The Reader’s Heart Podcast

What if you could travel through time? Would you change the past, or might you discover that some things are better left as they are? In this episode of The Reader's Heart, Jennifer LaGarde welcomes back author Greg Howard for a conversation about his latest middle-grade novel, The Travelers. Together, they explore the books that shaped Greg's reader's heart, from Stephen King to Pat Conroy, and how stories can help young people navigate grief, find belonging, and feel seen. Greg shares why he intentionally keeps social media in the background of his stories, how friendship helps Ben begin to carry the weight of his grief, and why he wanted to portray a queer kid who is comfortable with who he is. They also discuss the importance of librarians and the safe spaces they create, the unexpected connections among Greg's three novels about grief, and the creative choices behind The Travelers, including its two alternate endings. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Episode Chapters 00:00:00 | Welcome to The Reader's Heart with Greg Howard 00:02:57 | Finding Your Reader's Heart at Any Age 00:05:54 | Stephen King, Scary Stories, and the Power of Escapism 00:08:58 | The Power of Place: Stories That Make Us Feel Seen 00:12:23 | Inside The Travelers: Time Travel and Family Secrets 00:15:11 | Why The Travelers Makes a Fantastic Read-Aloud 00:19:27 | Unplugging, Imagination, and Childhood Adventure 00:24:55 | Queer Joy, Friendship, and the Weight of Grief 00:31:48 | Red Cat-Eye Glasses and the Librarians of The Travelers 00:35:25 | A Trilogy of Grief and the Art of Book Cover Design 00:41:34 | Alternate Endings and What's Next for Greg Howard 00:46:31 | Closing Thoughts and Credits  

How do we help children understand when someone they love is struggling? In this episode, Jennifer chats with author and journalist Pooja Makhijani about her picture book Together for Mama, a deeply personal story inspired by her own experience with postpartum depression. Their conversation explores caregiving, South Asian representation, the complicated emotions that can accompany new parenthood, and the importance of showing young readers that asking for help is part of being cared for. Pooja also shares how her work as a journalist shapes the stories she tells for children, why she is drawn to conversations about subjects communities sometimes avoid, and how her forthcoming picture book Aunties expands her exploration of the many people who help care for children. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Caregiving, Representation, and Welcome to The Reader’s Heart 00:02:11 – Ramona, Nancy Drew, Anne Shirley, and the Characters Who Shaped Pooja as a Reader 00:05:12 – Ramona’s Parents, South Asian Representation, and Modeling Good Caregiving 00:08:19 – Together for Mama: Welcoming a New Baby Into a South Asian Family 00:11:46 – Pooja’s Experience With Postpartum Depression and the Story Behind Together for Mama 00:15:57 – Writing Postpartum Depression for Young Readers Without Hiding Its Complexity 00:20:24 – Letting Mama Get Help: Mental Health, Family Support, and a Hopeful Ending 00:26:51 – Journalism, Picture Books, and Telling the Stories We Don’t Talk About 00:31:10 – South Asian Storytelling, Reincarnation, and Seeing Our Work as Part of a Longer Story 00:34:38 – Aunties, Bonus Adults, and Expanding the Definition of Family 00:36:36 – Closing Credits and Thanks for Listening

How can children's books help kids have nuanced conversations about complex ideas in a world that often profits from oversimplification? In this episode, Jennifer chats with John Schu about the books that continue to shape his reader's heart, the enduring power of the read-aloud, and why stories create space for nuance, connection, and community. Together, they revisit Because of Winn-Dixie and explore the creative journeys behind Ruthie Rose's Big Idea, Lily-May's Joyful Day, and Louder Than Hunger. They also reflect on how books can help readers navigate moments when more than one thing can be true at the same time. Along the way, John shares how certain characters became unexpected companions during his writing process, why read-alouds remain essential in classrooms and libraries, and what readers can look forward to next. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome Back to The Reader's Heart 00:01:51 – A Return Visit and the Books Billowing John's Reader's Heart 00:07:06 – Because of Winn-Dixie and the Power of Read-Alouds 00:12:40 – Read-Alouds, Nuance, and Stories Connect Us 00:17:47 – Writing Picture Books, Writing Novels, and Finding the Right Story 00:21:55 – When Characters Become Helpers 00:29:04 – Joy and Anxiety Can Exist Together 00:32:01 – Louder Than Hunger and the Courage to Keep Connecting 00:38:45 – What's Next for John Schu 00:42:28 – Closing Credits

Can books written for young people help boys navigate a world that often sends them conflicting messages about masculinity? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Rex Ogle about writing stories that make room for empathy, vulnerability, and hope. Together, they explore When We Ride, the ways poverty shapes opportunity, and why compassion matters when telling stories about young people whose lives are often misunderstood. They also discuss the messages boys receive about reading and the role children's literature can play in helping kids navigate a complicated world. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00 – Toxic Masculinity, Boys Reading, and Welcome to The Reader's Heart 02:22 – Returning to The Reader's Heart and the Story Behind When We Ride 06:01 – Growing Up Poor and Dreaming Bigger 10:37 – Letting Characters Lead the Way 14:15 – Book Characters, Like People, Are More Than One Thing 16:58 – The Messages Boys Receive About Reading 23:29 – Stories Help Us Navigate a Complicated World 29:37 – The Stories Still Waiting to Be Written 35:52 – Looking Ahead + Closing Credits

