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In this episode*, we have the absolute honor of conversing with Donna Barba Higuera, Middle Grade and Picture Book Author, Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Award Winner and New York Times Best Seller. Donna shares from where and whom she draws her stories, and how she went from an imaginative child to inspiring readers of all ages.

In a time where book challenges are on the rise, Donna discusses the importance and power of sharing stories, owning the stories you hear and having access to stories representing all kinds of readers.

*A follow-up conversation was had between Donna, Ericka and Pia live on stage at the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) National Institute on September 21, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the Institute was Standing up for Stories, and the hosts were able to dig deeper into the stories shared in this conversation and Donna, in turn, asked questions of the hosts about the power of sharing voices and experiences on the podcast. Unfortunately, there were sound quality issues with that recording and in the end it was not able to be saved. Pia and Ericka share a small reflection on both conversations at the end of this episode.

Date of interview: August 27, 2024
Date of post interview reflection: October 16, 2024
Host(s): Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Pia Alliende

Additional Info. & Links:
Donna's website-https://www.dbhiguera.com/
2024 ALSC National Institute-https://www.ala.org/alsc/confsce/institute