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Brave New Teaching: A Podcast for High School and Middle School Teachers

AARON H. ACEVES: A Conversation about This is Why They Hate Us [Ep 264]

Thu, 26 Jun 2025

This episode lit us up in the best way. Amanda sat down with Aaron H. Aceves, author of This Is Why They Hate Us, for a heartfelt conversation about identity and the power of honest storytelling. Aaron’s openness about his own journey challenged us to reflect on how we, as educators, can lead with vulnerability and create space for students to do the same. His protagonist, Enrique, is messy, hilarious, and deeply real—and that kind of representation matters more than ever in our classrooms.

Aaron reminded us that books like his are more than stories—they're lifelines for students who need to see themselves in the pages they read. This conversation is a love letter to teachers everywhere, doing the work to bring authentic, diverse voices into their classrooms. We hope it leaves you feeling as inspired as it left us.

Resources:

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More Camp BNT 2025 Episodes:

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode264

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AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 2 [Ep 263]

Thu, 19 Jun 2025

We’re so excited to share part two of our conversation with Aimee Phan, author of The Lost Queen! If you caught part one, you already know how rich and thoughtful this discussion is. In this episode, we dive deeper into how retellings like The Lost Queen can help students see that stories aren’t set in stone—and that they have the freedom to make stories their own. Aimee shares how the creative process can empower young writers to take risks, explore identity, and find their voice.

We also talk about the evolution of Vietnamese American literature, how to pair The Lost Queen with other powerful texts, and the deep impact that simple words of encouragement can have on a student’s life. If you’re looking for book recs, classroom inspiration, or just a reminder of the power of storytelling, this episode is for you.

Resources:

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode263

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

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📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 1 [Ep 262]

Thu, 12 Jun 2025

What if the legendary queens of Vietnamese history were reborn as modern-day teens in California? In this episode, we chat with author and educator Aimee Phan about her brand new YA fantasy novel, The Lost Queen. Aimee shares how her experience growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees—and the absence of Vietnamese stories in the books she read—inspired her to create stories that center Vietnamese culture, history, and identity. From dragons and time travel to reimagined mythology, Aimee takes us behind the scenes of a novel that’s as empowering as it is imaginative.

We also dive into how The Lost Queen can open up powerful classroom conversations. Aimee reflects on why her students connect so deeply with YA and how fantasy can be a tool for exploring identity, agency, and belonging. If you’re looking to bring more diverse and empowering stories into your teaching, this episode (and this book!) is a must.

Resources:

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode262

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

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📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

SAMIRA AHMED: A Conversation About Internment, Part 2 [Ep 261]

Thu, 05 Jun 2025

In part two of our conversation with author Samira Ahmed, we deep dive into the genre of Internment—is it dystopian, speculative, or realistic fiction?—and why that label matters in the classroom. What starts as a conversation about shelving quickly becomes an exploration of how genre influences student thinking, how we can break down subject silos in education, and why teaching through inquiry is more critical than ever. Samira shares insights on the emotional toll of teaching today, the urgency of connecting past and present injustices, and her belief that “teaching is a revolutionary act.” This episode is a reminder of the impact educators have and the power of stories to spark resistance, reflection, and change.

Resources:

Related Episodes:

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode261

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

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📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

SAMIRA AHMED: A Conversation About Internment, Part 1 [Ep 260]

Thu, 29 May 2025

Camp BNT is back for year three, and we’re kicking things off with bestselling author (and former high school English teacher!) Samira Ahmed. In this episode, Samira shares how her time in the classroom shaped her writing, the inspiration behind Internment, and how educators can use essential questions to spark powerful conversations. Plus, get a sneak peek at her upcoming projects—and hear why she’s so passionate about writing for teens. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won’t want to miss!

Resources:

Connect with Samira:

Related Episodes:

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode260

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudy
Check out Curriculum Rehab here!

Support the show

📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

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