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What happens when a bestselling middle grade author joins you on World Read Aloud Day -- and opens the episode with a live read-aloud from his brand-new release?

In this return conversation, James Ponti celebrates the book birthday of City Spies: Europa (Book 7!) and takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to write page-turning mystery-adventure that kids don’t just read, they inhabit.

We talk about the research rabbit holes that make a story feel real (including the world's most expensive cup of tea!), the craft of writing dialogue that flows, and why the read aloud shouldn’t stop in early elementary, especially for books that beg to be heard.

You’ll also hear why James believes hope lives in the reader community itself: kids who show up dressed as characters, remember details from five books ago, and prove, again and again, that middle grade readers are powerful.

Favorite Takeaways

• Kids don’t just read books, they live in them.
• The best middle grade is never “dumbed down.” Kids notice everything.
• The read aloud is still one of the strongest tools we have for motivation, stamina, and connection.
• Hope lives in communities of readers who show up, reread, and care deeply.

Timestamps

• 01:46 Special Read Aloud from the first chapter
• 07:43 Behind-the-scenes research and inside jokes that add “richness” to the writing
• 10:46 Middle grade growth: Sydney + Paris, insecurity, and learning to share what we carry
• 12:57 Writing by ear: dialogue, flow, and reading drafts aloud 30+ times
• 15:27 “Kids live in books”: fandom, rereads, deep questions, and catching mistakes
• 28:35 Touring with author friends + building a wider reading life
• 36:39 Hope: readers, community, and stories that model how people solve problems together
• 40:36 What’s next: Sherlock Society: Art Attack (graffiti in Miami!)

Connect + More

• Learn more about James Ponti and check out his appearances on episodes 69, 98, and 119 of the Adventures in Learning podcast
• Check out all of James Ponti's books
• Sign up for Dr. Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud calendar

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

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What happens when young readers are invited to question the stories they’ve always been told?

In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes bestselling author Tracy Wolff to celebrate the launch of her middle grade fantasy debut, The Aftermyth. Together they explore how mythology, storytelling, empathy, and student identity come together in powerful ways, and why middle grade fiction plays a critical role in helping young readers discover who they are and where they belong.

From challenging patriarchal myth narratives to reimagining Aphrodite through compassion and friendship, this conversation highlights how fantasy literature can spark critical thinking, emotional growth, and a love of reading.

Perfect for educators, librarians, families, literacy advocates, and middle grade readers.

Episode Chapters

• 01:21 Building a New Mythological World at Anaximander’s Academy
• 03:12 Questioning History, Power, and Perspective in Stories
• 07:13 Empathy, Friendship, and the Reimagining of Aphrodite
• 10:12 Middle Grade Identity, Belonging, and Finding Your Voice
• 13:29 Read-Alouds, Choice, and Building Reading Motivation
• 18:32 Writing Middle Grade Fantasy and Keeping Kids Engaged
• 19:49 What Brings Hope: Raising Compassionate Readers

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why The Aftermyth challenges traditional Greek mythology narratives
• How middle grade fantasy supports identity development and belonging
• The importance of empathy and compassion in children’s literature
• Why read-alouds should continue beyond early elementary grades
• How student choice and format flexibility support reluctant readers
• How storytelling builds motivation and reading stamina

Featured Book

📚 The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff, available wherever books are sold.

Check out The Aftermyth Reading Guide.

Join Tracy Wolff on tour.

Support the show

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If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

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

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Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor sits down with Anmarie Paul, Executive Director of Behind the Book, to explore how intrinsic motivation, belonging, student choice, and joyful literacy experiences help children become lifelong readers.

Together, they unpack how Science of Reading practices and reading engagement strategies must work together because children don’t just need to learn how to read, they need to want to read.

From expressive read-alouds to author visits, STEM-literacy integration, and identity-centered storytelling, this conversation offers practical insights for educators, librarians, parents, school leaders, and literacy advocates.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Motivation and Reading Instruction
• 04:14 Read Alouds That Build Engagement and Fluency
• 08:34 How Behind the Book Builds Reading Motivation
• 15:30 Literacy, STEM, and Creative Learning
• 18:40 Author Visits and Student Belonging
• 24:55 Leadership in Literacy and Youth Development
• 29:28 The Future of Reading: Engagement Meets Science of Reading

