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Feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world around you? Discover how to transform burnout into joy and purpose with Dr. Gitima Sharma, as she shares her personal journey and expert insights. Learn practical strategies to cultivate a dynamic sense of purpose and foster connections in a digital era.

Dr Diane leads us through a transformative conversation with Dr. Gitima Sharma, an authority on overcoming burnout. Dive into the pervasive issue of stress driven by societal pressures and learn how self-reflection and community can pave the way to a fulfilling life. Dr. Sharma draws on personal experiences and the wisdom of influential texts to offer actionable steps for integrating purpose into daily life. The episode delves into the unique challenges faced by students and teachers alike, emphasizing the role of technology in both isolation and connection. With a focus on cultivating inner strengths like courage and compassion, listeners are encouraged to recognize their unique talents and potential.

Timestamps:

01:03: Transforming Stress Into Joy and Purpose

Introduction to Dr. Gitima Sharma and her approach to combating burnout through personal purpose and self-worth.

09:40: Journey to Self-Reflection and Purpose

The role of meditation, journaling, and community in discovering one's mission and overcoming societal pressures.

14:28: Cultivating Joy, Purpose, and Connection In an Isolating Climate

Exploring the "Loneliness Epidemic" and fostering nurturing environments for children and young adults.

20:38: Empowering Inner Strength Through Stories

Understanding absolute vs. relative happiness and nurturing children's inner strengths (and our own as adults) through education and play.

31:39: Getting Unstuck

Take away strategies for purpose and connection we can begin to apply today.

Links:

• Connect with Dr. Gitima Sharma on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
• Resources from Dr. Sharma: Free eBook on Purpose Clarification, Course on Purpose Fulfillment
• Dr. Sharma's Website

Connect with Us:

Follow the Adventures in Learning Podcast for more inspiring conversations.

Share your thoughts and feedback @drdianeadventures and let us know how this episode inspired you!

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Get ready for some amazing adventures as you plan your summer reading journey with not one, but TWO thrilling middle grade tales of courage, growth, and resilience featuring strong female leads. Happy Book Birthdays to Ann Braden and Caroline Starr Rose! Join us as we unravel the magic behind Into the Rapids and The Burning Season, where young heroines face the fury of nature and discover their inner strength.

Summary:

In this episode, we dive into summer adventures with authors Ann Braden and Caroline Starr Rose. Their novels, Into the Rapids and The Burning Season, feature young protagonists navigating the challenges of natural disasters—flash floods and wildfires. These stories of self-discovery and empowerment will resonate with fans of Hatchet as they explore themes of self-identity, community support, and overcoming fear. The authors share their creative processes and insights into writing about single-parent households and cultural backgrounds, proving that stories of resilience can thrive without competition.

Chapters:

• (0:00:03) - Summer Adventure Books for Young Readers Discover the empowering stories of young heroines facing natural disasters in Ann Braden's Into the Rapids and Caroline Starr Rose's The Burning Season
• (0:03:41) - Characters' Self-Identity Journey After Natural Disasters Explore the intertwining themes of self-identity and natural disasters, and the authors' personal experiences that shaped their narratives.
• (0:15:52) - Exploring Fear and Connection Delve into how fear and mortality are portrayed in literature and how voicing fear can transform it, offering hope and connection.
• (0:21:05) - Middle Grade Authors Finding Hope Learn about upcoming books, the creative process, and the importance of hope in writing for middle-grade readers.

Links:

• Purchase Into the Rapids and The Burning Season
• Visit Ann Braden and Caroline Starr Rose online

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Where Are You, Bronte? celebrates its book birthday this week -- and this book should come with complementary tissues for the adults reading it! Beloved illustrator Barbara McClintock took on the herculean task of illustrating Tomie de Paola's final manuscript. The result is a beautiful collaboration that pays tribute to his style while exploring the universal themes of love, loss, and memory. In the end, our stories and the connections we build with others outlive us and leave a lasting legacy.

With a focus on love, loss, and moving forward, Barbara discusses the challenges of honoring Tomie's distinctive style while infusing her own creativity and vision.

We also chat about the journey from childhood sketches and wanting to be a cat to becoming a renowned illustrator. Barbara talks about mentorship from Maurice Sendak and the power of self-education through libraries. Barbara continues to pay her early mentorship forward through the work she does in unlocking the stories of college students.

