In this episode of the Book Fair podcast, I interview author and illustrator Angela Hsieh about her new book, 'Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology.' We discuss the creative process behind writing and illustrating a graphic novel, and the themes of expectations and growing up that resonate throughout Hsieh's work. Angela shares her inspirations from the natural world and reflects on the importance of storytelling in connecting with readers.

New Releases:

• Tales from Beyond the Rainbow: Ten LGBTQ+ Fairy Tales Proudly Reclaimed collected and adapted by Pete Jordi Wood
• Darkness at Dreamer Mountain by Ryan Wolf
• Candle Island by Laren Wolk
• The Reel Wish by Yamile Saied Méndez

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:37 Exploring Themes of Family and Expectations

05:27 The Journey of Lou and Ren

08:24 Creating the World of Geozoology

11:25 The Creative Process of Author-Illustrators

14:37 Writing for a Young Audience

17:41 Future Possibilities and Closing Thoughts

31:54 New Releases

37:20 Headlines

In this episode Anthony interviews author Sharon G. Flake about her latest book, 'The Family I'm In,' which continues the story of John John, a character from her earlier work, 'The Skin I'm In.' The conversation explores themes of character development, father-son dynamics, the role of community, and the importance of adult figures in young people's lives. Flake discusses the challenges of writing relatable characters who are flawed yet capable of growth, and the impact her stories have on young readers. The episode also touches on the significance of school settings in her narratives and the evolving expectations of young men in relationships.

New Releases

• All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis.

• The Forgotten Summer of Seneca by Camryn Garrett

• On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia

• Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner

• Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda, illus. by Virginia Allyn

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Fair Podcast

01:00 Interview with Sharon G. Flake

02:36 Character Development: John John and His Journey

06:03 Father-Son Dynamics and Community Influence

09:31 The Role of Adults in Young Lives

12:09 School as a Central Theme in Storytelling

15:20 Exploring Gender Expectations and Relationships

19:34 Flaws and Growth in Young Characters

22:51 New Releases

32:21 Headlines

In this episode, Anthony interviews Kali Wallace, author of 'The Secrets of Underhill.' They discuss the book's themes, including environmental stewardship, the importance of community, and the interconnection between humans and nature. Callie shares her creative process in writing middle-grade fantasy, emphasizing the significance of wonder and excitement in children's literature. The conversation also touches on the complexities of human nature and the role of regulation in resource management, all while exploring the imaginative world of Underhill.

New Releases:

• The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
• A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge, illus. by Yaoyao Ma Van
• Renegade Girls: A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-Rousing by Nora Neus, illus. by Julie Robine
• The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kali Wallace and Her Book

04:47 Exploring Themes of Environmentalism and Resource Management

11:11 The Role of Fantasy in Addressing Serious Issues

19:19 The Importance of Wonder in Middle Grade Fiction

23:11 Kalie's Perspective on Writing and Storytelling

26:57 New Releases

33:39 Sexual Assault Awareness Month

36:16 Ohio Proposed Budget Attacks Libraries

38:55 American Library Association Sues DOGE

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews author Shelby Mahurin about her latest book, The Shadow Bride, which concludes the Serpent & Dove universe. They discuss character development, the exploration of tropes in fantasy literature, and the complexities of good and evil in a gothic fantasy setting. Shelby shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of portraying vampires, and the themes of strength and hierarchy within her characters. The conversation also touches on the impact of her work and her future projects as an author.

New Releases:

• Carousel Summer by Kathleen Gros

• Midnight Motorbike by Maureen Shay Tajsar, illustrated by Ishita Jain

• Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

• Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shelby Mahurin and The Shadow Bride

01:01 Exploring Character Tropes in Fantasy

05:59 Navigating Good and Evil in Gothic Fantasy

08:12 Intrusive Thoughts and Character Development

10:23 Strength and Hierarchy in Vampire Society

11:38 Masculinity and Power Dynamics in The Shadow Bride

12:25 Closing the Serpent and Dove Universe

13:33 Future Projects and Author Identity

15:56 New releases

22:02 Headlines

Host Anthony interviews author Kyle Lukoff in honor of the Trans Day of Visibility. They discuss Lukoff's latest book, the importance of teaching pride to young readers, and the intersectionality in LGBTQ+ literature. Lukoff shares insights on sincerity in writing, the role of a trans adult as a role model, and the current state of reading and libraries in America. He also offers advice for aspiring writers and emphasizes the significance of children's literature in giving young readers a sense of agency.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Fair Podcast and Trans Day of Visibility

00:59 Interview with Kyle Lukoff: Celebrating Pride in Literature

04:20 Exploring Intersectionality in LGBTQ+ Literature

08:00 The Role of Honesty and Sincerity in Writing

10:41 The Impact of a Former Librarian on Writing

13:23 Advice for Aspiring Writers

16:37 Understanding Children as Readers

18:23 The Broader Themes in Kyle's Work

20:08 New Releases

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast; we discuss recent children's literature releases and the implications of a new executive order affecting library funding. The episode highlights several new books aimed at young readers, emphasizing themes of adventure, self-discovery, and resilience. Additionally, we address library services, stressing the importance of libraries in communities.

New Releases:

• The House at the Edge of Magic (The House at the Edge of Magic #1) by Amy Sparkles, with illustrations by Ben Mantle

• At Home in a Faraway Place by Lynne Rae Perkins

• True Life in Uncanny Valley by Deb Caletti

• A Catalog of Burnt Objects by Shana Youngdahl

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and New Releases Overview

02:54 Exploring New Children's Books

08:01 Impact of Executive Order on Library Funding

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Tanisha "Tee" Moore about her new children's book, 'Wash Day Love.' The conversation explores the cultural significance of wash day in the Black community, the importance of multi-generational connections in preserving cultural heritage, and the role of representation in literature. Tanisha shares her personal experiences with hair care and how they influenced her writing, emphasizing the need for acceptance and understanding of diverse identities. The episode includes new releases, including diverse stories and news relating to libraries.

New Releases:

• Every Peach Is a Story by David Mas Masumoto and Nikiko Masumoto, illus. by Lauren Tamaki

• A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahogany L. Browne

• Glitch Girl! by Rainie Oet

• A Study in Secrets (Last Chance Academy #1) by Debbi Michiko Florence

Headlines:

• Education Department prepares to lay off roughly half its workforce

• Missouri Secretary of State withdraws state funding of digital library catalog

• Moms For Liberty Is Shutting Down BookLooks–But Why

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wash Day Love

02:50 The Significance of Wash Day in Black Culture

06:12 Multi-Generational Connections and Cultural Heritage

09:06 The Importance of Representation in Literature

11:55 Navigating Identity and Acceptance

15:12 The Role of the Author and Responsibility in Storytelling

18:19 Recent Releases25:17 Headlines