Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

E229: Finding Your Way: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli

Hello Everyone, As promised, here’s the bonus episode I mentioned earlier in the week with Jerry Spinelli. From my first teaching position to now, his books have been in my classroom library and my home bookshelf and I’m thrilled to help him launch his newest release! Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode! Happy reading! Stephanie E229: Finding Your Way: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Jerry Spinelli about his newest middle grade novel: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS. This book is part of his RUN THE SCHOOL series and follows George (aka Suds) as he figures out if he has what it takes to be a top dog at his school. This book might have fifth grade in the title, but it’s truly a book for every reader on the precipice of change, trying to figure out what comes next. Come listen as we talk about the title-first way the original book in the series was born, a departure from how Jerry usually works, the one word in his philosophy of writing for children that changes everything and his goal to write a good story where meaning, message and guidance come along for the ride. This was truly a pinch-me moment to have such a thoughtful conversation with an author I admire. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dPvOUE] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798225028237]) Here’s where you can find Jerry online: Website: https://jerryspinelliauthor.com/ [https://jerryspinelliauthor.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryspinelli1 [https://www.instagram.com/jerryspinelli1] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E228: Listen to Your Heart, Find Your People & Say Yes: REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost

Happy Monday! It’s a busy week here on the KidLit Love podcast! Today, I’m releasing a delightful episode with Maddie Frost about her newest book PERFECT for the summer season. Then, on Thursday, I’ll release an episode with Jerry Spinelli about his newest release. It was a dream-come-true-full-circle-moment for me as an educator! =) Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode! Happy reading! Stephanie Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉WHERE IS MY SISTER? by Shannon Gibney (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4avQ2Ap] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781517911454]) This poetic book captures the heartbreak of losing an infant and the love that joins families together. It’s a book to help get through an incredibly hard situation with love and togetherness. 🎉STREAM by Aida Salazar (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4e4VqvA] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781338775679]) Two teens are sent to Mexico for the summer to unplug in this hilarious and heartwarming dual narrative by award-winning author Aida Salazar. It’s a standalone story featuring the main characters from Aida’s award-winning verse novels Ultraviolet and The Moon Within. I’m hoping to talk with Aida on the podcast sooon, so stay tuned! E228: Listen to Your Heart, Find Your People & Say Yes: REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Maddie Frost about her middle grade debut: REALLY RUBIE. This illustrated novel features Rubie, an eleven-year-old who has to face her first time at sleep-away camp without her best friend. It’s a good thing she has Jim the Duck to help her and a brand-new diary to capture it all. Come listen as we talk about the notebook format of the book, the personal connections Maddie has to the events inside, the beautiful messages that every middle grade reader deserves the hear, the fun and shenanigans that Rubie gets herself into and Maddie’s important reminder not to turn your volume down for anyone. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! REALLY RUBIE by Maddie Frost (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4wJPRej]/ Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798347103997]) Here’s where you can find Maddie online: Website: https://www.maddie-frost.com/ [https://www.maddie-frost.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomaddiefrost/ [https://www.instagram.com/hellomaddiefrost/] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E227: Connection & Community: IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket

Happy Monday! If I’m completely honest, my weekend wasn’t all that happy. One of our family dogs, our teeny-tiny Lucy, passed away and it has been hard. But like always, I turn to books and notebooks to help me get through most things and this experience is no exception. It reminded me how so many of us grieve the death of a family pet and that I could create a comforting kidlit book list for those that need it now, too. So, I’m reaching out to all of you for your help. What titles would you add to a collection on grieving pet loss? First up for me is WHERE ARE YOU, BRONTE? by Barbara McClintock. I chatted with her about it on the KidLit Love podcast a few months ago and it’s bringing me great comfort now. [https://kidlitlove.substack.com/p/e156-a-tribute-to-tomie-depaola-where-46f] Keep scrolling to get all the details on the new podcast episode. Happy reading! Stephanie E227: Connection & Community: IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Andrew Hacket about his newest picture book: IN THIS CLASSROOM. It’s a heartwarming celebration of the school year capturing the joy, struggles and growth of students and teachers as they embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, friendship and personal achievement. It’s the perfect read aloud for any classroom community! Come listen as we talk about Andrew’s manifesto as an educator that has found its way into the book, the front and back matter that feels like a true invitation into the book and the broader community of those who read it and the beautiful structure alongside the bright, delightful pictures on the page. Plus, the book comes with free resources for educators you won’t want to miss Andrew talking about. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! IN THIS CLASSROOM by Andrew Hacket (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4uvAXXP] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781636551814]) Here’s where you can find Andrew online: Website: https://www.andrewhacket.com/ [https://www.andrewhacket.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewchacket/ [https://www.instagram.com/andrewchacket/] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E226: Love, Acceptance & Reassurance: MAMA SAYS I’M FINE by Brittney Cooper

