the Grammy and Tony Award–winning Alanis Morissette musical "Jagged Little Pill".Arvind has written and produced extensively in television, including "Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency" for AMC/Netflix, "Anansi Boys" for Amazon, and the Asian Academy Award winner "The Garden of Evening Mists" for HBO.His debut prose novel "The Great Game" is published by Thomas & Mercer in July 2026.Follow Arvind @ArvD on BlueSky and @arvind.david on Instagram.

In this heartwarming book, young readers are invited to discover the power of their own words. Whether whispered, spoken, or shouted with joy, every child’s voice deserves to be heard. You Have a Story to Tell encourages children to speak up, share their stories, and know that what they say has value. Perfect for classrooms, families, and anyone who believes in listening with the heart, this book celebrates courage, connection, and the magic of making space for every story. Bridget is a dedicated Elementary Educator based in California who is deeply passionate about fostering a love for reading and writing among her students. Her commitment extends beyond academics, as she strongly emphasizes social-emotional learning, ensuring that every student in her care feels acknowledged. Her joy for teaching is not confined to the classroom; she also maintains a personal blog to inspire and encourage her readers. Beyond her professional life, Bridget finds joy in spending quality time with her family. A book enthusiast, Bridget enjoys reading, and when she's not immersed in books or lesson plans, she can be found cheering for her favorite baseball team. Overall, Bridget's multifaceted interests and commitment to education showcase a well-rounded individual dedicated to positively impacting the lives of her students and readers.

It's 1971, and 7-year-old Mishel Manoucherian's family has packed up their life in Tehran and moved to Los Angeles, launching him headfirst into a disorienting new world of social and schoolyard expectations. At once a witty and warm exploration of the immigrant journey and coming of age tale, American Playground illuminates the Iranian American experience through a child's unique perspective.Armed with a handful of English words, a fiery mother who uses her biting wit to open doors and inspire fear while shunning all things Amrikayi, and an adventurous dad who clumsily chases the Amrikayi Dream, Mishel tries to crack the code of schoolyard politics that feels equal parts Brady Bunch and Lord of the Flies.His brown skin gets him thrown in with the school's outcasts, but Mishel wants to run with the Pros - longhaired kids who rule the blacktop in faded Levi's and Pro Keds, radiating the casual yet rugged essence of 70's California Cool. Desperate for a mentor to unravel this dizzying American life, Mishel recruits Bugs Bunny, the only Amrikayi he trusts. Mishel will do whatever it takes to become Amrikayi. He'll have to do it on the only true Amrikayi turf - the playground.
James has a great convo with the author! Book is out everywhere books are sold!

Lucy Wilson-Tagoe is a Ghanaian-American writer and lawyer who writes suspenseful women’s fiction and romantic thrillers centered on characters from the African Diaspora and the Global South. She studied History at Tufts University and earned law degrees from Howard University and the London School of Economics. A child immigrant and daughter of immigrants, she brings a global perspective to her storytelling. Her novel To Catch a Sinner is part of The Blurred Lines Duet.

James is sharing some behind the scenes of his songwriting these days!