Losing is Democratic Part Two THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES

2022/1/5

16:54

Something a little different this week. As we approach January 6th, parents and teachers may be looking for a way to discuss the attack on the U.S. Capitol with children. Our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES created this special 2-part episode to help open a discussion about the events, without scaring kids.

In this episode, 10-year-old detective Fina Mendoza, the daughter of a congressman, has a new mystery to solve: who stole the 5th grade's pizza? Her class discusses the attack with their teacher, putting it in a larger context about winning and losing.

The episode includes a discussion about the electoral college, Washington's decision to not run for a third term, and how democracy is like baseball.

Free curriculum at the website finamendozamysteries.com.

Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga

2022/1/12

22:22

Kids from Washington, DC consider life as a refugee as they discuss the Newbery-Honor winner Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga. Readers from Tyler Elementary School talk about learning a new language, moving away from home, and even non-verbal communication in an era of wearing masks. Our celebrity reader is Sarra Gahzi, Country Director for Jordan with the International Rescue Committee. Kitty Felde is host.

FYI, here's a link to curriculum for last week's episode, "Losing is Democratic."

A Conversation with writer Jasmine Warga

2022/1/19

10:36

Writing a novel is hard enough, why would a writer choose to write one in verse? We continue our conversation with Jasmine Warga, author of Other Words for Home. She also tackles the topic of Own Voices in her choice to write about a family of Syrian refugees.

The Books Kids in LA County Love

2024/1/10

06:22

Looking to start the New Year with some new books? Kids in LA County share their favorites with host Kitty Felde.

Refugee - Alan Gratz

The Secret Lives of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd

Harry Potter and the Sourcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling

The Outsiders - S.E. Hinton

Parrot in the Oven - Victor Martinez

Enola Holmes - Nancy Springer

The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart

Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan

Dork Diaries - Rachel Renée Russell

The Couch Potato - Jory John

When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed and Victoria Jamieson

2024/1/4

23:46

More than 100 million people have fled violence and persecution around the world. But that's just a number. Who are these refugees? Meet Omar. Readers from Dorothy Hamm Middle School in Arlington, Virginia discuss When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed and Victoria Jamieson. Our celebrity reader is Matthew Saltmarsh from the UNHCR. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Episode of 2023 The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

2023/12/27

24:04

We're happy to report that our most popular episode in 2023 is no mystery...actually, it IS a mystery: Varian Johnson's The Parker Inheritance.

And by the way, if your school is in LA County, we'll come out and tape a Book Club for Kids episode in your classroom! Just have your teacher, parent, or librarian contact us at the website and click on the "Want to be on the show?" button.

Gift Suggestions from Kids in LA County

2023/12/13

06:41

How do you know which books make the best gifts? Kids in LA County share a few suggestions with host Kitty Felde.

The Last Kids on Earth - Max Brallier 

The Art of Seduction - Robert Greene

Dogman - Dav Pilkey

You Matter - Christian Robinson

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night - Refe and Susan Tuma

King and Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth - Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers

The Hunger Games -  Suzanne Collins

Amulet - Kazu Kibuishi

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Mickey Mouse - Phoenix International

Challenged Books: Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

2023/12/6

25:03

We continue to look through our many episodes of the Book Club for Kids podcast to examine the titles that have been banned or challenged. Today, we look at the 1977 Newbery Medal awarded novel by Mildred D. Taylor Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.

The book has been challenged in school districts from Burbank, California to Oviedo, Florida to Huntsville, Alabama mostly for the use of the "N" word.

In Burbank, the book was removed from required reading lists, though kids can choose to read the book and it can be used in small groups after the teacher has undergone training on facilitating conversations on racism, implicit bias, and racial identity. 

Mildred D. Taylor said "As a parent I understand not wanting a child to hear painful words, but as a parent I do not understand not wanting a child to learn about a history that is part of America, a history about a family representing millions of families that are strong and loving who remain united and strong, despite the obstacles they face."

Here's some links to our resources:

• https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/roll-of-thunder-hear-my-cry/
• https://ncac.org/update/letter-from-ncac-to-protest-the-challenging-of-roll-of-thunder-hear-my-cry
• https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2020-11-12/burbank-unified-challenges-books-including-to-kill-a-mockingbird

We turn back the clock to a difficult period of history in Jim Crow America. The book is the Newbery award winner Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Readers from Immaculate Heart Catholic School discuss the difference between present-day Bronx and the south of the 1930's. Actress Tracy Leigh is celebrity reader. Literary historian Dr. Dianne Johnson-Feelings of the University of South Carolina offers her perspective on the author.

A Conversation with G Neri

2023/11/29

11:26

Writer Greg Neri talks to Kitty Felde about the role of luck and his rule of saying "yes" to new projects. 

Episode 145 Yummy by G Neri

2023/11/22

20:34

Where do gangsters come from? How can we keep kids out of gangs? Our readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington, D.C. have some ideas. They discuss G Neri’s graphic novel Yummy and have a few questions for him. Celebrity reader is Ariel Richardson.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM CHARLES HART MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Demon Slayer - Natsuki Hokami

One Piece - Eiichiro Oda

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

G NERI’S FAVORITE BOOK:

The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster

ARIEL RICHARDSON’S FAVORITE BOOK:

All About Love - Bell Hooks

More Favorite Books from LA County

2023/11/15

06:41

It's the hardest question in the world: what's your favorite book? Kids from LA County schools have some answers for host Kitty Felde.

The Fashion Fairies #2: Claudia the Accessories Fairy - Daisy Meadows

Rascal - Sterling North

Goosebumps - R.L. Stine

Dog Man - Dav Pilkey

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

Jedi Academy - Jeffrey Brown

The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

Banned Books: James and the Giant Peach

2023/11/8

21:30

Last year, nearly two thousand books were challenged in libraries across America. According to the American Library Association, that’s a 20 percent jump over a year ago. 

We looked back at the nearly 150 episodes of the Book Club for Kids and realized how many titles have been challenged over the years. We’re going to revisit those episodes and bring them to you over the coming months, along with the reasons they have been challenged.

Our first book is James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. According to the University of Tulsa, in 1986, a Wisconsin town banned the book after religious groups said a scene in the book where a spider licks her lips could be interpreted as sexual. A year later, the book was temporarily banned in schools after a woman complained about the depiction of tobacco and whiskey in the book. And in the early 1990’s a Texas public school system banned the book from elementary schools after the district said the use of curse words like “ass” were inappropriate. None the less, we present our podcast episode of James and the Giant Peach.

