#54 | The Importance of Inclusive Literature: LGBTQ Representation & Empathy Guidance for Parents
Heather is joined by Greg Howard, an author that writes novels aimed at middle-grade students. What is fantastic about Greg’s books is that he taps into stories about marginalized youth, specifically LGBTQ+. Listen as they talk about Greg’s books, his motivation, the effects his books have had on readers, and the importance of having representation for the often forgotten middle-grade readers.
Greg Howard’s Books
The Visitors - https://amzn.to/3tTzxtz
The Whispers - https://amzn.to/3nSqiG4
Middle School’s A Drag - https://amzn.to/3nTRS5Z
About our Guest:
Greg Howard was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry where his love of stories blossomed at a young age. Originally set on becoming a songwriter, Greg followed that dream to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent years producing the music of others before eventually returning to his childhood passion of writing stories. Greg writes about LGBTQ characters and issues as his focus is writing the kind of books he wishes he’d had access to as a gay kid growing up in the South. He currently resides in Nashville with his three rescued fur babies--Molly, Toby, and Riley. Greg’s latest middle-grade offering, The Visitors, will be published by Putnam/Penguin on February 1, 2022.
www.instagram.com/greghowardbooks
https://twitter.com/greghowardbooks
https://www.goodreads.com/greghowardauthor
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.
If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.
Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.
More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.
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