Ainara's Bookshelf
The fun new kids' series Ainara's Bookshelf (10 x 11') gives tween viewers the inside scoop on some of the best middle-grade books that feature diverse characters from diverse creators and provides exclusive interviews with several of their award-winning authors. Each episode sees charismatic 13-year-old host Ainara Alleyne (of Instagram fame) review a favorite book from her modern book loft. Then, she takes viewers along as she crosses North America to fan out with some of her favorite writers, chatting with them about their work, creativity, and the importance of representation.
- 2023-2023
- 1 season
- Family
The fun new kids' series Ainara's Bookshelf (10 x 11') gives tween viewers the inside scoop on some of the best middle-grade books that feature diverse characters from diverse creators and provides exclusive interviews with several of their award-winning authors. Each episode sees charismatic 13-year-old host Ainara Alleyne (of Instagram fame) review a favorite book from her modern book loft. Then, she takes viewers along as she crosses North America to fan out with some of her favorite writers, chatting with them about their work, creativity, and the importance of representation.
Season 1 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2023
Episode 1
101: Witchlings
Ainara takes on the book Witchlings, and tells us why it's one of her favourite with its themes of friendship and perseverance . Then, she travels to chat with author Claribel A. Ortega, who gives us a tour of Peekskill, New York
Episode 2
102: Beatrice and Croc Harry
After a deep-dive into Beatrice and Croc Harry, from author Lawrence Hill, Ainara jumps on her bike to meet him deep in the forest to discuss talking animals, wordplay, self-identity, and oatmeal.
Episode 3
103: The Witchboy
Ainara looks into the Witch Boy, one of her favourite comfort reads. Then, she jets off to Los Angeles to meet up with artist and author Molly Knox Ostertag to talk about comics and why it's important to following your true nature.
Episode 4
104: Shuri
Ainara reviews, Shuri by Nic Stone - and now she can't wait to head to the library to get the next book in the series. Kamaia Fairburn joins her- and the two tour all the magical offerings of their local public library.
Episode 5
105: The Barren Grounds
After a synopsis of The Barren Grounds, Ainara travels to visit author David A. Robertson under night sky. He shares his reasons for writing the series and some insight into the Cree folklore that shaped these magical tales.
Episode 6
106: Living with Viola
We're introduced to Living with Viola, a book about a girl learning to tame her anxiety. Then, Ainara travels to visit Rosena in her Toronto studio, where they discuss the themes of the book and Rosena's art.
Episode 7
107: From the Desk of Zoey Washington
Ainara introduces us to the world of Zoe Washington. Ainara then travels to a bakery to frost cupcakes with author Janae Marks while she gives us some more details on the book and drops some hints about the sequel.
Episode 8
108: New Kid
Ainara can't count how many times she's read New Kid, and gives us all the reasons why this graphic novel story is a regular go-to for her. Then, she visits the artist behind the book, Jerry Craft in Connecticut.
Episode 9
109: Miles Morales Spider Man
Ainara gives us a deep-dive into the first novelization of Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds. She then meets up and chats with Spider-Verse co-director, Peter Ramsey about representation in film inside the Dolby Theater.
Episode 10
110: Frizzy
We learn why the book "Frizzy" speaks so loudly to Ainara and how important hair acceptance has been to her. Then, we hear from, Claribel Ortega, author of Frizzy, Lawrence Hill, and Peter Ramsey.