Hanna Cha, a Caldecott Honor award-winning illustrator and writer known for her enchanting storytelling through art. Hanna shares her journey from a vagabond life between Seoul and the U.S. to becoming the creator of beloved books like *Tiny Feet Between the Mountains* and *The Truth about Dragons*. Learn about her creative process and what inspires her whimsical illustrations. With insights into her experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design and life in Boston with her cuddly cat Hobac, Hanna invites you to explore the magic of daydreams and the stories they can create. Tune in for a delightful conversation that celebrates imagination and artistry!

Nikki Grimes was born in Harlem and spent her childhood moving through various neighborhoods in New York. As a foster child from a broken home, she faced constant farewells to new friends. In this challenging environment, reading and writing became her lifelines. When she had no one to confide in, Grimes poured her thoughts and feelings into poems and stories. An enthusiastic reader, she would check out library books during the day and read late into the night with a flashlight.

Website: https://nikkigrimes.com/

Instagram:  poetrynikki 

 X: https://x.com/nikkigrimes9?ref_src=tw...

Jason Reynolds shares his thoughts on life, the transformative power of storytelling, and the deep influence of his mother throughout his journey. We dive into his latest work, 24 Seconds from Now, which he describes as a love story for the ages, highlighting the intricate connections between love, identity, and personal growth.  

Our conversation explores the vital importance of normalizing anxiety and vulnerability, discussing how these themes resonate not only in Jason's writing but also in our everyday lives. We touch on the challenges and hardships that come with embracing our true selves, and how sharing our experiences can foster understanding and connection.  The episode offers valuable insights into resilience, identity, and the strength we derive from our shared human experiences.   

Website: https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83/ 

X: https://x.com/JasonReynolds83

Samira Ahmed discusses her new book, This Book Won't Burn, which explores family life and the alarming issue of book bans in America.

In this episode, Ahmed dives into the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced by diverse voices in today's literary world. She reflects on her experiences growing up in a multicultural family and how those experiences shaped her writing.

Listeners can expect a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of literature, identity, and advocacy, along with personal insights on navigating the complexities of family dynamics in a changing world.

Website: https://samiraahmed.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_aye_ahm/
X: https://x.com/sam_aye_ahm

Listen to audio versions here:  

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t...  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg...   

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...

Cozbi A. Cabrera: Illustrating and Writer for Young Readers with Representation in Mind  Acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Cozbi Cabrera takes us on a journey through her creative process, sharing intimate moments from her childhood that have deeply influenced her goal of providing authentic representation for young readers through her work.  

In this episode, Cozbi opens up about her path to becoming a published author and illustrator, the mentors who have guided her along the way, and the importance of diverse storytelling for children. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at how she brings her vibrant illustrations and heartwarming narratives to life, always striving to mirror the rich tapestry of human experience.  

Whether you're an aspiring creator, a parent seeking meaningful books, or simply someone who appreciates the power of children's literature, this conversation with Cozbi Cabrera will surely inspire and delight. Tune in to this insightful dive into the world of inclusive, representative storytelling for young audiences.  

Listen to audio versions here:  

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t...  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg...   

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...  

Website: https://www.cozbi.com/q4r7drqsugu7ile...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozbi/?hl=en

X:  https://x.com/CozbiHandmade

Michael Arceneaux shares COPING WITH LOSS of his mother and the essays in his new book "I Finally Bought Some Jordans" that reflect on his close relationship with his mom and the complexities of family.   

Arceneaux discusses the mix of humor and heavy issues in his writing, including topics like personal finance, celebrity encounters, and navigating the pandemic. His candid reflections on family, grief, and his journey to self-acceptance provide an intimate look into his life and creative process.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg... 

Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p 

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...  

Website: https://www.michael-arceneaux.com/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/youngsinick/ 

X: https://x.com/youngsinick 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.arceneaux

Poet, writer, and educator Dr. Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in verse, tracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. The audio experience is a true delight, with Tony's writing and narration shared with such passion and joy - it truly sounds like a rap album! 

Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness, but Tony has learned It knows more than that: Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend college, but there's no path to follow. He also has feelings for boys, desires that don't align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriend, Blu.

