Episode 42 Show Notes In this episode of Booklist’s Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to librarian and horror expert Becky Spratford about the forthcoming collection of essays she edited, Why I Love Horror, what Mary Shelley might think about the current trend of monster romance, and, of course, why she loves horror. Then Booklist’s Audio Editor Heather Booth presents an epic rant against AI-narrated audiobooks, and Susan and Booklist Senior Editor, Adult Books Annie Bostrom chat...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min
It’s time for Summer Scares, and the popular horror-reading program is in fine form again. Shelf Care host Susan Maguire spoke to librarian Becky Spratford, author Kendare Blake, and Booklist’s Julia Smith about this year’s selections for adult, teen, and middle-grade readers; transgressive horror; and Hellmouth Pokémon, as you do. She also spoke to Jocelyn Codner and Carina Stopenski, both of the Horror Writers Association’s Library Advisory Council, about the Summer Scares program guide, why l...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 14 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to Katie Clausen, a Chicagoland children’s librarian, about what it’s like to be on the front lines of a book banning, who offers some tips and suggested language for dealing with a challenge. Then, on a lighter note, Susan talks to Audio Editor Heather Booth about what she’s been reading (and listening to) and loving lately. Here's what we talked about: Interview with Kelly Jensen in Episode 22 Foundations of Intellectual Free...
Jan 23, 2025•54 min
It’s that time of the year again, when the Booklist editors gather ‘round the proverbial fire and share some of their favorite reads of the year. Covering everything from our Top of the List titles to personal faves, this episode has a little something for every reader. Here’s what we talked about: Donna: We Loved It All: A Memory of Life. By Lydia Millet. (Adult Nonfiction Top of the List) The Morningside. By Téa Obreht. Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar. My Black Country: A Journey through Country Music’...
Dec 03, 2024•46 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to two of her Friends, the co-chairs of the annual book sale at her local branch library. They talk about being picky about donations, pricing, layout, and the treasures they found at the sale. Then, Susan chats with new Books for Youth Associate Editor Kelly Ferreira about what they’ve been reading and loving lately. Here’s what we talked about: 85 Days: The Last Campaign of Robert Kennedy, by Jules Witcover Lessons in Chemist...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min
Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors talk to book people. This Shelf Care interview is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. In this episode of Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talked to Carole Boston Weatherford about her forthcoming picture book, The Doll Test: Choosing Equality, which will be out in November. You can listen to this interview here. Carole Boston Weatherford is the author of numerous award-winning b...
Oct 08, 2024•17 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire spoke to Allison Escoto of the Center for Fiction about book groups, being a solo librarian, and getting the opportunity to read nonfiction for the Carnegie Awards. Then, Audio Editor Heather Booth chats with librarian and author Van Hoang about the walking audiobook club she runs at her library. Finally, Susan and Adult Books Editor Donna Seaman talk about her forthcoming book, River of Books: A Life in Reading as well as what she’s...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 18 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, we’ve got lots and lots of reading suggestions. First, host Susan Maguire is joined by Rebecca Vnuk, Executive Director, LibraryReads, for a mini-Read ‘n’ Rave, a version of the hit program that Booklist and LibraryReads host at ALA Annual. Then, Audio Editor Heather Booth talks to her daughter Julia about how libraries can help teens find good audiobooks. Finally, Susan and Sarah Hunter, Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels, sat down to share a ...
Jul 29, 2024•54 min
Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors get to talk to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Dreamscape Media. In this episode of the Shelf Care interview, Heather Booth talks with the creative team behind Rifts and Refrains, the audio-first production from Dreamscape Media's Dreamscape First Initiative. Rifts and Refrains is by Tiye with a shared narration by Benjamin Charles and iiKane. Tiye is a USA To...
Jul 16, 2024•26 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire sat down with Johanna Boyle and Marie Mulder from the Kent District Library in Michigan about the necessary work of the diversity audit, and what to do once the audit is done (hint: it involves spreadsheets). Then Audio Editor Heather Booth offers some solid suggestions for promoting your audiobook collection. Finally (oh, finally), Susan and Senior Editor, Books for Youth Maggie Reagan sat down for one last conversation about what M...
May 27, 2024•40 min
This episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast is all about Summer Scares! The reading program, a collaboration between Booklist, the Horror Writers Association, United for Libraries, Book Riot, and NoveList, announced their title picks in February. Host Susan Maguire sat down with the folks behind Summer Scares to talk about the books they want you to read this summer, different levels of scariness, and the importance of snacks for patron engagement. Here’s what we talked about: This Thing between Us,...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors get to talk to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. In this episode of Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks with Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, whose new book, TOUCH THE SKY, goes on sale in May. Stephanie writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Her work includes THE END OF SOMETHING...
Feb 20, 2024•9 min
Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional podcast series in which Booklist editors get to talk to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Capstone. In this episode of Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks with Patricia Kreiser about her debut picture book Always Together, which came out in January. Patricia Kreiser is an author and illustrator and proud mom who absolutely loves creating picture stories. Some of her earliest and best childhood mem...
Feb 06, 2024•18 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to Stephanie Sendaula, librarian and memoir enthusiast, about what’s so great about memoirs and what makes a great author visit. Then Audio Editor Heather Booth shares some upcoming awards and lists that those who do collection development and listeners’ advisory will want to know about. Finally, Susan and Annie Bostrom, Senior Editor, Adult Books, chat about what they’re reading and loving. Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy...
