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.

Bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley tells us about her new picture book series starring Keyana, the original protagonist from her modern classic,  I Love My Hair! In this book, Keyana's latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there’s a lot on her to-do list. But when the night doesn’t go as planned, she’ll have to rely on a little help from the people she loves most. Join us as we dive into KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY!

Happy Picture Book Month! We have a special episode featuring the hilarious Laurie Keller discussing her book, WAKE ME UP IN 20 COCONUTS. This silly book teaches the important message that it's okay to say "I don't know"!

Just in time for Spooky Season, Andrew Nance guest stars on this episode of the LBYR School & Library Podcast! He talks ghost stories, podcasts, writing for middle grade, and Alfred Hitchcock with S&L Marketing Coordinator, Amber Mercado. Odd Occurrences is available now wherever books are sold! ISBN:9780316334334 Two best friends. One goes missing. And a paranormal podcast that hopes to reunite them, but not before unleashing horror in many forms. When Zeus’s best friend gets trapped inside the House of Mystery and Mirrors at Carnival Nocturne, Tobin’s existence is erased from the world, and Zeus is the only person who remembers that his best friend ever lived. Zeus is determined to return to the carnival and rescue his friend—that is, if he can only find it. Credits: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Ambient Suspenseful Background by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/6597-ambient-suspenseful-background License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles Music: Big Eyes by Rafael Krux Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5306-big-eyes License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://www.orchestralis.net/ Sounds provided by freesound.org.

Pura Belpré Honoree Laekan Zea Kemp is back! We discuss the power of music, the importance of mental health, and her sophomore YA novel, HEARTBREAK SYMPHONY! Heartbreak Symphony Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64g0dGDu4a5cdI79IZdnip?si=26768ed9810546dd ★ "Kemp eloquently captures how the warmth and strength of a community of mentors can impact a young person’s life.... With the lyricism of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s works, this novel is recommended for all collections." — School Library Journal ★ "Kemp’s latest novel is a multilayered symphony in itself, keeping the reader’s emotions heightened from the first sentence until the finale, during which readers will be left breathless in wonder." — Booklist

New York Times bestselling author April Henry has written another thrilling mystery for young adults, TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE. This episode, April fills us in on this bone-chilling murder-mystery she's crafted about a group of theatre kids trapped in a motel with a murderer during a blizzard. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never quite what it seems. "An atmospheric and entertaining thriller perfect for snowy night chills. "—Kirkus "An engrossing read" —Booklist

Award-winning Ghanaian-German author, Mamle Wolo takes the time to talk with Executive Director Victoria Stapleton about her new middle grade novel, The KAYA GIRL. The tale of two girl who form an unlikely and powerful friendship that transcends their social inequities and opens up new worlds to them both. ★ "Wolo’s book gives readers an opportunity to become immersed in West African culture while realizing the lessons of growing up include universal experiences: prejudice, poverty, and self-determination." —SLJ, starred review ★ "A heartwarming and inspiring tale of a friendship that surpasses class differences and social stigma." —Kirkus, starred review

Author/Illustrator talks to Victoria Stapleton about his clever twist on Little Red Riding Hood, in which a boy who loves his frilly, swishy riding hood turns the tables on a big, bad, bullying wolf!

Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell debuts his first early reader series about two best friends who are as different from each other as can be. ★ "Cornbread and Poppy are endearing characters, poised to join the ranks of other memorable early reader sets of best friends old and new, including James Marshall's George and Martha, Laurel Snyder's Charlie and Mouse, and Sergio Ruzzier's Fox and Chick." —BookPage ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers." —Booklist ★ "Cordell’s loose, Steig-like ink line makes emotions easy to read as the duo’s interplay builds, Poppy marching blissfully along and Cornbread furrowing his brow. Their well-built adventure, the story’s back half, offers exertion, discouragement, and a wonderfully improbable change of fortune, with just enough suspense to keep readers engaged." —PW LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/3H1sa6D

Barry Lyga discusses TIME WILL TELL by LB School & Library

From bestselling author Samira Ahmed comes a thrilling and magical adventure intertwining Islamic legend and history, perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the Land of Stories. "As compelling as it is informative. Even readers who don’t believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star." — Kirkus, Starred Review "A fast-paced adventure with heart and a superb fairy-tale adaptation of Islamic legends." — SLJ, Starred Review

Bestselling author Chuck Wendig's middle grade debut is equal parts spooky, funny, and heartfelt—perfect for Halloween and year-round reading! A fun adventure about rival siblings running a monster mortuary. *"Playing to strengths demonstrated in his many comics and tales for older audiences, not only is Wendig a dab hand at concocting extremely creepy critters, but here he also pulls together a secondary cast of quarrelsome but supportive allies for the beleaguered teens."—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) *"Monstrously fun.... A sure pick for those enamored by Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book (2008), and Tahereh Mafi’s Whichwood (2017)."—Booklist (Starred Review)

In this emotional and powerful episode, LBYR's Victoria Stapleton discusses with author Marcie Colleen her new picture book, SURVIVOR TREE. The hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on America. "A sensitive, accessible entry point into a relatively recent tragedy."—Publishers Weekly * "A lovely 20th-anniversary tribute to the towers and all who perished—and survived."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Eloquent.... A moving history and tribute to resilience."—Booklist "Survivor Tree, which marks the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, is like its subject: a stately monument to resilience."—Shelf Awareness "A story of history and hope, of tragedy and resilience."—Midwest Book Review

Playwright and author of Captain Superlative, J. S. Puller, discusses with LBSchool's Victoria Stapleton the healing and imaginative world in her middle grade book, THE LOST THINGS CLUB. ★ "An important title for social workers, parents, and educators about the critical role art and imagination can play in healing and bringing people together."—School Library Journal Learn more: http://ow.ly/fsfw50FEVFC

LBSchool's Victoria Stapleton talks to author Marcy Campbell on how to tell a difficult story when words are not enough. ★ "The honest, matter-of-fact narration places readers squarely in the shoes of the child in the troubled class and offers multiple ways to look at one’s roles in the world and in one’s communities....A valuable conversation starter."—Kirkus Reviews "A valuable resource that might serve to equip classrooms for crisis. " —Publisher's Weekly A sensitive, timely and ultimately uplifting portrayal of how an elementary school struggles, copes, and heals together after "something bad" is discovered written on the wall, illustrated by bestselling artist Corinna Luyken

“Intense, unflinching…a gratifying story.” —Kirkus Reviews “A devastating and beautiful read that clearly shows the complexities of addiction, fear, love, and friendship.” —SLJ “A gratifying story of a young woman’s path to recovering pieces of her past self through a present laced with pain.” —Booklist In this gritty, heart-wrenching mystery, prose and verse mix to explores themes of disability, pain, belonging, loss, addiction, and friendship. Everything was fine before. When Eve and Lidia could hide their physical differences inside goofy Burger Hut costumes. When Lidia shook Eve up and Eve made Lidia laugh. When Lidia was there. Everything is different now. Cut open . . . rearranged . . . stapled shut, Eve is left alone to recover in a world of pain and a body she no longer recognizes. Her only companions being a bottle of Roxanol and an infuriating (but cute) neighbor, Eve strikes up a relationship—and makes a pact—with the devil. Sacrificing pieces of a place she doesn't know to return to a place she does. What will she discover when she unravels her past? And is having Lidia back worth the price? In verse and prose, Fix paints a riveting picture of a teen struggling to find herself and move forward with her life in a sea of opioids, regret, grief, and hope. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3epFxSD