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

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

The episode covers new releases for young readers, policy changes in Florida and Wisconsin, library governance and public opinion, and challenges to diversity and inclusion in public spaces. It explores the impact of these topics on the literary community and the broader public.

New Releases:
A Day Off School by Oliver Jeffers, illus. by Oliver Jeffers and Kevin Waldron (Ages 4-8)
HeartLand by Jilanne Hoffman (Ages 8-12)
* Raven, Rising by Christine Hartman Derr (Ages 8-12)
Buried Feelings by Kit Rosewater (Ages 12+)
* Free Girls by Kristen McCallum (Ages 12+)
* The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly (Ages 16+)

*Debut author

Takeaways
New releases for young readers
Policy changes in Florida and Wisconsin
Library governance and public opinion
Challenges to diversity and inclusion in public spaces

Chapters
00:00 New Releases for Young Readers
10:23 Library Governance and Controversies
21:31 Freedom of Speech and Public Discourse

https://www.lindsaychampion.com/

This week's interview covers the introduction and development of the Cast vs. Crew trilogy by Lindsay Champion, the role of an editor in publishing, addressing serious topics in middle grade literature, creating diverse and realistic characters, the role of beta readers and sensitivity readers, the inclusion of fictitious and real musical references, a discussions of Cast vs. Crew Tech Week, the third book 'The Show Must Go On,' and the author's experience in writing middle grade fiction and future plans.

Takeaways
Middle grade series
Writing for children

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Lindsay Champion and the Cast vs. Crew Trilogy
05:58 The Role of Editors and Collaboration in Writing
11:50 Creating Diverse Characters and Authentic Voices
18:02 Theater and Fictitious Musicals in Cast vs. Crew
24:09 Future of the Series and Writing Middle Grade Fiction
26:56 The Evolution of Middle Grade Literature