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In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony provides an essential roundup of new children’s book releases and high-stakes library news from across the country. We explore the legislative progress of Alaska’s Freedom to Read Bill and provide a critical update on the Rutherford County Library System’s ongoing policy challenges. The conversation also dives into the legal battle in California, where a school district faces discrimination lawsuits over anti-LGBTQ+ practices, highlighting the vital role of intellectual freedom in the elementary and middle school classroom.

We feature a diverse selection of new titles, including a groundbreaking YA nonfiction book on the history and impact of the AIDS epidemic in America. Teachers and librarians will find valuable insights into using contemporary children’s literature to navigate complex historical and social themes while championing the freedom to read. From tracking modern publishing trends to defending diverse stories, this episode offers the curriculum-aligned resources and news updates you need to stay informed and empowered as an advocate for young readers.

New Releases:

• Can You Grow a Striped Banana? By Jill Santopolo, illus. by Momoko Abe (Ages 2-5)
• Found Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek
• Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap by Jill Tew (Ages 8-12)
• The Genie Game by Jordan Ifueko (Ages 10-14)
• Gods & Comics by Kat Cho with illustrations by Robin Har (Ages12+)
• The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America by Gabriel Duckels and David Levithan (Ages 14+)

https://www.globalgalactics.com/

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In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Karina and Timothy Karsten, the founders of Global Galactics, to discuss their innovative approach to early childhood education. We explore their mission to ignite curiosity and wonder in children aged 5-9 through the adventures of SparkStar, the galactic pup.

The conversation dives into the process behind their title, The Spark at the Center of the Universe, and how they bridge the gap between digital content and hands-on, tactile learning. Teachers and librarians will find valuable insights into using "Awe-Ventures" and storytelling to foster scientific exploration and social-emotional growth in the elementary school classroom. From the importance of primary source inspiration gathered from 22 countries to the ongoing fight for the freedom to read diverse, inspiring stories, Karina and Timothy share how we can empower the next generation to lead with both wisdom and wonder.

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, we break down the Books Save Lives Act of 2026, recently introduced by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to combat the rise in school library book bans. Host Anthony explores how this federal legislation aims to protect inclusive literature and support the freedom to read nationwide.

We also provide an essential roundup of new children’s book releases, offering valuable insights for educators, librarians, and parents. The conversation covers critical library news updates, including the Eighth Circuit's ruling on Iowa’s book ban and the Minnesota Supreme Court's upcoming librarian case. Join us to learn how these legislative developments and new diverse titles are shaping the future of the elementary school classroom.

New Releases:

• Three Pieces of Broken Glass by Emily Barth Isler, illustrated by Vesper Stamper (Ages 4-8)
• Forbidden Mountain by Brandon Mull (Ages 8-12)
• My Sister, the Freak by Dani Jones (Ages 8-12)
• The Delta Codex by Deva Fagan (Ages 10+)
• Rialto by Kate Milford (Ages 10+)
• Forgive-Me-Not by Mari Costa (Ages 14+)