Link to Curriculum for James and the Giant Peach

A Conversation with Claribel Ortega

2023/10/31

03:13

Writer Claribel Ortega talks about why she loves writing fantasy. She also confesses that she's been writing about witches for a long time. Kitty Felde is host.

And give a listen to our Dia de los Muertos episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. Here's a link to the free curriculum guide.

Witchlings by Claribel Ortega

2023/10/25

22:08

Do witches have cliques? What happens when you're an outcast? Would you be brave enough to hunt down monsters? Students at Brookland Middle School in Washington, DC discuss Claribel Ortega's novel Witchlings. Veteran journalist Stephanie Roberts is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde his host.

Want to learn more about Dia de los Muertos? Listen to this special episode from our sister podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES. There is free curriculum for this episode.

Favorite Books from Brookland Middle School:

Judy B Jones series - Barbara Park

Best Babysitters Ever - Caroline Cala

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle

Claribel Ortega's Favorite Book:

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien

Stephanie Roberts' Favorite Book:

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day -Judith Viorst 

A Conversation with Ali Benjamin

2023/10/18

08:34

Writer Ali Benjamin (The Thing About Jellyfish) talks about how she manages to focus and block out distractions. Kitty Felde is host.

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

2023/10/11

21:43

A young girl struggles to find out how her best friend died. It must be a deadly jellyfish. So she seeks out the experts. The book is The Thing by Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin. Readers from Newport Mill Middle School discuss death, "borrowing" their parents' credit card, and jellyfish. Writer Ali Benjamin talks about finding a character's voice. Legendary marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from LA County

2023/10/4

06:18

Readers from Los Angeles County tell us their favorite books.

Thanks to the LA County Department of Arts & Culture.

Click here for a list of everybody's favorite book.

A Conversation with Varian Johnson

2023/9/27

05:17

What makes a good mystery? We talk to writer Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance. Kitty Felde, who writes her own mystery series THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES is host.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

2023/9/20

21:30

Do you love a mystery? Do you love playing detective, looking for clues on every page? This week’s novel is about a lot of things – segregation, bullying, and most of all, a family mystery. 

This week's episode is "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson. Our readers are from Washington DC’s AIM Academy. Actress Sheila Collins is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM AIM ACADEMY:

The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas

Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi

Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds

VARIAN JOHNSON’S FAVORITE BOOKS:

Holes - Louis Sachar

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead

The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin

Raina Telgemeier

One Crazy Summer - Rita Williams-Garcia

SHEILA COLLINS’ FAVORITE BOOK:

The House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros

A Conversation with Lois Lowry

2023/9/13

06:56

Newbery Award-winning author Lois Lowry talks about book bans, balancing serious and silly topics, and gives a sneak preview of her newest book. Kitty Felde is host.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

2023/9/6

21:26

Looking for an "old fashioned" book...with a twist? We discuss Lois Lowry's tale The Willoughbys with readers from Taylor Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. Our celebrity reader is the host of the daily news podcast The Gist Mike Pesca. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Taylor Elementary School:

Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate DiCamillo

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Front Desk - Kelly Yang

Number the Stars - Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry's Favorite Books:

Sarah, Plain and Tall - Sarah MacLachlan

Indian Captive - Lois Lensky

Mike Pesca's Favorite Book: 

The Progress Paradox - Greg Easterbrook

Favorite Books from Newport Mill Middle School

2023/8/30

07:21

We've got a group of fantasy lovers this week from Maryland. Readers at Newport Mill Middle School share their favorites and explain why fantasy is such a favorite among their peers. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan

I Lived on Butterfly Hill - Marjorie Agosin

A Magic Steeped in Poison - Judy I. Lin

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Our Teacher is a Vampire and Other (Not) True Stories at Fall for the Book Festival

2023/8/23

48:33

Recorded live at Virginia's Fall for the Book Festival, our trio of readers Jay, Neha and Naomi discuss Mary Amato's novel Our Teacher is a Vampire and Other (Not) True Stories. Topics range from writing to the world's worst substitute teachers. Actor Jonathan Cagle-Mulberg is our celebrity reader. The kids ask writer Mary Amato about the book. Mindy Shaw is guest host.

Favorite Books from Ireland and the LA Maker Faire

2023/8/16

07:42

School's starting. Have you finished your reading assignment? Need some more book suggestions? We've got a bunch from kids in Ireland and Los Angeles!

Here's a link to our episode of Esperanza Rising.

 Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Kate DiCamillo

2023/8/9

04:11

Writer Kate DiCamillo admits that she's a pantser, not a plotter. Host Kitty Felde talks with the Newbery Award-winning writer.

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

2023/8/2

17:39

Suppose you discovered a tiger in a cage. Would you set him free? That's the dilemna for the heros of The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo. Readers from Maury Elementary in Washington, DC tackle the book and its moral questions. Writer Kate DiCamillo joins us as well. Veteran political reporter Dave Bryan is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Dianne K. Salerni

2023/7/26

07:20

Does teaching teach you how to be a better writer? Book Club for Kids host Kitty Felde asks Diane K. Salernia who moved from the classroom to the writer's room.

The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni

2023/7/19

20:12

Do you like spooky stories? Give a listen to The Carrefour Curse,  tale about the power of gemstones and family secrets. Readers from Atwater STEAM Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss the mystery with host Kitty Felde. Writer Dianne K. Salerni admits that she was inspired by a forbidden TV show. Our celebrity reader is Lost in Space actress Marta Kirsten.

Meet the Ten News Podcast

2023/7/12

22:19

We’re sharing our airwaves with one of our friends from Kids Listen, a grassroots organization of people who make podcasts for kids. Give a listen to the Ten News podcast. It’s their on the road episode...all about space.

Ten News Road Trip Remix:   We're hitting the road and tuning into our favorite space segments with the Ten News. ⁠  Did you ever hear the segment about the 9th planet from Jacob and Olivia Rozencwaig from the Curious Kid Podcast?   Or, when Bethany spoke to Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, and commander of the International Space Station!?⁠   And of course, we can’t stop talking about the James Webb telescope!   Tune in to today's road trip remix to learn about all things outer space.   Sign up for the Ten News Newsletter!   Email us your curious facts, funny stories, and eye rolling jokes at: hello@thetennews.com   Follow the show on Instagram   Check out our website for sources and a transcript of today's episode!

