The Reader’s Heart Podcast

Jennifer LaGarde
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Conversations with kid lit creators about how children’s literature connects readers’ hearts to story, the world and one another.

  1. Jul 6

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Cynthia Leitich Smith

    What does it mean to create stories that remind readers they belong, not just to a community, but to one another? In this episode, Jennifer chats with acclaimed author and Heartdrum co-founder Cynthia Leitich Smith about the books, relationships, and communities that have shaped her life as a reader and writer. Together, they explore the importance of authentic Indigenous representation, military family experiences, found family, regional identity, and the power of stories to help young people see themselves and one another more fully. They also discuss the creation of Legendary Frybread Drive-In, the origins of Heartdrum, and why connection, rather than isolation, remains at the heart of healing. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Educators can also download a free student activity inspired by this conversation and designed to help readers engage more deeply with the themes explored in Legendary Frybread Drive-In. Chapters 00:00:00 Opening Reflection and Welcome to The Reader's Heart 00:02:40 The Reader's Heart and Seeing Yourself in Stories 00:06:12 Representation, Storytelling, and the Limits of Stereotypes 00:10:40 Indigenous Futures and the Power of Contemporary Stories 00:21:50 Building Heartdrum and Creating Space for Native Voices 00:36:05 Firefly Season, Found Family, and Hopeful Endings 00:38:54 Choosing a Sister and Honoring Children's Hearts 00:40:44 The Drive-In Will Find You 00:50:24 True Connection in a Digital Age 00:53:13 Looking Ahead and Closing Credits

  2. Jun 22

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Tae Keller

    What does it mean to help young people carry burdens they didn't create? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Newbery Medal-winning author Tae Keller about her latest novel, When Tomorrow Burns. Together, they explore climate anxiety, online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and the pressure many young people feel to somehow fix the challenges they have inherited. Most importantly, they discuss why hope requires us to reject the idea that any one generation must carry these burdens alone and how stories can help readers imagine a more connected future. Show notes, episode transcripts and other goodies can be found here. Educators can also download a free student activity inspired by this conversation and designed to help readers engage more deeply with the themes explored in When Tomorrow Burns. Chapters 00:00:00 Opening Reflection: A World on Fire 00:00:43 Welcome to The Reader's Heart 00:01:56 The Reader's Heart and the Magic of Story 00:05:19 Building When Tomorrow Burns 00:10:29 Inheriting the Fires We Didn't Start 00:22:16 Vi, Nomi, Identity, and Being Seen 00:32:02 Hope, Media Literacy, and Closing Reflections 00:39:16 Closing Credits

  3. 07/03/2025

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Kate Messner

    In this episode, Jennifer chats with Kate Messner to discuss her love for middle grade novels, her writing process, and her latest projects. Discover the inspiration behind Kate's popular series, "The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class," and her journey in writing her first verse novel, "The Trouble with Heroes." Show notes, episode transcripts and other goodies can be found here.  Chapters Introduction and Welcome Kate's Reading Preferences The Joy of Paper Books A Writer's Journey The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class Series Crafting Multimodal Texts The Trouble With Heroes The Role of Humor and Grief Upcoming Projects Conclusion and Farewell

  4. 05/02/2025

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Rex Ogle

    In this episode, Jennifer chats with Rex Ogle to talk about his journey from working behind the scenes in publishing to becoming one of the most beloved authors writing for young readers. Their conversation explores the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health, and why it's crucial to have more books that help boys navigate what it truly means to “be a man” in a world that too often rewards toxic masculinity. Show notes, episode transcripts and other goodies can be found here.  Chapters Introduction and Friendship Goals Reading Preferences and Habits Writing Process and Organization Community and Support in Kidlit Exploring Difficult Topics in Writing Understanding Complexity in Human Behavior Lessons from Family and Personal Growth The Journey of Writing and Rejection Connecting with Readers and Their Experiences The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories Navigating Mental Health and Personal Healing The Importance of Representation in Literature Creating Stories for Boys and Challenging Norms

  5. 04/01/2025

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Natalie Lloyd

    In this episode, Jennifer LaGarde and Natalie Lloyd explore their shared love for literature, the impact of childhood reading experiences, the importance of authentic representation in books and, of course, Dolly Parton. They discuss the joys of audiobooks, the challenges of writing about disability, and the significance of creating relatable characters. Natalie shares insights into her writing process and upcoming projects, emphasizing the power of storytelling to connect with young readers. Show notes, including episode transcripts and information about connecting with this episode's guest, can be found here.  Chapters: Friendship and Literary Connections Reading Preferences and Habits The Joy of Audiobooks The Reader's Heart: Personal Stories The Impact of Childhood Reading Creating Authentic Characters Exploring Disability in Literature The Importance of Representation Upcoming Works and New Formats

  6. 03/15/2025

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Erin Entrada Kelly

    In this episode, Jennifer chats with two-time Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly. Their conversation delves into themes of anxiety, character development, and the importance of positive adult figures in children's literature. Erin reflects on her journey as a writer, her influences, and her background in journalism, which has shaped her writing style. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into her upcoming projects, showcasing her continued dedication to creating meaningful literature for young audiences. Show notes, including episode transcripts and information about connecting with this episode's guest, can be found here.  Chapters Celebrating Newbery Success  The First State of Being: A Book Overview Anxiety and Relatability in Literature Character Development: Mr. Mosley The Role of Adults in Children's Literature Exploring Moral Ambiguity The Reader's Heart: Erin's Journey Meeting Literary Heroes The Impact of Journalism on Writing Upcoming Projects and Future Works

  7. 03/01/2025

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Allie Millington

    In this episode, Jennifer chats with Allie Millington about the profound impact of literature, particularly middle grade books, on identity and connection. They discuss the themes of loneliness and bravery in Millington's book Olivetti,'and the importance of fostering authentic connections in a hyper-connected world. Millington shares her experiences with young readers during school visits, the significance of endorsements from figures like Tom Hanks, and her upcoming projects, including a new middle grade novel and a picture book. Show notes, including episode transcripts and information about connecting with this episode's guest, can be found here.  Chapters Books became an escape and a safe place for me. I want to write books that touch young people's lives. Middle schoolers are my favorite age group. The antidote to loneliness is connection. Olivetti is a story about bravery. Middle grade is not just for 9 to 12 year olds. Empathy and acceptance are important in storytelling. I want to encourage conversations about loneliness. Tom Hanks' endorsement changed everything for me. Typewriters connect different generations.

  8. 02/01/2025

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Padma Venkatraman

    In this engaging conversation, Padma Venkatraman chats with Jennifer about her new novel in verse, Safe Harbor, exploring themes of belonging, empowerment, and mental health representation. They delve into Padma's personal reading journey, her experiences as a writer, and the significance of music and nature in her storytelling. The discussion also touches on Padma's future projects and the importance of diverse representation in children's literature. Show notes, including episode transcripts and information about connecting with this episode's guest, can be found here.  Chapters 00:00 Getting to Know Padma 05:07 Exploring Safe Harbor 11:48 Themes of Belonging and Empowerment 18:01 Mental Health Representation 23:58 The Role of Music and Nature 33:08 Looking Ahead: Future Projects

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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Conversations with kid lit creators about how children’s literature connects readers’ hearts to story, the world and one another.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer LaGarde
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Reader’s Heart Podcast

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