Advertise on podcast: The Reader’s Heart Podcast

How do we help children understand when someone they love is struggling? In this episode, Jennifer chats with author and journalist Pooja Makhijani about her picture book Together for Mama, a deeply personal story inspired by her own experience with postpartum depression. Their conversation explores caregiving, South Asian representation, the complicated emotions that can accompany new parenthood, and the importance of showing young readers that asking for help is part of being cared for. Pooja also shares how her work as a journalist shapes the stories she tells for children, why she is drawn to conversations about subjects communities sometimes avoid, and how her forthcoming picture book Aunties expands her exploration of the many people who help care for children. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Caregiving, Representation, and Welcome to The Reader’s Heart 00:02:11 – Ramona, Nancy Drew, Anne Shirley, and the Characters Who Shaped Pooja as a Reader 00:05:12 – Ramona’s Parents, South Asian Representation, and Modeling Good Caregiving 00:08:19 – Together for Mama: Welcoming a New Baby Into a South Asian Family 00:11:46 – Pooja’s Experience With Postpartum Depression and the Story Behind Together for Mama 00:15:57 – Writing Postpartum Depression for Young Readers Without Hiding Its Complexity 00:20:24 – Letting Mama Get Help: Mental Health, Family Support, and a Hopeful Ending 00:26:51 – Journalism, Picture Books, and Telling the Stories We Don’t Talk About 00:31:10 – South Asian Storytelling, Reincarnation, and Seeing Our Work as Part of a Longer Story 00:34:38 – Aunties, Bonus Adults, and Expanding the Definition of Family 00:36:36 – Closing Credits and Thanks for Listening

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

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.

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

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

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