Episode #297: How the New Administration is Affecting Publishing!
Grace and Alvina talk about how the current presidential administration has and could affect publishing. They discuss how the increase in book banning, cuts in funding for libraries, changes in how diversity is valued, and increased tariffs may or may not affect publishing.
For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about what's making them happy right now.
And then, Grace tells Alvina about her two Spring-themed math board books, UP TO MY KNEES and WHERE ARE THE EGGS?
Grace’s New Book!
Info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor 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)
How have you been?
Alvina’s parents are in town visiting! They got engaged in Central Park so they may go there and also see a Broadway show. Alvina is preparing for her half-marathon! Stephen and Alvina played scrabble on the rainy weekend. Grace’s daughter Hazel made a good friend through Girl Scouts and the friend spent the weekend with them. The Girl Scout group is going to Puerto Rico next week! The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon got a New York Times review.
New Administration Affecting Publishing
Publishing is related to the economy and there are already a wide range of changes. The book friends talk about free speech, the war on DEI, and book banning.
What’s making us happy
Grace is so excited to start planting and that spring is officially here. “American Idol” is making her happy and also reading Max in The Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitz.
Tell me about…
Grace tells us about her two “spring-like” board books with Charles Bridge Publishing. “Up to My Knees” and Where Are the Eggs?
Gratefuls
Grace is grateful for her daughter Hazel and her interest and talent in art! Grace modeled resilience to her after her New York Times (which Grace perceived as negative). Alvina is grateful for her uncle who’s in hospice with cancer and that she can still spend quality time with her parents.
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 Blue Sky.
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