Jan 29, 2024•35 min
It’s December, and that means…Editors’ Choice! Booklist’s full list of our Editors’ Choice titles can be found in our December issue, but on this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, the Booklist editors share some standouts from the already stand-out list. Here’s what everyone talked about: Donna Seaman: Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon, by Melissa L. Sevigny (Top of the List, Adult Nonfiction) The Apartment, by Ana Menéndez (Top of th...
Dec 18, 2023•46 min
On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire sits down with librarian Nanette Donohue to talk about all aspects of collecting craft books. Then, Audio Editor Heather Booth chats with librarian Emily Borsa about the appeal of the celebrity memoir, whether read by the author or not. Finally, Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels Sarah Hunter joins Susan to shout about a few books she’s been reading and loving lately. (She doesn’t really shout.) Here’s what we talked about: E...
Nov 28, 2023•44 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series in which Booklist talks with book people! This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Yen Press. BonHyung Jeong (Bon) studied Cartooning at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her debut graphic novel was Kyle's Little Sister, made possible with the help of numerous people. She hopes to make connections with others through relatable stories. Currently living in Korea, she's always busy playing console games - exactly like Gra...
Nov 21, 2023•14 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series in which Booklist talks with book people! This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Capstone Young Readers. Saadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American writer, interfaith activist, and cultural sensitivity trainer featured in O the Oprah Magazine. Author of the Yasmin Chapter book series, Saadia also writes middle grade novels such as YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO, and other books for children. Saadia is Editor-in-Chief of Blue Minaret...
Nov 07, 2023•13 min
Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care interview, an occasional podcast where Booklist editors get to talk with authors and artists about their books. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. In this episode, Julia Smith talks to author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson about her new picture book, SMALL SHOES, GREAT STRIDES: HOW THREE BRAVE GIRLS OPENED DOORS TO SCHOOL EQUALITY, which is available from Carolrhoda Books on November 7, 2023. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson credits ...
Oct 17, 2023•14 min
Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care interview, an occasional podcast where Booklist editors get to talk with authors and artists about their books. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by IDW. In this episode, Sarah Hunter talks to co-authors Jackson Lanzig and Collin Kelly about their comic series Star Trek: the first volume, God Shock, came out in July, and the second, The Red Path, will release in November. Screenwriters and comic book creators Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzig h...
Oct 03, 2023•18 min
In this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, host Susan Maguire talks to four people addressing banned books in different ways: Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues from NBC Chicago Today’s Banned Book Club; Amanda ReCupido, Vice President of the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation and chair of the committee for their freedom to read fundraising gala; and Adult Books Editor Donna Seaman, who shares a Booklist feature about censorship as well as a few books she’s been loving recently. Banned Books ...
Sep 25, 2023•51 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Random House Children's Books. In this episode, Heather Booth talks with author DK Dyson and illustrator Rudy Gutierrez. DK Dyson is a vocalist and composer who has devoted herself to community wellness and empowerment through her global performances, workshops, and seminars. She is also a yoga instructor who specializes in training survivors of as...
Sep 19, 2023•22 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Capstone. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks to author-illustrator Rachel Werner. Rachel Werner is the founder of The Little Book Project WI, a bi-annual community arts and nonprofit printmaking collaboration. Her literary writing and craft essays have been published by Off Menu Press, Digging Through The Fat and Voyage...
Sep 05, 2023•18 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Penguin Young Readers. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks to author-artist Pedro Martín. Pedro Martín is a former Hallmark artist of 27 years, and the creator of Asteroid, Andy. He chronicles his life growing up Mexican American online in a series called MEXIKID, which is the basis of the book we'll be gushing over toda...
Aug 15, 2023•17 min
In keeping with our annual post-Annual tradition, Susan invited LibraryReads Executive Director Rebecca Vnuk on to participate in a mini Read ‘n’ Rave, in which they shout and generally make positive noises about some forthcoming books that your patrons will want to know about. Then, Audio Editor Heather Booth talks to audiobook narrator Erin Bennett about what the SAG-AFTRA strike means for them. Finally, Adult Books Senior Editor Annie Bostrom chats with Susan about what she’s reading and lovi...
Jul 31, 2023•53 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Holiday House. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Ronny Khuri talks to Kate Glasheen, the author and artist of CONSTELLATIONS. Kate Glasheen was born and raised in Troy, New York, and lived there until their departure for Pratt Institute for a BFA in Fine Art. Kate has since been a creator, artist, and contributor for several critically a...
Jul 18, 2023•23 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Random House Children’s Books. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks to Sarah Sax, the author and artist of PICTURE DAY. Sarah Sax is an illustrator and comic artist based in Portland, Maine. She studied illustration, animation, and storytelling at Hampshire College and has a background in arts education. Sarah cares deepl...
Jun 06, 2023•14 min
This episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast is all about Summer Scares. First, host Susan Maguire talks to Summer Scares committee member Konrad Stump and librarian Rebecca Leannah (from the Racine, WI Public Library) about what kinds of programming they do around Summer Scares, what to tell patrons who think horror is not for them, the Wisconsin version of Tiger King. Then, Susan gets the skinny on the selections for this years’ readers, first from author spokesperson Daniel Kraus and Summer Scares...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks to Paul Gilligan, the author and artist of PLUTO ROCKET: NEW IN TOWN. Paul Gilligan writes and draws the syndicated comic strip Pooch Cafe with Andrews McMeel, which runs in over 250 newspapers around the world and has been twice nominated by the National C...
May 16, 2023•14 min
Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Sarah Hunter talks to Jessixa and Aaron Bagley, the author and artist of DUEL. Jessixa Bagley is a children's book author and illustrator with a background in fine arts and comics whose work appears in such publications as New American Paintings, Highlights Mag...
May 02, 2023•24 min
