Two Lit Mamas: Recent Episodes
First Circle Press
A KidLit Podcast for Parents, Teachers and Writers created by two mommy blogger friends who discuss upper and lower middle grade books, children's books, chapter books, and picture books, as well as, topics such as parenting, homeschool, writing, teaching, cooking, holidays, and more.
The Mamas discuss ghost stories in honor of Summerween. If you’ve never heard of Summerween, don’t worry, the Mamas hadn’t either. In this episode, they share what they learned about the new-ish genre along with middle grade recs for spooky summer reading lists.
Book Chat:
Ghoul Summer by Tracy Badua
The Polter-Ghost Problem by Betsy Uhrig
The Haunting of Walker Pond by Nancy Tandon
It Came from the Trees by Ally Russell
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas chat about grown up books in the latest episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast. They chose murdery cozies perfect for the summer reading lists of their favorite parents and teachers. So, if you spend too much time watching shady neighbors from your window or would love to tour a creepy library after dark, then the Mamas have books for you.
Book Chat:
A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen
The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are manifesting summer with two new Middle Grade books that will inspire parents and teachers during break. Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or a science geek or both, the Mamas have adventure stories that will keep your kiddos entertained.
Book Chat:
- Wilderness Hacks by Joslin Brorsen
- Found Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are bringing the mayhem with ghosts, goddesses and general goofiness in newish Middle Grade and YA books. The Mamas may be in their crone era but they can still vibe with the best.
Book Chat:
- X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie. (ages 8-12)
- Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno (ages 13 & up)
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas discuss Middle Grade books set in hauntingly realistic dystopian worlds, but don't worry, the kids are okay. In fact, they work together to save themselves and expose the bade guys, a powerful lesson for us all.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
- Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland, translated by Rose Hedger
- Away by Megan Freeman, a companion to Alone
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas have hearts in their eyes for lovable monsters this week. Bigfoot, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Medusa receive much needed empathy and rollicking adventures in the Mama’s middle grade and young adult reads. Ditch your pitchforks, folks, and listen in.
Book Chat:
Stitch by Padraig Kenny (MG)
The Mighty by Judd Winick (MG Graphic Novel)
I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (YA/Adult)
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are a little cranky but they pull it together to bring you one fantastic Middle Grade series, one middle of the road cozy murder mystery, and one skip-it fantasy series in honor of Middle Grade March. They were slightly disappointed with some of their picks but you won’t be disappointed with the delivery. As usual, the episode is a rollicking coffee talk with your besties.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
- Last Resort, the Claiming by Jasmine Warga
- Liar’s Society series by Alyson Gerber
- Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Sounders
www.twolitmamas.com
For Margie March, the Mamas planned to read weird books in Margie’s honor, but they failed the assignment. Instead, the Mamas discuss two beautiful Young Adult books so gorgeous you’ll want the hardcovers, and one slightly weird grown up book that wouldn't scare your grandmother.
Book Chat:
- The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker, YA book in notes
- Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff, Grown-up cozy horror
- The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin, YA fantasy romance
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas crossed the pond to bring listeners 2 rollicking middle grade (ages 8-12) adventure books by British authors. As a bonus, Margie also shared a grown-up book with similar vibes for the adventurous parent, teacher or writer.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade Books
Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho
The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle
Grown Up Book
Slayers of Old by Jim C. Hines
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas show love for their craft by reading informational books on the art of writing. They share the best tips and advice that worked for them, like how to start with action and how to keep the joy going during the long writing and editing process. If you’ve ever considered putting your heart on paper, this episode is for you.
Book Chat:
- The Magic Words, Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl B. Klein
- The Happy Writer by Marissa Meyer
www.twolitmamas.com
Dystopian books may seem like a tough read at the moment but, as the Mamas point out, the good guys always win in MG and YA fiction, offering a nice break from reality. So if you need a moment of self-care and inspiration, join the Mamas as they chat about Dystopian books for resisters.
MG & YA Book Chat:
The Legend of the Secret Library by Frank L. Cole (for 8-12 years)
Outside by Jennifer Holm (for 8-12 years)
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman (for 12-18 years)
www.twolitmamas.com
The mamas rang in the new year by–shocker–reading new books. They distracted themselves from boring mom tasks and ignored their families to binge some winners. Even Margie loved the books she read, kicking off 2026 with sunshine vibes, something we all needed.
Book Chat:
Grown up book
The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller
Middle grade books
Blood in the Water by Tiffany B. Jackson
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
Other books referenced:
The Change by Kirsten Miller
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman (MG)
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas bring you mystery, mayhem and murder for the coziest of holidays! In their year-end party episode, the Mamas share holiday-themed books with (not-too) dark mysteries for adults and middle graders (ages 8-12). Get your hot cocoa and soft blanket and snuggle up for a cozy book chat with your favorite Gen-Xers. Happy Holidays and justice for Tupac!
Book Chat:
Middle Grade Books
The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta
Grown Up Books
Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple (aka Katie Forrest)
Book 1 in the Candy Cane Hollow Christmas Cozy Mystery Series
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are back with opinions and hot takes in their annual holiday gift guide. Their book recs are for little ones, big kids, and picky older readers like themselves. Grab a cup of cheer and make your list! Happy Holidays!
Heather’s Picture Book Recs (ages 3-5):
- On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug by Susan E. Goodman and Merrill Rainey
- Woodland Dreams by Karen Jameson
- Snuggle Season by Jaimie MacGibbon
Margie’s Middle Grade Recs (ages 8-12):
- A Brush with Magic by Flora Ahn
- The Myth of Monsters series by Katherine Marsh
- We Built this City by Cat Patrick
- Blood City Rollers by V. P. Anderson
- Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies and Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters by Stacey Lee
- Kwami Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer
Heather’s YA Recs (ages 13-18):
- Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray
- Hekate - The Witch by Nikita Gil
- Game Changers, Inspirational Sports Stories by Dan Gold
Margie’s Murdery and Weird Grown Up Recs:
- The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
- Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom (Golden Girls Murder series)
- The Impossible Fortune by Richard Ossman (Thursday Murder Club series)
- Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn (Killers of a Certain Age series)
- Finnlay Donnavan series by Elle Cosimano
- Sirens and Weyward by Emilia Hart
- Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
- The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
- Book of Witching by CJ Cooke
- Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson
- Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer
- Bless Your Heart and Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan
- Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World by Mark Waddel
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas get cozy with their favorite topic, murder. From just okay assistants to dysfunctional families, the Mamas dig into Middle Grade, YA, and Grown Up books full of cozy vibes and mysteries to solve.
Book Chat:
- The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder by Kate Emery ( Upper Middle Grade)
- The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer (YA)
- The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully (Grown Up)
www.twolitmamas.com
Welcome to the Two Lit Mamas' Halloween episode, the episode in which the Mama's cast some spells, haunt some kids, and kill some vampires all through the medium of spooky books for grown ups and kids. (It's also the episode in which Heather forgot to hit the record button the first time around. Yikes!)
Book Chat:
Grown Up Book:
The Late Night Witches by Auralee Wallace
Middle Grade Books:
Ghost of the Harvest by Lindsey Duga
The Last Sleepover by RL Stine
Masks by Margaret Rae and Brian Nathanson, Beck Kubrick and Thomas Philipson
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are cauldron deep in brand new spooky season reads. Margie has 2 grown up books and Heather has 2 middle grade books that will make your wicked little hearts happy.
Book Chat:
Grown Up Books:
Play Nice by Rachel Harrison
Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan (Sequel to Bless Your Heart)
Middle Grade Books (ages 8-12):
Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
www.twolitmamas.com
Join the Mamas on a journey with books about road trips, climbing adventures and walking tours where the destination is not the point. Along the way, the Mamas share ridiculous details of their own journeys into old-lady-hood. You can’t unhear the details so be prepared! (Hint: kaftans are involved)
Book Chat:
Middle Grade Books
Bewilderness by Gus Gordon (graphic novel)
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner (verse)
Grown Up Books
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (and Nothing to See Here)
The Widows Guide series by Amanda Ashby (mentioned in intro)
www.twolitmamas.com
We're baaaack! We hope our absence made your hearts grow fonder. Ours certainly did! We missed you. As we catch up, be prepared to be inundated with 2 Lit Mamas episodes, starting with a dog-themed book chat in honor of Margie's new puppy. (Recorded in August)
Book Chat:
Graphic Novel series for kids:
Wagnificent series by Bethanie Murguia
Mystery series for grown-pups
Chet and Bernie series by Spencer Quinn
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are here to help you pack for vacation with books for little ones, middle graders, young adults, grown ups and weirdos. They’ve got books about canoeing goats, Hawaiian folklore, mind-controlling orchids, sirens, witches and more—perfect for reading on the beach, in your backyard or in Bigfoot’s hut in the Pacific Northwest. Grab one of the Mamas' recommendations and escape reality for the summer. Heather and Margie will be right there with you.
Book Chat
Picture book:
Goats Afloat by Lezlie Evans and illustrated by Julia Patton
Middle Grade Books:
How to Tell a True Story by Tricia Springstubb
The Invisible Wild by Nikki Van de Car
Young Adult Books:
Night Swimming by Aaron Starmer
When the Bones Sing by Ginny Meyers Sain
Grown Up Books:
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Eat the ones you love by Sarah Maria Griffin
The Sirens and Weyward by Emilia Hart
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jess Squanto
Culture Creep: Notes on the Pop Apocalypse by Alice Bolin
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas get cooking in episode 111, serving up fun ideas to keep you and your kiddos active over summer break. From gluing 3-D toys to grilling up your veggies, the book chat is filled with a variety of resources to help prevent brain drain while you’re on vacay.
Book Chat:
- My First Town, a Building Block Book by Merrill Rainey
- Tasting History by Max Miller
- Dear Writer, Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life by Maggie Smith
- The Essential Cottage Cookbook: Simply Delicious Recipes for Cottages, Cabins, and Wherever Your Travels Take You by Andrea Buckett
- The Dessert Course, the Hows and Whys of Baking by Benjamin Delwiche, aka Benjamin the Baker
- Sebze: Vegetarian Recipes from My Turkish Kitchen by Ozlem Warren
- Crocheting the National Parks: 20 Patterns for Accessories, Home Décor, Plushies, and More Inspired by Natural Wonders by Krista Ann
- Cozy Crime Scene Coloring book by Mira Luna and Jojo Weirdo
- Canton Cover-up Coloring Book
www.twolitmamas.com
Fan-girling over a debut Young Adult novel, the Mamas eagerly get lost in the wilderness with a sisterhood of feral girls in the latest book chat. The Mamas are swept away by the twisty, slippery, primeval magic of the life-wrecking (in a good way) book. Is it fantasy or tragedy? The Mamas can't agree but they are here for it.
Book Chat:
The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are once again surprised by the awesomeness of graphic novels, geeking out over middle grade (ages 8-12) and YA (ages 13-17) books that are so engaging they can’t stop gushing about them. If you’re looking for great fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, informational text, and memoir graphic novels that make perfect gifts or additions to the classroom, the Mamas have several to add to your lists.
Book Chat:
K is in Trouble by Gary Clement
Visitations by Corey Egbert
Coven by Soman Chainani and Joel Gennari
The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are celebrating National Poetry Month on the 108th episode. They aren't happy about it but they're doing it, that's now much they love literature and their listeners. Join the Mamas as they offer questionable reviews of middle grade books in verse. We wish we could say they're not that bad, but they probably are. On a light note, Heather embarrasses herself by geeking out over a picture book at the end. Feel free to make fun of her, Margie certainly does.
Book Chat:
Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis
And Then, Boom by Lisa Fipps
Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees by Michelle Schaub and illustrator Anne Lambelet
www.twolitmamas.com
Y.A. all day with the Two Lit Mamas! In this episode, they’ve got four new books for teens and young adults, including a novella, an historical fiction novel, and two mysteries. But first, the Mamas reminisce about YA in the 80s, sharing books they thought were gnarly and grody. Be there or be square.
Book Chat:
Errant Roots (novella) by Sondra Taylor
Truth, Lies and the Questions in Between by L.M. Elliott
Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch by Codie Crowley
Links:
10 Cult Books that Defined Teen Girlhood in the ‘80s by Heather Pierce
https://jennymag.com/2024/11/18/nostalgia-cult-books-teen-girlhood-80s/
www.twolitmamas.com
For Margie March, the Mamas feed their inner witchy women with fictional books for grown ups centered around witches, cozy horror, and retired assassins, inspired by real women’s stories – a tribute to Women’s History Month.
Book Chat:
The Book of Witching by CJ Cooke
In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn
www.twolitmamas.com
This episode, the Mamas are in their happy place with a celebration of Middle Grade books. Middle Grade March has become a staple on the Two Lit Mamas podcast and the Mamas bring it once again with Middle Grade books (ages 8-12) set in other countries and ones that explore difficult times in our history as well as ones that honor our beloved National Parks. They even have a Middle Grade book for middle aged ladies! The 80s vibes are undeniable.
