In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews renowned author Gordon Korman, discussing his latest book 'Snoop' and the themes of privacy, technology, and character development in middle grade literature. Korman shares insights into his writing process, the importance of relatable characters, and the balance of humor and serious topics in his stories. The conversation also touches on the role of authority in young readers' lives and the collaborative nature of working with publishers and editors. Korman reflects on his journey as an author, celebrating milestones and the impact of middle grade literature on young audiences.

New Releases:

• Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

• The Case of the Contraband Closet (Bubblegum Shoes #1) by Goldy Moldavsky

• The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks (Lottie Brooks #1) by Katie Kirby

• Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

• The Yomigaeri Tunnel by Kelly Murashige

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Current Events

05:18 Character Development: Carter's Journey

11:00 Balancing Technology and Healthy Limits

16:24 The Writing Process and Publishing Schedule

21:54 Finding Inspiration and Personal Reflection

25:40 The Role of Middle Grade Literature in Society

29:13 New Releases

36:30 News

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Joanna Ho, author of 'Becoming Boba.' They discuss the cultural significance of milk tea, the evolution of identity through food, and the importance of self-discovery in writing. Joanna shares her journey as an Asian American writer and emphasizes the power of young voices in shaping culture and community. The conversation highlights the intersection of personal history and storytelling, culminating in Joanna's vision for empowering young readers to embrace their identities and create change. News stories include a roundup of Texas State Legislature's bills targeting freedom to read as well as book censorship policies in South Carolina,

New Releases:

• Angel Draws a Dinosaur by Pavonis Giron

• The Lost Heirs (Arcana #1) by Sam Prentice-Jones

• Tell Me Every Lie by Ellen Hagan and David Flores

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joanna Ho and 'Becoming Boba'

02:50 Cultural Evolution of Milk Tea

06:12 The Impact of Colonization on Identity

08:04 Advice for Young Readers on Identity

09:56 The Balance of Fluff and Depth in Writing

11:39 Mindy's Journey and Self-Discovery

13:47 The Role of Youth in Cultural Change

14:53 Joanna Ho's Mission as a Writer

15:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

17:43 New Releases

22:48 Headlines

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Kyle Casey Chu, a writer and drag queen, about his debut middle grade novel, 'The Queen Bees of Tybee County.' The conversation explores themes of identity, the writing process, and the importance of representation in literature. Kyle shares insights from his journey as a first-time author, the role of drag in his life, and how his experiences shape the characters and narratives he creates. The discussion also touches on family dynamics, intersectionality, and the significance of finding one's community.

New Releases:

• The Grove by Brooks Whitney Phillips

• The League of Littles by Casey Lyall, illus. by Sara Faber

• If We Survive This by Racquel Marie

• The Tournament by Rebecca Barrow

Chapters

00:00 Meet Kyle Casey Chu: Author and Drag Queen

02:50 The Writing Process: Insights from a First-Time Author

04:43 Exploring Identity: Derek's Journey in The Queen Bees of Tybee County

06:40 The Role of Drag Story Hour in Shaping Identity

07:45 Navigating Opposition: Realism and Optimism in Storytelling

08:49 Intersectionality: Derek's Experience as a Chinese American

10:50 Claudia: The Matriarch and Her Impact on Derek

12:30 Familial Pressure: Derek's Relationship with His Father

14:07 Ro: Breaking Stereotypes in Beauty Pageants

16:06 Finding Community: Derek's Exploration of Identity

18:04 Understanding Gender Identity and Expression

20:45 The Power of Storytelling: Creating Possibility Models

23:09 New Releases

30:42 News

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Grace Russo, managing editor of Pennyworth Publishing. They discuss the importance of children's literature, the journey of self-publishing, and the creative process behind making books that resonate with young readers. Grace shares her passion for reading to children, the challenges of self-publishing, and her vision for creating substantial literature that nurtures creativity and beauty in children's lives.

New Releases:

• The Protégée by Erica Ridley

• On Guard! (Marshall Middle School #1) by Cassidy Wasserman

• We Can Never Leave by H.E. Edgmon

• Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pennyworth Publishing and Grace Russo

05:44 Transitioning from Substack to Publishing

10:36 The Importance of Reading to Children

15:51 Challenges and Insights in Self-Publishing

21:34 Encouraging New Authors and Community Engagement

23:28 Grace Russo's Creative Philosophy

26:19 New Releases

33:01 News

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony discusses the importance of Pride Month and introduces author Beth Ferry, who shares insights about her new middle grade novel, Growing Home. The conversation explores the unique character dynamics between personified plants and animals, the challenges of transitioning from picture books to middle grade novels, and the role of publishing in determining age ranges for books. Beth reflects on the creative freedom of using non-human characters and the importance of empathy in children's literature, while also touching on the industry side of writing and publishing.

