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

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

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

    The Art of Storytelling with Jerry Spinelli

    24/07/2026 | 20 mins.
    https://jerryspinelliauthor.com/

    Jerry Spinelli discusses the inspiration behind his book 'Fifth Grade Top Dogs' and his approach to writing for young readers. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the impact it has on readers of all ages.

    Takeaways
    Storytelling for all ages
    Character-focused approach

    Chapters
    00:00 The Inspiration Behind the Series
    03:02 Creating Conflict and Character Development
    06:09 Writing for Everyone
    08:58 Connecting with Readers
    11:57 The Universal Story
    15:01 The Purpose of Writing
  • The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers

    How Book Bans Are Shaping Education and Community

    22/07/2026 | 21 mins.
    The episode covers new releases for young readers, the debate over book banning law in Tennessee, concerns raised by school librarians in Ohio, censorship in Hong Kong, and a personal reflection on moving from Texas to Colorado for safety and acceptance.

    New Releases:
    The Explorers by Dee Hahn, illus. by Ashlyn Anstee (Ages 3-7)
    Pia in the Forest by David Bruggink (Ages 5-8)
    Fatal Glitch: Camp Zero by Erin Entrada Kelly and Eliot Schrefer, illus. by Jeannette Arroyo (Ages 8-12)
    Spindlewood by Freddie Kölsch, illus. by Jay Bendt (Ages 8-12)
    Salvage by Renée Nault (Ages 14+)

    Takeaways
    New releases for young readers feature diverse and engaging stories.
    Debate over book banning laws and funding cuts threaten student access to library materials.

    Chapters
    00:00 New Releases for Young Readers
    11:25 Debate Over Book Banning Law in Tennessee
    14:19 School Librarians in Ohio Raise Alarms
    16:43 Censorship in Hong Kong
  • The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers

    How Personal Experience Shapes Queer Stories in Children's Literature with Alex Ritany

    17/07/2026 | 25 mins.
    https://www.aritany.com/

    The interview with Alex Ritany, author of Maybe Tomorrow I'll Know, delves into the crafting of the opening chapters, the exploration of dysphoria and identity, the role of secondary characters, the connection between characters, and the author's reflection on writing. The conversation highlights the use of time loop and body swap as storytelling devices and the personal experiences that influenced the themes of the book.

    Takeaways
    Exploring themes of dysphoria and identity
    The use of time loop and body swap as storytelling devices

    Chapters
    00:00 Crafting the Opening Chapters
    04:20 Exploring Dysphoria and Identity
    16:18 The Role of Secondary Characters
    20:21 The Connection Between Characters
    21:51 Author's Reflection on Writing
  • The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers

    New Releases and Censorship in YA and Children's Books

    15/07/2026 | 21 mins.
    The episode covers new releases for the week, controversies in school libraries, the Governor of New Hampshire vetoing a book banning bill, and Utah's book banning policies. It provides insights into the latest releases, challenges faced by school libraries, and the impact of book banning policies in different states.

    New Releases:
    The House with Nobody in It by Jon Klassen (Ages 3-7)
    Sama Crushes the Code by Samaira Mehta*, with Brin Stevens, illus. by Jenny Alvarado (Ages 8-12)
    The Clockwork Key by Vashti Hardy, illus. by Rebecca Sheerin(Ages 8-12)
    The Broken Edge of the World by Alena Bruzas (Ages 14+)
    *Debut author

    Takeaways
    New releases for the week
    Controversies in school libraries
    Governor of New Hampshire vetoing a book banning bill
    Utah's book banning policies

    Chapters
    00:00 New Releases
    09:23 Controversies in School Libraries
    15:32 Governor of New Hampshire Vetoing a Book Banning Bill
    17:49 Utah Banned Book Giveaway
  • The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers

    Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign with Sara F. Shacter

    10/07/2026 | 23 mins.
    The interview with Sarah F. Shacter discusses her book 'Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign' and explores themes of empathy, connection, and the intersection of science and creativity. Sarah shares insights into the characters, plot, and the inspiration behind the 99% campaign. The interview also delves into the importance of finding common ground and fostering empathy, especially in the context of conflict and division.

    Takeaways
    Empathy and connection are central themes in 'Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign'
    The 99% campaign serves as a tangible and pragmatic way to practice empathy and find common ground

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    04:02 Heredity and Social Chaos
    09:33 The 99% Campaign: A Unique Marketing Hook
    13:31 The Impact of the 99% Campaign
    16:04 The Power of Commonalities
    19:36 Empathy and Connection: Lessons from Georgia's
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About The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers
Do you struggle keeping up with new books for young readers? Are you concerned about book bans? Welcome to the Book Faire! This podcast is all about the latest in kidlit, from Middle Grade to YA interviewing authors and professionals in the children’s publishing industry, highlighting diverse new releases, and covering stories that impact public schools, educators and librarians. Check in for Two weekly episodes covering the latest news and author interviews!Contact: Bookfairepod@gmail.com Patreon: patreon.com/TheBookFaire @bookfairepod.bsky.social
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