From Bam! to Burp!: A Carbon Atom’s Never-Ending Journey Through Space and Time and You! by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens (Charlesbridge, 40 pages, grades 1-4). The st…

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In this episode, Melissa Stewart shares how a third grader's question about burping turned into her latest book, From BAM to BURP.

In this episode of the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart. They discuss Stewart's five kinds of nonfiction classification system, its impact on writers, educators, and publishers, and the importance of expository nonfiction. Stewart shares insights on finding the perfect hook for manuscripts, how nonfiction authors connect emotionally with their topics, and how her research process shapes engaging books for young readers. They also spotlight Stewart's new book "From BAM! to BURP," including her initial inspiration during a school visit. 00:00 Welcome to Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations 00:17 Introducing Melissa Stewart and Her Work 01:30 Exploring the Five Kinds of Nonfiction 06:25 Impact on Educators, Librarians, and Publishers 08:56 Addressing Misconceptions About Expository Literature 13:39 Emotional Connection in Nonfiction Writing 18:02 The Importance of a Strong Hook 21:05 Finding the Perfect Hook: A Journey 24:44 Staying Organized as a Prolific Author 27:20 The Phases of Research 28:40 Deciding What Stays and What Goes 31:11 Introducing 'From BAM! to Burp!' 31:47 The Hook and Approach for Complex Topics 33:52 Personifying a Carbon Atom 37:23 Trends in Children's Nonfiction 40:58 Upcoming Book: Monarch and Mourning Cloak 46:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers 46:29 Conclusion and Podcast Outro