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Just in time for Veterans Day, meet a mother-daughter writing team focused on publishing books that help children understand freedom, sacrifice, and the challenges of deployment. In the latest episode of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane interviews Beverly and Alyssa Samuel, a mother-daughter writing team behind the children's series Make New Friends. With an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the books encourage children to embrace differences and form connections.

Their latest book, Make New Friends: Red, White, & Blue, is a perfect read aloud for Veteran's Day with its focus on military families and the value of teamwork. The interview delves into the authors' backgrounds and inspirations, uncovering personal stories that shaped the narrative. As they promote acceptance and empathy, the Samuels emphasize the importance of teaching young generations to appreciate varied cultures and abilities.

Chapters:

01:03:Fostering Inclusion Through Children's Books

16:56:Empowering Children and Teaching Empathy Through Inclusive Stories

18:03:Insights into the co-writing and self-publishing process

25:00:Power of Hope

Links:

Visit Beverly and Alyssa's Website for More Information

Purchase Make New Friends, Make New Friends: Red, White, & Blue

Follow @makenewfriendsbook on Instagram

Explore our previous episodes for more insights on education, empathy, diversity, and inclusivity.

Join us in celebrating the magic of children's literature and its power to create a more empathetic and inclusive world. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!

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Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Step into Books of Wonder, a New York City bookstore where every reader has a story. This iconic bookstore has sparked joy in young readers for 45 years. It inspired the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan film You've Got Mail. In this conversation with founder Peter Glassman, we explore how Books of Wonder became a cherished destination for children's literature enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant community that celebrates the art of storytelling. Just in time for the holidays, Peter provides book recommendations sure to spark joy in readers of all ages.

Chapters:

00:40: Origin

Learn about Peter's lifelong love for books and how his bookstore became a staple in New York's literary landscape.

05:37: Evolution

Discover how Books of Wonder transformed into a hub for authors, illustrators, and readers.

13:52: Secret Sauce

The staff shares a passion for helping kids connect to books. Explore strategies for fostering a love of reading.

18:40: Power

Explore how diverse literature helps foster empathy and imagination.

24:54 Peter's Holiday Book Recommendations

Just in time for the holidays, Peter shares some of his favorite new releases.

• The Experiment (Rebecca Stead)
• The Invisible Parade (Leigh Bardugo/John Picacio)
• Snoop (Gordon Korman)
• The Incorruptibles (Laura Magaziner)
• The Library of Unruly Treasures (Jeanne Birdsall)
• Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi (Angie Thomas)
• Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches (Kayla Cottingham)
• The Last Tiger (Brad Riew/Julie Riew)

0:36:11 Finding Hope In Dark Times

Links

• Books of Wonder webpage
• Follow Books of Wonder on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Join us on a thrilling spooky adventure as we sit down with J.A. Dauber, the creative force behind the new middle grade novel Press One for Invasion. Discover the intriguing world where a mysterious cell phone unlocks unexpected alien encounters and a mad adventure to save the world from destruction!

In this spooky season episode, we dive into Jeremy Dauber's Press One for Invasion, a middle-grade novel that brings spooky (and relatable) adventures roaring to life. We discuss the pairing of Matt, a young boy who discovers a cell phone revealing aliens in disguise, with dynamic female characters, such as Marcella and Mrs. McGillicuddy. Jeremy shares insights on relatable heroes, diversity, and the joy of reading, drawing inspiration from timeless series like Ramona. Jeremy is also the author of American Scary: A History of Horror from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond -- and we dive into a little haunting history as well.

Timestamps:

(0:00:03) - Meet J.A. Dauber (Jeremy) and his latest book, Press One for Invasion

(0:07:41) - Creating relatable protagonists without superpowers

(0:10:00) - What do Ramona Quimby and Stephen King have in common?

(0:19:01) - Finding Hope in Children's Enthusiasm

Links:

Purchase Press One for Invasion, Mayhem and Madness: Chronicles of a Teenaged Supervillain, and American Scary: A History of Horror from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond

Follow J.A. Dauber on Bluesky

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.