In this conversation, Jennifer LaGarde and Katherine Marsh discuss the power of children's literature and the influence it has on shaping readers' hearts. They explore Katherine's own reader's heart and how it informs her writing. They also delve into the themes and characters of Katherine's book, Medusa, and the importance of representation and empathy in literature. They discuss the challenges of getting kids to read and the need for books that cater to different reading levels and interests. Finally, they touch on Katherine's upcoming projects and the role of books in mother-daughter relationships.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters:

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Elly Swartz discuss the power of children's literature to shape hearts and minds. They explore the importance of books in helping readers navigate life's emotions and connect with themselves and others. They also discuss the influence of social media on storytelling and the inclusion of themes like forgiveness in Swartz's books. Swartz shares her love for writing middle-grade books and the joy of connecting with young readers. They also touch on Swartz's upcoming book, Same Page, which tackles the themes of book banning, friendship, and finding common ground.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Shared Love for Children's Literature 09:00 The Influence of Social Media on Storytelling 13:13 The Power of Forgiveness in Swartz's Books 25:00 Exploring Book Banning and Friendship in 'Same Page'

In this conversation, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey chat with Jennifer about story as an engine for empathy and ceativity. They discuss their reader's hearts and how childhood reading experiences shaped their love for storytelling. They also talk about their book, The Last Stand, with Antwan Eady and the process of illustrating it. The conversation concludes with a discussion of their upcoming projects and congratulations on their recent accolades.

Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart 09:07 Childhood Reading Experiences 12:08 The Last Stand and Charlotte's Web 26:09 Upcoming Projects 29:16 Congratulations and Closing