Learn more about Read Freely Alabama: https://www.readfreelyalabama.org/

In this episode: an interview with Angie Hayden from Read Freely Alabama, discussing the alarming rise of book banning and censorship in Alabama. The conversation explores the community's response to these challenges, the strategies employed by book banning groups, and the importance of advocating for the freedom to read. Angie shares insights on notable book challenges, legislative efforts to protect library access, and ways for community members to get involved. The episode also highlights recent legislative developments in Texas and concludes with recommendations for new children's literature.

New Releases:

• Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
• We Are Lion Dancers by Benson Shum
• The Losting Fountain by Lora Senf
• Visitations by Corey Egbert

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Book Fair Podcast and Read Freely Alabama

01:19 Angie Hayden's Journey and the Birth of Read Freely Alabama

03:00 Community Response to Book Banning Efforts

06:11 Strategies of Book Banning Groups

09:08 Changes in Library Processes and Governance

10:32 Community Involvement in Library Advocacy

13:47 Surprising Book Challenges and Their Implications

18:02 The Importance of Freedom to Read

21:31 Overview of Texas Legislative Developments

30:57 Recent Book Releases and Recommendations

More information on Florida Freedom to Read Project: https://www.fftrp.org/

This week's episode explores the ongoing challenges to the freedom to read, particularly in the context of recent controversies surrounding library book selections and the impact of book bans. It highlights the role of community organizations like the Florida Freedom to Read Project in advocating for transparency and parental involvement in educational materials. The discussion emphasizes the importance of professionally curated libraries and the need for cooperation among parents, educators, and community members to combat censorship and ensure diverse reading materials are available to students.

New Releases

• We Are the Beasts by Gigi Griffis
• What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould
• When the Stammer Came to Stay by Maggie O’Farrell, illus. by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

Chapters

00:00 Idaho senator attacks public library

06:55 Texas Board of Education's Proposed Changes

09:52 Library Board's Shift Towards Self-Published Books

13:29 Concert for Book Bans Awareness

16:59 New Book Releases and Recommendations

21:29 Interview with Florida Freedom to Read Project

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This week on the Book Fair Podcast: Scholastic's upcoming marketing campaign for Dave Pilkey's Dog Man series, ongoing legal battles over book bans in Alabama, and the lawsuit surrounding the removal of the book 'And Tango Makes Three' from school libraries.

New Releases:

• My Fairy God Somebody by Charlene Allen
• Wolves at the Door by Steve Watkins
• Haunting of the Ghost Dragon (Dragon Masters #27) by Tracey West

Chapters

00:00 Scholastic Prepares for a Dog Man Marketing Push

03:26 Read Freely Alabama

08:00 "And Tango Makes Three" Lawsuit

16:25 New Releases: Exploring Diverse Narratives in Children's Books

This episode of the Book Faire Podcast discusses the alarming trends in book bans, particularly in Florida, and the decline in children's reading enjoyment. It features an interview with Matt, @rockin.librarian on TikTok, who delves into the importance of media literacy in combating misinformation. The conversation highlights the role of confirmation bias in the spread of false narratives and emphasizes the need for critical thinking when engaging with media. The episode concludes with a discussion on the consequences of misinformation and the importance of access to literature.

New Releases:

• Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher
• Darkly by Marisha Pessl
• Heart-Shaped Lies by Elizabeth Agyemang

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Book Bans and Media Literacy

03:14 The Impact of Book Bans in Florida

07:31 The Decline of Reading Enjoyment Among Children

11:46 Interview with Rockin.Librarian on Media Literacy

16:02 Understanding Misinformation and Confirmation Bias

30:42 Navigating News and Challenging Authority

40:08 Consequences of Misinformation and Closing Remarks

Comic book and graphic novel writer Mags Visaggio discusses her book Girlmode. Inkpop, a new manga imprint to launch 2025. Texas Library proposes a new policy for minors requiring parents to be present to check out any materials.

Chapters

00:00 Library Policies and Parental Control

06:05 Inkpop's New Manga Line for Young Readers

09:44 Interview with Magdalene Visaggio

41:56 The Role of a Writer in Trans Representation

Jillian Hughes and Kenny Curtis talk about retelling Greek mythology for young audiences. Book Riot talks How to Fight Book Bans in 2024. PEN America report shows educational censorship in higher education. Libraries become invaluable in states struck by natural disasters.

New Realeses:

• Happy & Sad & Everything True by Alex Thayer
• The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho, illus. by Deb JJ Lee
• All the Truth I Can Stand by Mason Stokes
• Streetlight People by Charlene Thomas

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Book Bans and Censorship

07:09 Libraries as Community Hubs

10:33 Censorship in Higher Education

15:11 New Children's Literature Releases

21:16 Interview with Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes

More from Christy Mandin: https://www.christymandin.com/

Instagram: @Christymandin

This week: An interview with Christy Mandin, author and illustrator of Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden. A brief look at Project 2025. How books are curated before making it to library shelves.

New Releases:

• A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child’s Search for Home by Maysa Odeh, illustrated by Aliaa Betawi
• Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles
• Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Project 2025

01:51 The Threat to Freedom in Education

04:07 Understanding Book Censorship

11:36 Interview with Christy Mandan: Millie Floor's Poison Garden

29:48 The Author's Perspective and Closing Thoughts

More from Eliot Schrefer: https://www.eliotschrefer.com/

Instagram: @schrefer

This week: Eliot Schrefer discusses his new book The Brightness Between Us. Amazon reveals a suite of new Kindle devices, including its first full-color e-ink display. South Carolina library puts a moratorium on purchasing new books for minors to comply with new, vaguely written law.

New Releases:

• A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child’s Search for Home by Maysa Odeh, illustrated by Aliaa Betawi
• Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles
• Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Fair and News Highlights

05:05 Accessibility in Children's Literature

08:30 Controversial Library Policies in South Carolina

13:11 Recent Releases in Children's Literature

14:05 Interview with Elliott Schreifer

38:55 Conclusion and Closing Thoughts