Ep. 190: Intersectional Story-Telling & Why Anger is Healthy with Author Sonora Reyes

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EQ: How do stories that center queer and Latinx identities challenge mainstream narratives in literature, and what role do they play in fostering greater understanding and representation across both young adult and adult genres?

In this episode of IWL, we are joined by author Sonora Reyes. Sonora is most known for their hit YA novels The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School and The Luis Ortega Survival Club. We get personal with Sonora about how their unique identities influence their stories and the importance of staying authentic when representing complex, intersectional characters.

We also talk about how queer and Latinx stories are reshaping mainstream narratives in literature—both in young adult and adult genres. Sonora shares their writing process, from balancing genres to what’s inspiring them right now, and how community plays a center role in their writing. We learn more (and geek out about) their upcoming Adult Romance novel The Broposal.

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Sonora: Self-Care App: Finch

  • Hope/Annie: Please support Sonora’s work by purchasing and sharing their books (support your local bookstores!)

Ep. 184: Hot & Steamy Summer Reads w/ Sweetpea Flaherty

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EQ: How do the themes of summer and romance intertwine to create compelling stories, and what makes these books perfect for the season?

In this episode, we explore the enchanting blend of summer and romance in literature with Sweetpea Flaherty, the owner of King's Books in Tacoma. Sweetpea, a veteran bookseller since 2000 and recipient of the 2019 Stella Cameron Bookseller of the Year Award, shares insights on how these themes create perfect seasonal reads. We delve into changes in publishing over the last five years, highlighting increased representation. Sweetpea also discusses "Rules for Readers," emphasizing the importance of enjoying your reading journey, whether that means not finishing unenjoyable books or reading non-linearly. Tune in for an engaging conversation on summer romance novels and practical reading tips. Visit kingsbookstore.com for more information.

Recommended Titles:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Annie: Bright Falls Series by Ashley Herring Blake - queer female romance, clever and funny, quick and easy reads with relatable, well-developed, and lovable characters. All stories center around the same small Oregon town and it’s got the You-Can-Go-Home-Again trope written all over it. Most anticipated LGBTQ Romances of 2024 

  • Hope: Try a new book this summer–push yourself out of your reading comfort zone

  • Sweet Pea: Considering what is happening in the world, seek out and read trans authors in every genre! sweetpea@kingsbooks.com; books@kingsbooks.com

Ep. 170: Ep. 170: Fostering Sisterhood Cross Culturally w/ Kimberlee Yolanda Williams

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EQ: How can white women and women of color actively work towards a sisterhood that furthers a more inclusive and equitable society?

In this episode of IWL, Kimberlee Yolanda Williams, co-founder Engaging Across Differences, unpacks her recent book "Dear White Women, Please Come Home:  hand me your bias and I’ll show you are connection”. The book explores the concept of being seen and centered, the idealization of sisterhood, microaggressions, and the search for genuine connections. Looking ahead, Kimberlee shares her hopes for changes in conversations around race, sisterhood, and equity. She envisions positive change and recommends resources for deeper exploration of the topics. The discussion wraps up with a mention of Kimberlee's new book project and information about Engaging Across Differences' offerings.

Related Sources:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: In the new year, recommit to learning and unlearning…to being part of the greater sisterhood.

  • Kimberlee: Look out for those moments happening around you and develop a toolkit for what to say–to interrupt the moment that is happening in front of you. Become part of my second book project! Send a message to women of color. 

Ep. 167: Changing the Reading Landscape w/ Author Lily Chu

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EQ: How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

In this episode of IWL, we are joined by Lily Chu the author of The Stand-In (2022), The Comeback (2023), and The Takedown (2023). We chat about her identity as a writer, the role of representation in romance/chick lit and her zombie apocalypse team.  Pick up a copy of one of her books asap!

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂Writers who use their platform to say something meaningful; My students Breast Cancer Awareness Event

🥂 Readers who pick up new books & expand their horizons

🥂College students who speak up about injustice and remind us to stay vigilant

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Hope: Of course–read The Stand In!

Lily: Read banned books!

Ep. 121: Identity is Not a Plotline--On Cozy Mysteries & Representation

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EQ:  How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

We’re so excited to announce our new author series! Joining us today is  Mia Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries series).

  • Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter  

  • Check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com 

In this episode we learn all about the cozy mystery, a subgenre of crime! As you might predict, it is often described as “hallmark movies with dead bodies in them.” Mia shares her writing journey shouting out key mentors such as Kellye Garrett and Lori Rader Day. We discuss how the publishing scene is a business rather than an art, thus is slow to change. However, the consistent effort by the “everyday” reader (and any allies who want to see more representation)  is helping put pressure on the industry to expand the stories and authors they support.  We really appreciate Mia’s openness with us about her triumphs and challenges as a newly published author transforming a genre! 