A Conversation with Johnnie Christmas

2023/7/5

07:50

What comes first, the story or the characters? How do you become a graphic novelist? We get the answers from writer/illustrator Johnnie Christmas of Swim Team. Kitty Felde is host.

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

2023/6/28

24:55

Everybody in the pool!

We discuss swimming lessons and look back at the days when people of color were barred from public pools. The book is Swim Team. Writer Johnnie Christmas says a personal experience inspired the graphic novel. Readers from the Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore talk about their own swimming journey. Our special celebrity reader is Olympic medal winning swimmer Natalie Hinds. Kitty Felde is host.

You can get an autographed copy of Kitty Felde's first book in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries series of books called Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza by clicking here. It's available in English or Spanish.

Summer Special with Kids Listen

2023/6/28

47:46

Is a road trip in your summer plans? Looking for great podcasts for kids and grownups?

Listen to our Summer Sampler of kidcasts from our fellow podcasters at Kids Listen. You may find your next favorite show...after Book Clubs for Kids and The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, of course.

Special Episode: Meet Fina Mendoza

2023/6/14

19:54

Did you know the people behind the Book Club for Kids podcast produce another podcast: The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. The series is based on the book series by Kitty Felde, about the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries in the U.S. Capitol...and introduces civics along the way.

Book One in the series Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza is being released in English and Spanish (Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza) by Chesapeake Press on July 3rd. 

Listeners to the Book Club for Kids podcast can get a 20% discount on the paperback. Just go to IPGBook.com and enter the promo code Fina2023 at checkout. Here's the link.

A Conversation with Tricia Springstubb

2023/6/7

06:52

Writer Tricia Springstubb tells Book Club for Kids host Kitty Felde about finding the perfect "voice" for a protagonist.

Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

2023/5/31

21:03

Do you know a busy body? Somebody who's a bit too nosy for their own good? Meet Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb. Students from Randall Highlands Elementary School in Washington, DC discuss the book and hear a reading from the book by actress Peggy Miley. Kitty Felde is host.

There is free curriculum for this episode.

A Conversation with Jeanne DuPrau

2023/5/24

04:22

The writer of The City of Ember shares the writing advice she gave her students...and how she ignored some of it to finish her latest work. Kitty Felde is host.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

2023/5/17

20:56

Would you like to live your entire life underground? What happens if the lights go out and never come on again? Students from Overland Elementary School for Advanced Studies in Los Angeles discuss Jeanne DuPrau’s post-apocalyptic novel City of Ember with host Kitty Felde. They have a few questions for the author. Actress Melanie MacQueen (Robotech, Lady Luck) is celebrity reader. 

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM OVERLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

Valkyrie - Kate O’Hearn

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead

Spy School - Stuart Gibbs

JEANNE DUPRAU’S FAVORITE BOOK:

The Borrowers - Mary Norton

MELANIE MACQUEEN’S FAVORITE BOOK:

Winnie the Pooh - A.A. Milne

Favorite Books from Atwater STEAM Elementary School in Los Angeles

2023/5/10

07:25

It’s that time of year when all you can think about is “how long until summer vacation?” So how do you keep kids engaged? Find a book they love. How? We hear from a group of 4th graders in Los Angeles who have a few suggestions. Some are Book Club for Kids podcast episodes. Just click on the links:

Dog Man - Dav Pilkey

The Bad Guys - Aaron Blabey

Harry Potter series - J.K Rowling

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo

Ordinary People Change the World series

The Witches - Roald Dahl

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Land of Stories - Chris Colfer

Thirst - Varsha Bajaj

The Giver - Lois Lowry

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan

Baseball books

Pig the Stinker - Aaron Blabey

Wings of Fire (the graphic novel) - Tui T. Sutherland

Wayside School series - Louis Sachar

Big Ideas for Curious Minds: an Introduction to Philosophy

Lots more book suggestions on our "Books We Love" page of the website.

And check out Kids Radio LA, the podcast from the students at Atwater STEAM Elementary (and Mr. R!) 

May the 4th Be With You: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

2023/5/3

21:19

The Force is with us on Book Club as we tackle a tale of middle grade angst and paper cuts. Who can rescue these hapless heroes? How about a Yoda fingerpuppet who seems to have all the right answers. Our readers from Washington, DC beg writer Tom Angleberger to write more books in the series. Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz is celebrity reader.  Kitty Felde is host.

NOTE: Kitty Felde's novel Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza will be released in both English and Spanish (Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza) on July 3rd.  Fina Mendoza is the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who moves to Washington with her older sister Gabby and solves mysteries inside the U.S. Capitol. She also introduces civics to elementary school readers. Published by Chesapeake Press, distributed by IPG. Kitty makes free class visits. 

Favorite Books from Around the Country

2023/4/26

06:14

We asked kids around the country to answer the hardest question in the world: what's your favorite book? And why? Here's just some of the suggestions we got from YOU:

Wish - Barbara O'Connor

Out of My Mind - Sharon Draper

A Stroke of Magic: The Dinosaur Woman - Brunella Costagliola  

The Cat I Never Named -  Amra Sabic-El-Rayess and Laura L. Sullivan

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

And if you have a favorite book, you can be on the BookClub for Kids podcast, too. Just record yourself on your smartphone telling us your first name, the city where you live, the name of your favorite book and why you love it and email the voice memo to us at bookclubforkidspodcast@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you! 

Episode 16 - I Lived on Butterfly Hill

2023/4/19

17:42

It was 1973 when the president of Chile was thrown out of office by a military coup. That’s the backdrop for the novel I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosin. Students from Sequoyah School in Pasadena, California discuss the book. Val Zavala, longtime public television journalist, is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Spring Break Episode

2023/4/12

30:46

Book Club for Kids isn't the only podcast about great books for kids. Give a listen to Matthew Winner's Children's Book Podcast.

Favorite Books from the 2023 LA Maker Faire

2023/4/5

07:01

After months of rain, Southern California FINALLY had a weekend of sunshine. So we all paid a visit to the LA Maker Faire and City of Stem festival near downtown Los Angeles. We asked kids to tell us all about their favorite books. Some of these might become YOUR favorite book, too!

