Even though she'd already written several books prior, I first became aware of Padma Venkatraman when The Bridge Home came out in 2020. Like so many other readers, I will transfixed by this story of kids surviving on the streets of Chennai - forced to rely on one another when the adults in their lives proved either incapable or unwilling to care for them. Then... in 2022, I had the privilege of moderating panel at that year's NCTE conference that included Padma. What I discovered during our session together was that, just like her books, Padma leads with her giant heart. The reason her books are full of layered and loving characters is because that's who their author is, too. I am so excited for you to hear our conversation and for you to read her latest book, Safe Harbor, which I've already added to my favorite books of the year.
ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Padma Venkatraman is the acclaimed American author of numerous books for young people including Born Behind Bars, The Bridge Home and Safe Harbor, among others. Her books have won numerous honors and awards (e.g. WNDB Walter Dean Myers Award, Golden Kite Award, South Asia Book Award, ALA Notable etc). She has a doctorate in oceanography and has spent time underwater, on ships where she was the only BIPOC female and the chief scientist, served as diversity director, and teacher. She was born in India, has lived on 5 different continents, and now calls Rhode Island home.
Before becoming an American author, Dr. Venkatraman spent time under the ocean and in rainforests, served as chief scientist on oceanographic research vessels where she was the only BIPOC female, and also worked as a teacher at a school in the UK and later as diversity director and lecturer at a graduate school in the United States. When she’s not writing, she loves speaking to others about her love for books and her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion and has presented keynote addresses, conducted writing workshops and attended festivals and conferences around the world.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Note: episode transcripts are generated by AI and are likely imperfect. Still, I hope you find them useful.
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!
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman
Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman
Connect with Padma
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!