Other Writers to Check Out:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Check out Mia’s books–library or purchase!

  • Megan: Read the work and post about it!

  • Mia: Check out Crime Writers of Color

Ep. 108: Hot Reader Summer

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EQ: What can woke-aspiring individuals do to have a hot reader summer (hint: read books)?

Megan and Hope are joined by Lincoln High School Librarian, Kristen Sierra. They sit down to discuss all of the best reads and what has been at the top of their list. From easy vacation reads, books to read as a family, and books to push your thinking and learning, they cover it all in this episode! Check out a previous conversation with Kristen about Decolonizing Your Bookshelf.

Vacay Reads/Easy Reading:

Young Adult:

Nonfiction Favs:

Something You Can’t Help But Love

Something Every Teacher Should Read:

Things to Read as a Family:

Ep. 100: A Centennial Celebration with Special Guest Author S.K. Ali

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EQ: How can we normalize the representation of Muslims in literature and support storytelling that tackles Islamophobia, increasing empathy across cultures and religions? 

For IWL’s special 100th episode Hope and Megan are joined by the very special guest, S.K. Ali. Ali is the author of Saints and Misfits, a 2018 William C.Morris award finalist, and Love from A to Z, an NBC Today Show’s “Read with Jenna” Book Club selection. During this episode they discuss the importance of representation of POC  in literature, specifically around Muslim characters. Ali shares about her journey to becoming an author and reflects on her intentionality of de-centering the white gaze in her writing. 

Author and books recommended in the episode:

  • Randa Abdel-Fattah - Does My Head Look Big in This?

  • G. Willow Wilson - Alif the Unseen

Related Links:

Do your fudging HW:

Ep. 98: #ReadLessBasic Book Club--Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

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We’re joined by Nerd Farm podcast host, Nate Bowling and Middle School Humanities teacher, Crissy Calera for this discussion of Caste, our #readlessbasic book club choice. We’re also delighted to include recordings from Megan’s students as they share their encounters with the text. This rich and challenging book is more complex than this hour of conversation could capture. After listening to the podcast, please check out the episode released on Nerd Farmer Podcast. #NerdFarmReads and Caste in K-12 & Policing

We also encouraged you to read some of the following sources:

Read Less Basic Book Club: The Body is Not an Apology

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Essential Question: How can radical self-love and our relationships with our own bodies change the systems and world around us?

Guests: 

Janice Bridges-- Janice is a Mom of 4 of The Best People in the World and grandma to 4 amazing boys.She lives in Tacoma and loves it. She is retired after working nearly 20 years at Pierce County Juvenile Court.

    • She is also running for Pierce County Sheriff (find out more details on FB)

Christina McDade--Christina is from Gary, Indiana and has been working on behalf of teens most of her professional career. She is currently a high school counselor in Abu Dhabi. And like most of us, has been caught up in diet culture most of her life. She was also a guest on Nerd Farmer Podcast Ep 90 “On Representation & Making Space for Black Women in the Workplace”

Megan Holyoke joins Hope in her first episode as Co-host to discuss Sonya Renee Taylor’s book The Body Is Not An Apology. The episode starts with an overview and conversation about initial thoughts on the book. We then move into defining what Radical Self Love actually is and have a discussion on how it is different from Body Positivity. We have an honest conversation about our own relationships with our bodies, and reflect on how that relationship impacts the people and systems around us.  

List of Resources/Social Medias mentioned:

Learn more about Janice Bridges campaign for Pierce County Sheriff at the Facebook Page Mamzforsheriff

Ep. 65: Throw Out the White Canon #DisruptTexts

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EQ: Why is it important to interrogate our notions of a traditional “canon” and create a more inclusive curriculum (especially ELA)?

Guests today are Julia Torres, Tricia Ebarvia two of the amazing women who started the #disrupttexts movement.

To learn more about the work of Julia Torres

To learn more about the work of Tricia Ebarvia

In our conversation we discuss the impetus for the creation and organization of #disrupttexts and why this is a critical movement for educators in 2020. When we asked which text had met the greatest pushback from traditional canon advocates, we thought for sure the answer would be Shakespeare or Lord of the Flies. Surprisingly, it is the stance against To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby that has met the most white fragility. Julia and Tricia remind us that what we value will be what is centered in our classrooms. The inclination for ELA teachers to hold tight to their ideals about the canon are completing rooted in a cultural canon constructed and perpetuated by a racist system. The notion of cultural capital is inherently white and we have to change that. We have to have the knowledge, will, and capacity to do what we can to change this system. 

Other References & Resources:

Champagne & Real Pain

Do Your Fudging HW: