ABOUT THIS EPISODE
I started The Reader's Heart as a way to share the magic of children's literature at a time when it feels like so many are attempting to limit access to books written for young people. This week's conversation with Traci Sorell perfectly captures both the power of children's literature and why so many seem to fear the ways that story can shape our hearts and inform how we walk through the world. It was a joy, and a privilege, to be in conversation with Traci and to hear her passion for ensuring that we don't go back to a time when so many voices were missing in children's literature. I hope you love our conversation as much as I do.
EPISODE INFORMATION:
EPISODE NUMBER: 002
GUEST: Traci Sorell
Best-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. In 2023, she shares Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series, a Kirkus Reviews starred nonfiction picture book biography illustrated by Arigon Starr, and Mascot, a middle grade fiction novel-in-verse co-authored with Charles Waters. Traci is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. Learn more at www.tracisorell.com.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
RESOURCES & LINKS
Please enjoy a special discount of 20% off the titles mentioned in this episode (or others of your choice) by visiting Bookelicious and using the code JENNIFERLAGARDE. Note: I do not make any money from the sales, but I am delighted that you get to save some!
Mascot by Traci Sorell and Charles Waters
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell and Arigon Starr
She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller by Traci Sorell and Gillian Flint
Powwow Day by Traci Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac
Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell and Natasha Donovan
At the Mountain's Base by Traci Sorell and Weshoyot Alvitre
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac
Connect with Traci:
MORE ABOUT THE READER’S HEART
Rooted in the belief that our world needs the magic of children’s literature now more than ever, the Reader’s Heart podcast captures conversations with authors and illustrators about children's literature as a vehicle for empathy and joy in a dark world. I'm so excited about this project and it's my wish that it brings you as much light and hope as it has brought me.
Special thanks to Corinna Luyken for creating the beautiful illustration that will serve as the show's logo. I've always found Corinna's art so moving and she perfectly captured the spirit of what I am trying to do, which is to put warmth and love into the world during a time when so many are working to limit kids' access to the warmth and love inherent in children's literature.
Weekly episodes will drop on Tuesdays. Once you've had a chance to listen, I hope you will consider leaving The Reader's Heart a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! Podcast reviews are one of the best ways to support your favorite shows and help others find these conversations.
WHERE TO LISTEN:
Wherever you listen to podcasts!
