LB School & Library Podcast

Graphic Novelist Christine Suggs and S&L Marketing Coordinator Amber Mercado discuss the multiracial experience, the struggles of learning another language, the art in AY MIJA, and more! Credits: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Verano Sensual by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5049-verano-sensual License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

“This bright start to a Greek mythology–inspired fantasy series blazes with intense, vibrant imagery and crackles with lively, humorous character dynamics…moments of levity balance the suspenseful drama of a world facing impending peril and the sensitive exploration of June’s sexuality, anxiety, and loneliness….Vivid and mythical.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ami Polonsky's middle grade novel, THE WORLD MADE OF GLASS, is off to a great start with four starred reviews already. We are honored to have her on as a guest on the podcast as she discusses her how she takes young readers back to the 1980s AIDS epidemic and shows how anyone can get involved in activism no matter their age.

In this emotional episode, author and illustrator Kindra Neely discusses with Oregonian Victoria Stapleton, Neely's graphic memoir, NUMB TO THIS. NUMB TO THIS depicts the aftermath of the Umpqua Community College shooting and details Kindra's journey towards healing through art. "Neely astutely asserts the importance of hopeful defiance in the face of the numbness and resignation that often accompanies feelings of powerlessness." — Publishers Weekly, starred review. NUMB TO THIS is available now!

Debut Author Amina Luqman-Dawson talks to us about the research behind her empowering historical middle-grade novel about Homer who flees Southerland Plantation and finds a secret maroon community called Freewater, created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children. FREEWATER has five starred reviews and is available now! A free discussion guide and an additional essay by Amina is available on our website.