The Reader’s Heart Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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