Episode #344: Two Topics: AI book cancellation and Social Media addiction!

Grace and Alvina discuss two recent events. The first is the cancellation of the book SHY GIRL due to allegations that the author used AI to write the book. Grace and Alvina discuss the implications this has on the book publishing industry. They also discuss the recent court ruling that social media was liable for creating an addictive, harmful product. Then, Alvina tells Grace about the book GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Catching Up

Grace and Alvina are both getting ready for some upcoming trips! Alvina is headed to Spain and Grace is going to Atlanta. Alvina is wrapping up some work projects before she goes: She’s writing a profile of Jewell Parker Rhodes for the Horn Book. (Will’s Race for Home), working on her BERL lecture she’ll be giving at the Carle Museum on April 18th, and training for her half-marathon coming up! Alvina also went to an 80’s sing-a-long night at a piano bar!

Grace attended a fundraiser for Gund Kwok Year of the Horse showcase. Gung Kwok is the first Asian Women's Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the United States. Proceeds went to the Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN), a volunteer network in the Boston area. Grace signed books and Hazel was able to sell Girl Scout Cookies.

Topic #1: The book friends talk about the adult book called Shy Girl by Mia Ballard that was canceled due to suspected A.I. use. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/books/ai-fiction-shy-girl.html.

A.I. use article in Publisher’s Weekly.

Topic #2: Social media companies are being sued and the book friends discuss. In China, minors are not allowed to be used on social media.

Tell me about…

Alvina tells Grace about Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

Gratefuls

Alvina is thankful for Jewell Parker Rhodes and the fellowship that she just launched. Grace is grateful for those that do good work for justice in this world.

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. Tag us on social media using the hashtag #bookfriendsforever OR send us a message via Instagram at @bookfriendsforever_podcast or via our website at Bookfriendsforever.com.

See info about Grace's new book "The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon": https://linktr.ee/gracelinauthor.

You can find Alvina @alvinaling on Instagram , Bluesky, and Threads.

You can find Grace @pacylin on Instagram and Threads, and @authorgracelin on Facebook

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