In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, publicist Mel Schuit takes over hosting duties to interview Bianca Schulze about her revised edition of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up. They discuss the evolution of children's literature over the past nine years, why Bianca switched out 30% of the original titles, her journey from non-reader to reading advocate, and how she curates books that prioritize joy and representation for young readers.
Transcription: You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review (coming soon)
Highlights:
- The 30% Switch: How the children's book landscape evolved between 2016 and 2025, leading to more diverse voices, illustrated chapter books, and graphic novels in the revised edition
- From 101 to 500+: Each featured book includes four additional "what to read next" recommendations, creating a comprehensive reading roadmap
- Reading Revolution: The push for diverse books starting around 2015-2016 and how publishers have responded to the call for representation
- Non-Reader Origins: Bianca's surprising admission that she wasn't a childhood reader, finding her love of books only in her twenties through trusted recommendations
- Joy as a Guiding Principle: How the focus has shifted from just telling important stories to celebrating joy across different backgrounds and experiences
- Bridging the Gap: The rise of illustrated chapter books that help kids transition from picture books to novels without losing reluctant readers
- Creative Beginnings: From making Barbie houses out of Golden Books to a third-grade tooth-shaped writing assignment that sparked her love of storytelling
Notable Quotes:
"Reading for joy and reading for pleasure—when you do that, you become a wiser person. You are more empathetic." —Bianca Schulze
"We can't ever change what's happened to us. We can't alter the past or control what's coming around the next corner, but we can choose how we live now." —Dr. Edith Eva Eger, from The Ballerina of Auschwitz
"Be kind, be brave, and make good choices. Remember the struggles of those who came before you. Always dream of the fantastical future ahead of you... Live your life like an epic adventure." —From Bianca's author's note
Books Mentioned:
- 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) by Bianca Schulze: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith Eva Eger: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Animalia by Graeme Base: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- Where's Waldo? series: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Amazon or Bookshop.org
- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park: Amazon or Bookshop.org
About Bianca Schulze: Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children's Book Review and host of The Growing Readers Podcast. A former bookseller turned author, she has published eight books and has been championing children's literature for over 16 years. As a mother of three and passionate literacy advocate, she believes in the transformative power of reading for joy.
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