In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Joanna Ho, author of 'Becoming Boba.' They discuss the cultural significance of milk tea, the evolution of identity through food, and the importance of self-discovery in writing. Joanna shares her journey as an Asian American writer and emphasizes the power of young voices in shaping culture and community. The conversation highlights the intersection of personal history and storytelling, culminating in Joanna's vision for empowering young readers to embrace their identities and create change. News stories include a roundup of Texas State Legislature's bills targeting freedom to read as well as book censorship policies in South Carolina,

New Releases:

• Angel Draws a Dinosaur by Pavonis Giron

• The Lost Heirs (Arcana #1) by Sam Prentice-Jones

• Tell Me Every Lie by Ellen Hagan and David Flores

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joanna Ho and 'Becoming Boba'

02:50 Cultural Evolution of Milk Tea

06:12 The Impact of Colonization on Identity

08:04 Advice for Young Readers on Identity

09:56 The Balance of Fluff and Depth in Writing

11:39 Mindy's Journey and Self-Discovery

13:47 The Role of Youth in Cultural Change

14:53 Joanna Ho's Mission as a Writer

15:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

17:43 New Releases

22:48 Headlines