Episode #292: CHOP SUEY: Pandemic anniversary, soft censorship, and mission statement follow-up!
Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss several topics. At the five-year anniversary of the global pandemic, they look back on how their lives have changed for the better or the worst; they discuss soft censorship, especially in relation to the Young Media Award winners. They continue to brainstorm their mission statement using adjectives some of their listeners used to describe the podcast. And then Alison Morris joins to share some book recommendations, and they end with sharing what they're grateful for.
Info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor
THE GATE, THE GIRL AND THE DRAGON, pre-order now:
Grace has a new middle grade novel! THE GATE, THE GIRL AND THE DRAGON comes out in May 2025. The first printing (and only the first printing) of this book will have sprayed edges (see a video preview HERE). So pre-order now! You can pre-order from any bookstore, but Grace is working with her three local indies to offer autographed books and gifts! If you pre-order from one of them you can have your choice of gifts of an enamel pin, a free virtual visit (order by April 11) or exclusive stickers (while supplies last)!
Enamel pin (from Porter Square Books)
Free virtual school visit (from the Eric Carle Museum)
Exclusive stickers (from High Five Books
How have you been?
Alvina and Stephen attended a Unitarian church service in Brooklyn . They went out to a Taiwanese restaurant with a new friend who runs a non-profit. The mission is attempting to eliminate the sales tax on women’s menstruation products. Alvina started a new series at work called “Behind the Book” where quarterly they discuss the origin story of a different book. The purpose is to show that authors and successes can be acquired in many ways. Grace joined the Hachette Speakers Bureau. Tragically, Grace’s family chickens were killed by a bobcat that snuck into their chicken run. They only have one left and it has been devastating for their family. They’re trying to stay positive and rebuild the run and get some new chickens in April.
5 Years Post-Pandemic
Grace and Alvina talk about the small personal positives and negatives. Some examples that were shared: Alvina’s work-life balance has improved since working remotely became normalized. Grace recognized how nice it was to stop traveling so much and be at home more. It was an ideal time in many ways. Alvina fell in love with Stephen and Vermont.
Soft Censorship
https://www.slj.com/story/Legislation-Soft-Censorship-Could-Keep-YMA-Winners-Off-school-Shelves
Discussion of the “Newbery bump”
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Book Friends Forever Mission Statement
The book friends follow-up on their mission statement. Alvina asked followers to list some words that came to mind when thinking about this podcast. Repeated words: authentic, generous, creative, and humorous.
Book Recommendations with Alison Morris!
The theme is: books that are going to help us get through these times, following your passion and contributing to your community.
Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa by Sara Andrea Fajardo and Juana Martinez-Neal
Old Blue is My Home by Lita Judge (April 8th arrival)
Gratefuls
Alvina is grateful for Taiwanese food and finding a great one in New York! Grace is grateful. Alison is grateful for all the people in her life who make a general effort to make in-person community happen. Grace is grateful for the time that her family had with her chickens and that she is grateful for her clean bill of health.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Alex at Pacyworks Studio for producing and editing this podcast. 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 and Threads, @alvinaling on BlueSky
You can find Grace @Pacylin on Instagram and Threads, @authorgracelin on Facebook, @gracelinauthor on TikTok.
You can find Alison Morris at @kidlitgirl on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky and Threads.
Please keep tagging and messaging us on social media using the hashtag #bookfriendsforever! OR message us on Instagram @bookfriendsforever_podcast or email us at bookfriendsforever@gmail.com! Please let us know if you have any topic ideas!
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