The Cat in the Hat - Dr. Seuss

The Couch Potato - Jory John

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

The Berenstain Bears - Jan Berenstain

Spy School - Stuart Gibbs

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Feeling Sorry for Celia - Jaclyn Moriarty

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

Calvin & Hobbs - Bill Watterson

A Conversation with Lisa Fipps

2023/3/29

09:24

How does a cover end up on a book? Writer Lisa Fipps is the author of Starfish, a middle grade novel in verse with a gorgeous, memorable cover. Lisa takes us behind the scenes of her experience with working with an editor and a cover designer. Lisa also talks about how her training as a journalist helped her write books for kids.

Also, come join Book Club for Kids at the Los Angeles Maker Faire on Saturday, April 1, 2023. We'll be there taping interviews with kids for upcoming Book Club for Kids podcast episodes. Here's the info:

Los Angeles Maker Faire

Los Angeles State Historic Park (near Chinatown in downtown LA)

1245 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

FREE

9 AM - 5 PM

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

2023/3/22

22:25

How do you handle a bully? What do you do when someone body shames you? Our heroine turns to poetry in this week’s book Starfish by Lisa Fipps. Readers from Columbia Heights Educational Campus in Washington, DC offer their own insights on why people pick on each other and ask writer Lisa Fipps what she does to tackle writers block. Our celebrity reader is NPR favorite, comedienne Ophira Eisenberg. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite books from Orange County and Hilo Hawaii

2023/3/15

06:47

You never know who will show up at a Maker Faire. This week, host Kitty Felde asks kids from Hawaii about their favorite books.

Even more favorite books from the Orange County Maker Faire

2023/3/8

07:20

Looking for your next great read? These kids at the Orange County  Maker Faire have another shelf of suggestions! PS: it IS a Maker Faire, so host Kitty Felde talks to one young train enthusiast about his special invention.

Book list at the Books We Love page of our website www.bookclubforkids.org.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

2023/3/1

18:16

What mysterious creatures haunt the Caribbean Islands? Writer Tracey Baptiste tells tales of things that go bump in the night in THE JUMBIES. Students from Cienega Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Tamika Katon-Donegal is celebrity reader.

A Conversation with Marie Arnold

2023/2/22

07:17

Marie Arnold writes middle grade and YA fiction, as well as adult romances. She talks about juggling genres and her secret weapon Hold On Nancy with host Kitty Felde.

The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold

2023/2/15

19:31

Moving is difficult, especially when you don't speak the language, you're being haunted by a witch, and your best friend is a rat. That's the starting point for Marie Arnold's middle grade novel The Year I Flew Away. Students from Jefferson Academy in Washington, D.C. discuss rodents and video games. Actor Barry Cutler is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Lisa Graff

2023/2/8

04:12

Before she wrote children's books, Lisa Graff worked as a nanny. What lessons from that experience did she bring to her work on the page? Lisa talks to host Kitty Felde.

Episode 32 - Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

2023/2/1

17:49

How do we measure up to our parents' expectations? Does everybody deserve a day off? What's the toughest part of being a homeschooled kid? Our group of readers from the Broomfield Public Library in Colorado weigh in on these questions and more as they discuss Lisa Graff's novel Absolutely Almost. Lisa talks about where the characters came from and how she wrote her first book for her newborn baby brother. NYC actor Thaddeus Fitzpatrick is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Canadian writer Arthur Slade

2023/1/25

06:51

Arthur Slade writes slightly dark middle grade and YA fiction. How dark? We ask him.

Flickers by Arthur Slade

2023/1/18

23:57

A pair of twins from rural Canada take Hollywood by storm. But there's a darker side to their life in silent movies. Readers from Gilbert Paterson Middle School in Lethbridge, Ontario discuss Arthur Slade's novel Flickers. Our celebrity reader is actor, comedian, and game show host Gavin Crawford. Kitty Felde is host.

Spoiler alert: this episode includes plot details.

A Conversation with Laurie Halse Anderson

2023/1/11

06:47

Writer Laurie Halse Anderson talks about writing that first draft, where she finds inspiration, and track and field with host Kitty Felde.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

2023/1/4

21:04

What role did African-Americans play in the Revolutionary War? Chains - the first in a trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson - takes us to Manhattan in the 1770's. A trio of readers from Maryland discuss the book. Actress S.W. James is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Taylor Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia

2022/12/21

08:07

Looking for ideas of how to spend that holiday gift card? Readers from Taylor Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia have lots of suggestions for favorite books!

Bomb - Steve Sheinkin

Olympians Ares - George O'Connor

Finding Junie Kim - Ellen Oh

Big Nate- Lincoln Peirce

The Tail of Emily Windsnap - Liz Kessler 

Ms. Rapscott's Girls - Elise Primavera

The Baby-Sitters' Club - Anne M. Martin

Where the Red Fern Grows - Wilson Rawls

Henry Huggins - Beverly Cleary

Pinkalicious - Victoria Kann 

Twins - Varian Johnson

The Vampire Book: Encyclopedia of the Undead - J. Gordon Melton

The Werewolf Book: Encyclopedia of Shape-Shifting Beings - Brad Steiger

The Never Girls - Kiki Thorpe

Cleopatra in Space - Mike Maihack

The Gingerbread Man - Gail Yerrill

Honestly Katie John - Mary Calhoun

A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

2022/12/7

19:04

Do you see colors when you do math problems? The heroine of A MANGO SHAPED SPACE. Kids from the Mother/Daughter Book Club at One More Page bookstore in Virginia discuss the book. Writer Wendy Mass says the idea literally jumped out at her from the shelf.

A Conversation with Stuart Gibbs

2022/11/30

12:48

Writer Stuart Gibbs didn't start out as a writer of middle grade novels. He also didn't expect to be interrupted in his interview by a member of the wildlife community in the middle of Washington, DC. He talks to host Kitty Felde.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

2022/11/23

20:36

Is there really a secret school in Washington, DC to train kids to become spies? We ask the experts in this episode: kids from Key Elementary in our nation's capital, writer Stuart Gibbs, and the man whose job description includes overseeing the activities and budget of the CIA, Congressman Eric Swalwell. Our celebrity reader is jounalist Claudia Peschuitta. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Writer Aida Salazar

2022/11/16

06:11

Is there a difference between writing poetry and prose? Writer Aida Salazar talks to host Kitty Felde about her relationship to poetry and about the telling details in writing.

You can hear other conversations with writers at the website bookclubforkids.org.

The Moon WIthin by Aida Salazar

2022/11/9

23:19

How do tween girls talk about menstruation, puberty, gender identity, and crushes? Our readers from the Oakland youth group CinnamonGirl discuss Aida Salazar’s coming of age novel The Moon Within with host Kitty Felde. Filmmaker and journalist Patricia Nazario is celebrity reader.

NOTE: this episode is appropriate for older tweens.

Favorite Books from Malcolm X Elementary School

2022/11/2

07:28

Looking for your next great read? Students at Malxolm X Elementary School in Washington, DC have some suggestions for books that will inspire you or scare you or make you laugh. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Kelly Barnhill

2022/10/26

07:59

Writer Kelly Barnhill writes in longhand and explains that the habit began when her laptop burst into flames. She also confesses she's written a number of books that are only for her.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

2022/10/19

27:03

It's our celebration of Halloween! For the next two week's we'll be hearing about all kinds of witches.

Who says witches and monsters and dragons have to be the bad guys? That's certainly not the case in Kelly Barnhill's 2017 Newbery Award-winning novel THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON. A trio of readers from Woodbridge, Virginia discuss the the power of the moon and how much sorrow children can handle with host Kitty Felde. Writer Kelly Barnhill discusses fake news and how a swamp monster popped into her head out of nowhere. KCRW Morning Edition host Chery Glaser is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Christina Farley

2022/10/12

10:46

Have you been thinking about writing serialized fiction for Substack or Kindle Vella? 

Middle grade novelist Christina Farley loves the format made popular by Charles Dickens. She offers an introduction to Vella in this conversation with Kitty Felde.

Gilded by Christina Farley

2022/10/5

23:13

Love mythology? What do you know about Korean mythology?

Writer Christina Farley brings it to life in her romantic fantasy Gilded. Readers from the Richard Byrd Library in Springfield, Virginia discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Julia Cho is our celebrity reader.

More Favorite Books from the Orange County Maker Faire

2022/9/28

08:06

Looks like Rick Riordan is the clear favorite with this lot. Listen to some other great book suggestions from readers at the Orange County Maker Faire. Kitty Felde is host.

You can find dozens and dozens of favorite books at our website www.bookclubforkids.org.

If you're a teacher or librarian in Southern California or the DC area, your readers can be on the show, too! We're booking tapings NOW for this school year. It's free. Email us for information: bookclubforkidspodcast@gmail.com.

The Bad Guys

2022/9/21

19:14

Can bad guys turn over a new leaf? 5th graders at Kimball Elementary School in Washington, DC discuss Aaron Blabey's graphic novel The Bad Boys. Actor Steve DeVorkin is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Book Club for Kids is the show where kids talk about books. Free reading tips at the website.

You can be on the show, too. Info at the website.

Favorite Books from the Orange County Maker Faire

2022/9/14

07:02

We take the show on the road to the Orange County, California Maker Faire to ask kids and robots the name of their favorite book and why they love it. Our special guest, Star Wars superstar R2D2 shares his favorite books with host Kitty Felde.

Special thanks to Steve of Astromech.net, the club that builds R2D2 robots. 

The Lions of Little Rock - Kristin Levine

2022/9/7

21:53

Students from Washington DC's Jefferson Academy reflect on desegregation sixty years after the Little Rock Nine. They discuss Kristin Levine's novel The Lions of Little Rock. The author describes how she came to tell the story. Former U.S. Education Secretary of Education John King is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Hooray for Books!

2022/8/31

05:46

We visit our favorite Virginia bookstore HOORAY FOR BOOKS to talk to members of the store’s youth advisory council. These young readers are quite the experts. Every month, they take home what’s called an ArC – an advanced readers copy – of a new book. And then they meet after school to let bookstore owner Ellen Klein know what they thought – and whether they think she should buy the book for their bookshelves. Host Kitty Felde brought her microphone to ask them our favorite question: what’s your favorite book?

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

2022/8/24

22:55

What do kids worry about? Readers at Washington DC's Jefferson Academy discuss their own fears as they tackle John Green's novel "Turtles All the Way Down." MPR News Host Kerri Miller is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Find out how you can be on the show. Click HERE.

A Conversation with Pseudonymous Bosch

2022/8/17

08:22

We meet the writer behind Pseudonymous Bosch: Raphael Simon. Host Kitty Felde chats with him about all things writing.

The Name of This Book is Secret

2022/8/10

18:58

Would you like to live forever? When is it okay to lie? How do we prepare for a disaster? These and other big questions are tackled by students at Farmdale Elementary School in Los Angeles as they discuss The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch. Actress Satomi Hofmann is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Our producer Chad Francis picked this episode as his favorite!

www.bookclubforkids.org

A Conversation with Jennifer L. Holm

2022/8/3

09:56

Last week, we heard a bit from writer Jennifer L. Holm when we discussed her book "Turtle in Paradise." In this Bonus Episode, we hear more about Jenni's trilogy of books inspired by family stories.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

2022/7/27

20:57

Got a nickname? Everybody in Key West seems to have one. Including a little girl named Turtle. Readers at the Broomfield Public Library in Colorado discuss Jennifer Holm's "Turtle in Paradise" with host Kitty Felde. KQED public radio's Rachel Myrow is celebrity reader.

Summer Favorites from City of Stem

2022/7/20

08:49

Are your kids lagging behind in their summer reading? Maybe they just haven't found their next favorite read. We ask the experts - kids at this year's City of Stem event - to tell us about their favorite books. Kitty Felde is host.

Spy Mice by Heather Vogel Frederick

2022/7/13

20:54

Who knew there was a legion of mice who help the CIA keep the world safe? Their headquarters? In the walls and basement of the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. Our readers are from the Ambassador School of Global Education in Los Angeles and they have a few questions for writer Heather Vogel Frederick. Our celebrity reader knows something about espionage: former CIA operative Valerie Plame. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang

2022/7/6

09:45

How do you find a writing partner? And once found one, what's the best way to write a book together? Co-authors Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang share secrets about their working relationship with host Kitty Felde.

Not Your All American Girl by Wendy Wan-Long Chang and Madelyn Rosenberg

2022/6/29

26:52

As we celebrate our nation's birthday, we ask the question: What does an American look like? 

Readers from Fulton County, Georgia discuss Not Your All American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang. Our celebrity reader is comedian Becca Nix Tham.

Check out the long list of favorite books at the website bookclubforkids.org.

Losing is Democratic

2022/6/22

29:37

As you probably know, we also produce another podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES, an audiodrama designed to introduce elementary school kids to civics. Fina is the 10-year old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries inside the US Capitol.

After the attack on the Capitol on January 6th of last year, we saw the need to help parents and teachers talk to kids about what happened – without scaring them half to death, and to put the insurrection in some sort of historic context that kids could understand. We created a special episode with curriculum that can be used in the classroom.

Now with the televised congressional hearings looking at the January 6th attack, we’ve again heard from parents looking for ways to have a conversation about January 6th with their kids. So this week, instead of talking about our favorite books, we’re talking about democracy.

There is FREE curriculum to accompany this episode.

More Book Suggestions from City of Stem

2022/6/15

07:51

Looking for your next great read? Our experts - kids from the City of Stem festival in Downey, California - have a few suggestions for host Kitty Felde.

Bees on the Roof by Robbie Shell

2022/6/8

38:37

We take the show on the road to the Enoch Pratt Free Library Children's stage at the Baltimore Book Festival for a conversation about Robbie Shell's novel BEES ON THE ROOF. Our group of readers have been meeting to talk about books almost since they first

Favorite Books from Loyola Village Elementary School

2022/6/1

05:59

What makes a great book? Readers from Loyola Village Elementary School in Los Angeles have some answers.

Eye of the Storm by Kate Messner

2022/5/25

20:10

Imagine a world where deadly tornadoes are so common, kids can't ride their bikes outside anymore. That's the future Kate Messner writes about in Eye of the Storm. Students from Belvedere Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Laura Furgione, Deputy Director of the National Weather Service is celebrity reader and talks about the science of tornadoes.

A Conversation with Dana Middleton

2022/5/18

07:18

Writer Dana Middleton has some advice about finishing a novel or story. She also looks back at the beginning of her writing career.

Not A Unicorn by Dana Middleton

2022/5/11

25:03

You think you've got problems? Try being born with the horn of a unicorn in the middle of your head.

Dana Middleton's tale of fitting in and standing out is discussed by students from Louis Armstrong Middle School, Walter Reed Middle School, and Toluca Lake Elementary School. They've got a list of questions for the writer as well. 

Pam Rogers, creator of the poetry and nonsense podcast Buttons & Figs is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Culver City Favorites

2022/5/4

07:42

We return to the Culver City Book Festival to find out what younger kids are reading. Kitty Felde is host.

You can see a list of all their favorite books at the website.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

2022/4/27

24:31

We celebrate National Poetry Month with the National Book Award winning novel The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington DC talk about poetry, MeToo, and favorite books with host Kitty Felde. Celebrity reader is Monica Vigil, who costars in The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, which launches season 2 on May 3rd.

A Conversation with Jacqueline Davies

2022/4/20

10:00

How do you get unstuck as a writer? Author Jacqueline Davies talks about how she took a vacation from the YA novel she was working on and wrote The Lemonade War in 19 days just to prove to herself that she could finish a book. Jacqueline also has advice for writers working on a series. Kitty Felde is host.

Free tips for reluctant readers at the website:

www.bookclubforkids.org

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

2022/4/13

22:28

Did you ever have a lemonade stand when you were a kid? This particular lemonade stand led to The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. Fifth graders from Loyola Village Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Linda Graves is celebrity reader.

Favorite Books from City of STEM

2022/4/6

08:17

Think scientists and math majors are all about  numbers? Nope. They're great readers as well. We ask kids at the City of STEM festival at the Columbia Space Center in Downey, California to tell us their favorite books.

Dan Gutman

2022/3/30

03:48

Writer Dan Gutman talks about his other popular My Wierd School series.

Jackie and Me by Dan Gutman

2022/3/23

20:47

Interested in baseball? Time travel? Civil rights? Anger management? Readers from Murch Elementary School in Washingotn, D.C. tackle them all in this episode about Dodger legend Jackie Robinson. The book is Dan Gutman’s Jackie & Me, a time travel story that takes us back to 1947 on the night before Jackie’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Another Dodger legend, two time National League batting champ Tommy Davis is our celebrity reader. He talks about how Jackie Robinson was the one who persuaded him to sign with the Dodgers. Kitty Felde is host.

AJ Steiger

2022/3/16

04:43

How many rejections did writer A.J. Steiger get before her first book was published? A lot, says A.J. The author talks about rejection, world building, and the very first book she wrote at age 9. Kitty Felde is host.

Cathedral of Bones by A.J. Steiger

2022/3/9

22:17

What makes us human? Do you believe in reincarnation? How does the loss of family affect us? Our book this week Cathedral of Bones raises so many questions for our readers at Changing Hands bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Writer A.J. Steiger discusses world building in a fantasy novel. Our celebrity reader is actor Gary Lamb. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from the Culver City Book Festival

2022/3/2

07:14

What are kids in Southern California reading these days? Host Kitty Felde takes Book Club for Kids on the road to talk to young readers at the Culver City Book Festival to find out.

Milo Spec Accidental Agent by Linda Urban

2022/2/23

20:03

Donna Barba Higuera

2022/2/16

08:26

Kitty Felde talks to the author of Lupe Wong Won't Dance Donna Barba Higuera about creating an unlikeable character. She also gives us a sneak preview of a new science fiction novel she's writing.

Episode 128 Lupe Wong Won't Dance

2022/2/9

23:58

Does square dancing count as an athletic activity? Lupe Wong doesn't think so and is willing to fight the system to make her point. Readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington, DC discuss the book with host Kitty Felde and interview the writer Donna Barba Higuera. Our celebrity reader is the former president of United Square Dancers of America.

A Conversation with Shannon Messenger

2022/2/2

08:58

Thinking of writing a series? We ask New York Times bestselling writer Shannon Messenger about the 101 things a series writer has to think about. Kitty Felde is host.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

2022/1/26

22:53

Whatever happened to Atlantis? To elves? To magic? This week, readers from St. Elizabeth School in Maryland discuss Shannon Messenger's fantasy adventure Keeper of the Lost Cities. The girls ask our writer to pick her favorite characters, something she hates to do. Our celebrity reader is KPCC's All Things Considered host Nick Roman. Kitty Felde is host.