Book Chat:
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
We Built this City by Cat PatrickA Brush with Magic by Flora Ahn
National Park Mystery Series by Aaron Johnson (book 2)
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook for Kids by David Borgenicht and Justin Heimberg
Kid Musicians True Tales of Childhood from Entertainers, Songwriters, and Stars by Robin Stevenson, illustrations by Allison Steinfeld
Book Update:
The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie
City Spies, London Calling by James Ponti
Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas have consulted their star charts and found black authors rising! In celebration of black history month, Margie and Heather fangirl over three rollicking Middle Grade adventure books (for ages 8-12), one historical fiction and two fantasy novels that highlight the black experience while entertaining readers of all ages. Then Margie sets the Handmaids Tale aside to make room for another dystopian story that hits a little too close to home, The Parable of the Sower by the queen of sci-fi Octavia Butler.
Book Chat:
Kwame Crushes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are encouraging everyone to show themselves some love this Valentine’s Day by escaping into books. Heather offers up two middle grade (ages 8-12) mystery books, one silly and one scary. While Margie highlights three grown up books for weirdos (her words) that examine motherhood from the bog to the grave and beyond.
Book Chat :
- Death! By Narhwal! By Alex T. Smith (Middle Grade)
- It’s Watching by Lindsay Currie (Middle Grade)
- The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister (Grown Up Book)
- The Forbidden Territory of a Terrifying Woman by Molly Lynch (Grown Up Book)
- My Murder by Katie Williams (Grown Up Book)
www.twolitmamas.com
In episode 102 of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, Heather reluctantly agrees to discuss book bans, again. Fortunately, Margie shares a grown up book that leaves both Mamas feeling hopeful. Book ban talk with a positive spin? No, the Mamas haven't thrown in their lot with busy-body banners. Tune in to hear their sunshine-and-rainbow rants. Fingers crossed you'll feel hopeful too.
Book Chat:
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
Middle Grade:
Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King
Ban this Book by Alan Gratz
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are back and easing listeners into the new year with short stories – just ignore the dystopian, sci-fi, murdery AI if you can. Don’t worry, the Mamas promise they won’t go too dark in 2025 (wink-wink). So, kick back and catch up with your two favorite Lit Mamas.
Margie's & Heather’s Book Gifts:
- The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book, Real Recipes for Joke Burgers
- The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
- Tasting History by Max Miller
- Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson
- Death Comes at Christmas edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane
Short Stories:
- The Wretched and the Beautiful by E. Lily Yu
- Valedictorian by N.K. Jemisin
- Examination Day by Henry Slesar
- The Atrocious Fairytale by Daniel Errico
Other references:
- The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov
- A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury
- There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas hit their 100th podcast episode! They are in full celebration mode, sharing their favorite memories from the past four years, including special episodes, favorite books and authors, and the many laughs. Listen in to hear what the Mamas are most grateful for during this season of Thanksgiving—spoiler alert, it’s naked pilgrims.
Book Chat:
The Mamas’ Favorite Books
Middle Grade (ages 8-12) Books
- We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey
- School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
- Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
- Starfish by Lisa Fipps
- Christmas Dinner of Souls by Ross Montgomery
- Poisoned Water by Candy J Cooper and Mark Aronson
- Forgotten City by Michael Ford
- 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
- The Creativity Project edited by Colby Sharp
- The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkein
- The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- Root Magic Eden Royce
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Icefall by Matthew Kirby
- Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout
- International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies
- Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim
- A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
- Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum
- Not Nothing by Gayle Forman
- Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos (YA)
Grown Up Books
- Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman
- Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
- Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
- Zero Stars Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer
The Mamas’ Favorite Authors:
Middle Grade Authors
- Margaret Peterson Haddix
- James Ponti
- Stacy McAnulty
- Lynne Kelly
- Lindsay Currie
- Rajani LaRocca
- Robin Stevens
Grown Up Book Authors
- TJ Klune
- Margaret Atwood
- Christopher Moore
- David Sedaris
- Richard Osman
- Jesse Q. Sutanto
- Rachel Harrison
- Alice Hoffman
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas have made their list and checked it twice to ensure you have the perfect book gifts for all the readers in your life, from ages 2 to 107. Now, snuggle up with your favorite pup, open your bookshop app, and start your holiday shopping.
Picture Books:
- If animals went to work by Ann Whitford Paul, art by David Walker
- Finnegan Fox by Katie Gilstrap, art by Lori Nichols
- Penguin’s Egg by Anna Kemp and Alice Courtley
Middle Grade Books:
- The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
- Not nothing by Gayle Forman
- Let it Glow by Marissa Meyer
Young Adult Books:
- Sunderworld Vol 1, The Extraordinary Disappointment of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs
- The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
Grown Up Books:
- Sandwich by Catherine Newman
- Medea by Elish Quinn
- The Funeral Ladies of Ellery County by Claire Swinarski
- We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
- I Will Show You How It Was by Illia Ponomarenko
- Zero Stars Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer
- Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
- The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
- Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Thurton
- Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan
- Cackle by Rachel Hrarison
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas read new releases in their favorite genres for the 98th episode. Can you guess which genre each Mama picked? Yes, Heather was drawn to middle grade historical fiction, no surprise there. And, dark, dark Margie went for adult dystopian. After discussing how their reading interests have changed over the years, the Mamas gush over books that don’t disappoint even if they give them zero stars. It’s an enigma.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade
The Bleckley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinken
Adult
Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer
www.twolitmamas.com
If you’d live in a town that celebrates Halloween everyday, then you’ll enjoy the latest book chat with the Mamas. They cover new Middle Grade (ages 8-12) books that will get you in the mood for spooky season with ghosts, haunted houses and towns named Samhain where kids only wear costumes. As always the Mamas have the perfect recs for gathering the family for a reading by the Jack-o’-lantern light, if you dare.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade
The Creepening of Dogwood House by Eden Royce
A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig
Grown Up
A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
www.twolitmamas.com
Witches, gorgons, and sea nymphs, oh my! The Mamas explore modern interpretations of ancient Greek myths in their 96th episode with books about Medea and Medusa. Are these characters the monsters we have always believed them to be? The Mamas say, “hard no,” but listen in and decide for yourselves.
Book Chat:
Grown up bookMedea by Eilish Quin
Middle Grade books
Medusa from the Myths and Monsters series by Katherine Marsh
The Curse of Medusa, a Modern Graphic Greek Myth from Mythology Graphics
www.twolistmamas.com
Get a peek behind the scenes as the Mamas fall straight into conversation before starting the show, then gear up for happy fall vibes from Heather and surly vibes from You-Know-Who. The book chat includes a cornucopia of books that are perfect for fall reading, from stories for kids about acorns, bears, and popcorn to one for grown ups about lazy bones. The Mamas will help you get ready for leaf peeping season.
Book Chat:
Picture Books (3-5 year olds)
Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Shaefer with the art by Frann Preston-Gannon
Sometimes We Fall by Randall de Seve and art by Kate Gardiner
Middle Grade Book (8-12 year olds)
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Grown Up Book
Chaos at the Lazy Bones Book Shop by Emmeline Duncan
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas kick off the new school year with books set in the hallowed halls of academia. From Mrs. Z’s third grade class to boarding school Misfits and lunar mages, the Mamas review books for all age groups, including grown ups. They also hold a short coffee klatch on a new genre, dark academia. FYI, these teaching Mamas would like an apple for their efforts, unless it’s poisoned.
Book Chat:
Chapter Book
The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class series (book #1) Emma McKenna, Full Out by Kate Messner
Middle Grade Book
The Misfits a Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee
Young Adult Books
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle
Grown Up Books
Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are back from break and ready to gab about what they read over the summer. They review several middle grade books and grown up books as part of their “What Did You Do Over the Summer” sharing – teachers, you get it. And, at this point the Two Lit Mamas podcast wouldn’t be complete without sporty talk for some unknown reason, so The Mamas give their obligatory takes on the Summer Olympics, covering highlights like hot Turkish sharp-shooting dads. Skip to minute 11, if you’re over the sports.
Summer Reading:
Middle Grade Books
Tree. Table. Book. By Lois Lowry
Olivetti by Allie Milligan
Grown Up Books
The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann and Amy Bojang
One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Wait by Gabriella Burnham
The Pisces and Death Valley by Melissa Broder
www.twolitmamas.com
It’s Sci-fi week and the Mamas are going where no Mamas have gone before. After a deep dive into our AI overlords, the Mamas share some great dystopian, post-apocalyptic, Frankenstein-ish, cozy mysteries. And, that’s all in one book! Once again, the Mamas cover all ages with alien picture books, post-apocalyptic middle grade (ages 8-12) and dystopian grown up recommendations. Don’t worry, Margie talks about sports for only a few minutes. Feel free to fast forward.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Picture Books
Dalmartian by Lucy Ruth Cummins
The Spaceman by Randy Cecil
Grown Up
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turtonwww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are headed to the library to kick off summer right with books set in their favorite public space. After fangirling over cherished library memories, the Mamas chat about Middle Grade books (for ages 8-12) where, in one school library, fictional villains jump out of books and, in another school library, books are banned until a secret library is created by kid heroes. Then Heather shares new picture books that will get little ones excited for summer library programs. And, of course, Margie has a grown up book set in a small town library where a serial killer is hiding out. It’s always murder with her (insert eye roll - wait, maybe don't roll your eyes at Margie, might not be safe). If you’re a fan of libraries and librarians, check out this episode!
(pun intended)
Book Chat:
Picture Books
- Behind My Doors: the Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan and illustrated by Nabila Adani
- The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice, illustrated by Erika Lynne Jones
- No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons
Middle Grade Books
- The Story Thieves series by James Riley
- Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
Grown Up Book
- How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
www.twolitmamas.com
School is almost out and the Mamas are dreaming of summer vacation. In the 90th episode, the Mamas hit the virtual beach with books set on Martha’s Vineyard, Greece, and a Texas summer camp. They chat about sportsball, endangered birds, boarding school brats and, of course, mysteries. The Mamas offer summer reads for any and all book lovers, from Middle Grade (ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 9-18) to grown ups. Get your sunnies and relax on the patio with the Mamas.
Book Chat:
The Fury is Alex Michaelides
Liar’s Beach by Katie Cotugno
The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas stroll down memory lane with historical fiction set in the 90s. Once they get past the uncomfortable fact that their young adulthood is considered vintage–plaid skirts and flannel shirts included, the Mamas gleefully dig into a variety of books for Middle Graders (ages 8-12), Young Adults (ages 13-18) and Grown Ups that are grounded in analog times and hit on Asian American dreams, Kosovo tragedies and… southern vampires? Oh, Margie, must you always put your own spin on a theme?
Book Chat:
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks (MG)
Throwback by Maurene Goo (YA)
Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan (Grown Up)
Show Links:
Middle Grade Book data 2024: www.samsubity.com
www.twolitmamas.com
**The Mamas get dark, emotional, and angst-y with a collection of short stories for Young Adults (ages 14-18) that they may be too old to fully understand but fully enjoyed anyway. Join the Mamas as they discuss the significance of collections, the struggles facing modern teens, and the power of weirdos.
Book Chat:**
The Collectors, edited by A.S. King (winner of 2024 Printz Medal Award)
Other books the Mamas are currently reading:
The Funeral Ladies of Elerie County by Claire Swinarski (for grown-ups)
Lightlark by Alex Aster (young adult)www.twolitmamas.com
**The total eclipse (of the sun not the heart) inspired the Mamas to explore gilded worlds and travel through time (and party like it’s 1999) with new Middle Grade fantasy books for ages 8-12. As you may have suspected, the Mamas were once just two farm girls waiting to be picked from obscurity for a special quest like all the best main characters of their favorite fantasies, towel capes and all.
Book Chat:**
No Ordinary Thing by G.Z. Schmidt
Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca
Show Links:
www.twolitmamas.com
In episode 86, the Mamas party like it’s 1999 with their favorite genre, mysteries. Heather brings you a new Middle Grade mystery and rebel Mama, Margie, shares one of her favorite newer grown up series. The Mamas also explore the mystery of the Middle Grade slump and follow up the book chat with a list of new Middle Grade books with boy main characters that will hopefully put an end to Margie’s whining.
Book Chat:
The World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson (MG)
Suburban Dicks and Self-Made Widow by Fabian Nicieza (Grown Up)
Pick 6: New MG books with boy MCs
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
Walkin’ the Dog by Chris Lynch
Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz
Olivetti by Allie Millington
Race to the Truth series
Show Links:
Middle Grade Slump post on fromthemixedupfiles.com
https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/the-middle-grade-slump/
www.twolitmamas.com
Happy Middle Grade March! The Mamas are in their element, celebrating new Middle Grade book releases that cover a roller coaster of categories from Emily Post’s etiquette tips and environmental activism to Dungeons & Dragons style quests and cryptid monsters from other dimensions. Margie follows up the MG book chat with six grown up March releases you won’t want to miss.
