Category: Libraries

Ep. 99: Jason Chin & Andrea Wang on the 2022 Caldecott Medal Winner, Watercress

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This week, we have a very special episode. I’m speaking with the team behind this year’s Caldecott winning picture book, Watercress: Andrea Wang and Jason Chin. In case you’re not familiar, the Caldecott is basically the Academy Award for picture books, so this is very exciting! Watercress also won a Newbery Honor and the Asian Pacific/Pacific American Award for Literature.

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“Andrea Wang’s heartfelt and nuanced intergenerational story comes to life through Jason Chin’s brilliant watercolors, making Watercress a feast for the senses. But be warned: Come prepared with tissues.”~ Minh Lê, for NPR

 

 

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

About the Author/Illustrator:

Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children’s books. Her book Watercress was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her other books, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and starred reviews. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She is also the author of seven nonfiction titles for the library and school market. Andrea holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing for Young People. She lives in Colorado with her family. To learn more about Andrea Wang and follow her on social media visit https://andreaywang.com.

Jason Chin is a celebrated author and illustrator of many children’s books including Your Place in the Universe, Miranda Paul’s Nine Months: Before a Baby is Born, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book,  and Andrea Wang’s Watercress. His book Grand Canyon was awarded a Caldecott Honor, a Sibert Honor, and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award. His other acclaimed nonfiction titles—Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Island: A Story of the Galápagos, and Gravity—have received numerous starred reviews and other accolades. He is also the illustrator of Stephanie Parsley Ledyard’s debut title, Pie Is for Sharing, and Miranda Paul’s Water Is Water. Jason lives in Vermont with his wife and children. To learn more about Jason Chin and follow him on social media visit https://www.facebook.com/authorjchin/.

 

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

 

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Register for the Newburyport Literary Festival

NLF Register now IG

Looking for more bookish conversations? Registration is now open for the 2022 virtual Newburyport Literary Festival: https://newburyportliteraryfestival.org/2022-schedule-of-events/.  

I hope to see you at my session: Romance by the Book with Lauren Kate (By Any Other Name) and Emily Wibberly and Austin Siegmund-Broka (The Roughest Draft)! Register here.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 98: 2022 Newbery Medal Winner- Donna Barba Higuera

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This week, I’m honored to be speaking with this year’s Newbery Medal winner, Donna Barba Higuera, author of The Last Cuentista.

In the book, 12-year-old Petra Peña’s suspended animation fails during the 370-year journey to a new planet after Earth is destroyed, so when all the other children are mysteriously reprogrammed and the adults purged, Petra becomes the lone bringer of Earth’s now forbidden stories and her grandmother’s Mexican folklore to a changing humanity.


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     “Deftly blends Mexican folklore with science fiction in this thrilling and emotional post-apocalyptic novel.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

 

 

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Donna Barba Higuera’s Middle Grade and Picture books reinvent history, folklore, and or her own life experience into compelling storylines. She lives in Washington State with her husband, four kids, three dogs and a frog. 

​Her books include Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, El Cucuy (coo-coo-ee) Is Scared, Too!, and The Last Cuentista, and have won awards including: the Newbery medal, both Pura Belpré medal and honor, PNBA best book of the year award,  and the Sid Fleischman award for best children’s humor book of the year.

To learn more about Donna Barba Higuera and follow her on social media visit https://www.dbhiguera.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

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Register for the Newburyport Literary Festival

NLF Register now IG

Looking for more bookish conversations? Registration is now open for the 2022 virtual Newburyport Literary Festival: https://newburyportliteraryfestival.org/2022-schedule-of-events/.  

I hope to see you at my session: Romance by the Book with Lauren Kate (By Any Other Name) and Emily Wibberly and Austin Siegmund-Broka (The Roughest Draft)! Register here.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 91: Debbi Michiko Florence on Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai

Posted in Children's, Libraries, Podcast, Read Aloud, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today my guest is Debbi Michiko Florence, whose new middle grade novel Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai is sure to fly off library and classroom shelves and into the hands of young readers.

Debbi Michiko Florence is also the author of Keep It Together Keiko Carter, the Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series, and the co-author of a picture book biography, Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites. A former classroom teacher, Debbi has spoken on panels at conferences and book festivals, taught writing workshops for children and adults, and loves doing author visits at schools and libraries. She is on the faculty of The Highlights Foundation. A third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in California, Debbi now lives in Connecticut where she writes in her studio, The Word Nest.

 

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

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Fans of Keep it Together, Keiko Carter will love this beautiful companion novel about Jenna Sakai and her struggle to “stay cool” when life gets messy. Jenna’s determination to avoid heartbreak by building walls between herself and those who love her comes at a lonely cost, but the journey leads to a deeper understanding of her own heart, and her capacity to love and be loved. A beautiful story about healing from heartbreak, and discovering the strength that comes from opening your heart to others. Jenna is a gem! -Jo Knowles, author of Where the Heart Is

To learn more about Debbi Michiko Florence, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://debbimichikoflorence.com/.

 

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

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Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 89: Soman Chainani, Author of Beasts and Beauty

Posted in Children's, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life, Young AdultLeave a comment

I’m thrilled to share an episode today with author Soman Chainani. I’ve seen firsthand the way his School for Good and Evil series hooked kids on reading and young people will be excited to pick up his new collection of fairy tales, Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales. 

