In this episode of the Book Fair podcast, host Anthony Soto engages in an insightful conversation with author Kathleen Troy and her contributions to children's literature and young adult (YA) literature. Kathleen discusses her series 'Dylan's Dog Squad' and 'Never Believe', diving into themes of hope, redemption, and the essential role of character development in YA fiction. Kathleen also shares her perspective on the use of suspense in storytelling and how literature can profoundly influence readers’ lives. Further conversations explore the significant impact of book bans in schools, emphasizing the importance of diverse and thought-provoking literature for young readers. The episode includes a news segment highlighting new children's and YA book releases, as well as current censorship debates in Arkansas and Colorado, underscoring ongoing challenges in literature access for youth. Tune in for a meaningful discussion about the power and relevance of children's and young adult literature today.

New Releases:

• How Girls Are Made by Mindy McGinnis
• I’ll Find You Where the Timeline Ends by Kylie Lee Baker
• The Last Ember (The Aerimander Chronicles #1) by Lily Berlin Dodd

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:54 Creating Relatable Protagonists: The Case of Sage

06:00 The Role of Optimism and Survival in Character Development

11:46 Exploring the Never Believe Series: Plot and Character Arcs

16:17 The Dylan Dog Squad Series: Adventures and Life Lessons

24:58 Themes of Redemption and Hope in Literature

27:56 The Impact of Writing: Creating Memories and Changing Lives

32:59 New Releases

38:10 Recent Book Challenges and Censorship

41:16 Community Responses to Book Bans

Philip Reeve's 2001 YA novel Mortal Engines, which was later adapted to a film in 2018. The novel has some wonderful ideas such as nonrenewable resources and the dangers of patriotism. However it falls short of delivering a satisfying reading experience, choosing to structure moments as if it were a film being shown on a screen instead of an omnipotent third person narrative.

One of the main pillars of the Scholastic Book Fair, the Animorphs series by K. A. Applegate is beloved by many that grew up in the 90s and early 2000s. What can a sci-fi/fantasy series about children fighting against a hidden alien invasion? Surprisingly, quite a lot. Step into the Book Faire with me as we learn a little about empathy and overcoming limitations.

In this special episode of the Book Fair Podcast, Anthony discusses the significance of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, particularly in the context of Banned Books Week. They explore the themes of racism, childhood innocence, and the complexities of the narrative, which has faced criticism for its portrayal of race and the white savior trope. Anthony argues for the book's continued relevance in education, emphasizing the importance of discussing its flaws and historical context.

Notable Releases:

• DC Pride: Love and Justice
• Your Story Matters: A Surprisingly Practical Guide to Writing by Richard Scrimger, illustrated by D. McFadzean
• The Magic Paintbrush by Kat Zhand, Eric Darnell nad illustrated by Phoebe Zhong

References:

• An Idaho Public Library Will Become Adults-Only July 1, 2024⁠: https://bookriot.com/donnelly-public-library-adults-only/
• Minnesota Bill to Ban Book Bans On Governor’s Desk⁠: https://bookriot.com/minnesota-bill-to-ban-book-bans-on-governors-desk/

The holiday season is kicking off early at the Book Faire with The Wish that Saved Christmas by Kate A. Harvey! A heartwarming adventure of a young girl's doll that comes to life when she makes a wish to help her family in their time of need. The book is sweet and magical, but unfortunately falters in the second half.

In this special episode of the Book Fair Podcast, Anthony discusses 'The Devil's Arithmetic' by Jane Yolen, a poignant historical fiction novel that explores the Holocaust through the eyes of a young Jewish girl named Hannah. The conversation delves into the themes of memory, tradition, and the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition. Anthony also addresses the controversy surrounding the book's banning due to its depiction of nudity and the harsh realities faced by Holocaust victims, emphasizing the need for education and remembrance in today's society.