Challenged Books Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

2024/1/17

22:15

Live from the 2023 Maker Faire and City of Stem Stage Show

2024/1/24

18:57

Who says kids who love STEM subjects aren't readers? We take to the stage for a live taping of the Book Club for Kids podcast at the 2023 LA Maker Faire/STEM Festival where host Kitty Felde asks kids our hardest question: What's your favorite book and why? Here's their answers:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling

The Magic Treehouse - Mary Pope Osborn

Frog and Toad are Friends - Arnold Lobel

The Golden Books - Disney

Little Blue Truck - Alice Schertle

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

The One and Only Ivan - Katherine Applegate

Junie B. Jones - Barbara Park

Pete the Cat - James Dean and Kimberly Dean

Couch Potato - Jory John

They Both Die at the End - Adam Silvera

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson

The School for Good and Evil - Soman Chainani

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

The Inheritance Games - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Bad Kitty - Nick Bruel

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

2024/1/31

21:51

There are some people we just don't notice. A quiet student, immigrants speaking in their own language, a homeless person living in a van - you could call them invisible. That's the name of our book Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez. Students from Swanson Middle School in Arlington, Virginia discuss the bilingual graphic novel with host Kitty Felde. Our celebrity reader is Monica Sanchez.

Favorite Books from Swanson Middle School:

Fifth Quarter - Mike Dawson

The Tryout - Christina Soontornvat 

Cirque du Freak - Darren Shan

Every Last Word - Tamara Ireland Stone

Miss Quinces - Kat Fajardo

Michael Jackson in Comics - Ceka

Christina Diaz Gonzalez' Favorite Book:

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle

Favorite Books of Monica Sanchez

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

I'll Love You Forever - Owen Hart

Books by Monica Brown

A Conversation with Christina Diaz Gonzalez

2024/2/7

05:19

What are the challenges of writing in two languages? Christina Diaz Gonzalez talks about some of the pitfalls of getting the nuances right when Spanish speaking characters are from different countries.

Banned Books Divergent by Veronica Roth

2024/2/14

23:33

We continue our Banned Books series, airing episodes that have been banned or challenged around the country. This week, it’s Vernica Roth’s dystopian adventure Divergent. Back in 2015, Ashland High School in Oregon banned Divergent because – according to the school’s online newspaper - the book “shows a girl fighting against society which we do not want to strengthen.” What do you think? Give a listen to our discussion of Veronica Roth’s Divergent.

We venture into a dystopian universe created by writer Veronica Roth. Divergent is a tale about finding out where you fit in – and whether you’re brave enough to take a literal leap of faith. Our celebrity reader is the 2018 Ms. Senior California and a familiar voice on KUNV Rita Pardue. Our readers are from Benjamin Trasker Middle School and we taped the episode at the Bowie, Maryland branch of the Prince Georges County Memorial Library. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Veronica Roth

2024/2/21

06:11

"Divergent" writer Veronica Roth talks about finding the courage to call yourself a writer...and bouncing back from failure.

Favorite Books from Watkins Elementary School in Washington DC

2024/2/28

13:41

Looking for your next favorite book? Here are some suggestions from readers at  Watkins Elementary School on Capitol Hill:

Geronimo Stilton - Geronimo Stilton

Athletes vs Mathletes - W.C. Mack

Scare Stories to Tell in the Dark - Alvin Schwartz

Guts - Raina Telgemeier

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Basil and Oregano - Melissa Capriglione 

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

Matilda - Roald Dahl

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

Flora and Ulysses - Kate DiCamillo

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul - Jeff Kinney

Another Kind - Trevor Bream

Last Kids on Earth - Max Brallier

The Babysitters Club - Ann M. Martin

Stone Fox - John Reynolds Gardiner

The Day the Crayons Quit - Drew Daywalt

Magic Treehouse - Mary Pope Osborne

The Getaway - Jeff Kinney

Ranger's Apprentice - John Flanagan

Grandude's Green Submarine - Paul McCartney

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

Book Club for Kids Drops in on the State of the Union

2024/3/6

20:31

Troublemaker by John Cho

2024/3/13

17:16

On April 29th, 1992, a jury in Simi Valley, a town just north of Los Angeles, did not convict four LAPD officers for the beating of an African American motorist named Rodney King. Within hours, rioting broke out across the city. A particular target was liquor and convenience stores owned by Korean immigrants. The event is at the heart of actor and writer John Cho’s novel Troublemaker.

 Cho joins us to talk about his inspiration for the book and LAPD Officer Tony Hyong Im is our celebrity reader. Readers from Tyler Elementary School in Washington D.C. discuss their own solutions to finding solutions to a community’s anger. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Tyler Elementary School:

My Year in the Middle - Lila Quintero Weaver

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

City Spies - James Ponti

Godzilla - Shigeru Kayama

JOHN CHO’S FAVORITE BOOK

The Joke - Milan Kundera

OFFICER TONY IM’S FAVORITE BOOK

The Mickey Mantle Murder - Walt Brown

A Conversation with John Cho

2024/3/20

08:44

You may know John Cho from his acting work in "Star Trek" and "Harold and Kumar" movies. But listen to this thoughtful conversation Cho and host Kitty Felde about his work as a writer - including convincing his Korean immigrant parents that his work was his work as an artist was making the world a better place.

How to Star on the Book Club for Kids Podcast

2024/3/27

06:16

Want to be on a future Book Club for Kids podcast episode? Listen to this special episode to find out how.

Here's the favorite books on this episode:

Wings of Fire - Tui Sutherland

Never Let me Go - Kazuo Isiguro

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

The Cricket in Times Square - George Selden

Dino-Mike - Franco Aureliani

The Little Book of the Avengers - Roy Thomas

Join us Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the City of STEM/LA Maker Faire all day at the Los Angeles State Historic Park north of downtown Los Angeles for YOUR chance to be on a future show!

Challenged Books - A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

2024/4/3

25:10

We continue our series of episodes about books that have been banned or challenged around the country. This time, it’s the Newbery Award winning novel by Madeleine L’Engle: A Wrinkle in Time.

