Unban Coolies By cover art

Unban Coolies

By: Christopher Lau
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  • Summary

  • Unban Coolies advocates for artists and authors facing censorship, amid a surge in book bans, with librarians in the middle of the crossfire. Host Christopher Lau leads interviews with acclaimed authors and rockstar librarians, illuminating the dangers of book banning. Lau ensures each episode is filled with intriguing and thoughtful questions, guiding the conversations. Together, we champion diverse voices, ensuring our literary landscape mirrors the richness of human experiences. Brace yourself for inspiring narratives and boundless love for literature.
    Christopher Lau
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Episodes
  • From Page to Stage: Gregory Maguire’s WICKED

    From Page to Stage: Gregory Maguire’s WICKED
    Jul 29 2024
    Gregory Maguire, born in Albany, New York, is an acclaimed American novelist best known for "Wicked," "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister," and numerous other works for adults and children. After his mother died during his birth, he was placed in an orphanage until age two when his father, having remarried, reclaimed him. Maguire has three half-siblings from his father's second marriage. Educated in Catholic institutions, Maguire earned a BA in English and Art from SUNY Albany, an MA in Children's Literature from Simmons College, and a PhD in English and American Literature from Tufts University. In 1978, he published his first novel, "The Lightning Time," and began to acknowledge his sexuality, identifying as gay. He was a professor and co-director at Simmons College's Center for the Study of Children's Literature from 1979 to 1986. In 1987, he co-founded the nonprofit Children's Literature New England, Inc. Maguire's first adult novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," published in 1995, gained popularity with its Broadway adaptation in 2003. By 2005, "Wicked" spent 26 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1997, Maguire met painter Andy Newman, and they adopted three children. They married in June 2004 and have lived in Concord, Massachusetts, since 1999. Maguire and his family were featured on Oprah in 2009. At Unban Coolies, we are honored to have Gregory Maguire share his experiences. His personal life and literary contributions significantly impact contemporary literature, inspiring countless readers worldwide.
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    27 mins
  • Jerry Spinelli’s Newbery Medal Secrets

    Jerry Spinelli’s Newbery Medal Secrets
    Jul 15 2024
    Jerry Spinelli, born on February 1, 1941, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is a renowned author specializing in children's novels that explore themes of adolescence and early adulthood. Among his celebrated works are STARGIRL, MANAIC MAGEE, and WRINGER. Notably, Spinelli received the prestigious Newbery Medal for MANIAC MAGEE and a Newbery Honor for WRINGER, recognizing his exceptional contribution to children's literature. Spinelli's passion for writing was sparked at the age of 16 when he wrote a poem about his high school football team's significant victory. His father secretly submitted the poem to the local newspaper, which published it. This experience led Spinelli to realize his ambition to become a writer, abandoning his dream of playing major league baseball. During his time at Gettysburg College, Spinelli honed his writing skills by penning short stories and serving as the editor of the college literary magazine, The Mercury. After graduating in 1963, he earned an MA from Johns Hopkins University in 1964. Spinelli then spent the next two decades working various day jobs, allowing him to write fiction during his free time, including lunch breaks, weekends, and evenings. Initially, Spinelli wrote novels for adults, but all were rejected by publishers. His fifth novel, intended for adults, eventually became his first published children's book, SPACE STATION SEVENTH GRADE, in 1982. This shift marked the beginning of his successful career in children's literature. In 1977, Spinelli married Eileen Mesi, a fellow children's author. Eileen, writing as Eileen Spinelli, has collaborated with illustrators to produce numerous picture books since the 1980s. Jerry Spinelli currently resides in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where he continues to inspire young readers with his insightful and heartfelt stories.
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    11 mins
  • Folktales & Legends w Eric A. Kimmel

    Folktales & Legends w Eric A. Kimmel
    Jul 2 2024
    Eric A. Kimmel, a celebrated author of over 150 children’s books, is renowned for his contributions to children’s literature. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the 1990 Caldecott Honor for "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins," five National Jewish Book Awards, the Sydney Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 from the Association of Jewish Libraries, and the 2024 Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association. Various state school librarian associations from Iowa, Oklahoma, and Oregon have also honored him. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1946, Kimmel was influenced by the diverse languages and cultures of his neighborhood. He earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lafayette College in 1967, a master's degree from New York University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in 1973. Kimmel taught at Indiana University at South Bend and Portland State University, where he is now Professor Emeritus of Education. Kimmel's notable works include "The Chanukkah Guest," "Gershon's Monster," and "Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale." He resides in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Doris, continuing to inspire young readers through his rich and diverse storytelling. Visit his website: ericakimmel.com
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    36 mins
Art Literary History & Criticism
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