Bookmarked Podcast: Recent Episodes
Benton High School Podcast Team
This is the Benton High School Book Club‘s literary podcast. It will cover literary topics discussed by the book club and podcast team.
This is our first episode in a new series called Story Novella. In this series we will be interviewing a different BHS faculty or staff member each week to share a unique story from their lives. Stories are the backbone of our podcast. We think the tradition of oral story telling is one of the most important and unique forms of literature in our culture. It is our hope to share this importance with you! In this episode we interviewed Mrs. Jamie Carden. She will be sharing her experience working with members of the armed forces before she became a teacher.
Join Helen this week as she reads the first chapter of the middle level book, Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper. The novel explores the life and world of 11 year old Melanie who has severe cerebral palsy. Although she cannot walk or talk, Melanie is very intelligent with a photographic memory. She is often dismissed by her classmates who do not take the time to know her due to her inability to communicate with them. However, Melanie refuses to be defined by her disability. If you like what year, check it out on SORA/Libby or at your local library.
Join Alicia and Julie as they discuss their thoughts on The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. This novel is the first book in the Folk of the Air series. If you like what you hear, stop by and check it out from the library or find it on SORA!
Listen to our latest First Chapter Friday episode read by Mrs. Kyzer! In this episode she reads the first chapter of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson. If you've recently read Dance of Thieves, then you'll love this first book in the Remnant Chronicles! It is an older YA fantasy novel, but definitely a good one! Come by the library and check it out, if you like what you hear!
Join Julie today as she reads the first chapter of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert. This novel is a young adult fantasy story set in a fantasy world called the Hinterland. The main character, Alice, is the grand daughter of a fantasy writer. Her grandmother lives on a suspicious estate called The Hazel Wood where she wrote stores about the Hinterland. Upon her grandmother's death, Alice's mother disappears. She was kidnapped by a figure from the Hinterland. To retrieve her mother, she must ally herself with one of her grandmother's Hinterland super fans. As with most classical fairy tales, things are not what they seem! If you like what you hear, stop by the library to check out the book. You can also find it on the SORA app!
Join Alicia and Natalie in this episode as they take a critical look into the popular romcom, Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter. This episode does contain spoilers so listen at your own risk! Stop by the library or access it on SORA, if you want to read it for yourself.
Have you been wondering what all the hype is about the The Cruel Prince? Well, wait no longer! Have a listen to the prologue read by Alicia and get caught up in one of the best YA fantasy series about the Fae! If you like what you hear, come by the BHS library or check it out on SORA!
In this episode Helen reads the first chapter of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. This novel is a murder mystery that follows main character Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she tries to solve a five year old cold murder case that occurred in her small town. Pippa chooses the murder case as a topic for a school project, but she soon learns that someone in town wants the secrets to stay buried with the dead.
Taken from Goodreads synopsis at goodreads.com.
In this episode Emersyn and Lulu provide commentary on their reading of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. A dystopian/science fiction novel, Shatter Me, follows teenage main character, Juliette, who has a supernatural ability to drain the life from anyone she touches. As the story opens, we know that Juliette has been locked away in an asylum for 264 days due to an incident that occurred when she touched a young boy. As the story progresses, we learn more about the dystopian society in which Juliette lives and how she fits into the agenda of the ruling Reestablishment group.
Have a listen to our latest First Chapter Friday episode over Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi! If you like what you hear, find it at your closest school or local library!
Are y'all as excited about the upcoming release of the movie, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, as we are? Today we are dropping a First Chapter Friday episode where Connor will read the first chapter of the book for you. We hope you like what you hear and go to your local public or school library to check it out today! Stay tuned to listen to a future episode where Connor and Natalie will compare and contrast the movie and book!
Have a listen to our latest episode from our 2023 Graduating Seniors: Abby, Addison, Ally, and Austin. In this episode they discuss their favorite books and give advice for the underclassmen on the podcast team.
In this episode, Addison and Ally examine the popular title The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. In typical Jenny Han fashion, this is a romance novel centered around main character, Belly Conklin, who lives and measures her life by her summer experiences with her mom's best friend and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah at their Cousins Beach home. During the particular summer in which the book is set, Belly comes of age and begins to experience young adulthood. She begins to be noticed by the guys as she "becomes pretty." This is the first book in a trilogy about Belly's experiences growing into an adult and her relationships with her family and her mom's best friend's family. It is a great read! If you enjoy the episode, come by the library and check out the book.
Have a listen to our latest episode by Ryan and Vincent on Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo! Shadow and Bone is a young adult fantasy novel set in the fictional realm of Ravka. The main character, Alina Starkov, must battle against evil by using her magical powers to help battle the fold where monsters roam the darkness and feast on humans. If you like what you hear, come check out the novel from our library!
