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

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 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

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 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 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