Despite a supportive network of family and friends, Tony doesn't breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to college, he struggles with loneliness while finding solace in gay chat rooms and writing poetry. But how do you find your poetic voice when you are hiding the most important parts of yourself? And how do you escape the Boogeyman when it's lurking inside you? Grab your copy of this powerful memoir today

Grab your copy of this powerful memoir today!

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNg...  

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Po...

Website: https://www.tonykeithjr.com/

Instagram:   / tonykeithjr  

facebook:   / tonykeithjr  

X:   / tonykeithjr  

Artist and author Gracey Zhang shares insights into her diverse creative portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her art and writing.  From her early days exploring the world through her travels, to her immersion in the vibrant art scene at one of the top art schools in the world, Gracey's path to artistic success has been a winding and inspiring one. Delve into the inspirations behind her beautiful picture books and her deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.  

Discover how Gracey's own experiences navigating different cultures have influenced the rich tapestry of her work, imbuing her narratives with a sense of wonder and a celebration of diversity. Join us as we unpack Gracey's passion for creating relatable and empowering stories, and learn how her unique artistic style, honed through her mastery of a mysterious mission paintbrush, has captivated readers of all ages. 

 Prepare to be inspired by Gracey's incredible talent and her mission to share the beauty of the world through her art and words. As we explore the next chapter of her creative journey, we can't wait to see what Gracey Zhang will bring to the world of children's literature and beyond.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA 

 Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast  

Website: https://www.graceyzhang.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceyyz 

Be: https://www.behance.net/graceyzhang

Luana Horry, a passionate SENIOR EDITOR at HARPERCOLLINS Children's Books, who is revolutionizing the world of children's literature. Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, a hub of extraordinary talents, Luana has made it her mission to diversify the publishing industry and amplify underrepresented voices.  

As a trailblazer in her field, Luana has worked on beloved titles such as "Not Quite Snow White" and "My Hair," championing stories that reflect the rich diversity of our world. Her unwavering dedication to inclusive content has transformed the landscape of children's books, ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the pages they read.  

Luana's vision extends beyond just representation - she aspires to empower Black authors to explore a wide range of genres, moving beyond the confines of trauma-focused narratives. By cultivating diverse and innovative storytelling, she aims to inspire young readers and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. With collaborations that span from Pete the Cat to renowned figures like Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, Luana's impact on the publishing world is undeniable.  

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA 

 Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast

Soundcloud: https://shorturl.at/xamld

Best SELLING AUTHOR, Nick Brooks, the mind behind the critically acclaimed novel "The Promise Boys," talks about RELATIONSHIPS, and the music industry.  

Nick delves deep into the personal experiences that have shaped his literary journey, from his time creating music and working with renowned record labels, to the profound impact of becoming a "girl dad" and the importance of amplifying Black and Brown voices. 

Discover how these unique facets of Nick's life have infused his writing with a raw authenticity that explores the complexities of fatherhood, relationships, and the power of community.   

Listen to audio versions here: 

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-grayarea-podcast/id1433551931?mt=2 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2f3XyNgnVLk0rqEeebK57y?si=CDLYL6_iRMeGNQaxC7pmAA Google: https://tinyurl.com/4zb86e8p 

Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/It-s-Personal-Podcast  

Website: https://www.thenickbrooks.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialnickbrooks/ 

X: https://twitter.com/whoisnickbrooks 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnickbrooks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8r_HKBgxXGU4y4qtAzyhw

Acclaimed children's book author Ellen Oh takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into her diverse literary portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her writing. 

From her early days as a lawyer and college instructor to her transition into the world of children's literature, explore Ellen's path to literary success. Delve into the inspirations behind her middle grade novels and her love for this age group. Discover how Ellen's own experiences navigating the complexities of being caught between two cultures - American and Asian - have influenced her narratives and characters.

Join us as we unpack Ellen's passion for creating diverse, relatable stories for young readers. Learn how her involvement with the "We Need Diverse Books" organization has empowered her to champion representation and inclusion in the world of children's literature. Prepare to be inspired by Ellen's unique voice and her mission to uplift underrepresented experiences through the power of storytelling.

Website: https://www.ellenoh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elloecho/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theellenoh

X: https://twitter.com/elloellenoh