In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, Anthony Soto interviews Alex Gino, author of 'Chris Makes a Friend,' diving deep into the powerful themes of loneliness, friendship, and the vital role of diverse voices in children's and YA literature. Alex reveals autobiographical influences in their writing and discusses the vulnerability involved in character development. The conversation explores the challenges of chronic illness on family dynamics, the maturity of young characters, and the importance of new experiences. They also highlight the harmful effects of book bans on identity formation and understanding. This episode underscores the need for inclusive literature that truly reflects young readers' lives and emphasizes empathy as a cornerstone of storytelling.

New Releases:

• Shaped by Love: An Ode to Mom Bods by Nikki Powers and illustrated by Amanda Calatzi
• Trail Rides and Starry Eyes by Katrina Emmel
• Twin Tides by Hien Nguyen

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:25 The Great Summer 72 Book Challenge

06:28 Family Dynamics and Character Development

15:05 Chris Makes a Friend: Meet Mia Yarning

21:24 Author Responds to Book Bans

27:40 New Releases

32:52 Updates on Library Funding Issues

37:21 Concerns Over LGBTQ+ Book Crackdown

In this insightful episode of the Book Fair Podcast, Anthony interviews Kate Frick, a digital content librarian, to discuss the critical role of digital content in schools and its impact on children's literature. They delve into the importance of representation and diversity in children's and YA literature, addressing the challenges posed by censorship and book banning. The conversation highlights new releases and recommendations for young readers, offering valuable insights for librarians and educators committed to expanding access to diverse literature. Additionally, the episode covers recent news about book bans in Ohio, updates from school and library boards, and Franklin's publisher's response to recent events, underlining the ongoing challenges for children’s books and libraries.

New Releases:

• At the Speed of Gus by Richard Scrimger
• Down Came the Spiders by Ally Russell
• The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle and illustrated by Jo Rioux

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:06 Engagement with Schools and Content Curation

05:55 Recommendations for Young Readers

08:24 The Importance of Representation in Literature

13:02 Censorship and Book Bans

17:22 Resources for Combating Censorship

24:54 New Book Releases Overview

30:15 Ohio's Parents' Bill of Rights

35:30 Alabama Library Board's Restrictions

40:11 Positive News for Freedom to Read

45:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords

digital content, Sora, children's literature, book banning, representation, librarians, censorship, young readers, education, community support

Takeaways

Digital content librarians play a crucial role in curating school collections.

Sora is a valuable resource for accessing digital content in schools.

Engagement with schools varies, with some librarians communicating frequently and others less so.

Recommendations for books should be tailored to the specific needs of students.

Representation in literature is essential for all children to feel seen and understood.

Censorship and book banning are significant issues affecting access to diverse literature.

Librarians face challenges from pressure groups and government entities regarding book access.

Resources like ALA can help students and librarians combat censorship.

Community support is vital for librarians facing challenges in their work.

The freedom to read is fundamental for empowering young readers.

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony Soto interviews author and illustrator Steph Littlebird, exploring her contributions to children's literature and Indigenous art. Steph discusses her new children's book 'You Are the Land,' highlighting the importance of cultural representation in children's and YA literature. She shares insights into her Indigenous background, her journey as an artist, and how digital art shapes Indigenous futurism. This episode delves into the impact of literature and art on young readers, emphasizing community connection and the creative process, including collaboration and feedback. Listen in for an insightful conversation about the power of literature and art in shaping youth perspectives.

New Releases:

• The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett
• A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri, illus. by Vesper Stamper
• The Snow Theater Ryoji Arai, translated from the Japanese by David Boyd

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:31 You Are the Land: A Universal Message

05:16 Cultural Roots and Indigenous Identity

09:49 The Journey into Digital Illustration

14:29 The Power of Community and Representation

17:09 Final Thoughts and Artistic Responsibility

20:07 New Releases

24:46 Lawsuit against ILMS and DOGE

27:20 Book Ban News

33:50 School Board Elections News