Book Chat: MG New Releases
Emily Posts by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
The Doomsday Archives - the Wandering Hour by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
Pick 6: Grown Up New Releases
- Finlay Donavan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano
- American Spirits by Russell Banks
- The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski
- How to Solve Your Own Murder by Krisitn Perrin
- Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women by Victoria Smith
- The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
www.twolitmamas.com
**In episode 84, the Mamas go full fangirl swooning over beloved spymaster James Ponti, author of the bestselling City Spies series and Crime Fighters series for middle grade (ages 8-12). The Mamas fell for Ponti back in 2020 with the first City Spies book and wanted to catch up with the series, chatting about the newest release while also checking out Ponti’s backlist. Grab your grappling hooks, brush up on your Russian, and synchronize your watches, because the Mamas are going spying.
Book Chat: James Ponti**
- City Spies: Mission Manhattan
- Crime Fighting Series: Framed, Vanished, and Trapped
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The Mamas have burned their little mom fingers to bring you the hottest new books for 2024. From grown up books in the book chat to picture books in the Pick 6, the Mamas are sharing the latest books that grabbed them in a world with so many books and too little time. What do you think of their tastes? Too weird? According to Margie, that’s what the Mamas are here for! Heather can’t disagree.
Book Chat: New Releases for Grown Ups
The Fetishist by Katherine Min
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Pick 6: New Picture Books
Treehouse Town by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charlie Mylie
Not a Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez illustrated by Laura Gonzalez
100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by by David LaRochelle illustrated by Lian Cho
Today is For You by Sally Lloyd-Jones illustrated by Kevin W’aldron
Habitats: a Journey with Nature by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Izobel Lundie
Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris
Show links:
Nowhere Bookshop
www.twolitmamas.com
In this episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, the Mamas get graphic but Tipper Gore can chill – no warning label required for this bundle of sweet, fun, and entertaining Middle Grade (ages 8-12)and Young Adult (ages 13 and up) novels in comic form! That’s right, the mamas are chatting about graphic novels and spoiler alert they are loving them.
Book Chat:**
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz
Inked by Dominic Bustamante, Colored by Eleonora Bruni
EVE by Victor LaValle
Illustrated by Jo Mi-Gyeong, Colored by Brittany Peer
Break by Kayla Miller
Doom’s Day Camp by Joshua Hauke
Animal Rescue Friends by Meika Hashimoto and Gina Loveless
Illustrated by Genevieve Kote, Breakdowns by Axelle Lenior
World Class byJay Sandlin
Illustrated by Patrick Mulholland, Colored by Rebecca Nalty
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas want to help you through the dark days of winter with recommendations for the grown up books they plowed through over the holidays. Don't worry, they'll be back with kid book recs next time around, but for episode 81, all you parents, teachers, and writers out there, prepare to get your read on. Happy New Year! Here's to hoping 2024 isn't a hot mess.
Book Chat:
See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt
Margie's Winter Break Reads:
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts
Heather's Winter Break Reads:
Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
Galatea by Madeline Miller
www.twolitmams.com
The Mamas get festive for the last episode of 2023 with a holiday-themed short story collection for 8–12-year-olds filled with murder, mystery, and mayhem. If you enjoy a holiday haunted house, listen in as the Mama’s say good-bye to 2023 with a book chat about creepy funhouses, famous cat burglars, and conspiracies meant to silence the most benevolent among us. Happy Holidays!
Book Chat:
The Very Merry Murder Club edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
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Stuff your mouth with turkey while the Mama’s share their opinions on funny, sexy, and murdery Grown Up books that made the top of their lists in 2023. Heather went for fantasies filled with dragons and angry gods, while Margie nabbed myths, space murders and, of course, zombies.
You can’t go wrong when a nerd and an outcast team up – that’s when the Two Lit Mamas are at their finest. Happy Thanksgiving! And, don’t forget to hit your local bookstores on Small Business Saturday or you’ll end up on the Mamas’ naughty list.
The Mamas’ Top Just-for-Fun Reads
Heather’s Faves:
Circe by Madeline Miller
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Margie’s Faves:
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
The Push by Ashley Audrain
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
Holiday Gift Guide Grown Up & YA Recs:
Heather’s Picks:
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
Accountable by Dashka Slater
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Margie’s Picks:
Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
Into The Light by Mark Oshiro
The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie
Daughters of Sparta and The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood
Starter Villain by John Scalizi
The Midsolar Murders by Mur Lafferty
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas have once again donned their pointy hats and elf ears for another Holiday Gift Guide Extravaganza-ganza-ganza! As a special treat, they've also included an highlight reel for 2023. Get out your pen or open an app so you can make your list. Don't forget to check it 500 times. Happy Shopping!
2023 Highlight Reel
Heather's 2023 Faves:
- Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum
- Gnome is Where Your Heart is by Casey Lyall
- A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
- Falling out of time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Purple Carrot by Rebecca Mullin
Margie's 2023 Faves:
- Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten White, Wretched Waterpark
- Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Moore
- Pie in the Sky Remy Lai
- Dust and Grim by Chuck Wendig
- Super Puzzletastic Mysteries - edited by Chris Grabenstein
Our Series Faves with New Books in 2023
- City Spies, James Ponti, latest release City of the Dead (book 4)
- Show me a sign series - Ann Clare LeZotte, Sail Me Away Home
- Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston, Amari and the Great Game
2023 Holiday Gift Guide
Margie's List:
- Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen
- Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker
- Enlighten Me by Minh Lê (Author), Chan Chau (Illustrator)
- The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
- Field of Screams by Wendy Parris
Heather’s List
- Dog Town by Katherine Applegate
- Wow in the Wow series by Guz Raz and Mindy Thomas
- The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo
- Grace and Box by Kim Howard
- The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw
- Hot Dog by Doug Salati
bookopolis.comtwolitmamas.com
Episode 77: Ghost Stories for Spooky Season
It’s the Mamas’ favorite time of the year when they happily scare themselves silly with ghost stories that are not only bone-chilling but also life affirming. The Mamas start the book chat by chanting Bloody Mary’s name three times in the dark so watch out – she might be coming for you with a hearty Clamato drink garnished with chicken wings. You’re welcome. After the Mamas gush over middle grade ghosts, they dig into a sweet grown up ghost story with even more bone-chilling, life affirmations. Drink it down, just don’t spew it as your head slowly rotates 180 degrees. Happy Halloween!
Middle Grade Book Chat:
The Clackity and The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf
The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies
Grown Up Book Chat:
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
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The Mamas want to help get your Middle Schoolers off screens with game-themed novels for 8-12 year olds! Join the book chat as the Mamas share two new fantasy/sci-fi novels that will appeal to gamers: one book is set in a haunted woods and includes three sixth-graders who play a game to save the town, and the other book is set in a floating fun park that is taken over by androids and only the owners’ son and friends realize it. Both books are sure to satisfy your little gamers as much as they did the Mamas. And, if you know a few adults who struggle with putting down the gaming controls, the Mamas have a grown-up, gaming-themed book that will give their screen-weary eyes a break too. Now, get out of that gaming chair, take your dog for a walk, and bring the Mamas along.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien
Futureland: Battle for the Park by H.D. Hunter
Grown Up Book Chat:
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas shine in their diamond episode, geeking out over their favorite genre, mysteries. First, the Mamas fangirl about TV cozies, then they chat it up with two new mystery novels for kiddos, ages 8-12: one that Margie recommends for the classroom and one that Heather recommends for family car trips. At the end of the 75th episode, the Mamas discuss a new grown up murder mystery that honors three generations of strong women. Put on your sleuthing caps!
Middle Grade Book Chat:
Linked by Gordan Korman
No One Leaves the Castle by Christopher Healy
Grown Up Book Chat:
Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simonwww.twolitmamas.com
It’s a magical moment indeed when Margie realizes a book can have too many fart jokes. Heather didn’t even use her witch wand to open Margie’s eyes. Shocking! In the latest episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, the Mamas sprinkle fairy dust on their Middle Grade book chat to spin stories filled with the magic of Gullah conjurers and Norse gods; stories that have the Mamas wishing for broomstick guardians and talking alligators. The Mamas then compel you to listen until the end when they share their latest grown-up book pick, a very twisty turny non-magical mystery that will make you laugh and yell, “girlllllll, don’t do it!”
Middle Grade Book Chat:
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell Conjure Island by Eden Royce Grown Up Book Chat:Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimanowww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas boldly and happily leave Earth for an hour to stowaway with space pirates and explore mars with a sentient rover in the 73rd episode of the Two Lit Mamas Podcast. If your Middle Schoolers would rather blast into space than go back to school, then listen in for books that will help them escape. A special bonus for midlife Earthlings includes The Mamas first official grown up book chat about aging GenXers, there's nothing more punk than that. Grab your moon boots, you’ll need them.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
Stowaway by John David Anderson
Grown Up Book Chat:
Excuse Me While I Disappear by Laurie Notaro
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The Mamas are back from summer hiatus and fangirling hard for MPH’s newest book Falling Out of Time, a companion piece to Running Out of Time (for kids aged 8-12). They have a lot to say about the two Middle Grade novels but not until they get caught up after a month off. Hear how the Mamas got kicked out of puppy school and went on wildly inappropriate back-to-school shopping sprees. Stick around to the end, the Mama’s are mixing things up and hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Book Chat:
Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
None of this Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive by
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The Mamas revisit their favorite topic, food! Gather the kid foodies in your life and share these fun summer reads for ages 8-12 that focus on diversity, overcoming adversity, friendship, family and most importantly delicious foods. The Mamas will wet your appetite for fiction, fusion food and cake! If you can stave off hunger, hang on to the end of the episode for recommendations from the Mamas for six new books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in honor of PRIDE month.
Book Chat:
Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
The Takeout by Tracy Badua
Pick 6: LGBTQIA+ Books for Middle Grade
Ellie Engle Save Herself by Leah Johnson
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros
Glitter Boy by Ian Eagleton
The Song of Us by Kate Fussnerwww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas go in search of fairies, gnomes, and magical folk in Middle Grade novels (for 7-12 year olds) to kick off summer! Well, let's be honest, Heather went in search of them and Margie stomped along begrudgingly but that didn't keep them from bringing you two winners along with a fun round of 2 Book and a Fake. Can you spot the fake?
Book Chat:
Dust and Grim by Chuck Wendig
Gnome is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall
Show Links:
Thirteenth Circle by MarcyKate Conolley and Catherine Holmes
Last Summer in Outer Space by Joshua Levy
I Have a Bad Feeling by Jeff Strand
The Video Game Stole My Sister by Justin Stone
www.twolitmamas.com
In this episode, the Mamas ditch Middle Grade books (although their humor remains squarely in Middle School - don’t worry) for Young Adult reads to provide the sweet, stinky teens in your life with recs for fun summer fiction and the perfect high school graduation gift. Then, the Mamas share new Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult recs to add to your TBR pile in preparation for beach or pond-side reading. Enjoy!
Book Chat:Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly DeVoss
First-Year Orientation, short story collection edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith
Pick 6: Six Books the Mamas Want to Read this Summer
Bea and the New Deal Horse by L.M. Elliot (MG)
Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas (MG)
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley (YA)
Fat Girl on a Plane by Kelly DeVoss (YA)
The Pisces by Melissa Broder (Adult)
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Adult)
Show Links:
Mobile Bookstore: www.blackworldschoolers.com
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas revisit their own middle school trials, traumas, and triumphs through a book chat around Judy Blume’s famous 1970 children’s book, Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret and the new movie of the same title. If that isn’t enough, they also dig into the Amazon documentary Forever Judy Blume for a full-scale Judy Blume love fest. Grab your BFF and join the Mamas’ secret club. They won’t make you increase your bust, but you will need a code name. (Lit Mama One and Lit Mama Two are taken)
Book Chat:
Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume
Pick 6:
Authors who also wrote for kids and adults
Carl Hiaasen
Terry Pratchett
Rick Riordan
Neil Gaiman
Ursula Le Guin
Jane O’Connor
Show Links:
NYT article about Margaret movie
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are serving up short and sweet stories for your snacking pleasure in the 67th episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, a kidlit book review show, highlighting light-hearted short story collections that are perfect for the Middle Grade classroom.
Book Chat:
Super Puzzletastic Mysteries an anthology edited by Chris Grabenstein
The Ice Cream Machine by Adam Rubin
Pick 6: The Mamas fave short stories for grown ups
The Space Between the Trees by Jo Kaplan from the anthology Into the Forest
The Lake by Ray Bradbury
Jackalope Wives by Ursula Vernon from Jackalope Wives and Other Stories
The Falling Girl by Dino Buzzati
The Other Side by Jaqueline Woodson
Currents by Hannah Bottomy Voskuil
www.twolitmamas.com
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming – it’s the perfect time to revisit the global pandemic (record scratch) – wait, what? Margie would like it known that it was Heather’s idea to read Middle Grade books about the pandemic during spring break. Don’t worry, dear listeners, it’s not as bad as it sounds, even Margie begrudgingly agreed in the end that the reads were worth it. Join the Mamas for a gentle discussion on the power of disruption.