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why intrinsic motivation is critical to reading success
• How read alouds improve fluency, comprehension, and connection
• What makes literacy programs truly engaging for students
• How belonging and representation impact reading identity
• Ways to combine Science of Reading + engagement-based practices
• How literacy, STEM, creativity, and storytelling intersect
• Strategies for building sustainable reading ecosystems

🔗 Learn More & Get Involved

• Behind the Book: https://www.behindthebook.org
• Follow Behind the Book on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Download the Adventures in Learning 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud Calendar

Support the show

Share this episode

If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend

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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When cold weather keeps kids inside, big feelings can spike—for children and the adults supporting them. In this uplifting conversation, early childhood expert Francine Prince shares practical, realistic strategies for indoor days, and reminds us that the best early learning happens when we stay intentional, flexible, and deeply connected.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• How to plan indoor days so you’re not “teaching on the fly”
• What child-led really means (and what it doesn’t)
• Why teachable moments matter more than rigid timing
• Simple ways to communicate learning to families—without writing an essay
• The power of leading with the positive to build trust and partnership
• What early childhood can teach adults about conflict, adaptability, and routines
• Why burnout is rising—and what support teachers actually need

Timestamps

• 01:41 Indoor-day advice: movement breaks, intentional planning, and being “ready for anything”
• 03:27 Defining child-led for families (and how teachers still facilitate learning)
• 05:08 Teachable moments: what great teachers notice—and why it matters
• 07:10 Creating a climate where teachers feel safe to follow children’s learning
• 08:41 Making learning visible to families
• 12:18 “Everything we need as adults, we should’ve learned in preschool” (3 big takeaways)
• 15:23 Teaching empathy + conflict resolution through environment and facilitation
• 17:03 What empathy means—and how to meet families where they are
• 20:04 Coaching adults: empathy, communication styles, and partnering with parents
• 24:05 Francine’s story: Head Start roots, coaching, leadership, disability advocacy, and statewide work
• 29:28 Biggest challenges today: burnout, behavior, low pay, and support gaps
• 33:16 What effective professional learning should look like (practical, real, implemented)
• 37:24 Hope: why early childhood still matters—and why people in the field bring hope

Links & Resources

• Dr. Diane’s free 365-day Picture Book Read-Aloud Calendar
• Connect with Dr. Diane and book her to speak or lead professional development workshops at your next event
• Connect with Francine Prince on LinkedIn.

Support the show

Share this episode

If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend

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 if the most powerful thing we could give young children is time to play?

Early childhood expert Rae Pica joins Dr. Diane for a candid conversation about why play, movement, and joy are essentials, not extras -- and how rushing children into academics is doing real harm.

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes author, keynote speaker, and longtime advocate for developmentally appropriate early childhood education Rae Pica.

Together, they explore what’s gone wrong in early childhood education—from scripted teaching and excessive seat time to the loss of play—and what the research actually tells us about how young children learn. Rae explains why play builds problem-solving, empathy, language, and executive function, how parents can become powerful allies, and why small acts of advocacy can help educators reclaim joy and reduce burnout.

This is a hopeful, practical conversation for educators, families, and anyone who believes childhood should be honored, not hurried.

⏱️ Highlights & Chapters

• 00:00 — Meet Rae Pica + why early childhood matters
• 02:22 — What’s gone wrong: rushed academics & ignored research
• 07:01 — Why play is “everything” to young children
• 10:32 — What block play teaches (SEL, STEM, critical thinking)
• 16:14 — Why movement fuels the brain
• 19:07 — Rae’s vision of a joyful early childhood classroom
• 25:16 — Research on play, joy, and how the brain learns
• 38:07 — Rae’s magic wand: follow child development
• 39:38 — Advocacy, burnout, and teacher empowerment
• 43:37 — Hope: signs the tide is turning

🔗 Links & Resources

• Rae Pica's free resources
• Rae Pica's online courses
• Rae Pica's books
• Dr Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud Calendar

Support the show

Share this episode

If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend

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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From AfroBets to We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices to a brand-new picture book that sings with history, legendary author and publisher Cheryl Willis Hudson has helped shape what children can see (and become) through books. If you care about diverse children’s books, freedom to read, and the cultural power of music, this episode is for you.

Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Cheryl Willis Hudson, co-founder of the groundbreaking children’s publishing house Just Us Books. Cheryl shares why she and husband Wade Hudson created Just Us Books, and what it’s meant to write and publish stories that serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for children.