0:54: Where Are You, Bronte? and adapting Tomie's style

9:47: Our shared favorite spread

13:31: Barbara's Origin Story and Adventures in Learning (Cats, Maurice Sendak, and Lots and Lots of Paper)

15:07: Libraries as Art Education

19:09: Teaching and Mentoring Young Authors and Illustrators

27:16: New Projects In the Works

32:01: The Importance of Mentors -- Books and People

34:47: Hope -- Bonding With Pets Like Bronte

Links:

Purchase Where Are You, Bronte?

Barbara McClintock's Website

Follow Barbara on Instagram

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon is like a mug of hot tea on a snowy day. It warms your soul and sparks the imagination. The characters are memorable and Grace Lin’s lyrical storytelling and gorgeous illustrations are sure to make this an instant beloved classic for families and classrooms everywhere.

In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Grace Lin delves into the inspirations behind her new book, The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon. From the mysterious stone spirits known as gongshi to a young lion cub named Jin, Grace's storytelling weaves ancient lore with contemporary themes of connection and community. She shares insights on creating tangible reading experiences, the role of children's literature in fostering hope and empathy, and her excitement for an upcoming book tour filled with interactive activities. Tune in for an episode that promises insight, inspiration, and a touch of magic.

Chapters with Timestamps:

0:36 Read Aloud from The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon

3:40 Exploring the intriguing world of Chinese gongshi

5:59 Braiding multiple stories into parallel narratives

7:35 Planting seeds of inspiration

10:25 Themes of connection and community

13:06 The power of illustrations in crafting a tangible book experience

16:08 Summer PD Ad

17:08 The fireflies that change the landscape of night

19:40 Heroes that are more than an "est"

21:30 Join the Grace Lin book tour

23:30 Check out the Quick Culture Ideas, Downloads, and Classroom Connections for The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon

26:12 Planting seeds of hope and joy

Links:

Pre-order The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon

Follow Grace Lin on Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook

Grace Lin's Official Website

Adventures in Learning Podcast Episode 13

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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What's better than a novel in verse about a wild sea otter rescued by the Monterray Aquarium? A beautiful picture book that tells that otter's story! Award winning author Katherine Applegate returns to chat all things otter, as we explore environmental themes in her magical Odder: An Otter's Story, illustrated by Charles Santoso. We also offer some fun ideas for bringing the book to life in early childhood and elementary classrooms.

Katherine is the 2025 Summer Reading Champion for the Collaborative Summer Library Program. This summer (from June 1-July 31), budding storytellers ages 8-12 are invited to enter the Color Our World Writing Contest. The grand prize winner receives a virtual writing workshop with Katherine, signed copies of Willodeen, Crenshaw, Odder, and Wishtree, and $500 of books for readers ages 8-12 from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Katherine also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming middle grade novel, Pocket Bear, a magical tale of mascot bears, love and second chances, and Ukranian refugees. And we discover that my youngest daughter is an arctophile.

Chapters:

• 01:03: Odder: An Otter's Story
• 12:02: Collaborative Summer Library Program
• 14:28: Pocket Bear, the power of second chances, and what it is to be an arctophile
• 21:38: Book Tours and celebrating the magic of connecting with books

Links:

• Educational resources on Katherine's website
• Connect on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky
• Katherine's previous podcasts: Episode 51 & Episode 83

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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How did a humorous military anecdote about a mysterious Dorothy evolve into an enlightening nonfiction picture book about LGBTQIA history? Author Kyle Lukhoff and illustrator Levi Hastings share the creative journey behind Are You a Friend of Dorothy? Kyle and Levi discuss the challenges and joys of representing complex identities in children's literature, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in today's world.

In this episode, we also explore the diverse paths that led Kyle and Levi to champion LGBTQIA representation through their art. From Kyle's transition from librarian to full-time writer (Kyle is a Newbery Honor winner, National Book Award finalist, and Stonewall Award winner!!!), fueled by a passion for connecting with young readers, to Levi's shift from graphic design to illustrating children's books, their stories are as captivating as the tales they create. Discover their approach to portraying historical figures like Gavin Grimm and Baron von Steuben, and learn about their recent works, including a Jewish fantasy adventure and a book about pride. Stay tuned as they share their future plans and invite you to follow their artistic endeavors as they continue to enrich the literary landscape.

