Pride & Industry: Ishara Interviews Barbados' Ambassador to the U.S.
A big-questions conversation about culture, country and what it takes to represent a nation.
Watch on YouTube →Now in Season Five ✨
Hi, I'm Ishara — book lover, podcaster, figure skater and future astronaut.
I started this podcast when I was six years old, during the pandemic. I love to read books and found a passion for sharing my perspective with my peers and with the authors who create the stories and worlds kids like me get to dive into.
Since starting, I’ve read A LOT of books, interviewed authors, and shared my thoughts and recommendations directly with the people behind the stories and with an audience that appreciates the art of reading and literature just as much as I do.
And of course, I do it all while balancing school, activities, and everything else I love to do!
“Books unlock your imagination to what is possible now and in a future we create together.”
Featured ✨
Exciting books, events, and adventures on Ishara's radar.
Featured Correspondent Moment
A Special Evening with Debra Lee at the African-American Museum
In 2023 Ishara was invited to Debra Lee's talk at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, asked a question during the program, and attended the book signing afterward.
See more of Ishara's correspondent work →
Featured Article
Publishers Weekly: Seeing the National Book Festival Through a Pre-Teen's Eyes
Cathy Grossman followed me around the 2026 Library of Congress National Book Festival for Publishers Weekly. Read the full story about the festival through my eyes.
Read the article →
Featured Author
Elana K. Arnold reads Bat and the Case of the Yips
Bixby Alexander Tam — nicknamed Bat — is back in the fifth book of this beloved series. Meet Elana K. Arnold at the National Book Festival for a reading that celebrates friendship, autism, and the love of a very special pet skunk.
Featured Book
The Bridge to Bat City by Ernest Cline
Past National Book Festivals have featured unforgettable presentations like Ernest Cline discussing The Bridge to Bat City, a story about a young girl who discovers a secret city of bats under Austin, Texas.
Ishara's Adventures
Ishara Attends for the 4th Year in a Row
Ishara is excited to return to the National Book Festival for her fourth year! Follow along for highlights, photos, and stories from the event — and stay tuned for new podcast episodes inspired by the day.
A Few Things About Me
On the Ice
I’m a competitive figure skater.
Future Astronaut
Math + science + space = YES!
Behind the Mic
Host • Youth Correspondent • Interviewer
Between the Pages
I read it. I think about it. I tell you what I really think.
Out in the World
Book festivals, travel, culture, fashion, science and new adventures.
Giving Back
Kids in Action, cookie sales and helping others;
Latest Podcast Episodes
Interviews, book reviews and kid-reporter adventures.
Ishara Interviews Jerry Craft: From Reluctant Reader to Award-Winning Author
How a kid who didn't love reading grew up to write some of today's most-loved graphic novels.
Watch on YouTube →Exploring "The Source" at the Library of Congress with Kid Reporter Ishara
Kid reporter mode: exploring the world's largest library and the stories kept inside it.
Watch on YouTube →Ishara's Tips for Reading
- Pick books you love — reading is more fun when you choose.
- Read out loud together.
- Visit your library and ask for recommendations.
Support Young Readers
Send us a book — mail one you love or order one online and ship it our way. Every book donated goes to a kid who needs one.
66 books donatedGoal: 100
My Philanthropy 💗
I'm the Madam President of Kids in Action™ — an ambassador program of Pennies in Action, a non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research.
As part of the program, I raise money and awareness through bake sales, my podcast, and other fun activities — turning my love of doing things into support for a cause that matters.
