Fighting for Books That Matter: 40 Years of the Shenandoah Children's Literature Conference with Dr. Karen Huff

Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen: Making STEM Accessible for Every Student

What happens when a 17-year-old decides STEM should work for everyone—not just some students? In Episode 191, Dr. Diane talks with Amritha Praveen [https://youngscientistlab.com/alumni-center/alumni-grant-recipients/amritha-praveen], founder of Amethyst Changemakers [https://www.amethystchangemakers.org/about], about creating inclusive STEM kits using Universal Design for Learning, distributing over 250 kits to Title 1 schools, placing third at the International Science and Engineering Fair, and why resilience and empathy drive real change. Summary: In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Diane welcomes Amritha Praveen, a rising high school senior and founder of Amethyst Changemakers [https://www.amethystchangemakers.org/about], an organization creating accessible STEM kits for learners of all abilities. Amritha explains how her volunteer work in special education revealed that many students interested in STEM couldn't fully participate because resources weren't designed for them. She shares how competition math in fifth grade sparked her STEM journey, leading to science fair projects on autism prediction, music therapy frameworks, and genetics research that earned her third place at ISEF and a scholarship to ASU. Amritha discusses the Universal Design for Learning framework that guides her STEM kits, embedding accessibility from the start rather than retrofitting later, and how her team of high school students, mentors, and volunteers has distributed over 250 kits to Chicago Public Schools and Peoria classrooms. She reflects on resilience as the foundation of good science, why STEM teaching needs more hands-on variety, and what brings her hope: watching young students discover their passion for STEM. Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00] Meet Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen – High school senior making STEM accessible for all [01:23] Amethyst Changemakers and Universal Design for Learning – STEM kits built with accessibility from the start [02:16] What's in the Kits? – Ice cream chemistry, catapults, magnets, math bingo, and more 04:16] Why Inclusive STEM Matters – Seeing passionate students without equal access [05:29] Competition Math to Autism Research – Amritha's STEM journey from fifth grade to ISEF [06:38] Third Place at International Science Fair – Autism genetics, phenotypes, and an ASU scholarship [08:49] Building the Team – Student designers, mentors, and 30 volunteers assembling kits [11:46] Applied Math and Expanding the Mission – College plans and beyond [13:03] Advice for Young Scientists – Keep pushing through—resilience matters more than perfection [16:21] What Schools Get Wrong About STEM – Moving beyond lectures to differentiated, hands-on learning [17:22] What Brings You Hope? – Students discovering their passion for STEM Links & Resources: * Amethyst Changemakers [https://www.amethystchangemakers.org/about] * PIE (Peer Inclusion Empowerment) App [https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/24-il10/] * Society for Science [https://www.societyforscience.org/jic/2023-student-finalists/amritha-praveen/] * iBio Champion [https://ibio.org/ibio-crowns-champion-in-illinois-biogeneius-challenge-student-competition-2/] * Illinois Junior Academy of Science [https://www.ijas.org] Call to Action: Inspired by Amritha's work? Listen to Episode 191 of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, then visit amethystchangemakers.org [http://amethystchangemakers.org/] to support inclusive STEM kits, donate to Title 1 schools, or bring these resources into your classroom. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, join the movement to make STEM accessible for everyone. Hashtags: Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Fighting for Books That Matter: 40 Years of the Shenandoah Children's Literature Conference with Dr. Karen Huff

