Graphic Novelist Christine Suggs and S&L Marketing Coordinator Amber Mercado discuss the multiracial experience, the struggles of learning another language, the art in AY MIJA, and more! Credits: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Verano Sensual by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5049-verano-sensual License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

“This bright start to a Greek mythology–inspired fantasy series blazes with intense, vibrant imagery and crackles with lively, humorous character dynamics…moments of levity balance the suspenseful drama of a world facing impending peril and the sensitive exploration of June’s sexuality, anxiety, and loneliness….Vivid and mythical.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ami Polonsky's middle grade novel, THE WORLD MADE OF GLASS, is off to a great start with four starred reviews already. We are honored to have her on as a guest on the podcast as she discusses her how she takes young readers back to the 1980s AIDS epidemic and shows how anyone can get involved in activism no matter their age.

In this emotional episode, author and illustrator Kindra Neely discusses with Oregonian Victoria Stapleton, Neely's graphic memoir, NUMB TO THIS. NUMB TO THIS depicts the aftermath of the Umpqua Community College shooting and details Kindra's journey towards healing through art. "Neely astutely asserts the importance of hopeful defiance in the face of the numbness and resignation that often accompanies feelings of powerlessness." — Publishers Weekly, starred review. NUMB TO THIS is available now!

Debut Author Amina Luqman-Dawson talks to us about the research behind her empowering historical middle-grade novel about Homer who flees Southerland Plantation and finds a secret maroon community called Freewater, created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children. FREEWATER has five starred reviews and is available now! A free discussion guide and an additional essay by Amina is available on our website.

Bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley tells us about her new picture book series starring Keyana, the original protagonist from her modern classic,  I Love My Hair! In this book, Keyana's latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there’s a lot on her to-do list. But when the night doesn’t go as planned, she’ll have to rely on a little help from the people she loves most. Join us as we dive into KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY!

Happy Picture Book Month! We have a special episode featuring the hilarious Laurie Keller discussing her book, WAKE ME UP IN 20 COCONUTS. This silly book teaches the important message that it's okay to say "I don't know"!

Just in time for Spooky Season, Andrew Nance guest stars on this episode of the LBYR School & Library Podcast! He talks ghost stories, podcasts, writing for middle grade, and Alfred Hitchcock with S&L Marketing Coordinator, Amber Mercado. Odd Occurrences is available now wherever books are sold! ISBN:9780316334334 Two best friends. One goes missing. And a paranormal podcast that hopes to reunite them, but not before unleashing horror in many forms. When Zeus’s best friend gets trapped inside the House of Mystery and Mirrors at Carnival Nocturne, Tobin’s existence is erased from the world, and Zeus is the only person who remembers that his best friend ever lived. Zeus is determined to return to the carnival and rescue his friend—that is, if he can only find it. Credits: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Ambient Suspenseful Background by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/6597-ambient-suspenseful-background License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles Music: Big Eyes by Rafael Krux Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5306-big-eyes License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://www.orchestralis.net/ Sounds provided by freesound.org.

Pura Belpré Honoree Laekan Zea Kemp is back! We discuss the power of music, the importance of mental health, and her sophomore YA novel, HEARTBREAK SYMPHONY! Heartbreak Symphony Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64g0dGDu4a5cdI79IZdnip?si=26768ed9810546dd ★ "Kemp eloquently captures how the warmth and strength of a community of mentors can impact a young person’s life.... With the lyricism of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s works, this novel is recommended for all collections." — School Library Journal ★ "Kemp’s latest novel is a multilayered symphony in itself, keeping the reader’s emotions heightened from the first sentence until the finale, during which readers will be left breathless in wonder." — Booklist

New York Times bestselling author April Henry has written another thrilling mystery for young adults, TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE. This episode, April fills us in on this bone-chilling murder-mystery she's crafted about a group of theatre kids trapped in a motel with a murderer during a blizzard. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never quite what it seems. "An atmospheric and entertaining thriller perfect for snowy night chills. "—Kirkus "An engrossing read" —Booklist