
What Gives Alexandra Villasante Hope
27/12/2025 | 4min
Alexandra Villasante, author of Fireblooms (Nancy Paulsen Books), shares what is giving her hope today: stopping and looking in community. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Alexandra Villasante online at alexandravillasante.com Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Strength and History with Stacy Wells
23/12/2025 | 26min
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), co-authored by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, joins Matthew to talk about never giving up because those that came before us never gave up. Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.

What Gives Torrey Maldonado Hope
20/12/2025 | 4min
Torrey Maldonado, author of Just Right (Nancy Paulsen Books), illustrated by Teresa Martínez, shares what is giving him hope today: teaching kids how to find a just right book for them. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Torrey Maldonado online at torreymaldonado.com Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.

Writers are Listeners with Nikki Grimes
16/12/2025 | 32min
Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), joins Matthew to talk about creating an entryway to discussion. Visit Nikki Grimes online at nikkigrimes.com Other helpful links: Nikki Grimes at the Highlights Foundation Nikki Grimes Scholarship - Honoring the contributions of Nikki Grimes to the field of children's literature through her advocacy and writing. This scholarship celebrates Black and Afro-Indigenous female writers and poets. The Nikki Grimes Cottage at the Highlights Foundation - New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is a long-time friend of this organization and our community. This cabin honors her, and features some of her awards and copies of most of her published work. The Nikki Grimes Scholarship at the Highlights Foundation supports Black and Afro-Indigenous Women Writers and Poets. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. And read on.

What Gives Stacy Wells Hope
13/12/2025 | 3min
Stacy Wells, co-author of Stronger Than (Heartdrum), with co-author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, shares what is giving her hope today: people out in the world who are doing good things. This is a new miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends from the kidlit community to share what is giving them hope today. Learn more about the Highlights Foundation and their upcoming programs by visiting www.highlightsfoundation.org. Visit Stacy Wells online at stacywellswrites.com Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). Our music is by Podington Bear. Podcast hosting by Libsyn. You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes. Be well. Read on. And don't lose hope.



The Children's Book Podcast