Have you ever wondered how a tale of gorillas can touch upon the deepest themes of our human experience? Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate joins us to unwrap the layers of  The One and Only Family, her latest book that sees the beloved Ivan navigating the unpredictable waters of fatherhood. As Ivan's story unfolds with the birth of twins, we delve into the heart of freedom, the wild, and the impact of climate change, all while savoring the humor of gorilla toddlers and witnessing a father's growth. Katherine's enchanting blend of inspiration from the real Ivan's life and creative "what-ifs" showcases the profound freedom found in storytelling.

The conversation then takes a turn towards the serious issue of book challenges, recoiling from the sting of censorship to the embrace of community and dialogue. Listen as Katherine shares the recent bittersweet journey of  Wishtree, a book about welcoming  that faced adversity through a book challenge in Virginia, yet found a silver lining through the solidarity of readers and advocates. Together with Katherine, we examine the role of literature in braving the choppy seas of censorship, and celebrate the unsung heroes like PEN America, VAASL, ALA, and librarian, writer, and book ambassador  John Schu, who champion the power of storytelling and the discovery of that life-altering narrative. Join us for a discussion rife with emotion, wisdom, and the indomitable spirit of literacy.

00:00:00: Excerpt from The One and Only Family
00:03:26: Life lessons from Ivan
00:05:00: Journey into the what-ifs...the magic of make believe
00:06:48: Climate change and children's literature -- messages of hope and resilience
00:11:29: Read Aloud from The One and Only Family Book Tour
00:13:46: Researching baby gorillas -- oh the cuteness
00:14:44: You are not alone -- Wishtree,, welcomers, and a book banning challenge in Floyd County, VA
00:21:39: Resources to help if you're facing a book challenge
00:23:35: Excerpts from the Rally for Reading at Shenandoah University in April 2024 (with the indomitable Mr. Schu)
00:26:59: Encouraging young readers
00:28:35: Challenges of writing from an animal's point of view
00:31:05: Sneak peek into what's next

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Katherine's work, this episode is a celebration of storytelling's enduring power and an uplifting reminder of our shared humanity. 

 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the reviews! 

Support the Show.

Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram.
*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.