The Reader’s Heart Podcast Jennifer LaGarde

In this episode Debbi Michiko Florence chats with Jennifer about her love for children's literature and the power of books to shape our hearts. She shares her own experiences as a reader, from her childhood memories of her parents reading to her and weekly trips to the library, to her rediscovery of reading for pleasure after college. Debbi emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in children's literature and the impact her books have on young readers, particularly those who see themselves reflected in her characters. She also discusses her upcoming middle grade series, Last Chance Academy, and the joy of writing sweet romances for tween and early teen readers.
Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Fan Appreciation
01:08 Debbi's Reader's Heart 
07:06 Common themes in The Reader's Heart
10:01 Books as safe spaces
12:21 Creating authentic characters
16:31 Debbi's journey as a writer
20:15 The powerful first crush
22: 12 Aliza Werner shout out
28:35 Introducing Last Chance Academy 
34:14 Importance of stories that explore layered identities
36:01 Wrap up and conclusions

In this conversation, Jennifer LaGarde and Katherine Marsh discuss the power of children's literature and the influence it has on shaping readers' hearts. They explore Katherine's own reader's heart and how it informs her writing. They also delve into the themes and characters of Katherine's book, Medusa, and the importance of representation and empathy in literature. They discuss the challenges of getting kids to read and the need for books that cater to different reading levels and interests. Finally, they touch on Katherine's upcoming projects and the role of books in mother-daughter relationships.
Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here. 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
 
01:12 Katherine's Reader's Heart
 
05:02 The Importance of Middle Grade Literature
 
06:25 Representation and Empathy in Books
 
09:10 Book Talk: Medusa
 
16:10 The Characters of Medusa
 
21:32 Ava's Character Development
 
23:51 Mother-Daughter Relationships in Medusa
 
24:12 Medusa as a Read-Aloud
 
28:26 Writing for Different Reading Levels
 
29:22 Motivating Kids to Read
 
33:01 Upcoming Projects
 
36:06 Conclusion
 

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Elly Swartz discuss the power of children's literature to shape hearts and minds. They explore the importance of books in helping readers navigate life's emotions and connect with themselves and others. They also discuss the influence of social media on storytelling and the inclusion of themes like forgiveness in Swartz's books. Swartz shares her love for writing middle-grade books and the joy of connecting with young readers. They also touch on Swartz's upcoming book, Same Page, which tackles the themes of book banning, friendship, and finding common ground.
Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Shared Love for Children's Literature09:00 The Influence of Social Media on Storytelling13:13 The Power of Forgiveness in Swartz's Books25:00 Exploring Book Banning and Friendship in 'Same Page'

In this conversation, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey chat with Jennifer about story as an engine for empathy and ceativity. They discuss their reader's hearts and how childhood reading experiences shaped their love for storytelling. They also talk about their book, The Last Stand, with Antwan Eady and the process of illustrating it. The conversation concludes with a discussion of their upcoming projects and congratulations on their recent accolades.
Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing the books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart09:07 Childhood Reading Experiences12:08 The Last Stand and Charlotte's Web26:09 Upcoming Projects29:16 Congratulations and Closing

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Ann Braden, an author who writes books that empower kids to find their voice and make a difference in the world. Ann shares her journey as a reader and writer, highlighting the books that had a profound impact on her life. She discusses the importance of recognizing our own voice and the power it holds. Ann also explores the themes in her books, such as facing tough topics and finding hope in difficult times. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and belief in oneself and others.
For more information about this episode, including detailed show notes and a discount code from Bookelicious, visit: librarygirl.net 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction 00:54 Anne's Reader's Heart03:07 Discovering a Love for History04:32 Finding the Confidence to Write05:30 Using Voice to Change the World07:19 Writing Books for Kids to Find Their Voice10:26 Facing Bullying and Overcoming Challenges13:06 Book Talk: Opinions and Opossums 14:46 The Impact of Anne's Books on Readers16:47 The Importance of Art in Understanding Our Times19:35 The Need for Connection and Belief25:01 Finding Joy in the Darkness28:28 The Darkness Turned Inside Out29:27 Conclusion and Gratitude

Jennifer chats with author Erin Bow who shares a bit about her journey as a reader and writer, from her childhood love of books to her success as an author. She emphasizes the importance of reading widely and falling in love with reading as a child. Erin also shares her passion for trashy page-turning storytelling and the influence it has on her writing. But most of their conversation focuses on the role of children's literature in helping us to understand and navigate trauma. Erin discusses the inspiration behind Simon Sort of Says and why it was important to her that Simon's story be funny. 
Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart
04:21 Childhood Reading and Influences
06:06 Trashy Page-Turning Storytelling
10:05 Expanding Genre and Writing Goals
11:57 Pseudonyms and Success
13:54 The Journey to Success
20:55 The Variety of Erin Bow's Books
26:09 Discussion of Simon Sort of Says
36:00 Upcoming Work and the Importance of Stories