Chalk + Ink: Season 1, Episode 7

Interview with Elementary Librarian, Author and Marathon Runner, Lisa Rogers

Welcome back to Chalk and Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet elementary librarian, author and marathon runner, Lisa Rogers. Lisa is the author of the award-winning 16 Words: William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" and Hound Won't Go. I had such a fun time chatting with her.

In this episode, Lisa talks about the power of reading books aloud, how to pick apart beloved books and apply that knowledge to your own writing and inspiring classroom activities such as debating whether or not banned and challenged books should be included in school libraries.

At the end of the podcast, Lisa and I gush about Christina Soontornvat's A Wish in the Dark. For me, it's always such a rush when I find someone who loves a title as much as I do.

Lisa likes books that create wonder, inspiration and connection. She recommends that every school library should have Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy because it seems simple but it's layered which makes it complex. The book is a celebration of black culture and history. Saturday by Oge Mora is another title everyone should have because it shows how to turn disappointment into something positive and there's a twist in the end. Another title Lisa recommends is Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood. It's a beautiful, poetic book about activism, affirmation and believing in one's self. Finally, Lisa recommends All Thirteen: The Incredible Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat. It's about the cave rescue of thirteen boys in Thailand. It's fascinating and would make an excellent read aloud for grades five and up.

Happy listening!