The Book Faire | Middle Grade and Children’s Literature for Librarians, Educators and Young Readers

The Book Faire | Children's and YA Literature
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Do you struggle keeping up with new books for young readers? Are you concerned about book bans? Welcome to the Book Faire! This podcast is all about the latest in kidlit, from Middle Grade to YA interviewing authors and professionals in the children’s publishing industry, highlighting diverse new releases, and covering stories that impact public schools, educators and librarians. Check in for Two weekly episodes covering the latest news and author interviews! Contact: Bookfairepod@gmail.com Patreon: patreon.com/TheBookFaire @bookfairepod.bsky.social

  1. 1d ago

    Author & Middle School Counselor Tunisia Williams on Found Family and Positive Representation

    https://www.tunisiawilliams.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with middle school counselor and debut author Tunisia Williams to discuss her heart-centered children's book, The Uncles (illustrated by Blance Evans). Tunisia shares the deeply personal inspiration behind the story—modeled after a young boy who lost his mother and was surrounded by a strong, supportive village of community men. Tunisia discusses how the book follows young Kevin as he navigates the loss of his father by calling on a group of close family friends who step in to offer love, mentorship, and guidance. She opens up about the importance of authentic representation in children's literature, intentionally weaving in cultural nuances—like streetlights coming on as the universal sign to come home—while actively combating harmful stereotypes about Black fathers and family structures. Drawing from her professional background in education, Tunisia also offers profound insights into how adults can support grieving children, emphasizing why it is vital to talk about lost loved ones, celebrate their memories, and listen actively to young people. Teachers, school counselors, librarians, and parents will find this episode invaluable for exploring social-emotional learning (SEL) tools, navigating conversations around loss and resilience with children, and championing inclusive, joyful representation on library shelves. Takeaways Importance of found familyRepresentation matters in literature Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:50 The Concept of Found Family05:05 Representation in Children's Literature13:30 The Impact of Grief and Memory18:30 Being Present in Children's Lives22:05 The Role of Representation in Writing

    Author & Middle School Counselor Tunisia Williams on Found Family and Positive Representation

  2. 3d ago

    Florida Pulls 1,800 Library Books: The Review Process Breakdown | Microsoft’s AI Staff Training

    In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony breaks down the systemic mechanics and hidden consequences of modern school library censorship. We examine a recent analysis from Book Riot tracking what happens to challenged books during the review window, revealing how temporary removals effectively achieve the goals of censorship advocates by denying student access for months at a time. We turn to Florida, where the Department of Education’s statewide memo has forced Palm Beach County schools to pull 1,800 library titles for review despite zero parent objections, stretching district budgets and staff thin amidst ongoing layoffs. In Minnesota, we look at the lingering fallout in rural districts like North Woods School, where an indefinite administrative hold kept over 80 books locked away from students following a librarian's firing over a Banned Books Week display. Shifting to industry and economic impacts, a new Publishers Weekly report highlights how severe school budget shortfalls and administrative anxiety are scaling back visiting author programs, cutting off a vital source of income for creators and an essential engine for student book discovery. Finally, we cover a positive community initiative: Microsoft partnering with the Public Library Association to launch digital literacy training and AI guidance resources for public library staff nationwide. Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode essential for navigating library challenge policies, understanding the economic pressures facing children's authors, and defending the freedom to read. New Releases: Noor the Storyteller by Seina Wedlick, illus. by Leah Giles (Ages 4-8)Boundless: 17 Stories Starring Disabled Kids Edited by Marieke Nijkamp (Ages 8-12)This is a Door by Daniel Nayeri (Ages 8-12)You’re No Better by Andrew Joseph White (Ages 14+) Takeaways Emerging themes in children's literatureImpact of censorship on libraries Chapters 00:00 Exploring New Children's Releases08:30 Censorship and Book Challenges16:37 Impact of Budget Cuts on Literature20:28 AI Literacy in Libraries

  3. Oct 23

    "The Most Honest Story I've Ever Told": Tony DiTerlizzi on 'The Wump' and Bullying

    https://diterlizzi.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Search for WondLa) to discuss his illustrated middle-grade novel, The Wump. Tony reflects on the 20-year journey to write what he calls the most honest story of his career, drawing directly from his own middle school experiences with bullying, feelings of powerlessness, and a fascination with insects.   Tony breaks down how the story's main character, Tim, sees his internal anger and suppression manifest as a physical shadow monster—a "wump"—that starts as a revenge fantasy before raising the stakes. He explains how he consulted with a child psychologist to explore Jungian shadow-self theory, using alter-ego tropes like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and The Incredible Hulk to give a young protagonist the agency needed to stand up for himself.   The conversation also dives into the craft and business of middle-grade publishing. Tony explains how he collaborated with Dial and Penguin to print the heavily illustrated book on heavy graphic novel paper, intentionally creating a visual bridge to help reluctant readers transition from comics to prose.   Teachers, school librarians, and parents will find this episode invaluable for understanding middle-grade social-emotional learning (SEL), visual literacy in the classroom, and how empathy-building literature helps young readers navigate grief, anger, and self-acceptance.   Welcome to the Book Faire Podcast, my name is Anthony and this show is all about children’s literature and the freedom to read. This week we have an interview with Tony DiTerlizzi, author of the Wump. Takeaways Exploration of bullying themesImportance of self-identity in literature Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Wump03:02 Character Development and Personal Reflection06:34 Tim's Relationship with His Mother08:10 Creating Larger-than-Life Characters11:42 Navigating Middle School Challenges15:36 The Evolution of The Womp18:08 Illustration and Visual Storytelling23:27 Publishing Insights and Community Support25:36 Final Thoughts on Storytelling