"Any book a child loves is a good book," but when a teacher says she has to "sneak in" Number the Stars, something is broken. Dr. Diane welcomes Dr. Karen Huff [https://www.su.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/karen-huff/], chair of the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/], to celebrate 40 years of fighting for books that matter. We discuss the importance of honoring diverse voices and creating communities of readers -- spaces where teachers, librarians, and authors come together to champion books that build empathy, connection, wonder, and joy. Summary: The Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/]celebrates its 40th anniversary in June and Dr. Karen Huff [https://www.su.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/karen-huff/]has been there from the start. From its roots with Nancy Larrick, Laura Robb, and 85 teachers, the annual conference has grown into a beloved community event, featuring award-winning authors like Katherine Applegate, Jacqueline Woodson, Jerry Pinkney, Walter Dean Myers, and John Scieszka. They discuss Nancy Larrick's groundbreaking 1965 article The All-White World of Children's Books, [https://brichislitspot.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/384larrick.pdf] Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's vision of books as Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors [https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf], and why teachers feeling they must "sneak in" read alouds like Number the Stars reveals a broken system.  Dr. Huff reflects on the power of author visits, why children's lit deserves respect, how quality children's literature builds vocabulary and background knowledge, and unforgettable conference moments—from Jerry Pinkney's humility to 500 families showing up for Lucky Diaz. This is a celebration of quality children's literature, reading communities, and the educators who fight for books that change lives. Chapters & Timestamps [00:00] Welcome to 40 Years of Children's Literature  [01:41] From 85 Teachers to 300: How the Conference Grew  [07:46] Finding the "Good For" Book That Unlocks Wonder and Builds Lifelong Readers [14:06] Creating School-Wide Communities of Readers  [18:13] Nancy Larrick and The All-White World of Children's Books [https://brichislitspot.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/384larrick.pdf] [27:34] 40 Years of Unforgettable Moments  [33:56] Author Visits and STEM Connections  [39:48] Join the 40th Anniversary Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/] – What to expect from in-person and virtual events in June 2026 [49:03] Books That Stay with You  [54:08] What Brings You Hope?  Links & Resources: * Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference [https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/] * Follow @childrenslit_su [https://www.instagram.com/childrenslit_su/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR5_O1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2ZzRWVkVPTjduSFpESU5Uc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpCbKpIbpiECYHLXjK9t4naxGXsYGukL7gUaHXPDGKssBX-HvXknEBRCnR_b_aem_e2iwf29yRE891vv2vzNOLg#] on Instagram * Nancy Larrick's The All-White World of Children's Books [https://brichislitspot.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/384larrick.pdf](Saturday Review, 1965) * Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors [https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf] (RIF, 1990) * Mr. Schu's Blog with Dr. Karen Huff [https://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2026/05/shenandoahs-universitys-childrens.html] * EveryLibrary [https://everylibrary.org/] and PEN America [https://pen.org/] Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

From Boots to a Wildlife Corridor: The Wild Tomorrow Story with Co-Founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood (Part 1)

What happens when two people leave corporate life behind and start solving conservation problems one practical need at a time? In the first episode of an ongoing six-part series, Dr. Diane talks with Wild Tomorrow [https://wildtomorrow.org]'s co-founders John Steward [https://wildtomorrow.org/staff] and Wendy Hapgood [https://wildtomorrow.org/staff] about turning boots, socks, and urgency into a wildlife corridor in South Africa. This episode is about conservation, community, and the power of asking what is actually needed before trying to solve the problem. John shares how volunteering with painted wolves changed his life, while Wendy reflects on leaving finance after a personal and professional wake-up call that made her want to become “a salesperson for nature.” Learn how meeting a real need for rangers slowly grew into a major effort for acquiring and rewilding land, creating habitat corridors, supporting rangers, empowering local women, and partnering with community programs for young children.  Chapters: * 01:15 From Corporate Careers to Wildlife Conservation – How John and Wendy left advertising and finance to protect endangered species * 08:13 The Ranger Tire Story That Started Wild Tomorrow – How one urgent need sparked a conservation organization * 16:50 Building a Wildlife Corridor in South Africa – Buying land, rewilding habitat, and connecting nature reserves * 29:19 Conservation and Community Partnership – The Green Mambas, local kindergartens, and sustainable employment * 40:18 Baby Giraffes, Hope, and Falling in Love with Nature  * 50:50 How to Support Wild Tomorrow Fund [https://wildtomorrow.org/donate]  Links & Resources: * Learn about Wild Tomorrow [https://wildtomorrow.org] * Support Wild Tomorrow [https://wildtomorrow.org/donate] * Learn about my trip with CBCC and Wild Tomorrow [https://wildtomorrow.org/blog/cbcc2025] * Listen to CBCC episodes with John and Hayley Rocco [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17394475]; Juana Martinez-Neal [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17235345]; Molly Idle [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17702564]; Leah Henderson [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17665202]; Kayla Harren [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17856241]; Meg Fleming [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/17800147]; Brenda Scott Royce [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/18400799]; and Ann Dye [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2019975/episodes/18369091]. * Follow Wild Tomorrow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-tomorrow/]. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Fighting for the First Amendment: Comedy, Community, and Hope with Jesenia

