In this episode, Chrystal D Giles joins Jennifer LaGarde to discuss the power of children's literature to shape readers' hearts and provide guidance in navigating the world. Chrystal shares her experiences as a young reader and how she now gravitates towards contemporary realistic fiction that tackles social and cultural topics. They also discuss Chrystal's book, Not An Easy Win, which follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy named Lawrence as he learns to play chess and navigates complex emotions and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and the impact of books in helping children understand and process their own experiences. They also explore the role of technology and the value of finding healthy alternatives, as well as the significance of strong grandparent characters in children's literature. Chrystal shares her upcoming projects and the joy she finds in school visits and connecting with young readers. Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicious) can be found here. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reader's Heart 03:02 Not An Easy Win 06:02 Representation and Shame 09:31 Technology and Healthy Alternatives 13:18 Grandma's Role 21:00 Future Projects 25:10 School Visits and Impact 27:31 Conclusion

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