The Reader’s Heart Podcast

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

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

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.

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

The Reader's Heart | Guest: Dashka Slater

Summary:
New York Times best selling author, Dashka Slater, joins Jennifer LaGarde to explore the profound impact of literature on young readers, the journey of becoming a writer, and the intersection of journalism and storytelling. Dashka shares her early reading experiences, her path to writing for young people, and the challenges of addressing complex social issues through her work. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the role of educators and parents in guiding young readers in today's digital landscape.
Show notes, including episode transcripts and information about connecting with this episode's guest, can be found here. 
Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to Reader's Heart
06:55 The Reader's Journey: Dashka's Early Reading Life
10:59 The Path to Writing for Young People
14:46 The Intersection of Journalism and Young Adult Nonfiction
23:02 Exploring Humanity in Complex Stories
30:38 Engaging Educators and Parents in Conversations
36:08 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Lighter Themes

The Reader's Heart | Guest: Federico Erebia

Summary
In this episode, Federico Erebia joins Jennifer for an engaging conversation in which they explore the profound impact of literature on personal identity and the importance of representation in children's books. They discuss Federico's journey as a reader and writer, the significance of first books, and how stories can help children navigate complex emotions and experiences, particularly around themes of abuse and identity. The conversation culminates in a book talk about Federico's latest work, Pedro and Daniel, highlighting its unique perspective and relevance. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into Erebia's future projects, highlighting his commitment to storytelling and the power of literature.
Show notes, including episode transcripts and information about connecting with this episode's guest, can be found here. 
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Rapid Fire Questions
 
05:58The Reader's Heart and Personal Experiences
 
11:59Intersectionality in Literature
 
17:59Book Talk: Pedro and Daniel
 
23:57Narrative Techniques and Character Development
 
31:51Honoring the Past: HIV and Its Impact
 
40:38Looking Ahead: New Projects and Future Works

The Reader's Heart | Guest: Paula Yoo

Summary
In this conversation, Jennifer and chat's with Paula Yoo about her love for writing narrative non-fiction and how her background in journalism influences her work. They also explore the power of literature for young people in shaping their hearts and understanding the world. Paula shares her experience as a reader, starting with her childhood love for Charlotte's Web and how it influenced her writing style. They discuss the importance of tackling tough topics in books for young people and the need for nuance and context in storytelling. Paula also talks about her latest book, Rising from the Ashes, which explores the 1992 LA uprising, and the importance of amplifying lesser-known stories and challenging stereotypes in media coverage.
Show notes, including a discount code for purchasing Paula's books from Bookelicious, can be found here. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Paula's Writing Journey
04:42 Charlotte's Web and the Influence of Setting
08:19 Tackling Tough Topics in Books for Young People
15:02 The Importance of Nuance and Context in Storytelling
26:34 Protesting Unfair Media Coverage
28:52 The Power of Collective Action
33:01 Exploring 'Han'
36:32 Emotional Journeys: Han, Hwa, and Jung
45:18 Future Projects

The Reader's Heart | Jeff Zentner

In this conversation, Jeff Zentner chats with Jennifer  about his reader's heart and his writing process. They discuss the power of literature written for young people to shape hearts and help readers navigate the world. They also explore the themes of found family and redefining masculinity in Zentner's books. They delve into Jennifer favorite Jeff Zentner book: Rayne and Delilah's Midnight Matinee, and the importance of depicting relationships with mental illness in young adult literature. They also discuss Zentner's new book, Sunrise Nights,'a verse novel co-authored with Brittany Cavallaro, and Zentner's upcoming adult novel set in a puppet studio in 1970s New York City.
Show notes, including a chance to win 2 signed copies of Jeff's books mentioned in this episode from Bookelicious, can be found here. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
03:02 The Power of Literature for Young People
08:26 Exploring Found Family and Redefining Masculinity
11:26 Depicting Relationships with Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature
40:46 Upcoming Adult Novel: A Journey into a Puppet Studio

The Reader's Heart | Guest: Debbi Michiko Florence

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

The Reader's Heart | Guest: Katherine Marsh

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