Book Chat:
Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
Don’t Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters
Happy Spring Break!
www.twolitmamas.com
Would you rather read STEM books or STEAM books? The Mamas say yes to both. The book chat this episode is loaded with STEAM themes as well as hot topics that impart natural life lessons gently and honestly without being preachy. The Mamas couldn't be happier with their chosen Middle Grade reads unless they were being defended by surly cats and driven around by labradoodles while reading them. They follow up the giddy book chat with a rousing game of Would You Rather in honor of a return to sunny days and spring flowers. Don't forget to take the Mamas on spring break. They're happy to drown out whining kiddos on long road trips.
Book Chat:
Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Holler of Fireflies by David Barclay Moore
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The Mamas are flying high with two lower middle grade books that helped them escape into fun fantasy worlds filled with talking parrots and pigeons who cooed and plucked their way into the Mama’s hearts. If you have a bird loving 8–12-year-old or just want to flip birds in your mind, join our flock and get carried away with the Mamas.
Book Chat:
The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo
Coo by Kaela Noel
Pick 6:
Six spring activities to get you and your kiddos outside
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas went in search of lighthearted, feel-good reads to balance out the important yet difficult Middle Grade stories they’ve been consuming lately. Luckily they found them in a fantasy story and an historical fiction book. So, if you (or your kiddo aged 8-12) need some balance in your reading diet, join the Mamas for a laugh, a little harmless murder, and some happily ever afters.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
The Swifts, a Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
Bonus Book Chat: Big Girl Books
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
Circe by Madeline Miller
www.twolitmamas.com
Episode 62 of the Two Lit Mamas podcast hits all the feels, including the good, the sad and the funny, with a book chat about two important diverse stories for middle grade (ages 8-12) that plumb the depths of tragedy and adversity through the agony of racism and classism. The Mamas hope you will not back away. Then, the Mamas move on to a fun new game called Two Books and a Fake. Will you be fooled?
Book Chat:
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
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The Mamas fight censorship and much more with the help of special guest, Staci Schwarz, who dazzles the Mamas with her witty book critique and the scrumptious details of her new Middle Grade Book subscription box. Listen in to get the deets.
(Please ignore Margie’s violent tendencies, we’re blaming it on her new Hag-itude!)
Book Chat:
Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King
Middle Grade Book Subscription Box:
Chapters Reading Club Book Box
Next up on the Two Lit Mamas 2023 Reading Challenge:
Go on a grand adventure
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The Mamas started the New Year on the right foot with middle grade book series about gothic water parks, bubble aliens, and fart jokes! 2023 may or may not be a good year – the Mamas are sneaking in quietly so as not to provoke it – but, whatever the next 12 months bring, you can count on the Mamas to bring you book recommendations that the 7-12 year olds in your life will love!
Book Chat:
The Area 51 Files Series by Julie Buxbaum and Lavanya Naidu
The Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten White
Two Lit Mamas 2023 Reading Challenge:
Be a Rebel! Find a banned or challenged middle grade book and give it a read. We know you won't be disappointed. Then listen to the next episode as the Mamas discuss censorship in middle grade.
www.twolitmamas.com
Happy Holidays! For the last episode of 2022, the Mamas are leaving listeners with a special gift – a visit from journalist Masha Rumor, the author of the new nonfiction book for adults titled, Parenting with an Accent, How Immigrants Honor Their Heritage, Navigate Setbacks, and Chart New Paths for Their Children. Laugh along with the Mamas as they dig into the importance of food, community and house slippers to cultural identity. You'll definitely be Googling Herring Under a Fur Coat by the end of the episode. Treat yourself and listen in!
Book Chat:
Parenting with an Accent, How Immigrants Honor Their Heritage, Navigate Setbacks, and Chart New Paths for Their Children by Masha Rumor
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are shopping again, and the books are piling up. This episode, our two favorite surly elves offer up gift buying guides for the Middle Grade (ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 13-18) readers in your life. So, eat until your fat pants are tight and then take advantage of Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday deals to snatch up some great books that will leave your big kids asking for more, please, Oliver Twist style.
Holiday Gift Guide:
Middle Grade (ages 8-12) books
- Quest Kids and The Dragon Pants Gold by Mark Leiknes.
- The Kwlade series by Emily Chenowith
- The Confessions of a Dork Lord series by Mike Johnston
- The Switch by Roland Smith
- The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
- The Secret Letters by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Odder by Katherine Applegate
- The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
- Spaceboy by David Walliams
- Big Rig by Louise Hawes
Young Adult (ages 13-18) books
- Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater
- Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy Lin
- Once Upon a Broken Heart and The Balland of Never After by Stephanie
- Gabe in the After by Shannon Doleski
- I Must Betray You - Ruta Sepetys
- Before Takeoff by Adi Alsaid
www.twolitmamas.com
It’s beginning to look a lot like Giftmas and the Mamas are here for it with board book, picture book, chapter book and activity book recommendations. Grab a hot toddy and fill your shopping cart while sharing a few laughs with your two BFFs.
Book Recs:
Board Books
-
Oink I’m a Pig and Roar I’m a Dinosaur by Merril Rainey
-
This is a Book of Shapes by Kenneth Kraegel
-
Rainy Days by Deborah Kerbel and Miki Sato
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Moon: A Peek-Through Board Book by Britta Teckentrup
-
Odd Birds, Meet Nature’s Weirdest Flock by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Gareth Lucas
Activity Books
-
The Highlights Books of Things to…
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Life Skills for Kids: How to Cook, Clean, Make Friends, Handle Emergencies, Set Goals, Make Good Decisions, and Everything in Between by Karen Harris
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Edible Craft Kids’ Cookbook Ages 4-8 by Charity Mathews
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Upcycle It Crafts for Kids ages 8-12: Fun and Useful Projects to Recycle and Reimagine by Jennifer Perkins
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Brain Games Science books: Kitchen Science Experiments, Outdoor Science Experiments, Engineering Science Experiments
Picture Books
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Sunday Pancakes by Maya Tatsukawa
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The Path by Bob Staake
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Alphabedtime by Susanna Leonard Hill and Betsy Snyder
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Here We Come by Janna Matthies and Christine Davenier
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Three Little Vikings by Bethan Woollvin
Chapter Books
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Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed by Suzanne Lang
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The Investigators series by John Patrick Green
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Max Meow series by John Gallagher
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The Agent Moose Series by Mo O’Hara and Jess Bradley
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Waffles and Pancake and the Castronauts by Drew Brockington
Join us next episode for the Holiday Gift Guide Part 2: book recs for Middle Graders and Teens
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas celebrate spooky season with three books perfect for middle graders (ages 8-12) to read in the dark even if the two middle-aged Mamas read them in bright daylight (insert chicken noises here). The Mamas chat about witches, night beasts and ghosts. Oh my! And, debate if its okay to kill books by DNF-ing them. Listen in to find out who is a serial killer and who is a brain sucking zombie.
Book Chat:
The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie
Witchlings by Claribel Ortega
The Clackity by Lora Senf
www.twolitmamas.com
The end is near unless a few resourceful and persistent middle grade heroes can stop the apocalypse in three fun books for 8–12-year-olds. For this episode, The Mamas have jumped into a big pile of raked up spooky season, careful not to spill their pumpkin spice lattes, to bring you their opinions on all things dystopian – just in time for Halloween.
Book Chat:
Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout
It’s the End of the World and I’m in my Bathing Suit by Justin Reynolds
Apocolypse Taco by Nathan Hale
Pick 6: Our Fave Halloweeny Shows
- My Best Friend’s Exorcism
- Hocus Pocus 1 & 2
- Escape to Witch Mountain
- Halloween ‘78
- Sleepy Hollow
- Tales from the Crypt
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The Mamas are ready for the spooky season after reading two Sci-Fi novels for Middle Graders (ages 8-12). The MC of one has an experimental brain implant and the other is a human/cockroach hybrid. What more could you want? Oh, and both heroes are battling evil corporations. So deliciously dark – just how the Mamas like it.
Book Chat:
Maximillion Fly by Angie Sage
Trex by Christyne Morrell
Pick 6: Writing craft resources
- Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
- Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
- Crafting the Personal Essay by Dinty Moore
- Telling Your Story with Joyce Maynard (podcast)
- MasterClass.com/articles
- Literaryterms.net
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are dreaming of hot cider, apple pie and cool nights so join them on an historical hayride as they travel back in time to the not-so distant past (Can the 70s really be considered historical fiction?!?) and fall in love with fantastic, new historical fiction for Middle Graders (ages 8-12).
Book Chat:
Yonder by Ali Standish
Show Me A Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte
Pick 6: More Great Historical Fiction for MG
1. Daring Darleen: Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet
2. Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos
3. Pies from Nowhere by Dee Romito
4. Marika Marches for Equality by Salima Alikhan, Andrea Rossetto
5. Escape from East Berlin by Andy Marino
6. Escape from Chernobyl by Andy Marino
www.twolitmamas.com
The summer flew by and sadly it's time to get back in school mode. The Mamas are here to help with a back to school book chat about The School For Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix (or MPH if you gangsta). Listen to the Mamas fangirl about their author idol and goddess of kid robots.
Book Chat:
The School For Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Pick 6:
The Mamas share their favorite tropes in Middle Grade fiction.
www.twolistmamas.com
In episode 51, the Mamas cling to the last days of summer as tightly as they would an only son going off to college. If you can relate, join the Mamas’ book chat about risky midnight meetings at camp and unattended problem children who use their summertime freedom to find treasure in 2 fantasy series for middle graders (ages 8-12). Then reminisce with the Mamas as they each answer 3 important questions about the summer of 2022.
Book Chat:
Vanishing Act by Laura Martin
The Problim Children by Natalie Lloyd
Pick 6: The Mamas answer 3 questions about summer. How would you answer?
1. What was the best thing you ate?
2. What was the best thing you watched?
3. What was the best thing you read?
www.twolistmamas.com
The Mamas go all Eco Warrior this month with Middle Grade fiction (for 8-12 years olds) that is destined to inspire next gen environmental scientists and animal lovers. They get a little weepy discussing manatee injuries, great white shark invasions, themes of loss, and fantastic debut fiction authors. Then, the Mamas share 6 healthy screen time options for summer learning. Put on your Birkenstocks and join the fun!
Book Chat:
Where the Sky Lives by Margaret Dilloway
Manatee Summer by Evan Griffith
The Line Tender by Kate Allen
Pick 6: Screen Time Parents Can Feel Good About
www.savethemanatee.orgwww.nps.govhttps://www.epa.gov/students/games-quizzes-and-videos-about-environmenthttps://ypte.org.uk/topics/home-learning-packshttps://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/marine-biology Show Links:www.twolitmamas.com
Listen in, as the Mamas dive into the big blue sea with Middle Grade (ages 8-12) seafaring fiction. Margie chases down her white whale while Heather dives for train treasure. That's right, we’re in vacay mode over at the Two Lit Mamas podcast. Grab your snorkel and join the fun!
Book Chat:
Arch of Bone by Jane Yollen
Treasure Tracks by S.A. Rodriguez
Pick 6: The Mamas’ Vacay Reads
1. My Name is Red by Orham Pamuk
2. A Passion for Killing by Barbara Nadel
3. Turkish Delight Mystery Series by Mehmet Murat Somer
4. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
5. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
6. Grown & Flown by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington
www.twolitmamas.com
In episode 48, the Mamas are joined by everyone's favorite uncle to celebrate Pride month and chat about Tim Federle's middle grade character, Nate Foster, a theater lover who stars in a book series and a new Disney musical. The trio follows up the book vs.movie discussion with 6-ish adult and kid books that turned them into readers (or book nerds as Margie no-so-lovingly puts it). Johnny also spills the tea on Margie's grad school years from a century ago. Get your hot goss here!
Book Chat:
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
Pick 6:
Books That Turned Us into Readers
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tokein
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman
- Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
- The Island of the Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas may not sound like themselves in this episode but they’re serving up great diverse reads for 8 to 12 year olds just like normal. Heather even discovers a way to love Realistic Fiction while Margie's just hoping to survive the Great Pollening. Join the Mamas for a fun chat and be grateful that the only thing contagious through your speakers are the laughs.
Book Chat:
Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee
The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raúf
Pick 6:
The Mamas chat about 6 things they're looking forward to this summer!
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are split over their MG Fantasy Reads (for ages 8-12) but it’s not surprising since Heather loves flying horses and all things magical while Margie would rather read true crime stories unless a Sasquatch is involved. Find out where your loyalties lie by joining the debate. Plus, you can jump start your summer reading with six great new recommendations for all ages from the Mamas.
