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. 4d ago

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: John Schu Returns!

    How can children's books help kids have nuanced conversations about complex ideas in a world that often profits from oversimplification? In this episode, Jennifer chats with John Schu about the books that continue to shape his reader's heart, the enduring power of the read-aloud, and why stories create space for nuance, connection, and community. Together, they revisit Because of Winn-Dixie and explore the creative journeys behind Ruthie Rose's Big Idea, Lily-May's Joyful Day, and Louder Than Hunger. They also reflect on how books can help readers navigate moments when more than one thing can be true at the same time. Along the way, John shares how certain characters became unexpected companions during his writing process, why read-alouds remain essential in classrooms and libraries, and what readers can look forward to next. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome Back to The Reader's Heart 00:01:51 – A Return Visit and the Books Billowing John's Reader's Heart 00:07:06 – Because of Winn-Dixie and the Power of Read-Alouds 00:12:40 – Read-Alouds, Nuance, and Stories Connect Us 00:17:47 – Writing Picture Books, Writing Novels, and Finding the Right Story 00:21:55 – When Characters Become Helpers 00:29:04 – Joy and Anxiety Can Exist Together 00:32:01 – Louder Than Hunger and the Courage to Keep Connecting 00:38:45 – What's Next for John Schu 00:42:28 – Closing Credits

  2. Aug 17

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: Rex Ogle Returns!

    Can books written for young people help boys navigate a world that often sends them conflicting messages about masculinity? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Rex Ogle about writing stories that make room for empathy, vulnerability, and hope. Together, they explore When We Ride, the ways poverty shapes opportunity, and why compassion matters when telling stories about young people whose lives are often misunderstood. They also discuss the messages boys receive about reading and the role children's literature can play in helping kids navigate a complicated world. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00 – Toxic Masculinity, Boys Reading, and Welcome to The Reader's Heart 02:22 – Returning to The Reader's Heart and the Story Behind When We Ride 06:01 – Growing Up Poor and Dreaming Bigger 10:37 – Letting Characters Lead the Way 14:15 – Book Characters, Like People, Are More Than One Thing 16:58 – The Messages Boys Receive About Reading 23:29 – Stories Help Us Navigate a Complicated World 29:37 – The Stories Still Waiting to Be Written 35:52 – Looking Ahead + Closing Credits

  3. Aug 3

    The Reader's Heart | Guests: Emily Barth Isler and Vesper Stamper

    What role can books play in helping young people navigate an increasingly divided world? In this episode, Jennifer chats with author Emily Barth Isler and illustrator Vesper Stamper about their picture book, Three Pieces of Broken Glass, a story inspired by Emily's grandmother's experiences fleeing Nazi Germany. Together, they explore the power of family stories, the importance of preserving historical memory, and the unique collaboration between authors and illustrators. Their conversation also examines emotional regulation, misinformation, intergenerational relationships, and the role books can play in helping readers build empathy, ask difficult questions, and find human connection in uncertain times. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Finding Light in Broken Things + Welcome to The Reader's Heart 00:02:00 – Our Reader's Hearts 00:08:43 – The Story Behind Three Pieces of Broken Glass 00:16:32 – How Authors and Illustrators Collaborate 00:27:07 – Trusted Stories in Uncertain Times 00:37:05 – Books as an Antidote to Division 00:43:54 – Emotional Regulation, Real Connection, and What Comes Next 00:52:24 – Closing Credits and Farewell

  4. Jul 20

    The Reader's Heart | Guest: LeUyen Pham

    Can a book be a hug for a child's mind? In this episode of The Reader's Heart, Jennifer talks with beloved author and illustrator LeUyen Pham about the books that shaped her, the libraries that gave her refuge, and the readers she hopes to reach through her work. Together they explore childhood poverty, finding yourself in stories, the magic of graphic novels, and why collaboration can be both challenging and transformative. LeUyen also shares a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from crafting visual narratives in picture books to using color, symbolism, and hidden clues in her stunning graphic novel, As I Dream of You, written by Jennifer Longo. Along the way, the conversation becomes a powerful reminder that books can create safety, connection, and understanding in ways few other things can. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Books, Libraries, and Being Understood + Welcome To The Reader's Heart 00:02:05 – Hugging a Kid’s Mind 00:05:56 – The Apple, the Cabbage Soup, and the Ream of Paper 00:16:47 – Collaboration Is Hard 00:25:20 – The Story Behind the Story 00:29:54 – As I Dream of You 00:41:23 – Why Graphic Novels Matter + Closing Credits

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Reader’s Heart Podcast

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