Join us in listening to this episode in which Abby reads the first chapter of Fire from the Rock by Sharon M. Draper. Fire from the Rock is a novel loosely based on the events that occurred at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in the 1950s. If you like our reading of the first chapter, stop by the library media center to check out a copy of the novel or borrow it from the SORA app!
Join us for Abby and Rebeka's take on this enduring classic by Stephenie Meyer. Although you've most likely read the book or watched the movie by now, it's still a good one to re-read! As an epic romance, it would make for a great Valentine's Day read!
In this episode Natalie and Connor discuss The Long Walkby Stephen King. Originally published under the pseudonym, Richard Bachman, the novel is a dystopian/horror novel written by one of the best horror authors in modern history. The story follows sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty as he begins a national contest in a dystopian America known as The Long Walk. In this contest 100 participants must begin walking 4 miles per hour until the last man is standing. They cannot receive any outside assistance or slow down. Connor and Natalie will discuss the book and the dark conditions of the contest. As you can imagine, in true "Stephen King" style, there are twisted situations and issues the participants must go through until the bitter end of the story.
Have a listen to this episode to hear Austin read the classic Christmas short story, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore.
Join us in this episode as Rebeka reads the classic Christmas fairy tale, The Elves by the Brothers Grimm.
Have a listen as Rebeka reads the first chapter of the Michael Printz award winning novel, The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley. The novel is a young adult mystery/thriller book set in the town of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan near the Ojibwe reservation. Main character, Daunis Fontaine, is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and the product of a scandal. The story centers around her undercover involvement in a murder investigation after she witnesses the shocking murder of her best friend. Throughout the story, Daunis must come to terms with the secrets and lies she has been told by those closest to her. If you like what you hear, stop by the library media center and check it out!
Join us today in this episode as Abby and Austin discuss Not Hungry by Kate Karyus Quinn. Not Hungry is a YA novel by author Kate Karyus Quinn. The novel centers on main character, June, who is an overweight teen. June has an eating disorder, but no one notices because she is overweight. Her secret is safe until her new neighbor discovers what she is hiding, but he has a secret, too! Listen to Abby and Austin's take on this different take of eating disorders among teens.
Today we will listen to Abby read the first chapter of Matched by Ally Condie. Matched is a young adult dystopian novel set in a society where young adults are matched to their "perfect" mate. The novel follows Cassia as she tries to decide which mate to pick: Xander, her best friend or Ky, someone she barely knows. Cassia is faced with this dilemma due to a glitch in the system that allowed two names to appear on her matched screen. Who will she choose? Have a listen with us as Abby reads the first chapter. Then, decide if it's worth your time! Come by the library or check out SORA to read this novel.
Our book club recently read The Diviners by Libba Bray for our October read. It makes the perfect Halloween read with its supernatural themes! Have a listen to this episode by Abby and Rebeka who discuss how they felt about the book!
In this episode, Abby and Austin, dive into a discussion of the book The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephe Chbosky. We read and discussed this book in our book club during the 2021-2022 school year. The book is a refreshing view of high school through the lens of a male underclassman. Trigger warning: This book does lightly touch upon the theme of sexual abuse. This episode is not appropriate for young listeners.
In recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we are sharing this episode by Rebeka and Mrs. Zaunbrecher over Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It's an older book, but definitely still relevant to our society today. With heavy themes of suicide, rape, and bullying, we do caution listeners who may be listening around younger children. The book sheds light on many issues teenagers deal with in our fast paced and technologically advanced society. It is a timely read for the month of September and bringing awareness to suicide prevention.
In today's episode, Austin and Owen will discuss the first book in the Zodiac Legacy, Convergence, by Stan Lee. The Zodiac Legacy follows the experiences of Steven Lee, a Chinese American teen who begins an action packed adventure when 12 magical superpowers are unleashed on the world. To learn more about this series, listen as Austin and Owen discuss the plot and their thoughts on Lee's work.
In this episode, Mrs. Kyzer the library media specialist at BHS, reads the first chapter from Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. The novel is a young adult science fiction story set in the year 2380. It follows protagonist, Tyler Jones who is the star cadet from the current graduating class of Aurora Academy. On the eve of the long awaited draft, Tyler's restlessness keeps him from sleeping, and he goes out on an unnecessary flight in space to calm his mind. What he encounters on this flight changes his future and plans to recruit the squad of his dreams. Instead he is stuck with a misfit collection of cadets and a girl who has been trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries! Have a listen to the first chapter and hear how Tyler's late night escapade will change the future of the entire galaxy!