(0:00:03) - Are You a Friend of Dorothy? We explore the origins of the phrase "Are You a Friend of Dorothy?" and its significance in the LGBTQIA community. Kyle and Levi share insights into their creative process and the importance of historical narratives in understanding current struggles.

(0:15:36) - Adventures in Learning with Kyle and Levi Learn more about Kyle and Levi's journeys in writing and illustration, highlighting their transitions to full-time careers in children's literature.

(0:26:42) - Recent Works and Future Plans

Pre-order Are You a Friend of Dorothy? (out 4/29/25)

Follow Kyle Lukhoff on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Levi Hastings on Instagram and Facebook

Don't miss this engaging episode as we uncover the artistry and advocacy behind Are You a Friend of Dorothy? Preorder your copy today and share it with someone who needs to hear its important message. Your support helps bring diverse stories to life and fosters understanding across communities.

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Celebrate Library Week and the freedom to read with acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson. On this episode, we celebrate Laurie's latest release, Rebellion 1776, an adventure that began as Laurie recovered from COVID-19. Inspired by Abigail Adams' smallpox inoculation, this tale unravels the lives of working-class youth in Boston during the American Revolution. Elspeth Culpepper might just change how you perceive history.

We explore the vibrant world of historical fiction for young readers with the author who gave us Fever 1793, Chains, Forge, and Ashes. Discover how focusing on the everyday experiences of children from the past, rather than just the prominent figures, brings history alive in much the same way fantasy novels do. We explore the meticulous research required to craft these narratives and the role of digitized primary sources. We also discuss the impact of reframing historical fiction as adventure novels, transforming them into captivating portals for young readers to explore different worlds.

We also tackle free speech and the freedom to read, examining increasing efforts to ban books featuring diverse characters and themes. We reflect on the societal implications of this censorship and its impact on educators, libraries, readers, and emerging authors, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. We emphasize the importance of maintaining diverse narratives in children's literature, advocating for empathy and understanding to foster a more inclusive literary landscape.

Chapters:

01:30 Rebellion 1776

11:42: Teaching History Honestly

13:10: Framing Historical Fiction as Adventure Novels

15:39: Historical World Building Through Extensive Research

21:26: The Importance of Free Speech and Freedom To Read

30:31: Library Heroes, Freedom to Read, and Common Sense

34:05: Lessons from Young Readers

Links:

• Purchase Rebellion 1776
• Laurie Halse Anderson's website
  • Educator's Guides for Laurie's Books
  • Censorship Resources
    • PEN America
    • EveryLibrary
    • American Library Association
    • Authors Against Book Bans

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Happy Poetry Month!

This week we welcome Matt Forrest Esenwine, poetry's champion and ambassador, to the podcast to talk about his new anthology, A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World.

What do Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring, Peru's Vinicunca mountain, the star Betelgeuse, and a drop of water have in common? Rainbows!

Are you looking for a poetry anthology with kid appeal that also packs in fascinating science about all sorts of rainbows from sundogs to rainbow lorikeets, rainbow eucalyptus, and rainbow nebula? If so, check out A Universe of Rainbows, released this week and featuring contributions from such greats as

• Nikki Grimes
• Matt Forrest Esenwine
• Renee M. LaTulippe
• Joyce Sidman
• Irene Latham
• David L. Harrison
• Heidi E. Y. Stemple & Jane Yolen
• Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
• Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy
• Rebecca Kai Dotlich
• Marilyn Singer
• Charles Waters
• Laura Purdie Salas
• Charles Ghigna
• Lee Wardlaw
• Janet Wong
• Allan Wolf
• Georgia Heard

Each selection explores a new rainbow--and not just the ones in the sky. In haiku, free verse, and other forms, the poets capture marvels like crystals, pilot glories, Gouldian finches, and marble caves. Acclaimed illustrator Jamey Christoph brings each rainbow to life in brilliant color and playful detail.

Book Giveaway

Email diane@drdianeadventures.com by 4/11/25 for your chance to win a copy of A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World

Links

• Matt Forrest Esenwine's Website
• Get to Know Matt Forrest Esenwine on Ep 12 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast
• Order Matt's books

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.