    "The Most Honest Story I've Ever Told": Tony DiTerlizzi on 'The Wump' and Bullying

  4. Oct 21

    Texas Book Bans Surge 400%: The Freedom to Read Report & Voucher Failures

    In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony analyzes major policy shifts and structural audits in public education. We lead with a landmark report from the Texas Freedom to Read Project, presented to the Texas Senate Education Committee. Based on public information requests across 900+ school districts, the audit exposes 7,861 book removals or restrictions during the 2025–2026 school year—a 400% surge driven primarily by flawed AI screening tools and administrative fear rather than parent challenges. Staying in Texas, we examine the fallout from the state's $1 billion school voucher program, as new data reveals 70% of funds benefited students already in private schools, leaving public districts facing an estimated $300 million annual loss. In international news, author Sally Rooney and publisher Faber have pulled two titles (Normal People and Intermezzo) from UK publication following legislation that prevents passing earnings to the author due to her support for Palestine. In Tennessee, the Jefferson County School Board voted 5-2 to review 34 library books brought forward by a new board member using an undisclosed rating website. Finally, on a community note, we highlight Pizza Hut’s Book IT! program partnering with Little Free Library to distribute custom book-sharing boxes and steward giveaways through October 31st. Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode vital for tracking state school board policies, understanding AI in library collection management, and defending the freedom to read. New Releases: I Wonder if I’m Growing by Raffi, illus. by Jon Klassen (Ages 3-7)We Used to Be Friends by Marcy Campbell, illus. by Aimée Sicuro (Ages 3-7)Brittle Magic by Kate O’Shaughnessy (Ages 8-12)Everything’s Not Lost by Frederick Joseph (Ages 14+)The Age of Fury by John Stephens (Ages 14+) Takeaways New children's book releasesControversial book bans and legislation Chapters 00:00 New Children's Book Releases09:53 Controversial Book Bans and Legislation14:08 Texas School Voucher Program Issues18:29 Pizza Hut's Book It Partnership

  5. Oct 16

    Maggie Tokuda-Hall on the 9-Year Journey to 'What Do People Do at the Science Museum?'

    https://prettyokmaggie.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with Maggie Tokuda-Hall—children’s and YA author and co-founder of Authors Against Book Bans—to explore her new non-fiction picture book, What Do People Do at the Science Museum? (illustrated by Chin Leng). Maggie shares the fascinating nine-year journey from an initial California Academy of Sciences tour to the book's long-awaited release, explaining how the text serves as a behind-the-scenes celebration of the scientists, taxidermists, and science communicators who make STEM accessible to young readers. Maggie details her social research process interviewing marine biologists and planetarium experts, while breaking down a deliberate vocabulary update made during production: transitioning from "citizen scientist" to "community scientist" to ensure public participation in science remains un-gatekept and welcoming to all. Shifting into literary defense, Maggie offers a sharp, urgent analysis of modern censorship tactics. She breaks down why book challenges target public institutions and marginalized voices, why public libraries remain essential centers for voluntary inquiry, and how four proposed federal book banning bills threaten millions of dollars in state public school funding. Teachers, school librarians, and literacy advocates will gain valuable insights into science communication in the classroom, curriculum-aligned non-fiction, and practical ways to support local library staff while defending the freedom to read. Plus, Maggie previews her newly released haiku picture book, Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, and her upcoming companion title, What Do People Do at the Library? Takeaways Importance of community scienceImpact of book bans Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Children's Literature and Book Bans05:52 The Research Process Behind the Book10:58 Community Science and Engagement16:49 The Role of Libraries and Book Bans24:00 Final Thoughts on Writing and Impact

    Maggie Tokuda-Hall on the 9-Year Journey to 'What Do People Do at the Science Museum?'

