In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews renowned author Gordon Korman, discussing his latest book 'Snoop' and the themes of privacy, technology, and character development in middle grade literature. Korman shares insights into his writing process, the importance of relatable characters, and the balance of humor and serious topics in his stories. The conversation also touches on the role of authority in young readers' lives and the collaborative nature of working with publishers and editors. Korman reflects on his journey as an author, celebrating milestones and the impact of middle grade literature on young audiences.

New Releases:

• Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

• The Case of the Contraband Closet (Bubblegum Shoes #1) by Goldy Moldavsky

• The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks (Lottie Brooks #1) by Katie Kirby

• Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

• The Yomigaeri Tunnel by Kelly Murashige

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Current Events

05:18 Character Development: Carter's Journey

11:00 Balancing Technology and Healthy Limits

16:24 The Writing Process and Publishing Schedule

21:54 Finding Inspiration and Personal Reflection

25:40 The Role of Middle Grade Literature in Society

29:13 New Releases

36:30 News

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

In this episode of the Book Fair Podcast, host Anthony interviews Kyle Casey Chu, a writer and drag queen, about his debut middle grade novel, 'The Queen Bees of Tybee County.' The conversation explores themes of identity, the writing process, and the importance of representation in literature. Kyle shares insights from his journey as a first-time author, the role of drag in his life, and how his experiences shape the characters and narratives he creates. The discussion also touches on family dynamics, intersectionality, and the significance of finding one's community.

New Releases:

• The Grove by Brooks Whitney Phillips

• The League of Littles by Casey Lyall, illus. by Sara Faber

• If We Survive This by Racquel Marie

• The Tournament by Rebecca Barrow

Chapters

00:00 Meet Kyle Casey Chu: Author and Drag Queen

02:50 The Writing Process: Insights from a First-Time Author

04:43 Exploring Identity: Derek's Journey in The Queen Bees of Tybee County

06:40 The Role of Drag Story Hour in Shaping Identity

07:45 Navigating Opposition: Realism and Optimism in Storytelling

08:49 Intersectionality: Derek's Experience as a Chinese American

10:50 Claudia: The Matriarch and Her Impact on Derek

12:30 Familial Pressure: Derek's Relationship with His Father

14:07 Ro: Breaking Stereotypes in Beauty Pageants

16:06 Finding Community: Derek's Exploration of Identity

18:04 Understanding Gender Identity and Expression

20:45 The Power of Storytelling: Creating Possibility Models

23:09 New Releases

30:42 News