What happens when artists refuse to stay silent? Puerto Rican actress and NBC Diversity Monologue Slam champion Jesenia joins Dr. Diane to discuss protecting First Amendment rights, creating comedy during difficult times, and why "productive delusion" might be the secret to hope. Dr. Diane and Jesenia—a seasoned actress, writer, and comedy performer who has appeared on Starz and Showtime -- discuss their shared involvement with the Committee for the First Amendment [https://www.committeeforthefirstamendment.com], relaunched by Jane Fonda in 2025 to protect artistic expression. Jesenia shares her journey in the entertainment industry, the importance of creating work for yourself, navigating rejection and burnout, and why finding your joy is an act of resistance. The episode explores diversity in entertainment, immigrant contributions to American culture, and maintaining hope through community action and individual courage. Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00] How the Committee for the First Amendment (and Jane Fonda) brought two activists together [07:48] Why the First Amendment matters for children's book authors, illustrators, and readers [11:17] Immigrants and American creativity – Celebrating how diversity drives innovation and cultural richness [18:22] The power of collective action and individual work in building beloved community [22:33] The short film renaissance – Oscar-qualified comedies, creating your own opportunities, and why short attention spans changed entertainment [28:36] Advice for young artists on building a sustainable career, avoiding burnout, taking breaks, and doing what you love [34:42] Creating when the industry says no – Why Jesenia learned to write, produce, and perform her own work [41:48] What brings you hope? (Maybe a little delusion) Links & Resources: * Follow the Committee for the First Amendment [https://www.committeeforthefirstamendment.com] on Instagram * Jesenia on Backstage [https://www.backstage.com/u/Jesenia/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jeseniagrams/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYlhO2kT9lsk8bXCCWge-w], IMDb [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2120129/], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesenia-comedy/] Call to Action: Ready to protect creative freedom and find your joy generator? Listen to Episode 188 of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, share it with artists, educators, and advocates who believe hope is a verb, and visit drdianadventures.com for full resources. Subscribe, rate, and review to keep the conversation going about creativity, courage, and community. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

The Biggest, Highest Wave: Kerry McQuaide on Picture Books, Poetry, and Resilience

What if a picture book could help children feel brave in the face of something bigger than themselves? In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane talks with Hudson Valley author/illustrator Kerry McQuaide  [https://www.kerrymcquaide.com]about The Biggest, Highest Wave [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781441344885], the power of read-alouds, and why picture books can help young readers see themselves as resilient. Summary In Episode 187 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane welcomes Kerry McQuaide [https://www.kerrymcquaide.com], an author/illustrator based in New York’s Hudson Valley whose picture book The Biggest, Highest Wave [https://bookshop.org/a/86538/9781441344885], was inspired by surfing, powerful ocean imagery, and the way we recover after getting knocked down. Kerry shares how an early classroom book-making experience helped spark her love of books as objects, why picture books are like poetry, and how she uses a simple visual structure to help children tell their own stories. They also discuss the emotional power of read-alouds, the role of school visits and book festivals, and why print books still offer something digital media cannot. This conversation is full of practical ideas for teachers, librarians, parents, and anyone who wants to invite children into storytelling, creativity, and courage. Timestamps * 00:00:Welcome and introduction to Kerry McQuaide. * 00:56:How she became an author-illustrator. * 02:17:Teaching lessons for writers and illustrators. * 03:50:The inspiration behind The Biggest, Highest Wave. * 06:04:Reading a passage from the book. * 07:43:Graphic style, color, and visual scale. * 09:23:Children’s reactions during readings. * 10:10:Book festivals, libraries, and reader connection. * 13:05:How to engage readers in a digital age. * 15:28:Read-alouds, relationships, and resilience. * 17:48:What currently brings hope. Call to Action If this episode speaks to you, share it with a teacher, librarian, parent, or young reader. Subscribe to the Adventures in Learning podcast, leave a review, and keep the conversation going about picture books, read-alouds, and the power of stories that help children feel brave. Please check out Kerry McQuaide [https://www.kerrymcquaide.com/]'s website and follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kerrymcquaide/],  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-mcquaide-58a82b36a/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kerry.mcquaide.3]. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B6WHPGYCZZ2YY] Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drdianeadventures/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor/], and the Adventures in Learning website [https://www.drdianeadventures.com/]. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-dianes-adventures-in-learning/id1637889742], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NN916vNWDiZpPNIxHzJj2?si=a54d4e62edf9409c], or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.