The Reader’s Heart Podcast

Mike Curato joins Jennifer to discuss the power of children's literature to shape our hearts and navigate the world with compassion. They explore their own experiences as readers and artists, emphasizing the importance of personal storytelling and self-expression. They also discuss the impact of social media on creativity and self-perception. Mike shares his approach to school visits, focusing on his personal journey and the challenges he faced. Mike discusses his book Flamer'and the importance of creating stories that address issues faced by marginalized communities. He also shares his upcoming projects, including an adult graphic novel and a middle-grade graphic novel.
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Children's Literature10:58 The Impact of Social Media36:57 Upcoming Projects

In this episode, Ami Polonsky joins Jennifer to discuss the power of storytelling and the importance of accessible reading. They explore how being a teacher influences Ami's storytelling and how her books empower young readers to make a difference. They also discuss the relevance of stories like World Made of Glass in today's world and the need for diverse voices in literature. Ami shares her upcoming project, a companion book to World Made of Glass, and reflects on the challenges and importance of writing hopeful stories in difficult times. 
 
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reader Identity
03:00 The Importance of Accessible Reading
08:00 The Influence of Teaching on Storytelling
13:00 World Made of Glass and the Power of Stories
19:00 Writing for Change and Empowering Kids
25:00 The Need for Stories in Challenging Times
29:00 Upcoming Projects and the Importance of Hope
35:44 The Journey of Writing a Book
36:14 The Power of Books
36:38 Upcoming Book Release
37:05 Enjoyable Conversation

In this episode, Chrystal D Giles joins Jennifer LaGarde to discuss the power of children's literature to shape readers' hearts and provide guidance in navigating the world. Chrystal shares her experiences as a young reader and how she now gravitates towards contemporary realistic fiction that tackles social and cultural topics. They also discuss Chrystal's book, Not An Easy Win, which follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy named Lawrence as he learns to play chess and navigates complex emotions and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and the impact of books in helping children understand and process their own experiences. They also explore the role of technology and the value of finding healthy alternatives, as well as the significance of strong grandparent characters in children's literature. Chrystal shares her upcoming projects and the joy she finds in school visits and connecting with young readers.
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart
03:02 Not An Easy Win
06:02 Representation and Shame
09:31 Technology and Healthy Alternatives
13:18 Grandma's Role
21:00 Future Projects
25:10 School Visits and Impact
27:31 Conclusion

In this conversation, Chris Baron chats with Jennifer about the power of children's literature in shaping readers' hearts and helping them navigate tough situations. Chris shares his own experiences as a reader, giving a shoutout to his 3rd grade teacher, and how books became a stable presence in his life. They also discuss the influence of comics on both their readers' hearts. Chris shares the inspiration behind his book The Gray and its themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the role of technology. Chris talks about the importance of empathy and storytelling in connecting with young readers. He also shares his upcoming projects, including an anthology of passover stories for middle grade readers.
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Roles as a Reader and Writer
04:23 The Power of Children's Literature
11:36 Discussion of The Gray
23:00 Themes in Chris Baron's Books
31:43 Upcoming Projects
34:32 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this conversation, Chris Barton joins Jennifer to chat about his reading habits, research process for nonfiction books, and the importance of balancing serious topics with joy in children's literature. They discuss the role of personal experiences in writing and the impact of books in helping children cope with tragedy. Chris shares his love for book dedications and the inspiration behind his webcast on the topic. They also touch on upcoming projects.
 
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
Chapters
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Fan Moment
00:54 Connecting Story to a Reader's Heart
01:37 Chris Barton's Reading Habits
03:03 Setting Reading Challenges
04:27 The Research Process for Nonfiction Books
06:34 Balancing Serious Topics with Joy
08:34 Making Historical Events Relevant and Safe for Kids
09:48 Personal Experiences and Writing for Young Readers
11:39 Children's Literature as a Guide Through Life
13:11 The Influence of Personal Experiences on Writing
14:14 The Role of Reading in Coping with Tragedy
17:23 Meeting Favorite Authors
18:27 Recommendation for Jennifer Ziegler's Book
19:16 The Importance of Joyful Reading
20:41 The Power of Graphic Novels and Personal Reading Preferences
23:34 Nonfiction as a Joyful Pursuit
24:46 The Fascination with Book Dedications
29:51 Working on Multiple Books Simultaneously
31:43 Upcoming Books and Projects
34:46 The Book Dedications Podcast
38:19 Conclusion

