Kidlit These Days

Matthew and Nicole discuss the results of the 2020 Youth Media Awards, highlight some of their favorite books recognized, and how this awards year could impact the future of publishing. Joining is special guest Dr. Emily R. Aguiló-Pérez, who served on the 2018 Pura Belpré Award committee.

Matthew and Jenn discuss anti-bias education, understanding our own white privilege, and listening to and learning about the challenges that many marginalized communities face.

Karina and Matthew talk about the homelessness epidemic, how homelessness affects children, and the need for greater representation of poverty and homelessness in children's literature. Joining is special guest Alicia D. Williams, author of Genesis Begins Again.

Karina and Matthew talk about the Youth Media Awards, educators doing mock book awards with their students, and we look back on some of our favorite Kidlit These Days episodes of the year. Joining is special guest Colby Sharp, 5th grade teacher, co-host of The Yarn podcast, editor of The Creativity Project, An Awesometastic Story Collection, and the co-author with Donalyn Miller of Game Changer: Book Access for All Kids.

Karina and Matthew share gift ideas in the form of book boxes packed with choice reads and thoughtful add-ons perfect for the reader or readers in your life.

Karina and Matthew talk about representation of neurodiverse individuals, giving authentic voice in children's literature, and building empathy for all students. Joining is special guest Elana K. Arnold, author of A Boy Called Bat and its sequels.

Karina and Matthew talk about the climate change, young activists, and a needed willingness for adults to listen, not just to these young voices, but also to one another. Joining is special guest Carole Lindstrom, author of Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle and the upcoming We Are Water Protectors.

Karina and Matthew talk about the booming graphic novel market, state book awards centering comics, and go-to resources for librarians and educators in support of reading comics. Joining is special guest Jen Wang, co-founder and organizer of the annual Comics Arts Los Angeles festival, and cartoonist of Stargazing and The Prince and the Dressmaker.

Karina and Matthew talk about why books get banned, what book titles appear on ALA's Most Challenged Books list, and why Banned Books Week is a great time for celebrating. Joining is special guest Sonali Kumar, a librarian in Washington, DC and the author of the Unschooled Librarian blog.

Karina and Matthew talk about looking honestly at history, tribal land acknowledgements, and engaging young people in the history going on today. Joining are special guests Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza, authors of An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People, adapted from the book by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.