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

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

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