New Releases:

• The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

• We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer, illus. by Joelle Murray

• The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

• Dad Rock Dragon Quest by Joan Reardon

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beth Ferry and Growing Home

01:28 Characters and Relationships in Growing Home

05:03 Creative Freedom with Non-Human Characters

06:13 Challenges of Expanding from Picture Books

09:19 The Origin of Growing Home's Concept

11:54 Understanding Age Ranges in Publishing

15:40 The Importance of Industry Knowledge for Writers

17:46 Plot Dynamics and Character Development

19:59 Ivy's Self-Centeredness and Friendship

21:45 Balancing Character Flaws with Reader Empathy

24:39 Empathy in Non-Human Characters

26:49 New Releases

33:17 News

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews writer Chad Quandt, who shares his journey from a hobbyist writer to a professional in the animation industry. They discuss the importance of writing for young audiences, the challenges of navigating standards and practices in children's media, and the need for nuanced storytelling that respects children's intelligence. Chad emphasizes that children deserve better content and that heavy themes can be handled in a way that is accessible to younger viewers. The conversation also touches on the business side of writing and how it can impact creative freedom.

New Releases:

• The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell

• Someone’s Gonna End Up Crying by Jo Knowles, illus. by Glynnis Fawkes.

• Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile (Bashir Boutros #1) by George Jreije

• Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses by Randy Rainbow, illus. by Jaimie MacGibbon.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chad Quant and the Podcast

01:44 Chad's Journey into Writing and Animation

09:40 Writing for Young Audiences: The Four Quadrant Debate

13:46 Children Deserve Better: The Quality of Kids' Content

18:02 Handling Heavy Themes in Children's Literature

24:42 Navigating Standards and Practices in Animation

28:46 The Role of Executive Oversight in Creative Projects

32:23 The Writer's Perspective on Storytelling and Inspiration

34:15 New Releases

40:23 News

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Stan Yan, a graphic novelist and illustrator, about his upcoming book, 'The Many Misadventures of Eugenia Wang.' They discuss the character's journey of self-discovery, the cultural expectations faced by Asian American children, and the challenges of the editorial process. Stan shares insights into the importance of representation in literature, the intersection of art and fear, and the passion that drives his work as a storyteller.

New Releases:

• Amina Banana and the Formula of Friendship (Amina Banana #1) by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel

• Gus and Glory by Sarah Guillory

• Let Them Stare by Julie Murphy and Jonathan Van Ness

• One Day in June: A Story Inspired by the Life and Activism of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline, illus. by Charlot Kristensen

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stan Yan and His Work

02:10 Exploring Eugenia Wang's Character and Challenges

06:09 Cultural Influences and Personal Reflections in Storytelling

12:12 The Evolution of Scary Themes in Children's Literature

20:19 Agency and Control in the Face of Fear

22:32 Navigating the Editorial Process

26:57 The Passion Behind Writing and Illustrating

29:40 The Impact of Feedback and Legacy in Storytelling

33:26 New Releases

39:59 Headlines

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Erin Intrada Kelly about her new nonfiction book, 'At Last She Stood,' which tells the remarkable story of Joey Guerrero, a Filipino spy during World War II. The conversation explores themes of heroism, discrimination, and the challenges of researching and writing about lesser-known historical figures. Erin shares insights into Hansen's disease, the complexities of being a war hero, and the process of transitioning from fiction to nonfiction writing. The episode also touches on current legislative issues regarding book bans in Texas and Colorado.

New Releases:⁠

• ⁠Athlete Is Agender: True Stories of LGBTQ+ People in Sports⁠ by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby, illustrated by Jess Vosseteig
• ⁠Camp Frenemies⁠ by Liz Montague

• ⁠Shampoo Unicorn⁠ by Sawyer Lovett
• ⁠You and Me on Repeat⁠ by Mary Shyne
• ⁠The Wish Switch⁠ by Lynn Painter

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erin Intrada Kelly and Her Book

01:14 The Story of Joey Guerrero: A Spy's Journey

05:13 Understanding Hansen's Disease and Its Impact

10:25 Joey Guerrero's Bravery and the Role of Women in War

12:30 The Discrimination Faced by Veterans and Immigrants

15:00 Researching Joey Guerrero's Life and Legacy

18:59 The Challenges of Writing Nonfiction

22:56 New Releases

29:21 Headlines