I chose to review Kidlit’s episode 48, titled “The Changing Face of Fantasy Chapter Books”, which aired on February 18, 2021. The host of this episode was Nicole Young and guest host Jenn Northington. Nicole and Jenn both had pleasant voices to listen to and their passion for middle grade fantasy books was very contagious, but that could have been because I really enjoy this genre as well. I chose this podcast because an interview with the author of Amari and The Night Brothers was going to be aired. I really enjoyed that book and it was very interesting to hear BB Alston talk about his struggles and inspiration in writing that book.
Nicole and Jenn then went on to talk about the 2021 Rainbow List. This is the Rainbow List’s 14th year and it is a yearly annotated bibliography of high quality LGBTQIA+ books for readers from birth to 18 years old. I had not heard of nor was I familiar with any of the books they highlighted from that list, but it is something I want to explore.
.Next Nicole and Jenn discussed the fantasy chapter books with more diverse protagonists. I was excited to hear that I had already read some of these books, but I definitely found some more to add to my TBR list. I am anxiously waiting for my daughter to be old enough for me to read these books with her! She has inherited my love of fantasy literature!
Young, N. & Northington, J. (Hosts). (2019-present). Kidlit These Days [Audio podcast]. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/listen/the-changing-face-of-fantasy-chapter-books/
Sounds like a very helpful podcast!
Thanks for sharing this! Amari is on my list to read this summer, so I’ll have to check out this episode after I finish it. I get the BookRiot emails, and I find that my TBR has grown exponentially because of them.
I love fantasy literature as well! Isn’t it great to share your love of reading with your kids?
I’ll have to check out this podcast! Thanks so much for sharing!
That’s why I want to become a librarian because I think I will have more opportunities to share with them, without the pressure of the English curriculum hanging over my head.
Ooh, so I’m not the only adult out there with a lengthy children’s/YA TBR list! 😉
It sounds like you really enjoyed the episode and podcast you selected. I might want to check it out, too!
My list keeps getting longer and longer!