In this episode, Austin interviews Sarah Goodman, author of the YA novel Eventide. This episode and book are special to us as Ms. Goodman is an Arkansas native. Eventide is an historical fiction novel set in Wheeler, Arkansas, a small Ozark town in Northwest, Arkansas. The novel is also part fantasy with a haunted forest and evil granny witch character. You won't be disappointed in this page turner read! Spoiler ALERT: Austin and Ms. Goodman do discuss most of the novel. Listen at your own risk, if you have not read the book.
In this episode, Rebeka and Alondra will be discussing their views on the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Many of you might have seen the movie recently in theaters, but as usual the book is different! Have a listen to Rebeka and Alondra to see if you should give the book a read. Warning: This episode may not be suitable for young listeners. PG-13
We're finally back! Sorry for the hiatus!
For this week's episode, Rebeka and Alondra will be discussing The Murder Game by Carrie Doyle. This YA thriller and murder mystery is hard to put down! It keeps you guessing right to the end of the story. Have a listen to hear Rebeka and Alondra's take on things!
Join Brin and Joseph as they discuss this romance novel set in Arkansas during the Civil War time period. The novel has a western feel to it due to the setting. It is the first book in a series.
Join Abby and Rebeka as they discuss Stolen Into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup, Free Black Man and Run: Book One. A nice parallel is made between how African Americans were treated during the slavery period and later during the Civil Rights movement. Run: Book One is an awesome graphic novel written in part by the late U.S. Senator, John Lewis. It gives the reader a unique behind the scenes look at the work involved during the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. Both books are currently available for check out in the BHS Library Media Center and for digital checkout via the SORA app from the Saline County Library.
In this episode, Mrs. Kyzer, the library media specialist at BHS, reads the first chapter from Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe. This novel is a romantic comedy set in modern day New York City. It centers on two black teenagers who attend the prestigious FATE Academy. Both have aspirations that lead them to work together to hustle those around them. What starts out as a reluctant collaboration turns into much more as the novel progresses. Have a listen to the first chapter and stop by your local library to check out the book, if you like what you hear!
In this episode, Mrs. Kyzer continues the First Chapter Friday episodes by reading the first chapter in a book titled, Monday's Not Coming, by Tiffany D. Jackson. The book is a thriller set in an urban setting. The book deals with themes of race, class differences, foster care, and abuse/neglect. It is currently on display in the library media center's Black History Month display for African American authors. Have a listen to the first chapter to see if you want to read more!
Join us as Abby and Rebeka discuss their thoughts on the The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. Spoiler Alert!
Join Austin and Brin as they discuss their thoughts on a a classic Christmas story. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was written by Barbara Robinson in 1972. If you've never read it before, you're in for a treat! It's definitely not your traditional, mushy, and happily ever after Christmas story!
Join Mrs. Kyzer as she reads the first chapter of A Heart in a Body in a World by Deb Caletti. This novel is a raw and beautiful read about the affects of trauma on human beings. It is realistic story that highlights teen violence, gender roles, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Check it out from the BHS Library Media Center or on the Sora app at www.soraapp.com.
In this episode Abby and Rebeka discuss the classic Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. You will take a deeper look at the meaning behind Ebenezer Scrooge's growth and redemption through the story, as well as how it compares to several of the film adaptations.
Our second First Chapter Friday episode is from the science fiction novel, Dune. Join Mrs. Kyzer as she reads the first chapter of this classic novel, which is currently a popular major motion picture.
Dune is the story of Paul Atreides, a young boy who would become known as Muad'Dib and the hero of the story. In the novel, Paul finds himself on an adventure that will lead him to a destiny of becoming the savior of the future and his family.
Join Joseph and Mrs. Nix, our AP US History teacher, as they discuss the differences between how Thanksgiving is portrayed in literature verses how the very first Thanksgiving took place in the earliest days of our history as country.
Join Mrs. Kyzer as she begins a new series called, First Chapter Fridays. In this series, she will read the first chapter from a current and/or popular book each Friday. This episode highlights The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
In this novel, the main character inherits 42.6 billion dollars from a man named Tobias Hawthorne. She is not related to this man and has been given this money over his family members! You'll have to read the book to find out why!
Join Austin and Jaden as they further discuss the Harry Potter series in their commentary on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Join us as Austin and Jaden take a dive into the first book in the epic Harry Potter series. Relive some of the more intriguing moments of the book through their lively commentary.
Join Austin and Rebeka as they discuss the differences and similarities between the Grimm's version of Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel and the modern versions we all know and love!
In this episode, Rebeka and Jaden discuss the differences between Grimm's Fairy Tales and the Disney versions we all know and love!
Welcome to Bookmarked! In this episode we describe our podcast purpose and introduce you to our podcast team members.