Book Friends Forever Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 358: Queer Representation in Children's Literature with Michele Kirichanskaya! May 07, 2026

Show notes

Grace and Alvina are joined by special guest Michele Kirichanskaya to discuss queer representation in children's literature. They talk a little bit about the history of publishing queer publishing, including the first book published with a gay character, and legendary editor Ursula Nordstrom who helped break taboos in publishing. They touch on what publishing is doing well and how they could be better, touching on graphic novels and their favorite queer books. Michele also talks about their first book, ACE NOTES.

For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about what they've all been reading lately, and then end as always with what they're grateful for.

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bookfriendsforever_podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/ Find Michele: https://www.instagram.com/michelekiricha1/ https://bsky.app/profile/michelekiricha1.bsky.social https://michelekirichanskaya.com (note: Michele is available as an authenticity reader)

Episode 347: State of Children's Book Publishing! Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Alvina and Grace are recording together in Brooklyn! They discuss the overall state of the children's book industry, including an article by Harold Underdown, and talk about the effects of book banning and the drop in the school and library market, and discuss how it's just a tough market overall, sadly. They discuss middle grade books and page counts and how the days of bulking them up to make them look longer are behind us. They also discuss young adult publishing and the term "clean teen."

For the Fortune Cookie segment, Alvina talks about the official announcement of her imprint "Alvina Ling Books" and logo reveal, and the great reception it received. And she also talks about what happened when they tried to secure the url AlvinaLingBooks.com. And they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.

Spain Trip! Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Alvina is back from her vacation to Spain and tells Grace all about the trip! She talks about which city she likes better--Madrid or Barcelona, and highlights of both places. She gives some tips for traveling to Spain and what the must-see spots are in each city.

For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about the changes announced at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and the closing of the Roaring Brook imprint. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Episode 335: Children's Book Week with Melissa Thom and Shaina Birkhead! Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

While Alvina is on vacation, Grace is joined by her Bookish State podcast co-host Melissa Thom, and they talk to Associate Executive Director of the Children's Book Council Shaina Birkhead about Children's Book Week. Shaina talks about the CBC and how she started working there, and her history as a life-long reader. She talks about the activities surrounding Children's Book Week and what has changed over the years. They discuss the different themes over the years, and talk about the book week posters. Grace talks more about the poster she illustrated.

Find out more about Children's Book Week! https://everychildareader.net/cbw/celebrate-2026/

Find out more about the Bookist State: https://www.thebookishstate.com/

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.

Episode 334 :Two Topics: AI book cancellation and Social Media addiction! Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

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. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bookfriendsforever_podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

Episode 343: Freak Friday! Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Grace and Alvina switch places for this Freaky Friday episode! This one was suggested by a listener who provided some questions about what would happen if Grace and Alvina switched places and roles. What kind of editor would Grace be? How would she feel living in New York City and working in an office? What kind of author would Alvina be? How would she like living in a house in Northampton? Their answers may surprise you (or not!). For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about the recent news about the shuttering of the Dial Books for Young Readers imprint, plus layoffs. And they end as always with what they're grateful for. Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1. Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bookfriendsforever_podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookfriendsforever_podcast/

Episode 342: China and Taiwan trip! Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Grace is back from her China and Taiwan adventure and tells Alvina (and our listeners!) all about it! She shared her highlights and challenges, including bargaining for "bacon jade", and of course talks about all the delicious food she ate.

For the Fortune Cookie segment they talk about the results of the recent Book Friends Forever survey, including the demographics of who the listeners were. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.

Episode 341: Reality Television with Stephen Colman! Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

While Grace was still away on her trip, Alvina invited her husband Stephen Colman to join her in discussing one of their favorite subjects: Reality Television! They talk about the first reality show they watched, and Alvina shares a story about applying for the Real World! They talk about everything from the Bachelor and Love is Blind to 90 Day Fiance, Amazing Race, and the Osbournes, talk about the difference between competition reality shows and not, discuss what watching reality TV says about someone's personality, and which show they would go on if they could.

For the Fortune Cookie segment, they run down the Best Picture nominees and their thoughts on the movies they've seen. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.

Episode 340: Minnesota Editors with Carol Hinz and Andrew Karre! Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

While Grace is away, Alvina has two special guests on the podcast, editors Carol Hinz of Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda Books, and Andrew Karre of Dutton. Both are currently based in Minnesota, and they share their experiences of living there during the ICE occupation. They talk about the incredible ways Minnesotans have responded, what they feel is special about Minnesotans, and give tips on how others can help, and also how to cope during these difficult times.

For the Fortune Cookie segment, they talk about their most common margin notes when they edit. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.

Follow Carol Hinz: https://www.instagram.com/instachinz/

Follow Andrew Karre: https://www.instagram.com/andrewkarre/

Check out Stand for Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

Episode 339: Anniversary Q/A Part 2 Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

Grace and Alvina continue answering the questions that had been submitted for their seven-year anniversary, including questions about diverse publishing, book tours, shifting genres, and what is taken into account when acquiring a book, including sales track.

For the Fortune Cookie segment, they both share some happy snow memories. And, they end as always with what they're grateful for.

Fill out our Survey (open till March 11)! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STP3PCF

Click here to become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/Bookfriendsforever1.

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

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