Book Chat:
Solimar by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the World by Samira Ahmed
Pick 6: Summer Reads for All Ages
Margie’s Picks:
- Lower Middle Grade: The Orphans of St. Halibuts by Sophie Wills
- Teen/YA: Just Our Luck by Julia Watson
- Grown Ups: A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers
Heather’s Picks:
- Preschool: Roar! I’m a Dinosaur by Merrill Rainey
- Middle Grade: Northwind by Gary Paulsen
- Grown Ups: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
www.twolitmamas.com
On the eve of Mother’s Day, the Mamas are packing their bags for Mars. They’ve got their motion sickness cures and their poopoo spray tucked in travel bags; and they’re looking forward to a few days of weightlessness in the silence of space. Join the club so the Mamas aren’t left angry walking (or floating) alone.
Book Chat:
Packing for Mars for Kids by Mary Roach
Pick 6:Books for a Quiet (and less disappointing) Mother’s Day
- Jane Austen’s Table: Recipes Inspired by the Works of Jane Austen: PIcnics, Feasts and Afternoon Teas By Robert Tuesley Anderson
- Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom
- Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakhauer
- Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
- Educated by Tara Westover & Educating by LaRee Westover
www.twolitmamas.com
After a break, the Mamas are back with a fun way to boost your summer reading: pairing a gown-up book series with a Middle Grade book series that share the same world and characters in the spirit of Spin-Offs that only kids of the 80's and 90's could love! Inspired by their cold beach walks, the Mamas jumped on an ocean-themed book series for Middle Graders that ties into a series of grown-up books with the same characters and overall themes. Parent/child book club, anyone?
Book Chat:
Grown-Up Book: Mangrove Lightning by Randy Wayne White
Middle Grade Book: Fins by Randy Wayne White
randywaynewhite.com
Pick 6: More Book Spins-Offs We Love!
1. Alexander McCall-Smith's chapter book The Great Cake Mystery has the same MC as his adult series the #1 Ladies Detective Agency
2. Carl Hiaasan’s Chomp, Hoot, Scat, Flush, Skink and Squirm are MG books that are styled like his adult books
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Famous adult author Terry Pratchett's MG book, Only you Can Save Mankind4. Finishing School Series is a steampunk MG series by Gail Carriger who also has adult steampunk books
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Death Comes to Pemberley is a book and movie based on the Pride and Prejudice characters by Jane Austen written by famous mystery author P.D. James
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The whole family can join the fun with Little House on the Prairie Picture Books that match up to themes and scenes in the Middle Grade series by Laura Ingalls Wilders
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas celebrate Women’s History Month in Episode 43, by sharing new middle grade biographies about fierce women: one covers an early 1800s highflyer and the other a 1960s Sci-Fi writer. Both books include detailed info of the dramatic times that influenced the women’s childhoods, making them perfect options for use in the classroom. The Mamas also share their favorite women authors of grown-up books. Believe it or not, they read those too.
Book Chat:
Lady Icarus: Baloonomania and the Brief Bold Life of Sophia Blanchard by Deborah Noyes
Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi
Pick 6: Women Authors of Grown-Up Books We Heart
Jennifer Raff
Donna Barba Higuera
Ruta Sepetys
Alissa Nutting
Melissa Broder
Elif Shafak
www.twolitmamas.com
The Two Lit Mamas celebrate Middle Grade March with random selections from their TBR piles before they collapse and crush them. Margie went for funny superheroes, of course, while Heather dug into a survival story that was a little too real. Listen in as the Mamas gush over poetry (shocker, right?), get on their soap box in defense of graphic novels (not a shocker), and share their favorite female MCs from middle grade books in honor of Women’s History Month (totally on brand).
Book Chat:
The Super Villain’s Guide to Being a Fat Kid by Matt Wallace
Alone by Megan E. Freeman
Bat Pig Series: When Pigs Fly by Rob Harrell
Pick 6: Favorite Female MCs from MG books
1. Margaret from Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Bloom
2. Jesse Keyser from Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
3. Iris from Song for a Whale by Lynn Kelly
4. Esperanza from Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
5. Ada from the War that Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
6. Mimi Mackson from Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca
www.twolitmamas.com
In this episode, The Mamas celebrate Black Authors in Middle Grade Lit. (Really it’s more like worshipping, bordering on stalking, you know how they can get, but anyway…) The Mamas showcase some of their favorite writers across diverse genres including, fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, poetry, and horror (oh, my!). Get ready to grow your TBR piles!
Book Chat:
The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown
Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson
Root Magic by Eden Royce
Pick 6: More Fantastic Books
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Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Amari & the Great Game by BB Alston
(Amari and the Night Brothers reviewed here) -
The Hill We Climb, Change Sings & Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
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Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
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Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi
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When the World Turned Upside Down by K. Ibura
www.twolitmamas.com
In todays book chat, the SciFi loving Mamas are giddy about two new time travel Middle Grade books (for 8-12 year olds) that take them back 5 years and 500 years. But, before they get started the Mamas share their fantasy time travel vacays, including sipping tea with Abigail Adams and throwing down with the magnificent Ottomans. Don't worry! The Mamas won't let you get stuck in the past (especially the '80s) so jump aboard the time machine and laugh along with Two Lit Mamas.
Book Chat:
DaVinci's Cat by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman
www.twolitmamas.com
Arrrrr, the Mamas uncover buried treasure with three pirate-themed books for Middle Grade readers (aged 8-13) in the 39th episode of Two Lit Mamas Podcast. Their high seas discussions quickly freeze over with six tips for beating the winter blahs that don't include walking the plank. Join them if you dare!
Book Chat:
- The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty
- Dark Waters by Katherine Arden
- Pirate Queens: Dauntless Women Who Dared to Rule the High Seas by Leigh Lewis, illustrated by Sara Gomez Woolley
Pick 6: How the Mamas beat the winter blahs
- Lots of carbs, including homemade bread, French pastries, and pretzels. Yes, please!
- Get cozy with Danish Hygge and throw another log on the fire.
- Game the system with games.
- Embrace the Swedish mantra "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."
- Murder in books, movies, TV shows and podcasts
- Make your family mission statement "Always Be Learning."
For the first episode of the new year, the Mamas are kicking it at the back of the class, reading twisted fairy tales, passing notes about their latest obsessions (we’re looking at you Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum); while keeping their heads down and hoping to stay under the radar of Mrs. 2022’s evil glare. Come join the rebels in the back – this is your two-minute warning!
Book Chat:
Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales by Soman Chainani
Pick 6: Our 2022 Obsessions
1. Trashy Reality TV
2. Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry
3. Maker Spaces & Loose Parts Play
4. Welcome to Earth with Will Smith on Disney Plus
5. The World According to Jeff Goldblum on Disney Plus
6. Prepping for High School graduation
www.twolitmamas.com
Need gift suggestions for your kiddos this holiday? The Mamas have your back with board book, picture book, and chapter book recommendations. And, if book recommendations from Two Mamas isn’t enough for you, we’ve invited a Third Mama, author Rebecca Mullin, to help us get this holiday party started.
Board Book Recommendations (ages 0-3):
The Lovely Haze of Baby Days by Lindsay Kellar-Madsen
The Night is Deep and Wide by Gillian Sze, illustrated by Sue Todd
One Tomato by Rebecca Mullin, illustrated by Anna Mullin
Picture Book Recommendations (ages 3-7):
Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel
Phoebe Dupree is Coming to Tea! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Alea Marley
A Vote for Susanna, the First Woman Mayor by Karen M. Greenwald, illustrated by Sian James
How to Change the World in 12 Easy Steps by Peggy Porter Tierney, illustrated by Marie Letourneau.
Chapter Book Recommendations (ages 6-9):
The Secret Explorers series by SJ King
The Ninja Kid series by Anh Do
JD the Kid Barber Series by J Dillon
The Pug Who Wanted to Be….. by Bella Swift
Definitely Dominguita series by Terry Catasus Jennings
Show Links:
Bookshop.org
Twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are ready for the holidays (or at least ready for soccer season to be over). To get you in the mood for gift giving, the Mamas recap the best books in some of their favorite categories:
Top Faves from 2021:Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos (Episode 15)
City Spies Series by James Ponti (Episode 20)
The Whispers by Greg Howard (Episode 26)
Fave Fantasy Reads:The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant (Episode 29)
The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington
Fave Sports-themed BooksTen Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie. (Episode 32)
Chunky by Yehudi Mercado
Fave Mythology Stories:Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston (Episode 18)
Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo. (Episode 17)
Fave Nonfiction Books:Poisoned Water by Candy J Cooper and Marc Aronson (Episode 21)
I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present by Cerrie Burnell
A History of Dessert by Victoria Grace Elliot
Fave Fiction Books for Foodies:All you Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero (Episode 27)
Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca (Episode 27)
Fave Older Series: (grab the box set)
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stuart (Episode 30)
The Greystone Secrets series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Moon Base Alpha Series by Stuart Gibbs (Episode 31
In this Halloween episode, the Mamas admit they share a brain (FYI, it’s kept in a jar in a mad scientist’s lab). How do they know they share a brain? Because they each picked a Middle Grade horror book from the same author without realizing it. Fortunately, they were creeped out in the best possible way by an author who’s the hottest new horror ticket in Chi-town. Plus, sinister cats!
Book Chat:
Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie
What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie
Pick 6: More scary books for your MG devil babies
- The Thirteenth Cat by Mary Downing Hahn
- Root Magic by Eden Royce
- The Mothman’s Curse by Christine Hayes
- Nightbooks by J.A. White
- Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
- Dead Voices by Katherine Arden
- (Bonus) Dark Waters by Katherine Arden
www.twolitmamas.com
In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, the Mamas were thrilled to chat about two Middle Grade books oozing with Mexican mythology and Día de los Muertos inspired adventures. So, gulp down some Pan de Muerto, grip your calavera, and let the Mamas make you cringe with fright (and hopefully not from their Spanish pronunciations).
Book Chat:
Loteria by Karla Arenas Valenti
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
Pick 6: Latinx Children’s Books
- Board Books: La Catrina series
- Board Books: Life of series by Lil Libros
- Picture Book: Dreamer by Yuyi Morales
- Young Adult: Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
- Middle Grade: The Sea-Ringed World by Maria Garcia Esperon, Curse of the Forgotten City by Alex Aster
- Chapter Books: Definitely Dominguita series by Terry Catasus Jennings
www.twolitmamas.com
Margie hates it but Heather’s inner horsey girl catches her stride in Episode 33 as the Mamas share their childhood memories of horses and explore Middle Grade books and resources in the horsey genre. The Mamas also get on their high horses and rant about banned books. Saddle up and hold on tight!
Book Chat:
The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd
The Compton Cowboys by Walter Thompson-Hernandez
Pick 6: Resources for Horse-Themed Learning Activities
- Horse Illustrated Online Magazine’s young rider tab
- The Equinest
- Horseloversmath.com
- Horsecrazygirls.com science fair horse project
- Przewalski’s Horse at the National Zoo
- Stacy Gregg’s Ponies A-Z
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas embrace their inner Sporty Spice (or Benchwarmer Spice) to share reviews of Middle Grade novels (ages 8-12) about gymnastics, football and soccer, as well as, the personal and family trauma that can sometimes be associated with sports. The Mamas also share six sports-themed activities for the classroom and home. Put on your athletic supporters and let's get started!
Book Reviews:
- Chirp by Kate Messner
- Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie
- Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson
Pick Six: Sports-Themed Activities
- Fine Motor Skills: Basket Toss
- Language & Sensory: Mystery Bag with Sports Items
- Large Muscle Movement: Skiing on 2x4 Blocks
- Math: Add and Subtract Game Scores
- Science: The Physics of Football video and The Impossible Kick Ted Talk
- Geography: Pin Team Pennants to the City, State or Country on a Map
Show Links:
twolitmamas.com
In this episode, the Mamas get extra nerdy exploring the final frontier in the latest Middle Grade science fiction novels and short stories. So grab your communicators and listen in as they cover hermetically sealed post-pandemic apartments, talking heads, shape-shifting aliens, and murder on the moon. Oh, it gets creepy, gross and dark, but you're gonna love it.
Science Fiction MG Book Chat:
Cleo Porter and the Body Electric by Jake Burt
Moon Base Alpha Series by Stuart Gibbs
Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout
The Mortification of Fovea Munson by Mary Winn Heider
Pick 6: The Mamas favorite Sci-Fi short stories
- The Fermi Paradox is Our Business Model by Charlie Jane Anders
- Kin by Bruce McAllister
- Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler
- There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
- Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
- The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Reference Links:
Rethink ELA
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas don their Siskel & Ebert disguises and debate the pros and cons of the Mysterious Benedict Society’s new Disney+ series vs. the OG book series. Although you can probably guess what the lit-loving Mamas have to say (hint: the book is ALWAYS better), you might enjoy the Middle Grade series recommendations at the end, especially if you’re in love with Mr. Benedict and his society of kid geniuses, like two middle-aged spies we know (yes, we’re talking about the Mamas).
Book Discussion:
The Mysterious Benedict Society Disney+ Series
The Mysterious Benedict Society book series
Pick 6: If you liked The Mysterious Benedict Society, the Mamas recommend these series
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Artemis Fowl
Mr. Lemoncello series
Sisters Grimm
N.E.R.D.S.
