The Reader’s Heart | Guest: Jasminne Mendez

In this conversation, Jennifer chats with Pura Belpré honor winning poet Jasminne Mendez, They discuss Jasminne's reader's heart and the power of children's literature. They also delve into the inclusion of chronic illness in Aniana del Mar Jumps In and the importance of poetry in conveying the story. Jasminne talks about the power of storytelling, and her future projects including a YA novel in verse centered around theater and activism. 

Show notes and other information related to this episode (including a discount code from Bookelicioius) can be found here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pura Belpré Win

03:18 Jasminne's Reader's Heart

07:20 Reading with Her Daughter

11:49 The Power of Children's Literature

15:17 Inclusion of Chronic Illness in 'Anayana Del Mar Jumps In'

20:21 The Shame and Complexity of Chronic Illness

25:19 The Importance of Poetry in 'Anayana Del Mar Jumps In'

29:02 Crafting the Novel in Verse

30:41 Upcoming Projects

32:14 Writing and Publishing Process

34:22 The Power of Storytelling

35:23 Future Projects