Soman Chainani’s debut series, The School for Good and Evil, has sold more than 3 million copies, been translated into 30 languages, and will be a major motion picture from Netflix in 2022. His new book, Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales released in September. A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University’s MFA Film Program, Soman began his career as a screenwriter and director, with his films playing at over 150 film festivals around the world. He lives in New York City.

 

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

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A volume that transports readers to a place where the lines between beastly natures and beautiful appearances can be difficult to discern. Expertly crafted . . . Chainani’s writing is raw in what it lays bare on the page, perfectly appropriate to revisiting these beloved, ubiquitous stories that may have left readers with naïve expectations or dissatisfied conclusions. For any lover of fairy tales who seeks alternative endings. -Kirkus

To learn more about Soman Chainani, follow him on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://somanchainani.com/.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

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Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 83: Sarah Penner, Author of The Lost Apothecary

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life, Summer ReadingLeave a comment

This week I’m chatting with Sarah Penner, whose debut novel The Lost Apothecary was an instant NY Times bestseller and is being translated into 30 languages worldwide. We discuss Sarah’s inspiring path to publication, writing a dual timeline historical novel, the casting of the phenomenal audiobook, and much more!

 

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

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Spellbinding… Like in a well-brewed potion, all the ingredients have been given exactly the right level of care and time, and the result is a novel that simply overwhelms with its delicate spell.

—Bookpage

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Sarah spent thirteen years in corporate finance and now writes full-time. She and her husband live in St. Petersburg, Florida. To learn more about Sarah Penner, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://www.sarahpenner.com/.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 78- Zibby Owens on Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology

Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Events, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today I’m excited to share an interview with book-fluencer extraordinaire Zibby Owens. We discussed the new book she edited and contributed to, Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology, how she got started in the literary world, balancing passions for reading and writing, favorite words of wisdom from authors, and much more!

 

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Order a copy of Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology on Bookshop.org.* It would make a great Mother’s Day gift for the moms in your life (or for yourself!).

 

To learn more about visit Zibby and follow along with all of the “Moms Don’t Have Time To” happenings visit zibbyowens.com

 

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page. 

 

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Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 77: Spotlight on the Newburyport Literary Festival with Co-Director Jennifer Entwistle

Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Events, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today we have a special episode where you’ll get the inside scoop on the upcoming Newburyport Literary Festival, which will be virtual this year. 

Listen to my conversation with festival co-director Jennifer Entwistle. We chatted about the sessions she’s most looking forward to, how to watch this free festival, the literary culture in Newburyport, and much more!

 

You can also listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

To register for virtual sessions at this year’s festival visit:  https://newburyportliteraryfestival.org

Order from the participating festival bookstores: Jabberwocky Books and Bookshop of Beverly Farms.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page. 

 

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 76: Kristin Hannah, Author of The Four Winds

Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

NY Times Bestselling Author Kristin Hannah joins me on the podcast this week to discuss her new novel, The Four Winds and all things bookish.  Find out how Kristin got started as a writer, the inspiration behind this new book, how she feels about the new Netflix adaptation of her novel Firefly Lane, and much more!

 

“A spectacular tour de force of survival that shines a spotlight on the indispensable but often overlooked role of Greatest Generation women.” 

–People Magazine

Kristin is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, Winter Garden, Night Road, and Firefly Lane. A former-lawyer-turned writer, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.

The Four Winds has been a #1 bestseller everywhere, a Today Show “Read with Jenna” Book Club pick, a Book of the Month Pick, and much more.

To learn more about Kristin Hannah and follow her on social media visit https://kristinhannah.com


You can also listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page. 

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Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 75: Kristin Bair, Author of Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything

Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

This week, my guest on the podcast is Kristin Bair, author of the hilarious new novel, Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything.

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Agatha will draw readers in with her wry takes…Fans of Where’d You Go, Bernadette and Elinor Oliphant Is Fine will love this clever romp. 

–Publishers’ Weekly Starred Review

Kristin has also published two other books, The Art of Floating and Thirsty, as well as numerous essays including one I loved, The Parenting Break: Finding Your Way Back to Literary Citizenship. A native Pittsburgher, Kristin now lives north of Boston with her husband and two kids. 

To learn more about Kristin Bair and follow her on social media visit http://www.kristinbairokeeffe.com


You can also listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page. 

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Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 74: Jennifer Robson, Author of Our Darkest Night

Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life1 Comment

This week, my guest on the podcast is historical fiction author Jennifer Robson. Fans of The Gown will love her latest novel, Our Darkest Night: A Novel of Italy and the Second World .

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“Robson shines with this stellar WWII story. Expert characterizations and perfect pacing are rounded out by lyrical prose … This will break readers’ hearts.” -Publishers’ Weekly Starred Review

An academic by background, a former editor by profession, and a lifelong history nerd, Jennifer Robson is now a full-time writer. She is the author of six novels set during and after the two world wars: Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris, Goodnight from London, The Gown, and her latest, Our Darkest Night: A Novel of Italy and the Second World War.

To learn more about Jennifer Robson and follow her on social media visit https://jennifer-robson.com.


You can also listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page. 

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Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.