In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony analyzes major policy shifts and structural audits in public education. We lead with a landmark report from the Texas Freedom to Read Project, presented to the Texas Senate Education Committee. Based on public information requests across 900+ school districts, the audit exposes 7,861 book removals or restrictions during the 2025–2026 school year—a 400% surge driven primarily by flawed AI screening tools and administrative fear rather than parent challenges.

Staying in Texas, we examine the fallout from the state's $1 billion school voucher program, as new data reveals 70% of funds benefited students already in private schools, leaving public districts facing an estimated $300 million annual loss.

In international news, author Sally Rooney and publisher Faber have pulled two titles (Normal People and Intermezzo) from UK publication following legislation that prevents passing earnings to the author due to her support for Palestine. In Tennessee, the Jefferson County School Board voted 5-2 to review 34 library books brought forward by a new board member using an undisclosed rating website.

Finally, on a community note, we highlight Pizza Hut’s Book IT! program partnering with Little Free Library to distribute custom book-sharing boxes and steward giveaways through October 31st.

Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode vital for tracking state school board policies, understanding AI in library collection management, and defending the freedom to read.

New Releases:

• I Wonder if I’m Growing by Raffi, illus. by Jon Klassen (Ages 3-7)
• We Used to Be Friends by Marcy Campbell, illus. by Aimée Sicuro (Ages 3-7)
• Brittle Magic by Kate O’Shaughnessy (Ages 8-12)
• Everything’s Not Lost by Frederick Joseph (Ages 14+)
• The Age of Fury by John Stephens (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• New children's book releases
• Controversial book bans and legislation

Chapters

• 00:00 New Children's Book Releases
• 09:53 Controversial Book Bans and Legislation
• 14:08 Texas School Voucher Program Issues
• 18:29 Pizza Hut's Book It Partnership

https://prettyokmaggie.com/

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Maggie Tokuda-Hall—children’s and YA author and co-founder of Authors Against Book Bans—to explore her new non-fiction picture book, What Do People Do at the Science Museum? (illustrated by Chin Leng). Maggie shares the fascinating nine-year journey from an initial California Academy of Sciences tour to the book's long-awaited release, explaining how the text serves as a behind-the-scenes celebration of the scientists, taxidermists, and science communicators who make STEM accessible to young readers.

Maggie details her social research process interviewing marine biologists and planetarium experts, while breaking down a deliberate vocabulary update made during production: transitioning from "citizen scientist" to "community scientist" to ensure public participation in science remains un-gatekept and welcoming to all.

Shifting into literary defense, Maggie offers a sharp, urgent analysis of modern censorship tactics. She breaks down why book challenges target public institutions and marginalized voices, why public libraries remain essential centers for voluntary inquiry, and how four proposed federal book banning bills threaten millions of dollars in state public school funding.

Teachers, school librarians, and literacy advocates will gain valuable insights into science communication in the classroom, curriculum-aligned non-fiction, and practical ways to support local library staff while defending the freedom to read. Plus, Maggie previews her newly released haiku picture book, Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, and her upcoming companion title, What Do People Do at the Library?

Takeaways

• Importance of community science
• Impact of book bans

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Children's Literature and Book Bans
• 05:52 The Research Process Behind the Book
• 10:58 Community Science and Engagement
• 16:49 The Role of Libraries and Book Bans
• 24:00 Final Thoughts on Writing and Impact

In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony breaks down critical developments on the censorship frontlines, starting with a new directive from the Florida Department of Education. The state is pressuring school superintendents to initiate a 90-day review of library collections, threatening criminal investigations for noncompliance following a year that saw over 600 titles removed.

Shifting to local governance, we analyze York County, South Carolina, where the library board voted to override professional staff recommendations and reclassify five acclaimed titles—moving books like Elizabeth Acevedo’s The Poet X and Kyle Lukoff’s When Aidan Became a Brother to the adult section. We examine why local investigative journalism remains essential for holding school and library boards accountable across the country.

Ending on a celebratory note, we highlight major literary milestones, announcing the five finalists for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (Holloway, When Tomorrow Burns, That Which Feeds Us, The Fight of Our Lives, and Shook) and celebrating Elizabeth Acevedo’s Anger is Only a Shadow as the winner of the 2026 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature.

Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode essential for tracking state-level school library policies, staying current on youth literary honors, and defending the freedom to read.

New Releases:

• Bathtime for Snow Monkeys by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illus by Yas Imamura (Ages 4-8)
• Realmsweep by H.E. Edgmon (Ages 8-12)
• Where the Wild Horses Are by Amy Alznauer (Ages 10+)
• It’s Not Over Yet by Salma Hussain (Ages 12+)
• Everything New Again by Renée Watson (Ages 13+)
• When the World Was Happy by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• Support freedom to read
• Recognize literary achievements

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring New Book Releases
• 11:49 Censorship and the Freedom to Read
• 17:04 Literary Awards and Recognitions