Happy Monday! It’s still only May, but I am gearing up for a lovely season of summer reading, building my stack and planning my bookish field trips to local book stores and bucket list experiences. I’d love to know what books are already on YOUR kidlit summer TBR and where you plan to head for bookish excursions, if you have them planned. Let’s create a kidlit calendar of bookish fun! Keep scrolling to see the new books that caught my attention this week, too. There are A LOT of amazing books celebrating their book birthdays! Book Birthdays and Other Book Reviews🎈🎁📖🎂📚🎉 Here are the newly released books that have made their way to me along with other books that I have read and reviewed: 🎉 THE DECLARATION DECODED: A Guide to the Document that Inspired Our Nation by Katie Kennedy (Amazon [https://amzn.to/49cd2nI] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781523535200]) We all know about the Declaration of Independence, but do we really know it? This fascinating book goes through the Declaration sentence by sentence and idea by idea. Katie believes is so important right now for everyday Americans, especially young people, to truly under the Declaration and she bring it to life in her book. I was so enthralled, I invited her onto the KidLit Love podcast, so be sure to keep your eyes open for that episode airing in a few weeks! 🎉WHEN THE RAIN CAME by Matt Eicheldinger (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dCuCTb]/ Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9798881605148]) The is the first YA book in an all-new, action-packed dystopian adventure series by New York Times bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger. It’s on my stack to read next and I can’t wait to dive in, especially because it was recommended by a trusted educator who loves reading as much as I do. 🎉CHARTS FOR BABIES by Michelle Rial (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4uu2t83] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781419785184]) This is a quirky and delightful picture book exploring multiple early-learning concepts through simple graphic charts and graphs. It will be read again and again and again and stay just as engaging and beautiful each time. It’s perfect for learning with littles! E226: Love, Acceptance & Reassurance: MAMA SAYS I’M FINE by Brittney Cooper On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Brittney Cooper about her newest picture book: MAMA SAYS I’M FINE. This heartwarming picture book is a story of love and resilience that explores the powerful force of a mother-daughter bond. Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous and will wrap you in love. Come listen as we talk about the personal inspiration behind the book, the many shades of a single phrase that can ground us in love and Britteny’s powerful hopes for the book and every reader who is lucky enough to read it. Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! MAMA SAYS I’M FINE by Brittney Cooper (Amazon [https://amzn.to/48ZqVFB] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781338763867]) Here’s where you can find Brittney online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professor_crunk [https://www.instagram.com/professor_crunk] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of chilren’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

E225: Friendship, Fun & Medical Mysteries: DEEPA, M.D. by Priya Swaminathan

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Priya Swaminathan about her debut middle grade novel: DEEPA, M.D. This is a heart-warming and funny book about a seventh grader who decides to become a medical detective alongside her Uncle as she juggles friendship, family and middle school…when everyone knows her as the girl who has cancer. Come listen as we talk about Priya’s admirable pivot in midlife that brought her to nursing and writing, the beautiful messages about accepting uncertainty in our lives and the fun and funny connections throughout the book. It’s a new favorite of mine! Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support! DEEPA, M.D. by Priya Swaminathan (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4diQnHg] / Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/13963/9781665981323]) Here’s where you can find Priya online: Website: https://priyaswaminathan.com/ [https://priyaswaminathan.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priyasurprise/ [https://www.instagram.com/priyasurprise/] I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below! KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷 Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’’s literature far and wide: 🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me! [https://alitlife.substack.com/p/invite-your-friends-to-read-a-lit] Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com [https://kidlitlove.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]