I've loved every episode of The Reader's Heart, but those I get to record with my friends are among my favorites. It's such a joyful thing to press record and chat with people that I genuinely love. Elly Swartz is one of those people. If you've read any of Elly's books, then you already know her heart. The care and concern that Elly feels for young people, their mental health and self worth shine on the pages of each book she writes. In this conversation, we chat about the radical and healing act of forgiveness, how middle grade readers are the very best readers and how Elly tries to write books to help those very readers find ways to use their voices to ask big questions, advocate for themselves and make the world better. I loved our conversation so much and I hope you do, too.
ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Elly Swartz is the award-winning author of six middle grade novels: Finding Perfect, Smart Cookie, Give and Take, Dear Student, Hidden Truths, and Same Page (coming January 2025). Swartz’s books reflect her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and neurodiversity. Her debut novel, Finding Perfect, was named one of the Best Children’s Books About Mental Health by the Child Mind Institute, Dear Student was recommended by Parents Magazine, and Hidden Truths has received starred reviews from Kirkus and from School Library Journal, is a Kirkus Best Books of 2023, an Amazon Best Book for November, an Amazon Editors’ pick, The Week Junior Book Club pick, a Project LIT Book Club selection, and a winner of a 2023 Nerdy for Middle Grade Fiction.
Swartz travels the country meeting with thousands of students each year to empower their own personal narrative
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
RESOURCES & LINKS
Please enjoy a special discount of 20% off the titles mentioned in this episode (or others of your choice) by visiting Bookelicious and using the code JENNIFERLAGARDE. Note: I do not make any money from the sales, but I am delighted that you get to save some!
Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz
Dear Student by Elly Swartz
Give and Take by Elly Swartz
Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz
Connect with Elly
MORE ABOUT THE READER’S HEART
Rooted in the belief that our world needs the magic of children’s literature now more than ever, the Reader’s Heart podcast captures conversations with authors and illustrators about children's literature as a vehicle for empathy and joy in a dark world. I'm so excited about this project and it's my wish that it brings you as much light and hope as it has brought me.
Special thanks to Corinna Luyken for creating the beautiful illustration that will serve as the show's logo. I've always found Corinna's art so moving and she perfectly captured the spirit of what I am trying to do, which is to put warmth and love into the world during a time when so many are working to limit kids' access to the warmth and love inherent in children's literature. (Also, don't forget, you can use the discount above to buy Corinna's books from Bookelicious, too!)
Weekly episodes will drop on Tuesdays. Once you've had a chance to listen, I hope you will consider leaving The Reader's Heart a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! Podcast reviews are one of the best ways to support your favorite shows and help others find these conversations.
WHERE TO LISTEN:
Wherever you listen to podcasts!
