Bringing Authors to Life: Dr. Karen Huff and the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference EP 83

Have You Ever…

It's summer! And, that means that it's time for summer reading! If you want to encourage your kids to keep reading over the summer, talk to them about the books that they are reading. Discussing books with kids helps them think through what the book is all about. After speaking with Shifa Saltagi Safadi, the author of the Amina Banana about writing bravely, Elizabeth has been thinking about how we can help kids think more deeply about the characters. This episode shares general questions that you can ask about the characters in the book as well as questions that connect to your child's life. And, Elizabeth introduces the Have You Ever type of question you can ask your kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Staying True to Yourself & Combatting Stereotypes with Shifa Saltagi Safadi EP 88

It's finally summer! To kick off summer reading, Elizabeth is speaking with authors about their books. In this episode, Elizabeth speaks with Shifa Saltagi Safadi, the author of the Amina Banana series and Kareem Between. They begin by talking all about the Amina Banana series--where she got the idea for the series and how she decided to tackle tough topics in the books. Elizabeth and Shifa discuss writing authentically and how Shifa represents the culture authentically so that her character's backgrounds are truly seen. The conversation ends with ideas for kids about how to write bravely--and how parents and teachers can encourage this. Check out Shifa's work: https://shifasafadi.com/ [https://shifasafadi.com/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Libraries Offer Kids Access to All Levels of Books

The American Library Association is hosting its Annual Conference this month--and to gear up for the conference, this episode is about the library! Should your child only read books on their level? The short answer is no! So, to look for books that your child will enjoy on a variety of levels, hit the library! And, now is a great time--to get your summer reading stack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Changes, Challenges, and Core Values: Talking about the Role of Libraries with Dan Montgomery EP 87

The American Library Association is gearing up for its Annual Conference (June 25-29, 2026)--and joining Elizabeth is Dan Montgomery, who is the Executive Director of the ALA. In our conversation, Dan talks about the importance of celebrating 150 years of the ALA, what to expect at the Annual Conference (and why you should go!), and what the ALA is facing today. Libraries are facing challenges in these changing times, but there are core values that they are upholding. To learn more about the ALA's Annual Conference, check out their website: https://2026.alaannual.org/ [https://2026.alaannual.org/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Libraries Have More Than Books

To celebrate the American Library Association's 150th Anniversary and their upcoming Annual Conference, this week's mini episode is library themed! Libraries are known for books and reading materials, but they also have materials and resources that serve their particular community. Listen to this episode to learn about some of the materials libraries lend out--then check out your library to see what they have in store for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]