S2 Ep 6: "If you write a great story, no one cares about the rules"-Elly Swartz

Tackling tough topics, book banning, current events, prologues, and growth. These are some of the things we talked with Elly Swartz about today after reading her latest Middle Grade novel, Same Page.Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:* Alexis: “Kids can handle more than we’re given credit for. Books are a good way to learn and talk about stuff that’s hard. They’re way better than sitting alone, scrolling for information and answers on our phones.” I pause. “Trust me.”* Brittany: Bess says: “What good is having the courage to speak up for something if nothing changes?”Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Elly SwartzAbout the bookFrom the beloved author of Hidden Truths comes a novel about take-charge sixth grader Bess Stein, who brings together friends and a group of rockstar librarians called the Book Warriors to fight a book ban happening at her middle school.Bess Stein is more than ready to be 6th grade class president. She’s got tons of ideas—including a book vending machine—and her new friend June is beside her as vice-president. Together, they’re unstoppable.But when the books the girls want included in the vending machine come under fire, Bess is stunned. How can one person believe they have the right to decide what other people can read? It turns out that June’s mom is leading the fight, and now everything’s a mess.Bess misses June—but she wants to make sure kids who might like these books get the chance to read them, even if it means she and June can’t be friends. With such different opinions, will they ever be on the same page?A special message and offer from Elly!A New Book ClubDo you love book clubs?Me, too!Do you think school librarians are the best?Me, too!In honor of School Library Month, as a way of celebrating and showing my immense gratitude to all the school librarian Book Warriors, I am starting a new book club!Let’s Talk!A Book Club with Elly Swartz ~ Navigating big, small, and sometimes confusing feelingsThe way it worksYou get:*Free virtual 30 minute Q & A with author Elly Swartz*A Book Club Guide with discussion questions and activitiesAll you need to do is:Purchase a minimum of 25 copies of SAME PAGE, HIDDEN TRUTHS, and/or DEAR STUDENT (you can even mix and match, paperback and hard cover)Then let’s pick a date and dive in!This offer runs until the end of the school year. But you can schedule for the fall! Dm or email me at [email protected] with questions and to get on the calendar!Happy reading, friends!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com