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

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

This week's episode of the Book Fair Podcast covers the new Texas Department of Education's reading list for public schools, as well as local groups helping bring access to banned books in their community. The episode also features a review of the newest books out this week.

New Releases:

• The Big One by Dashka Slater, illus. by Myo Yim (Ages 4-8)
• *Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceresn (Ages 8-12)
• For the Greatest Good by Blair Hanson (Ages 14+)

*Debut author

Takeaways

• Banned books access initiatives
• Controversy over Texas reading list

Chapters

• 00:00 New Books of the Week
• 07:01 Texas Department of Education's Reading List Controversy