  6. Oct 14

    Book Awards and Book Bans

    In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony breaks down critical developments on the censorship frontlines, starting with a new directive from the Florida Department of Education. The state is pressuring school superintendents to initiate a 90-day review of library collections, threatening criminal investigations for noncompliance following a year that saw over 600 titles removed. Shifting to local governance, we analyze York County, South Carolina, where the library board voted to override professional staff recommendations and reclassify five acclaimed titles—moving books like Elizabeth Acevedo’s The Poet X and Kyle Lukoff’s When Aidan Became a Brother to the adult section. We examine why local investigative journalism remains essential for holding school and library boards accountable across the country. Ending on a celebratory note, we highlight major literary milestones, announcing the five finalists for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (Holloway, When Tomorrow Burns, That Which Feeds Us, The Fight of Our Lives, and Shook) and celebrating Elizabeth Acevedo’s Anger is Only a Shadow as the winner of the 2026 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature. Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode essential for tracking state-level school library policies, staying current on youth literary honors, and defending the freedom to read. New Releases: Bathtime for Snow Monkeys by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illus by Yas Imamura (Ages 4-8)Realmsweep by H.E. Edgmon (Ages 8-12)Where the Wild Horses Are by Amy Alznauer (Ages 10+)It’s Not Over Yet by Salma Hussain (Ages 12+)Everything New Again by Renée Watson (Ages 13+)When the World Was Happy by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Ages 14+) Takeaways Support freedom to readRecognize literary achievements Chapters 00:00 Exploring New Book Releases11:49 Censorship and the Freedom to Read17:04 Literary Awards and Recognitions

  7. Oct 9

    Accepting Difference & Saving the World: Pixar Veteran Alan Barillaro on 'Bunns Rabbit 2'

    https://www.alanbarillaro.com/ In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with director, animator, and author Alan Barillaro (Piper, Bunns Rabbit) for an in-depth conversation on visual storytelling, character empathy, and the craft of middle-grade fantasy. After a 25-year career at Pixar working on iconic animated films, Alan shares how observing real-world nature sparked the journey of Buns—a unique meadow rabbit whose shorter ears and innate kindness thrust her into an epic elemental world. Alan discusses the release of Bunns Rabbit 2: Return of the Spirit Rabbit, exploring how the sequel expands Buns’s hero’s journey from self-acceptance to global responsibility as she ventures into the deep ocean to protect her world. We dive into the book's rich world-building, where competing animal species—from birds to rabbits—each carry their own oral traditions and conflicting mythologies. We also go behind the scenes of the publishing industry. Alan explains his vision for creating a hybrid format between a graphic novel and a traditional chapter book to build reading stamina and enhance family bedtime reading. Plus, he reflects on pitching a massive 550-page fully colored manuscript, applying animation editing habits to editorial revisions, and viewing art as an evolving conversation between creator and reader. Takeaways Embrace collaboration in storytellingThe importance of diverse perspectives Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:21 Exploring Bun's Rabbit: Character and Themes06:27 Bun's Journey: From Self-Acceptance to Heroism11:19 Illustration and Storytelling: The Visual Aspect17:20 Editorial Insights: Collaboration and Feedback20:04 Looking Ahead: Bun's Rabbit Two24:03 Final Thoughts: The Artist's Perspective

    Accepting Difference & Saving the World: Pixar Veteran Alan Barillaro on 'Bunns Rabbit 2'

  8. Oct 7

    Utah’s 'Silent' Book Ban Policy & NC Library Threats

    In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony exposes a troubling new tactic in school library censorship: Utah’s Davis School District moving book ban appeals onto consent calendars to eliminate public comment and open board discussion prior to book removals. We also examine North Carolina, where state house leaders are threatening legislative retaliation against Wake County Public Schools over a policy protecting library books that aren't used for required classroom instruction. Shifting to state data and industry shifts, we break down the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse 2026 Report, analyzing a 20% rise in library challenges alongside the reassuring news that 96% of challenged titles remained available. On the business side, we cover Scholastic’s $71 million acquisition of Cottage Door Press to expand its early childhood and interactive board book offerings. New Releases: A Forest, a Family, a Harbor, a Home by Nikki McClure (Ages 4-8)Dasia (Forever) by Nic Stone, with illus. By Simone Douglas (Ages 8-12)Children of Owl by Darcie Little Badger, illus. by Abigail Rajunov (Ages 12+)We’re Here, We’re Queer! A History of LGBTQ+ Activism by David Roberts (Ages 12+) Like Glass by Jen Ferguson (Ages 13+)Being Amani by Annabelle Steele (Ages 14+)Radio Free Texas by Libba Bray (Ages 14+)Takeaways New releases in young adult literatureImpact of book bans on education Chapters 00:00 Exploring New Young Adult Releases13:10 The Controversy of Book Bans24:07 Scholastic's Acquisition and Future Plans

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Do you struggle keeping up with new books for young readers? Are you concerned about book bans? Welcome to the Book Faire! This podcast is all about the latest in kidlit, from Middle Grade to YA interviewing authors and professionals in the children’s publishing industry, highlighting diverse new releases, and covering stories that impact public schools, educators and librarians. Check in for Two weekly episodes covering the latest news and author interviews! Contact: Bookfairepod@gmail.com Patreon: patreon.com/TheBookFaire @bookfairepod.bsky.social

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