Cheryl reflects on growing up in the Jim Crow South and how the lack of accurate representation in children’s literature shaped her mission to publish books that affirm Black childhood, celebrate multicultural experiences, and expand the canon of children’s books. The conversation also addresses book bans and censorship, including how books are challenged by small groups who often haven’t read the full text -- and why that’s an urgent threat to freedom of expression and access to stories.

In a moving highlight, Cheryl introduces her “dream book,” When I Hear Spirituals, and shares how spirituals carry history, resilience, and joy while shaping American music itself. She even sings a portion of “Over My Head,” offering listeners a moment that feels like story, song, and legacy braided together.

Chapters:

01:00 Cheryl Willis Hudson + Just Us Books origin story

08:08 Growing up in Jim Crow South + why representation matters

13:49 Book challenges, lists, and censorship ripple effects

20:01 Reading from We Rise, We Resist…

30:13 When I Hear Spirituals + history of spirituals

🔗 Links & Resources

• Dr. Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud Calendar
• Follow Cheryl Willis Hudson on her website, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Rudine Sims Bishop: “Windows, Mirrors, Sliding Glass Doors”
• Freedom to Read / Anti-censorship resources: EveryLibrary, PenAmerica, We Need Diverse Books, Committee for the First Amendment

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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A book some adults tried to keep off shelves helped a seventh grader make sense of grief, addiction, and forgiveness and shaped the storyteller she became. This episode is a powerful reminder that books can be lifelines and freedom to read matters.

In Episode 169 of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Dynahlee Star Padilla-Vasquez for a timely conversation about banned books, empathy, and the transformative power of reading.

Dynahlee shares an excerpt from her essay, “Thanks to a Banned Book, I Forgave My Drug Addicted Grandpa and Escaped His Path,” and reflects on how Ellen Hopkins’ Crank, a frequently challenged book, helped her understand addiction, humanize a family story, and ultimately choose a path in journalism and storytelling.

Together, Dr Diane and Dynahlee unpack why adults fear difficult topics in books, how communication (not censorship) supports kids, and how book challenges often come from organized efforts that pull lines out of context. They close with a hopeful look toward the new year, grounded in the belief that one book can change a life.

⏱️ Chapters

02:06 Reading from “Thanks to a Banned Book…”

07:41 Crank as a transformative tale

12:10 What makes a powerful story

14:10 Fear, censorship & book challenges

19:44 Research, PEN America, EveryLibrary, data, and banning trends

26:35 Books vs. the online “wild west”

28:23 What brings hope into the new year

🔗 Links

• Dynahlee’s essay in Everyday Advocacy
• Freedom to Read / anti-censorship resources: PEN America, EveryLibrary, Committee for the First Amendment
• Check out

Support the show

Share this episode

If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend

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 if hope isn’t a feeling—but something you do?

From caring for orphaned rhinos to writing books that spark curiosity, this episode explores how learning, conservation, and community come together in powerful ways.

In Episode 167 of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor is joined by Brenda Scott Royce, author, former primate caregiver, and conservation advocate, for a heartfelt conversation about learning from the natural world.

Brenda shares her journey from publishing and primate care to writing books that connect children with animals and conservation. Together, Diane and Brenda reflect on their recent trip to South Africa with Children’s Book Creators for Conservation (CBCC)—from reading aloud to preschoolers to hands-on conservation work at a rhino orphanage.

This episode is a reminder that learning happens through curiosity, connection, and action—and that, as Brenda reminds us, hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up.

🕒 Episode Chapters & Timestamps

01:00 — Writing, Primates, and Purpose

Following curiosity instead of a straight career path

06:30 — Writing Books That Connect Kids to Animals

Stories, nonfiction, and nurturing curiosity

08:20 — Helping Children Fall in Love with Nature

Access, observation, and letting kids lead

10:05 — Why CBCC and South Africa

Traveling with like-minded creators for conservation

15:20 — Meeting Lazula: A Rhino Full-Circle Moment

From fundraiser photo to bottle-feeding a rhino

18:40 — Conservation, Community, and Responsibility

What real change looks like on the ground

24:00 — Seeing the Whole Ecosystem

Why animals—and learning—aren’t isolated

33:30 — Continuing the Work: Chimps in Zambia

Solo conservation work after South Africa

38:00 — Hope Is a Verb

What brings hope right now

🔗 Links & Resources

• Children’s Book Creators for Conservation (CBCC)
• Wild Tomorrow and blog about the trip
• Publishers Weekly article about the trip
• Brenda Scott Royce — books & writing
• Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky

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.