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

For anyone at risk of self-harm, call or text 988 for the suicide and crisis hotline.

In this episode of the Book Fair podcast, host Anthony interviews Tony Keith Jr., a poet and educator, about his latest poetry collection 'Knucklehead.' They discuss the themes of joy, identity, and the power of language in affirming the experiences of young black men and boys. Tony shares insights on the therapeutic nature of poetry, the importance of performance, and how he critiques his own work. The conversation highlights the significance of poetry as a medium for self-expression and social commentary, especially in today's challenging times.

New Releases:

• The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
• A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth Asawa by Caroline McAlister, illus. by Jamie Green
• On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim
• Tear This Down by Barbara Dee

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Fair Podcast

01:00 Meet Tony Keith Jr. and His Work

02:38 Exploring Themes in 'Knucklehead'

05:04 The Importance of Joy in Poetry

07:27 The Power of Poetry vs. Prose

11:29 Performance Poetry vs. Written Poetry

13:32 The Role of Self-Critique in Writing

16:41 The Therapeutic Nature of Poetry

19:26 Tony's Philosophical Approach to Writing

20:38 Because When I Write I'm Dangerous

24:15 Recent Releases

31:13 Iowa Bill Targets Library

34:21 Indiana Governor Cuts Dolly Parton Charity Funding

36:45 11-year-old bullied over immigration status

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, an interview with children's author Lana Button about her new book, 'Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day.' We discuss the character of Brianna, who is perceived as the 'bad kid' in class but is actually misunderstood and dealing with various challenges. The conversation explores themes of empathy, social-emotional learning, and the importance of children's literature in helping kids navigate their feelings and behaviors. Lana shares her journey as an author, the transition from writing picture books to chapter books, and the impact her stories can have on young readers.

Headlines include:

• Freckleface Strawberry Gets Banned
• Librarians stand against laws targeting freedom to read
• Proposed NM bill would protect librarians from book bans

New Releases:

• Halfway to Somewhere written and illustrated by Jose Pimienta
• Includes preface stating “Halfway to Somewhere was penciled and inked traditionally, and colored and lettered in Photoshop” meaning that it did not use generative AI
• The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman
• Cassi and the House of Memories by Dean Stuart
• How Do I Wonder? By Gianna Davy, illustrated by Brenda Rodriguez
• Oasis written and illustrated by Guojing

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Understanding Brianna: The Misunderstood Child

06:09 Empathy and Social Emotional Learning

12:22 The Importance of Representation in Children's Literature

20:11 The Future of Brianna Banana

22:33 Transitioning from Picture Books to Chapter Books

26:20 The Impact of Stories on Children

29:03 Recent Releases

37:24 Freckleface Strawberry Gets Banned

38:58 Arkansas Librarians Fight Book Bans

41:00 New Mexico State Legislature Introduces Anti-Book-Ban Law