Savvy, Scrumble & Switch
Show References:
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas’ fantasies are flying in Episode 29 with two hot Middle Grade fantasy picks. Following the book chat, the Mamas share six more MG fantasies from their TBR Lists for 2021. So, if animals talk to you, you should listen in because you’re in good company, or at least not alone in your fantasy world!
Book Chat:
The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan
Pick 6: MG Fantasies from the Mamas 2021 TBR lists
- The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book (A Greenglass House Story) by Kate Milford
- The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
- Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
- Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliot
- The Anti-Book by Raphel Simon
- Arlo Finch Series by John August
www.twolitmamas.com
Two of the Mamas’ fave authors (yes, ones from the Franzia List) are back in the book chat with financially-focused Middle Grade characters who discover how to run a business and manage money in the most fantastic settings. Listen as the Mamas WERK IT, doing what they love—chatting about great Middle Grade Lit and natural disasters (yes, they get waaaay off topic).
Book Discussion:
Middle School’s a Drag You Better Werk by Greg Howard
Millionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty
Pick 6: The Mamas break down their worst jobs and their best work moments
The Worst:
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Pushing corpses to the crematorium
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Making the donuts
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Wrecking a house with two little kids
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Ruining wedding gowns
The Best:
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Making a golem with Philip Glass
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Making $400 on Mother’s Day and spending it all on clothes
Show Reference Links:
Lunch Money by Andrew Clements
Lawn Boy and Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen
Lemonade Wars series by Jacqueline Davies
The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill
www.lemonadeday.org
www.twolitmamas.com
Find out what’s cooking in Middle Grade lit as the Two Lit Mamas drool–err–chat about the latest novels with kid bakers and chefs. If you aren’t hungry now, you will be by the time the Mamas finish dishing their foody opinions and kid-friendly recipes. Bon Appetit!
Book Discussion:
Midsummer's Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca
All You Knead is Love by Tania Guerrero
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
When Life Gives You Lemons Make Peach Pie by Erin Soderberg Downing
Pick 6: Kid-Friendly Recipes
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Soft Pretzels
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Baked Alaska
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Fruit Sauce & Fruit Soup (Fruktsoppa)
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Stuffed Grape Leaves (Margie might die if we share this recipe)
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Homemade Pizza Dough
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Avocado Pasta
Show Reference Links:
www.twolitmamas.com
In episode 26, the Mamas join forces with Uncle Johnny to discuss the latest in LGBTQIA+ books for Middle Graders. They look at how far we’ve come and how far we have to go through the lens of two great novels about love, loss and growing up queer in America.
Book Discussion:
One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock
The Whispers by Greg Howard
Pick 6: Grown Up Books We’re Reading Now (Yes, we read do read them)
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The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
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Four Lost Cities by Annalee Newitz
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The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune
3.5 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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The Sacred Band by James Romm
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When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister
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My Life with Women by Thomas E. Kennedy
Reference Links:
Trockadero Ballet
Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
www.twolitmamas.com
On their one year anniversary, the Mamas share their favorite heartwarming and hard hitting immigrant & refugee novels for Middle Graders. Since Margie's life is one big immigrant story and Heather's small, rural world was widened by international students who came for the holidays, the topic of immigration and refugees is close to their hearts. So, think globally but listen locally as the Mamas discuss ways to introduce kiddos to other cultures through books and much more!
Book Discussion
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
Front Desk series by Kelly Yang
One Good Thing About America by Ruth Freeman
The Only Road & Crossroads by Alexandra Diaz
Pick 6: Tips for introducing kids to other cultures
- Try a new ethnic restaurant and randomly order off the menu
- Learn how to pronounce someone's name correctly
- Goog It! Research a country you know nothing about
- Learn to say "hello" in other languages
- Celebrate a holiday from another country
- Order it on Amazon! Search for candy, drinks and snacks from other countries and try them
- Bonus: Visit an international market or grocery store
Show Links:
www.twolitmamas.com
In Episode 24, the Mamas discuss two middle grade novels that take very different approaches to prepping from a kid’s perspective: one is apocalyptic and the other is fake news, but both are intensely entertaining and involve drinking toilet water. If you can hang with that, then grab your bug-out bag, dust off your survival skills, and join the Mamas in the bunker. Just don’t forget the Franzia.
Book Discussion:
The World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty
96 Miles by J.L. Eslpin
Pick 6: Summer Reading Recommendations
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Historical Fiction: Gone to the Woods, Surviving a Lost Childhood by Gary Paulsen
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Mystery: The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
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Adventure: The Mutant Mushroom Takeover & Attack of the Killer Komodos by Summer Rachel Short
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Realistic Fiction: Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
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Science Fiction: The Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia
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Humor: My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner
Show Reference Links:
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
twolitmamas.com
According to recent reports, the pandemic has stirred up body image concerns in teens, leading to a rise in eating disorders, so for this episode The Mamas turn to Middle Grade fiction to help kids, parents and teachers tackle the topic in a positive way. Catch the wave of change that's coming and leave body shaming far behind with this list of fat acceptance novels:
All of Me by Chris Baron
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Jelly by Jo Cotterill
Husky by Justin Sayre
Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes
Dumplin by Julie Murphy
Pick 6: Happy Mamas' Day!
Here are 6 (and a few more) books for mamas of unique and wonderful kiddos with links to the podcast episodes where the mamas discuss them in great (really too much) detail.
For mamas with kids on the spectrum:
Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
For mamas with savant or math genius kids:
Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
For mamas with bi-cultural kids:
Marcus Bega Does Not Speak English by Pablo Cartaya
For mamas with kids who have gender or orientation questions:
Rick by Alex Gino
For divorced mamas:
Love Like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood & How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero
For mamas with budding activists:
The Leak by Kate Reed Petty and Andrea Bell
For mamas with adopted kids:
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Reference Links:
Lisa Damour article about teen eating disorders in the pandemic
Untangled by Lisa Damour
Angry Chef Blog
Piers Anthony Xanth Series books
www.twolitmamas.com
The mamas have so much to share for Earth month, from middle grade environmental nonfiction and eco-fiction novels, to nature picture books, articles, contests, book festivals, PBS specials, and more. Whew! Now, put on your green jeans and let’s get started!
Book Discussion:
How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein and Rebecca Stepoff
Girl Warriors, How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth by Rachel Sarah
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
The Last Wild by Piers Torday
Pick Six: Nature Picture Books
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A Leaf Can Be… by Laurie Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabija
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Water Can Be… by Laurie Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabija
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In a Garden by Tim McCanna and Aimee Sicuro
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One Tomato by Rebecca Mullin and Anna Mullin
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Outside In by Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby
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Tiny, Perfect Things by M.H. Clark and Madeline Kloepper
Show Links:
Color-Cut-Create contest for kids
Ohioana Book Festival
Teen Vogue article by Isabella Fallahi
New Yorker article about Moms Battling Climate Change
Greta Thunburg PBS Special
Two Lit Mamas website
In honor of Earth Day, the Mamas do a deep dive (insert eye roll here) into the importance of clean water. Using her love language, Margie breaks down water treatment issues into dorky layman's terms, as the Mamas discuss their first nonfiction and graphic novel middle grade reads. If the mamas haven't hooked you with the lighthearted topic of water pollution, you might want to give this episode a pass because even the Pick 6 is more of the same. But, if you're up for an important cause, take the water protection oath and join the Mamas in this episode on water warriors.
Books:
Poisoned Water by Candy J. Cooper and Marc Aronson
The Leak by Kate Reed Petty and Andrea Bell
Pick 6:
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
Flush by Carl Hiaassen
Rising Water by Marc Aronson
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson
Little Turtle & the Changing Sea by Becky Davies and Jennie Poh
Reference Links:
Margie's Love Language Blog Post
Nova's Flint Documentary
Frontline Flint Documentary
Dry by Neil Shusterman
TwoLitMamas.com
For Episode 20 of Two Lit Mamas Podcast, the Mamas pry-bar themselves into black Spandex to get their spy game on. Yes, that IS your shoe phone ringing. Answer it and join the Mamas on a not-so-secret mission to hack into the latest middle grade books with kid spies. From chubby spy geniuses to petticoated, steampunk femme fatales, the Mamas chase the MacGuffin to bring you the best in MG-Lit. Spread the word before this podcast self-destructs.
City Spies by James PontiThe Double Cross by Jackson PearceEtiquette and Espionage by Gail CarrigerPick 6:
- Top Secret - A handbook of codes, Ciphers and Secret Writing by Paul B Janeczko.
- The Real Spy’s Guide to Becoming a Spy by Peter Earnest and Suzanne Harper
- How to Be an International Spy by Andy Briggs for Lonely Planet Kids
- CIA - Spy Kids - Background on the CIA, history of missions and really cool online games to build spy power.
- Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code Cracking, Spy Catching Activities for Kids by Jim Weise
- Netflix - Spycraft
Show Links:
Gail Carriger's FREE Educators Guide to the Finishing School Series
twolitmamas.com
Happy Middle Grade March! In celebration of this very special month, the mamas threw together a BONUS episode on their fave topic – Middle Grade books. The Mamas break down the category for fellow mamas and papas who need help finding appropriate reading material for their middle schoolers.
Resources for finding great middle grade books:
Read Brightly
Imagination Soup
From the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors
Mr. Sharp
Reading Middle Grade
Two Lit Mamas Podcast
In this episode, the Mamas tackle tough topics, including divorce, blended-up families, and sick kiddos with their middle grade, realistic fiction pics. Maybe not the best topics to cover during a pandemic but the mamas grip their calming stones and make it through two important and wonderful reads written by diverse authors. For Pick Six, the Mamas share new releases they’re looking forward to reading this summer.
Books Discussed in this Episode:
Love Like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood
(sequel out this summer: Forever This Summer)
How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero
(second book out this summer: All You Knead is Love)
Pick 6: New releases to check out this summer
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The Double Life of Danny Day by Mike Thayer
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The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam
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The Last Shadow Warrior by Sam Subity
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Weird Kid by Greg Van Ekkhout
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Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie
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Down to Earth by Betty Culley
www.twolitmamas.com
The snowbound, quarantining mamas are starting to get a little stir crazy, obvi – the cry-laughing was a dead giveaway – but fortunately they found some great middle grade fantasy reads about American myths to distract them. Join the mamas in beating off the winter blues, especially if you’re a sasquatch or a ghost mastodon.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Evangeline of the Bayou by Jan Eldredge
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
Lemons by Melissa Savage
Pick 6:
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Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates
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Atlas of Cursed Places
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Radio Garden
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Finding ‘Ohana
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Dora and the Lost City of Gold
6 Bedknobs and Broomsticks
After grumbling about the weather like two old ladies, the mamas dive into Iberian, Bengali, Egyptian and Greek mythology stories for middle grade readers. The fictional stories aren’t for fainthearted parents since most adults have disappeared at the beginning of the books. Fear not, the kids do rescue them, of course only after falling for crushes, exploring secret worlds, and becoming warriors. Connect with your inner goddess and will yourself to join the mamas on their mythic adventure.
Show Links:
Charlie Hernandez & the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo
The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Trident by Ann Searle Horowitz
Jinn Netflix TV Show
www.twolitmamas.com
Put on your parkas and two face masks. You’ll need them for warmth as the mamas chill with a couple of Middle Grade survival adventure books set in the dead of winter. In one book our young hero lives in a frozen fjord just as life is about to go berserk, and in the second book the hero, plucked from the fjord and relocated to the prairie, battles a blizzard. If you can handle the cold, hang on until the end for a chat about reading in the time of COVID.
Icefall by Matthew Kirby
Blizzard on the Plains by Heather Kauffman-Peters
Pick 2:
A Middle School Teacher’s Creative Way of Framing the Pandemic for Children
How Reading Habits Have Changed During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Reference Links:
Minnie Freeman
Amanda Gorman
Joseph Campbell
The mamas launched the new year discussing two awesomely-abled middle grade characters – one’s a math savant, one’s autistic, both make exciting leads and reads. Then the mamas switched gears and got real about homeschool life. The mamas urge you to ignore the news for an hour, Irish up your coffee, and listen in!
Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
North Carolina 7th grader, Lucy, was struck by lightning when she was young and was diagnosed with acquired savant syndrome which made her a math genius. She’s been homeschooling since then and has advanced her education to college level. Lucy makes a deal with her grandmother, who’s worried about her social skills, that she will spend a year in middle school before moving on to college. Afterall, “if you can survive a bolt of lightning, you can survive middle school, right?”
Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
Twelve-year-old Nova is a non-verbal, autistic girl who has been bouncing through foster care with her older sister Bridget for about 7 years. Through everything, their shared love of space exploration has kept the sisters going. The upcoming launch of the Challenger sending the first teacher in space, who happens to be from their home state, is a driving force in Nova's life. When the girls get separated, Nova counts down the days until she see's Bridget again because her sister promised they would watch the Challenger Launch together - no matter what. But Nova finds some things are beyond anyone's control.
