As an introvert battling depression and bullying, it was easy for Erin Entrada Kelly to feel overlooked by those around her, but she found her place in reading and finding uniquely relatable characters. Not those she shared outward similarities with, but those she was able to empathize with on an emotional level.

Inspired, Erin also began to write her own stories, –something that allowed her to build her own world, her own identity, and provide her with that outlet and sense of control she never felt she had. 

Erin’s admiration for these complex characters and an unrelenting dream of being a writer pushed her into the world of youth literature. Her ability to understand and convey the perspective of vulnerable, unseen children in her writing has found her a closely-bonded, communal audience. 

Erin talks to us today about her favorite books growing up, her path to youth literature, and why she believes kids are not ‘incomplete vessels.’ 

This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Erin Bechdal, a middle and high school librarian at Beaver Area School District in Pennsylvania. She’ll tell us about her go-to author recommendation for students. 

As with all episodes, our author guest creates a unique reading challenge available on Beanstack and at thereadingculturepod.com/erin-entrada-kelly. Listen to the episode to learn more about Erin’s challenge, Here to There.

Chapter 1 - The Unseen Child (2:12)

Chapter 2 - Born Writing (8:34)

Chapter 3 - Hurricane Child (11:01)

Chapter 4 - Short Stories, Long Journey (15:02)

Chapter 5 - Incomplete Vessels (20:42)

Chapter 6 - A 200-person hug (24:24)

Chapter 7 - Out-of-place (and time) (30:57)

Chapter 8 - Here to There (33:16)

Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:15)