In this episode, author/illustrator Corinna Luyken joins Jennifer to discuss her lifelong love for reading and the influence of her early library experiences. She shares how her passion for language and poetry led her to become a picture book author and illustrator. Corinna emphasizes the power of picture books in fostering connection and inclusivity, and the importance of asking better questions. She also discusses her book ABC and You and Me and the inspiration behind it. In this conversation, Corinna and Jennifer discuss the importance of movement in learning and how it can be incorporated into educational settings. They also explore the power of inclusive illustrations in children's books and the impact they can have on readers. Finally, they touch on Corinna's upcoming projects, including a book about a community of people who are very good at arguing and an ocean-themed book.
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
01:19 Early Love for Reading and Library Experiences
02:18 Influence of Language and Poetry
05:22 Connection Between Read Aloud Experiences and Becoming a Picture Book Author and Illustrator
08:49 The Power of Picture Books and the Golden Age of Picture Books
11:21 Themes of Connection and Inclusivity in Picture Books
15:29 The Importance of Connection and Asking Better Questions
20:36 The Book 'ABC and You and Me'
27:50 The Inspiration Behind 'ABC and You and Me'
32:42 The Importance of Movement in Learning
36:16 Creating a More Inclusive World Through Books
37:40 Upcoming Projects

In this conversation, Saadia Faruqi joins Jennifer to chat abouther journey as a reader and writer, as well as the importance of representation in children's literature. They also delve into Saadia's books, including Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero and Saving Sunshine, and the inspiration behind them. Saadia shares her experiences as a writer and the impact she hopes to make with her stories. The conversation highlights the need for diverse voices and perspectives in literature and the power of storytelling to create understanding and empathy.
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Building Relationships Online
 
02:08 Saadia's Journey as a Reader
 
03:28 Saadia's Journey as a Writer
 
05:44 Writing Books for Underrepresented Readers
 
11:06 Yusuf Azim Is Not a Hero
 
18:07 Saving Sunshine and Writing a Graphic Novel
 
24:14 Upcoming Books and Projects
 
26:19 Importance of Saadia's Work
 

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Pura Belpré honor winning poet Jasminne Mendez, They discuss Jasminne's reader's heart and the power of children's literature. They also delve into the inclusion of chronic illness in Aniana del Mar Jumps In and the importance of poetry in conveying the story. Jasminne talks about the power of storytelling, and her future projects including a YA novel in verse centered around theater and activism. 
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Pura Belpré Win
03:18 Jasminne's Reader's Heart
07:20 Reading with Her Daughter
11:49 The Power of Children's Literature
15:17 Inclusion of Chronic Illness in 'Anayana Del Mar Jumps In'
20:21 The Shame and Complexity of Chronic Illness
25:19 The Importance of Poetry in 'Anayana Del Mar Jumps In'
29:02 Crafting the Novel in Verse
30:41 Upcoming Projects
32:14 Writing and Publishing Process
34:22 The Power of Storytelling
35:23 Future Projects

This week, Lisa Fipps joins Jennifer to discuss the power of children's literature and its ability to shape hearts and offer survival tools for readers. Lisa shares her early reading experiences and how books allowed her to escape her challenging childhood. They discuss Lisa's book And Then, BOOM! and how it reflects her own experiences of poverty, abandonment, and hunger. They also explore the importance of representation in children's literature and the need for books that address topics like dementia. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of asking for help and giving back.
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Friendship
02:04 The Power of Children's Literature
02:23 Lisa's Early Reading Experiences
03:20 The Impact of a Book on Lisa's Childhood
04:16 Lisa's Desire to Explore the World
05:12 Using Books to Escape
07:00 Lisa's Childhood Hiding Spots
08:26 Finding Hope in Books
09:52 Authors Lisa Admires
10:44 Lisa's Writing Process
12:49 Writing for One Person
13:41 Lisa's Book 'And Then Boom'
19:10 Reflecting Personal Experiences in And Then, BOOM!
23:24 The Importance of Representation in Children's Literature
24:17 Recognizing the Commonality of Childhood Experiences
29:10 The Impact of Poverty on Children
32:42 The Importance of Asking for Help and Giving
36:48 Lisa's Future Projects
39:26 Conclusion and Book Recommendations
 

Sarah Everett joins Jennifer to discuss her book The Probability of Everything and the power of books to connect readers. She shares her own experiences as a reader and the impact of books like Charlotte's Web on her as a reader and a writer. The importance of read-alouds and tackling tough topics in children's literature are also explored. Sarah talks about the process of writing and developing characters, as well as the mystery element in her book. She discusses reader reactions and the hope that her books spark important conversations.  Sarah concludes by sharing details about her upcoming book.
Show notes and other information related to this episode can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:48 The Power of Books to Connect
03:36 The Impact of Charlotte's Web
04:56 The Importance of Read-Alouds
06:22 Tackling Tough Topics in Children's Literature
07:44 Writing About Grief and Difficult Emotions
10:23 The Process of Writing and Developing Characters
12:54 The Mystery Element in 'The Probability of Everything'
14:59 Reader Reactions and Feedback
17:33 Using Children's Literature to Spark Conversations
19:42 The Importance of Supportive Secondary Characters
22:43 Finding Light in Darkness
26:04 Upcoming Book and Conclusion