Pick 6: Homeschool Resources
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Class Dismissed movie
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John Holt
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Pat Farenga
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Village Home Learning
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Sir Ken Robinson
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Sandra Dodd
Reference Links:
Challenger documentary
Psychology Today article
Happy Holidays from Two Lit Mamas! The holidays may not be the same this year but don’t cancel Christmas like Margie did in 2008! Instead, the mamas encourage you to start a new tradition of sharing and gifting books. Choose from the mama’s Middle Grade recommendations that will make you laugh and give you a fright while bringing your family closer together. In a farewell to 2020, the mamas snuggle in with festive stories that are perfect for reading aloud by the fire.
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
It’s almost Christmas and 12-year-old Milo is ready for a quiet winter break with his parents in the family’s inn, Greenglass House, which is normally guest free at that time of year. But as guest after guest begins to arrive out of nowhere, Milo realizes this Christmas break might be better spent trying to untangle the web of mystery surrounding Greenglass House and the unusual guests within.
Christmas Dinner of Souls by Ross Montgomery
Eleven-year-old Lewis finds himself in a little jam after breaking a window but he’s hopeful that after completing his penance by serving Christmas Eve dinner at Soul’s College all will be fine. But the evening takes a creepy turn when the room fills with monsters and Lewis’ new hope is to make it out alive.
Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett.
Ollie and his BFF Celia are elves and they are very good at their jobs. But when Santa decides that the long-held method of family lineage determining who should be Santa, is unfair, everything changes. Suddenly Ollie and Celia, as well as every other elf or human in the land are now in competition to become the next Santa.
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
Nikolas lives a hard-knock life in the woods of Finland, but he knows he’s loved and that gets him by until his father goes missing. Nikolas then travels to the North Pole to find him. Along the way, Nikolas meets a cast of characters including a cranky reindeer, a troublemaking troll, and a village of elves who have troubles of their own. Nikolas may be the only one who can fix things for them and himself.
The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
Amelia has a special relationship with Father Christmas or so she thought. When her Christmas wish is ignored, she ends up in a workhouse where the adults are cruel, and the food is gruel. Soon Amelia stops believing in the magic of Christmas all together just when Father Christmas is counting on her to save the day. The two must save each other before magic can return to the world.
Episode Links:
Young Hoosier Book Awards
Two Lit Mamas Blog
3-2-1 Shop! In this episode, the mamas share many – let’s face it, probably too many – gift recommendations. Concentrating on upper and lower middle grade books, these crazy, wined-up Santa’s helpers go to town on their faves. From series and standouts to interactive finds, the mamas have got your holiday book shopping covered.
The mamas faves from past episodes:
We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey
Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
The Creativity Project edited by Colby Sharp
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens
Fantasy Recs:
Glitch by Laura Martin
Tristan Strong Punches a Whole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Series Recs:
America’s Test Kitchen’s Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs, Complete Baking Book for Young Chef, Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Deep End by Jeff Kinney
Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gibwitz
New Release Recs:
Murder Most Puzzling by Stephanie Von Reistwitz
Mary Underwater by Shannon Doleski
Middle Schools a Drag You Better Werk by Greg Howard
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte
Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins
Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer
Cut, Color, Create books by Merrill Rainey
Show Reference Links:
NaNoWriMo
Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin
Rowley Series by Jeff Kinney
www.twolitmamas.com
Happy Holidays! The mamas flipped the script this episode to bring you their Pick 6 gift lists at the front of the show. Not surprisingly, the opinionated broads have gobs of recommendations for their favorite picture books and chapter books of 2020 so, get out your quills and parchment paper and let the mamas kickstart your holiday shopping.
Heather’s 2020 Picture Book Faves
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Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner, art by Christopher Silas Neal
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Vote for our Future by Margaret McNamara, art by Micah Player
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On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex
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The Keeper of Wild Words by Brooke Smith, by Madeline Kloepper
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Soaked by Abi Cushman
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We Walk Through the Forest by Lisa Ferland, art by Yana Popova
Heather’s Fave Diverse Picture Books
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Blue Cat by Charlie Eve Ryan
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What I Like Most by Mary Murphy, art by Zhu Cheng-Liang
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Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard, art by Juana Martinez-Neal
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La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, art by Juana Martinez-Neal
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Crown, an Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, art by Gordon C. James
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Mae Among the Starts by Roda Ahmed, art by Stasia Burrington
Margie’s Fave Chapter Book Series
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Mac B Kid Spy Series by Mac Barnett, art by Mike Lowery
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Mia Mayhem Series by Kara West, art by Leeza Hernandez
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Big Foot and Little Foot Series by Ellen Potter, art by Felicita Sala
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Pocket Pirates by Chris Mould
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Sam Wu is Not Afraid Of Series by Kate and Kevin Tsang
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Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Chapter Book Series
Resources for more book recommendations:
Imagination Soup
Afoma Umesi All My Beautiful Things
Colby Sharp
Avery & Augustine
From the Mixed-Up Files
Kidlit411
If you’re in need of a distraction (and we KNOW you are), join the mamas for some mutating, eco-horror, dystopian fun. In the 11th episode of Two Lit Mamas, killer plants have taken over the world and it’s up to a few smart middle grade heroes to save the day. (If only they could save our country while they’re at it.) In 2020, nature may be out to get us, but look on the bright side, the year is almost over. Hit play and hang in there, folks!
Book Discussion:
Bloom by Kenneth Oppel
Mysterious seeds begin arriving via rainstorms first on an isolated Canadian Island and then worldwide. Massive, black, thorny vines sprout seemingly overnight and begin to take over. Three teens soon find that their strange health issues are giving them immunity to the power of these plants and soon they learn they are far more connected to these plants than anyone could have guessed.
Forgotten City by Michael Ford
Kobi has spent his entire life hiding from the deadly Waste that destroyed the world. Together, he and his father have managed to remain the lone survivors hiding from the plants and animals mutated by the Waste. But when his father disappears, Kobi learns that not only is he not the lone survivor, he's facing dangers far worse than mutated plants.
Pick 6: The Mamas’ Favorite Sci-fi Classics
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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
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Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
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The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM by Robert C. O’Brien
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The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
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Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Show Reference Links:
The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson
5th Wave by Rick Yancy
The Always War by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Common Sense Media
www.Twolitmamas.com
Put on your pointy, black hats and join the witchy mamas for a bone-chilling discussion about Middle Grade books with ghosts, creepy dolls, and other frights trapped within their pages. Halloween celebrations may not be the same in 2020, but with Two Lit Mamas’ help you can still have a good cackle and curl up with a scary tale (or tail).
Scary Books:
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
This well-known ghost story from master of suspense Mary Downing Hahn may have been written in 1986, but it’ll still scare your middle schoolers’ Walkman headphones right off. The story is of a blended family that moves into an old church in the countryside. The grounds, of course, come with an old cemetery that attracts Molly’s strange, young stepsister, Heather, who is found talking to what she claims is a ghost named Helen.
Doll Bones by Holly Black
From the author of The Spiderwick Chronicles comes this creepy story of three friends who anger an antique doll that then threatens to haunt them until they return it to its home several states away. Zach and his friend Alice go along with their friend Poppy’s weird story about the doll, unsure if it’s just another story she’s made up or if the doll really will destroy their lives.
The Bone Garden by Heather Kassner
Irreelle knows she's not quite real and not dead either but as long as she keeps Miss Vesper happy, she will be allowed to stay. While collecting bone dust from the tunnels below the cemetery for Miss Versper's potions, Irreelle meets her predecessor Guy and soon her replacement, Lass. The three make a deal with Miss Vesper that if they find something she's been searching for, she will 'magic them real' but can Miss Vesper really be trusted?
Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker
Two fox kits, Mia and Uly, are torn from their mothers in two very different ways, forcing them to get to their golden eye time all alone. In converging stories, the kits face such horrors as a witch who wants to taxidermy a young kit, a ghost that haunts the woods, zombie foxes, and massive beasts that dwell beneath the water. Will they survive long enough for their eyes to turn gold? The young kits, who are listening to their stories and hoping to have a white spot scared into their tails, sure hope so.
Pick 6: The Mamas Favorite Halloween Traditions
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Pumpkin Windows
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Dog Costumes
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Monster Windsocks
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Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
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Homemade Costumes
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Handing Out Candy (in an empty house)
Show References:
Margie’s Blog: Laughter is Better than Prozac
Two Lit Mamas Blog
In the longest episode yet, the mamas just can’t stop yakking about the great and not-so-great (Judge Judy’s in da house!) Middle Grade books with deaf and hard of hearing characters. The mamas find authors to stalk and characters to love while advocating for the deaf community. And that’s not all. The BFFs end the show with science, history and math related books that will help parents and caregivers survive e-learning and homeschooling in 2020. The struggle is real, but the mamas have your back.
MG Books with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters:
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
Iris is a Deaf girl in a hearing world who is acutely aware of how it feels to be disconnected, especially since her Deaf grandfather passed. When she learns of a whale struggling with the same disconnection, she’ll risk anything to make sure he knows he’s not alone.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik
Wonderstruck is two stories, from two different times with stunning similarities. Ben’s story of searching for answers in 1977 is told in words while Rose’s story of searching for freedom in 1927 is told through stunning illustrations. Each is determined to find what they need but can they handle their journeys?
Harriet Versus the Galaxy by Samantha Baines
Harriet recently moved in with her grandmother and isn’t too excited about it. But when she learns her hearing aids can translate the language of the alien under her bed and that her grandmother is a secret agent, she realizes staying at Grandma’s is nothing like she expected.
El Defo by CeCe Bell
In this classic graphic novel, Cece wants to connect with her classmates and make a best friend. The only obstacle is the huge hearing device she wears around her neck called the Phonic Ear. Without it Cece can’t hear but with it she feels like a sore thumb.
Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Virgil would like to befriend Valencia but she’s smart, independent and Deaf, all things Virgil is not. Karori promises she can use her psychic powers to help him but before she can connect the two, the universe, in the form of the class bully, gets in the way.
Pick Six: Fiction that Supports Science, Math and History Subjects
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Lizzy Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
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Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
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Prairie Cooks by Carrie Young
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Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
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Counting by 7s by Holly Golberg Sloan
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The Tornado by Jake Burt
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Bonus Pick: The Poetry of Science: The Poetry Friday Anthology for Science for Kids
Visit the Two Lit Mamas Blog
Whether your family is doing e-learning, homeschooling, unschooling, striking, or hiding out in a bunker to avoid the latest natural disaster, you need The Creativity Project book to fill your time and sparkle your creativity. If you’re not sure if this book is for you, listen as the mamas give the hard sell (no, there’s no money in it for them although they’ll take your money if you’re offering) for literary advocate Colby Sharp and his unique prompt-response anthology along with tips to keep your kids learning, growing and creating.
The Creativity Project, edited by Colby Sharp
This collection of prompts and responses from dozens of well-known children’s authors is the brainchild of teacher and literary advocate Colby Sharp (5 Questions with Mr. Sharp), who invited some of the best storytellers in Kidlit to share a prompt. Then the artists swapped prompts and let their imaginations run wild. The results appear in The Creativity Project book in the form of stories, drawings, poems, and comics. A section titled Prompts for You, is a call to action at the end that encourages readers to create their own awesome works of art.
The Mamas couldn’t call out every contributor in the book, but they did discuss the works of these authors and illustrators: Sherman Alexi, Kate Messner, R.J. Palacio, Dav Pilkey, Minh Le, Victoria Jamieson, Lemony Snicket, Jennifer L. Holm, Chris Grabenstein, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Adam Gidwitz, Sophie Blackall, Kate DiCamillo, and Kat Yeh.
Pick 6: The mamas’ tips for sparking creativity at home or school
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Poetry Friday Anthology
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Scholastic Story Starter Scrambler
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Story Prompts from Think Written and Squibler
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Painting with ice
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Ice Play
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Airport Stories
Episode Reference Links:
Tomie’s Little Book of Poems by Tomie dePaola
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Hank Zipzer by Henry Winkler
Grab your shawl, pour yourself a spot of tea and get cozy. For Episode 7 of Two Lit Mamas, the ladies dig into all things murderous. From traditional British cozies to inspired African American mysteries, the mamas share their favorite TV shows and grown up murder mysteries while uncovering fab mysteries for middle graders. So, take a bun break and Greek out with the mamas or Miss Fortune will find you.
Middle Grade Cozies:
Taylor & Rose Secret Agents, Peril in Paris by Katherine Woodfine
In 1911, two young detectives, Sophie Taylor and Lillian Rose, shift their focus from sleuthing to the fast-paced world of espionage as they take on a case for Britain’s mysterious Secret Service Bureau. While Lil has been sent on a special mission, Sophie is tasked with uncovering why Bureau agent, Professor Blaxland, was found murdered in his Paris apartment. Although the City of Lights is beautiful and alluring, doom lurks around every corner.
