In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented authors who are bringing diverse stories and cultural perspectives to young readers.
First up, Jed introduces Deeba Zargarpur,, the author of the new middle-grade novel "Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate." Deeba shares how her own Afghan heritage inspired the story of a 12-year-old girl who discovers her jinn (supernatural being) lineage and goes on an epic quest. Deeba discusses the cultural significance of jinn in her upbringing and how she wanted to create a fun, magical world that also explores deeper themes of family, identity, and moral complexity.
Next, Jed welcomes David Flores, author of "The Boy Who Cried Falta." As a soccer coach, David was inspired by the common tendency of players to fake injuries, which led him to put a creative spin on the classic "Boy Who Cried Wolf" tale. David shares his own passion for the sport, which took root in his childhood in El Salvador and continued to be a source of community and belonging after he immigrated to the US as a teenager.
Both Deeba and David emphasize the importance of representation in children's literature, and how their books provide windows into diverse cultures while also serving as mirrors for young readers to see themselves reflected. They discuss the value of co-reading with families and the meaningful conversations that can arise around themes of morality, identity, and the immigrant experience.
With engaging storytelling and a focus on cultural connections, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who appreciates the power of diverse, imaginative children's literature.

Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/

X - https://x.com/jedliemagic

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/

Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

If you're a fan of thought-provoking young adult fiction that tackles big themes, you'll want to check out our latest episode of Reading with Your Kids. We had the pleasure of chatting with author Andrea Torrey Balsara about her urban fantasy novel "The Great and the Small," which blends elements of dystopia and features some fascinating animal characters.
Andrea shared the fascinating backstory behind her decision to center the story around rats - she was intrigued by the historical impact of the bubonic plague and saw rats as a formidable "opponent" for humanity. But beyond the unique premise, the book delves into powerful themes like trauma, blind obedience, and the dangers of authoritarianism.
We also got to hear from Monica Berg, who co-wrote a children's book series called "On Being" with her daughter. Their latest release, "The Tale of the Other Glove," explores the importance of kindness and empathy in a relatable way. Monica spoke about the joy of collaborating with her child and the strategies she's used to foster open communication.
Whether you're a fan of thought-provoking YA fiction or you're looking for great kids' books that teach valuable lessons, this episode has something for everyone. Andrea and Monica both shared insights that will inspire you to have meaningful conversations with the young readers in your life.
So why not give this episode a listen? You can find it on all your favorite podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. And be sure to check out "The Great and the Small," "The Tale of the Other Glove," and the rest of the amazing books featured on Reading with Your Kids.

Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/

X - https://x.com/jedliemagic

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/

Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Wow, what an inspiring conversation we had with Jesse Bennett and Joana Pastro! These two children's book authors are doing such amazing work to empower kids and celebrate diverse cultures.
First, we chatted with Jesse about her book "Ripple," which is all about the power of small actions to make a big difference. She shared how her own yoga and mindfulness practice has helped her connect with herself and find that inner light, and how she wants to pass that on to kids through her stories. Jesse had some great tips for parents on simple breathing exercises and ways to help kids slow down in this fast-paced digital world.
I loved hearing her personal story about how a little encouragement from a coach completely changed the trajectory of her life. It just goes to show how much our words can impact a child. Jesse also addressed some misconceptions about yoga, making it clear that it's not about religion, but about self-love and finding calm.
Then Joana joined us to talk about her new book "Lucas and the Capoeira Circle." Joana is so passionate about celebrating her Brazilian heritage, and she shared the fascinating history and cultural significance of capoeira. I was really inspired by how she uses her books to teach kids about traditions like Carnival and the Festa Junina harvest festival.
Joana also opened up about the importance of showing vulnerability as parents - letting our kids see that we all struggle sometimes. That's such an important lesson. And she had some great advice for anyone nervous about visiting Brazil, encouraging people to look beyond the headlines and experience the warmth and beauty of the country.
Overall, this was just a delightful conversation full of positivity, cultural richness, and practical tips for raising confident, compassionate kids. I'm so grateful Jesse and Joanna joined us to share their stories and inspire us all.

Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/

X - https://x.com/jedliemagic

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/

Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!