What role can books play in helping young people navigate an increasingly divided world? In this episode, Jennifer chats with author Emily Barth Isler and illustrator Vesper Stamper about their picture book, Three Pieces of Broken Glass, a story inspired by Emily's grandmother's experiences fleeing Nazi Germany. Together, they explore the power of family stories, the importance of preserving historical memory, and the unique collaboration between authors and illustrators. Their conversation also examines emotional regulation, misinformation, intergenerational relationships, and the role books can play in helping readers build empathy, ask difficult questions, and find human connection in uncertain times. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Finding Light in Broken Things + Welcome to The Reader's Heart 00:02:00 – Our Reader's Hearts 00:08:43 – The Story Behind Three Pieces of Broken Glass 00:16:32 – How Authors and Illustrators Collaborate 00:27:07 – Trusted Stories in Uncertain Times 00:37:05 – Books as an Antidote to Division 00:43:54 – Emotional Regulation, Real Connection, and What Comes Next 00:52:24 – Closing Credits and Farewell

Can a book be a hug for a child's mind? In this episode of The Reader's Heart, Jennifer talks with beloved author and illustrator LeUyen Pham about the books that shaped her, the libraries that gave her refuge, and the readers she hopes to reach through her work. Together they explore childhood poverty, finding yourself in stories, the magic of graphic novels, and why collaboration can be both challenging and transformative. LeUyen also shares a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from crafting visual narratives in picture books to using color, symbolism, and hidden clues in her stunning graphic novel, As I Dream of You, written by Jennifer Longo. Along the way, the conversation becomes a powerful reminder that books can create safety, connection, and understanding in ways few other things can. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Chapters 00:00:00 – Books, Libraries, and Being Understood + Welcome To The Reader's Heart 00:02:05 – Hugging a Kid’s Mind 00:05:56 – The Apple, the Cabbage Soup, and the Ream of Paper 00:16:47 – Collaboration Is Hard 00:25:20 – The Story Behind the Story 00:29:54 – As I Dream of You 00:41:23 – Why Graphic Novels Matter + Closing Credits

What does it mean to create stories that remind readers they belong, not just to a community, but to one another? In this episode, Jennifer chats with acclaimed author and Heartdrum co-founder Cynthia Leitich Smith about the books, relationships, and communities that have shaped her life as a reader and writer. Together, they explore the importance of authentic Indigenous representation, military family experiences, found family, regional identity, and the power of stories to help young people see themselves and one another more fully. They also discuss the creation of Legendary Frybread Drive-In, the origins of Heartdrum, and why connection, rather than isolation, remains at the heart of healing. Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here. Educators can also download a free student activity inspired by this conversation and designed to help readers engage more deeply with the themes explored in Legendary Frybread Drive-In. Chapters 00:00:00 Opening Reflection and Welcome to The Reader's Heart 00:02:40 The Reader's Heart and Seeing Yourself in Stories 00:06:12 Representation, Storytelling, and the Limits of Stereotypes 00:10:40 Indigenous Futures and the Power of Contemporary Stories 00:21:50 Building Heartdrum and Creating Space for Native Voices 00:36:05 Firefly Season, Found Family, and Hopeful Endings 00:38:54 Choosing a Sister and Honoring Children's Hearts 00:40:44 The Drive-In Will Find You 00:50:24 True Connection in a Digital Age 00:53:13 Looking Ahead and Closing Credits

What does it mean to help young people carry burdens they didn't create? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Newbery Medal-winning author Tae Keller about her latest novel, When Tomorrow Burns. Together, they explore climate anxiety, online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and the pressure many young people feel to somehow fix the challenges they have inherited. Most importantly, they discuss why hope requires us to reject the idea that any one generation must carry these burdens alone and how stories can help readers imagine a more connected future. Show notes, episode transcripts and other goodies can be found here. Educators can also download a free student activity inspired by this conversation and designed to help readers engage more deeply with the themes explored in When Tomorrow Burns. Chapters 00:00:00 Opening Reflection: A World on Fire 00:00:43 Welcome to The Reader's Heart 00:01:56 The Reader's Heart and the Magic of Story 00:05:19 Building When Tomorrow Burns 00:10:29 Inheriting the Fires We Didn't Start 00:22:16 Vi, Nomi, Identity, and Being Seen 00:32:02 Hope, Media Literacy, and Closing Reflections 00:39:16 Closing Credits

In this episode, Jennifer chats with Kate Messner to discuss her love for middle grade novels, her writing process, and her latest projects. Discover the inspiration behind Kate's popular series, "The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class," and her journey in writing her first verse novel, "The Trouble with Heroes." Show notes, episode transcripts and other goodies can be found here.  Chapters Introduction and Welcome Kate's Reading Preferences The Joy of Paper Books A Writer's Journey The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class Series Crafting Multimodal Texts The Trouble With Heroes The Role of Humor and Grief Upcoming Projects Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, Jennifer chats with Rex Ogle to talk about his journey from working behind the scenes in publishing to becoming one of the most beloved authors writing for young readers. Their conversation explores the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health, and why it's crucial to have more books that help boys navigate what it truly means to “be a man” in a world that too often rewards toxic masculinity. Show notes, episode transcripts and other goodies can be found here.  Chapters Introduction and Friendship Goals Reading Preferences and Habits Writing Process and Organization Community and Support in Kidlit Exploring Difficult Topics in Writing Understanding Complexity in Human Behavior Lessons from Family and Personal Growth The Journey of Writing and Rejection Connecting with Readers and Their Experiences The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories Navigating Mental Health and Personal Healing The Importance of Representation in Literature Creating Stories for Boys and Challenging Norms