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens
In this first Wells and Wong mystery, detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong get their chance to solve a real crime at their boarding school, The Deepdean School for Girls. After Hazel discovers their science teacher, Miss Bell, dead in the gymnasium, she rushes to get her partner but by the time they return, the body is gone. The girls have to find the killer before he or she strikes again.
The Clubhouse Mysteries, The Mystery of the Buried Bones by Sharon M. Draper
In this first book in the series by best-selling author Sharon M. Draper, four friends have to find a way to spend their summer after finding their basketball court destroyed. The boys decide to use some salvaged fencing supplies and build a clubhouse for their new club, The Black Dinosaurs. When the boys discover a box of bones, they agree to solve the mystery inside which takes them on an unexpected journey and leading them to finally understand why Mr. Green has been lurking around, singing, “Dem bones gonna rise again.”
The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
This book is the first of three cozy mysteries for kids exploring the origins of Detective Precious Ramotswe, from Smith’s long-time cozy mystery series, The #1 Ladies Detective Agency. In this tale, Precious lives with her father in a small Botswanan village. When sweets go missing before snack time at the village school, everyone assumes it was Poloko, their “traditionally built” classmate. But the young sleuth, Precious, disagrees and constructs the perfect trap to find the real perpetrator and clear Poloko’s name.
Pick Six: The Mamas Fave Grown Up Cozies
Lucy Stone by Leslie Meier
Greek to Me Series by Susannah Hardy
Miss Fortune Series by Jana DeLeon
Inspector Barnaby Series by Caroline Graham
Mr. Parker Pyne by Agatha Christie
Murder She Wrote
Reference Links:
Masterclass.com cozy murder parameters
Masterpiece Mystery Theater
St. Trinians movie
Down the Rabbit Hole Podcast
Two Lit Mamas Blog
Gear up, middle grade writers! The mamas have invited YA novelist John Petrie to join the podcast for episode 6. Petrie breaks down his process for researching sports romances while sharing with our cis gender mamas amazing insights into the history of queer books. Put on your mask, open your mind, and walk in someone else’s shoes as the Two Lit Mamas and One Lit Godfather chat about middle grade books full of LGBTQIAP+ characters and culture.
Rick by Alex Gino
Rick knows middle school is new and intimidating. He knows he’s the last one at home now that his siblings are in college. He knows he’s not a jerk like his best friend Jeff. But sometimes Rick worries those are the only things he knows. With the help of some new friends and an amazing grandparent, Rick learns that not knowing is perfectly fine.
My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer by Jennifer Gennari
June Farrell’s pies are some of the very best in Vermont, even if she’s only 12 years old. June plans to showcase her skills in the upcoming Champlain County Fair until arguments over Vermont’s civil union laws put her family and their livelihood in danger. But it takes more than some bullies to deter June from her making pies and embracing her new family.
Meet the Guest Star: John Petrie
John Petrie grew up in Boston and now lives in the Bronx, NY. He's spent most of his life around books, from his days as a teenage library assistant to over twenty years as a bookseller and writer. His work has appeared in True Romance magazine as well as in his two most recent YA books for Harmony Ink Press:
- The Quarterback's Crush
- Buried Secrets
He can be reached at johnrpetriewrites@gmail.com and on twitter at johnpetriewrite
Episode Reference Links:
John Petrie’s podcast: Don’t Sue Us Please Podcast
Trying Hard to Hear You by Sandra Scoppettone
Peter by Kate Walker
Some Day This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron
Five Six Seven Nate and Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
Two Lit Mamas Blog
Join the Two Lit Mamas as they disappear into their favorite Middle Grade series and forget about the dumpster fire that is 2020 for a while. The mamas talk Star Wars, supernatural powers and even exchange a recipe for Café de Olla, all while giving big props to genius authors who make parents cringe and kiddos cheer. So, go ahead, get lost in a neighborhood of make believe with the mamas. You might feel better – at least for 30 minutes.
Margie’s Faves
A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken, So You Want to Be a Jedi by Adam Gidwitz and Return of the Jedi, Beware The Power of the Dark Side by Tom Angleberger are three very different retellings of the original Star Wars movies from the 1970s and 80s. Though completely different in style, the three books fit together to tell the stories, from Luke Skywalker's and Princess Leia’s meet cute (ewww, they’re brother and sister) to the defeat of their faaather.
The Genius Files is a series of five books by Dan Gutman following the McDonald twins, Coke and Pepsi, on a pop culture filled cross-country road trip. While their parents are enjoying the sights, the twins find themselves being hunted by a team of bad guys because Coke and Pepsi are no ordinary kids. The twins have been chosen for a secret government organization known as The Genius Files.
Heather’s Faves
War usually brings death and devastation but, for Ada, it might save her from abuse and misery. Set in the English countryside during WWII, The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, complete a coming of age story about a 10-year-old girl who learns to love life at a time when bombings and German spies are a normal part of living.
Watch out world, the Beatumont children are coming into their powers and they can’t control them. Will there be a new mountain range in Kansas or a great lake in the desert? Anything is possible in this three book fantasy adventure series by Ingrid Law which includes Savvy, Scumble and Switch. Each book follows a new family member on the wild ride of discovering his or her powers.
Pick 6: Great Shows Based on Books
- Matilda
- The House with a Clock in the Walls
- Anne with an E
- Holes
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Series of Unfortunate Events
Show Reference Links:
VIA Character Strengths Survey
Café de Olla
40th Anniversary Star Wars article with Adam Gidwitz
Origamiyoda.com
Jedi Academy
Common Sense Media
Two Lit Mamas Blog
Two Lit Mamas: A kid-lit podcast for parents, teachers and writers
Episode 4: Diverse Summer Reads
You might want to pour a glass of wine for this one. Heather and Margie dive into diverse American stories and get on their soap boxes about the importance of representation, true patriotism, letting sassy children lead us, and the power of mamas’ boys. They aimed for light summer beach reads but happily landed on more important books about black girl magic and the kindness of Latinx boys – much more fitting for the summer of 2020.
Summer Reads Book Discussion:
A Song Below Water
By Bethany C. Morrow
This modern fantasy about two friends, Tavia and Effie, is set in Portland, Oregon where sirens and other magical creatures live among humans. In addition to dealing with racism and sexism, the play sisters also have to hide their magical abilities out of fear of attack after a siren murder trial rocks the nation. As if that isn’t enough, the young women also struggle with normal teen troubles like boys and hair. In the end, their strong friendship gets them through it all.
Marcus Vega Does Not Speak Spanish
By Pablo Cartaya
Marcus Vega is a 6-foot, 180-pound middle schooler and while he might tower over most kids at his school, to his mom and brother, he's just a big, overprotective softie. After a fight at school provides Marcus with some unexpected "time off," Marcus' mom decides it's time for him to reconnect with his family in Puerto Rico. However, Marcus thinks this is the perfect time to search for the father who left them ten years ago. Through a series of adventures in Puerto Rico, Marcus learns that family is never quite the way you imagine it.
Pick Six Read the Book, Skip the Movie:
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The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
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The Giver by Lois Lowry
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Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer
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Wonder by R.J. Palacio
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
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Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Two Lit Mamas: A Kid-Lit podcast for parents, teachers and writers
Episode 3: Multicultural Middle Grade
In Episode 3 of Two Lit Mamas, Margie and Heather chat about heavy metal t-shirts, flower pictures, and flying teenagers before diving into a discussion on first gen Americans, language misconceptions, unfounded fears of the other, and the right kind of rule breakers. Margie even gets misty about her Turkish, immigrant husband – you don’t want to miss it!
Multicultural Middle Grade Book Discussion:
We're Not From Here
by Jeff Rodkey
After the human race obliterates Earth, middle schoolers Lan and Ila are living on Mars with their parents. Unfortunately, Mars' resources are nearly exhausted, but the far-off planet Choom has agreed to take on human refugees. Unfortunately, during the 20-year journey to Choom, the government changed and no longer has any interest in taking a ship full of violent human refugees. With little food and fuel left and the remainder of the human race counting on them, Lan and family have been given a chance to prove to all of Choom that humans are not as bad as they seem. No pressure.
Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
by Jessica Kim
Eleven-year-old Yumi Chung is a shy Korean American girl who struggles at her fancy L.A. private school where students call her names and she eats lunch by herself in the bathroom. Her one solace is her favorite comedians’ how-to videos and her notebook full of jokes. In a case of mistaken identity, Yumi joins a summer comedy camp without the permission of her over-protective parents. During that time to learns to fail forward and stick up for herself. Eventually she uses her comedy skills to save the day.
Pick Six Multicultural Books:
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Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
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Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
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Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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The First Rule of Punk by Celia Pérez
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The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
Show Reference Links:
Teacher Guide for We’re Not From Here
#ownvoices
The Book Sommelier
11 Contemporary Diverse Novels for Middle Grade Readers on ReadBrightly.com
https://coloursofus.com
In Episode 2 of Two Lit Mamas, Margie and Heather surprise each other with book reports on two Middle Grade novels the other one hasn’t read. Listen along as the mamas introduce each other to bog monsters, butter cows, wish granters, and Jan Brady books. What the heck is a Jan Brady book, you ask? Hit play and let Margie explain it to you.
Margie’s Surprise-Me Books:
Eventown
by Corey Ann Haydu
Eventown follows eleven-year-old twins, Elodee and Naomi as they move from their urban home to Eventown following a heartbreaking loss. Eventown promises to be a new start where nothing is good or bad but only even. Memories fade, both good and bad and everything is replaced with a perfect state of calm. The problem is, what makes things better for one sister, doesn’t always work for both. Note Contains references to teen suicide.
Slider
by Pete Hautman
David Miller is a fourteen-year-old who is stuck in the middle. He’s the middle child living in the middle of Iowa and the only thing he seems to be good at is competitive eating. When a mess-up on an online auction site threatens to get him grounded for life, David has to break out of the middle and find a way to shine, even if it’s by eating two dozen pizzas.
Heather’s Surprise-Me Books:
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a 2017 Newbery Medal winner about a young girl named Luna who becomes magical after a witch, who saves her from abandonment in the forest, feeds her moonlight. The witch, Xan, then raises Luna as her own along with the help of a bog monster and a tiny dragon. On the other side of the mountain, in Luna’s hometown of the Protectorate, a young man vows to put an end to the evil witch who demands a sacrificial baby each year, but the real evil is waiting to be uncovered.
Granted
by John David Anderson
Granted is a middle grade novel about Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, a Granter fairy who’s been given her first wish-granting assignment. To complete her mission, she must leave the safety of the Haven for the first time. Her mentors warn her that the human world is a dangerous place, but Ophelia isn’t afraid. She’s packed everything she could possibly need and is ready to make one girl’s wish for a new bike come true – or, so she thinks.
Show Reference Links:
Artist Duffy and the history of Iowa State Fair butter cows
More Middle Grade farm books from The Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors
More about bog ecosystems from National Geographic
Ms. Bixby’s Last Day
Teacher Guides from Pete Hautman
Heather and Margie, two KidLit obsessed moms, share their middle grade author crushes. The discussion quickly devolves as the BFFs defend fart jokes, thumb their noses at boring classics, and disparage men who take credit for the work of goddesses. If you’re a KidLit snob, you might want to give it a pass, but, if you’re in need of some good book lovin’, give it a shot. Eh, why not?
Margie’s Top 5 MG Crushes:
Dan Gutman
Not only for the most fun chapter books around, the Weird School series, but also for the Genius Files which are also, genius.
Carl Hiaasen
For writing kid lit that is as fun, wild and exciting as his adult books, just without the naughty parts.
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Because she challenges kids’ views of the world and makes them want to explore other worlds as well.
Jeff Kinney
For making storytelling with graphics mainstream and making it ok to be a total nerd. Beyond that, for creating a bookstore – An Unlikely Story, in Plainfield, Mass. – that is a haven for kid-lit and the best place in the world to spend an afternoon.
Judy Blume
For being the Grand Dame of telling important stories and making so many of us want to write for kids too.
Heather’s Top 5 MG Crushes:
Richard Peck
For writing about my hood with humor, love and respect in the A Long Way from Chicago books and for writing about a mouse in England that made my little, anglophile heart happy.
Madeline L’Engle
For making this nerd think big thoughts that led to bigger worlds, ideas, and experiences than a farm girl ever could have imagined.
Pam Muñoz Ryan
For shining a brilliant light on the Latinx experience and for writing horse stories that a horse-loving girl like myself cherished. Can’t wait to read Mañanaland.
Christopher Paul Curtis
For saying, “I’m the kind of person who is excruciatingly slow to come to taking a risk but once I decide to, I’m all-in” and for creating Bud Caldwell and his Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. Can we hang out, Mr. Curtis? I seriously love the way your brain works.
Margaret Peterson Haddix
For using a journalism career as a jumping off point for a unique and fascinating children’s lit collection that captivated my son, as well as me.
Show Reference Links:
One Question with Mr. Sharp YouTube channel
Mr. Sharp interview with Margaret Peterson Haddix
M. Night Shymalan vs. Margaret Peterson Haddix
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Storyteller Academy
Arree Chung