Episode #107: Chop Suey! Publishing News, First Times, Twitter and TikTok, and Book Recs
Grace and Alvina discuss publishing news, talk about the things they wish they could experience again for the first time, talk about Twitter and TikTok, and welcome Alison Morris's book recommendations.
“How Have You Been?”
Grace spoke at the 40th Naomi C. Chase Lecture in Children's Literature by the University of Minnesota. She talked about we can make multicultural children’s literature more mainstream. Grace also got her first vaccination shot!
Alvina has been enjoying New York City coming alive again by riding the subway, enjoying a rooftop deck with friends, and seeing some live music. New York City is not dead!
CHOP SUEY! Welcome to the fourth Chop Suey! Book Friends Forever episode. On these special episodes, a random mix of topics are covered.
Topic #1: Publishing News
They discuss book distribution and Post Hill Press’s plans to publish Sergeant Mattingly’s book. You can read an article about it here in the NY Times. Plus, they re-visit Dave Pilkey and the cancelling of his books Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Caveman From the Future. As it turns out, the passive racism was brought to his attention, he did not think of it on his own. Grace talks about the changes being made to her own book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Topic #2: Things we wish we could encounter again for the first time…
Grace talks about getting her first book published, the National Book Awards, and the first time eating chicken marsala. Alvina mentions first dates, broadway shows, Les Miserables with Debbie Gibson, and Hamilton.
Topic #3: Twitter and Tik Tok!
Grace admits she’s not that comfortable using Twitter and experiences FOMO. Alvina loves Tik Tok for entertainment purposes so far. Which one is going to last longer? What is the best platform authors can use for promoting their books?
“What should we be reading?” with Alison Morris!
Alison Morris is a nationally recognized children's book buyer with an infectious enthusiasm for reading and 20 years' experience matching books to readers. As the Senior Director of Title Selection for nonprofit First Book, she oversees the curation of children’s and young adult books on the First Book Marketplace, hand-selecting a diverse range of titles that speak to and address the needs of kids in underserved communities, with a keen eye to inclusion, authenticity, and kid-appeal. She previously served as Senior Editor at Scholastic Book Clubs, Children's Book Buyer for Wellesley Booksmith and The Dartmouth Bookstore, and was the founding blogger of the ShelfTalker children’s book blog for Publishers Weekly. She'll be joining us from her home near Washington, DC where she spends LOTS of time discussing books with her husband, illustrator and graphic novelist Gareth Hinds.
It’s National Poetry Month! Here are some recommendations from Alison:
More book suggestions from Alison:
“What are you grateful for?”
Grace is grateful that Alex got his second vaccine shot. Also, she’s grateful that the Eric Carle Museum is able to do an upcoming virtual book exhibit featuring Asian American picture books. Alvina is grateful for the subway! We also have a Patron grateful: “I am grateful for the women who clean my house so thoroughly every other week!” Just a reminder you have the opportunity to have your grateful read on this podcast!
Thank you for tuning in! Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Alex at Pacyworks Studio. Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about us. (Use the hashtag #bookfriendsforever.)
You can find Alvina @Planetalvina on Twitter and TikTok and @Alvinaling on Instagram
You can find Grace @Pacylin on Facebook and Instagram
Alison Morris is @AlisonLMorris on Twitter and @kidlitgirl on Instagram
*If you’re a patron, don’t forget to check out this week’s Random Questions feed! Grace Lin with Juana Martinez Neal answer, “What Sound Do You Love?” Click here to listen! If you’re not a patron already, join today!