According to the Carnegie Mellon Banned Books Project, the book was challenged in 1985 by parents in Florida who said the book “opposes Christian beliefs and teaches occult practices. The school principal did not remove the book from 4th grade curriculum.

In 1990, a parent in Alabama asked to have the book removed because it “sends a mixed signal to children about good and evil.” The school board and superintendent voted unanimously to deny the request.

Six years later, the book was challenged in North Carolina for undermining religious beliefs.The school board denied the request.

Madeline L’Engle herself told the New York Times in 2001 that “it seems people are willing to damn the book without reading it.”

We read it with a group of young readers and this is what they have to say about A Wrinkle in Time.

This week, we tackle a classic – the 1963 winner of the Newbery Award “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle. Our readers are 5th graders from the British International School in Washington, DC. Our celebrity reader is public radio journalist Stephanie O’Neill. Madeline L’Engle passed away in 2007, but we're joined by her granddaughters Charlotte Jones Volklis and Lena Roy.  They've written a biography of their grandmother based on her journals called “Becoming Madeleine.” Kitty Felde is host. 

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:

Panda-monium - Stuart Gibbs

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

The Tiger Rising - Kate DiCamillo

Space Case - Stuart Gibbs

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM CHARLOTTE JONES VOIKLIS AND LENA ROY

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L’Engle

A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles

STEPHANIE O’NEILL’S FAVORITE BOOK:

Charlotte’s Web - E.B. White

A Conversation About Madeleine L'Engle

2024/4/10

13:17

Madeleine L'Engle's granddaughters share their memories about their legendary grandmother and talk about some of her writing practices.

Come see us at Comic Orange Saturday, April 13th from 11-3 at the Tustin Library.

Episode 149 - Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell

2024/4/17

22:20

Everybody wants to go to Paris…especially Nikki Maxwell! Readers from Hollingworth Elementary School discuss the latest entry in Rachel Renée Russell’s series. It’s Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure. Rachel and daughter Nikki Russell, who illustrates the books, answer questions from the kids. Our celebrity reader is actress/screenwriter Kate Orsini. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Rachel Renée and Nikki Russell

2024/4/24

09:35

How do you work with your mother on a book? How do you work on 15 books with your mother? We talk to the mother/daughter team behind Dork Diaries, Rachel Renée and Nikki Russell. Kitty Felde is host.

Challenged Books New Kid by Jerry Craft

2024/5/1

20:57

We continue our series of episodes featuring books that have been banned or challenged around the country. This time, it’s the Newbery Award-winning graphic novel NEW KID by Jerry Craft.

Books in Katy, Texas were pulled from library shelves in 2021 after a parent petition complained that it contained harmful content about critical race theory. CRT examines how racism has shaped laws and public policy in America. Writer Jerry Craft says he’d never heard the term before and had to google it. An African American parent in another part of the country objected to Craft’s use of the word “oreo” – a derogatory term used to describe a person as black on the outside, but white on the inside. She said she didn’t want her child to be exposed to the term.

The challenge in Katy, Texas was dismissed and the book was returned to library shelves.

What do you think? Listen to our Book Club for Kids podcast discussion of Jerry Craft's New Kid.

A Conversation with Jerry Craft

2024/5/8

11:28

Writer Jerry Craft confesses that he wasn't much of a reader when he was a kid. Kitty Felde is host.

City of Stem Favorite Books 2024

2024/5/15

06:24

Favorite Books from the City of Stem LA Maker Faire 2024:

Wings of Fire: Winter Turning - Tui T. Sutherland

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeline L'Engle

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff

The Bad Guys - Aaron Blabey

Lunch Lady and the Schoolwide Shuffle - Jarrett J. Krosoczka

We have HUNDREDS of book suggestions from young readers at the website. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 150 The Swifts: a Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln

2024/5/22

24:50

Do our names define us?

We celebrate our 150th episode with readers at the Artesia branch of the LA County Public Library discuss Beth Lincoln's tale of a family whose names come from the dictionary. Our celebrity reader is LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from the Artesia branch of the LA County Library:

The Lemonade War - Jacqueline Davies

Restart - Gordon Korman

Spy x Family - Tatsuya Endo

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

Counting by 7's- Holly Goldberg Sloan

Beth Lincoln's Favorite Book:

The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin

This episode was supported in part by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.

A Conversation with Beth Lincoln

2024/5/29

07:05

Writer Beth Lincoln talks about how her debut novel The Swifts came to life and the difference between audiences for middle grade novels in the U.S. compared to Great Britain. Kitty Felde is host.

Your Favorite Book Phone Calls Part One

2024/6/5

06:40

What if you want to be on the Book Club for Kids podcast and you don't live in a city near DC or LA? No problem. You can just call us and tell us about your favorite book, just like these kids from around the country. Information about where to call and what to say at the end of the episode. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books:

Sarafina and the Black Cloak - Robert Beatty

The Cat I Never Named - Amra Sabic-el-Rayess & Laura L. Sullivan

Diary of Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules - Jeff Kinney

One Piece - Sho Hinata

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967 - Lauren Tarshis

Hilo - Judd Winick

The Bad Guys - Aaron Blabey 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows - J.K. Rowling

The Bicycle Spy by Yona Zeldis McDonough

2024/6/12

22:15

This week, we travel back to occupied France during World War II for a tale of bravery and bread. Students from Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington, D.C. discuss Yona Zeldis McDonough’s novel The Bicycle Spy. Our celebrity reader Gwen Deglise Moore has been knighted by the French government for her work in cinema. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Jefferson Academy

A Conversation with Yona Zeldis McDonough

2024/6/19

08:53

We talk to writer Yona Zeldis McDonough about ballet and how to write a good rejection letter. Kitty Felde is host.

Your Favorite Books

2024/6/26

07:02

YOU can be on the Book Club for Kids podcast! Just give us a call at 424-209-2285 and tell us your:

• First name
• City where you live
• The name of your favorite book
• Why you love it

And we will put you on a future episode.

Your Favorite Books:

Steve the Noob - Steve the Noob

Missing Since Monday - Ann M. Martin

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

The Land of Stories - Chris Colfer

Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Fantastic Mr. Fox - Roald Dahl

The Running Dream - Wendelin Van Draanen

Drama - Raina Telgemeier

House Arrest - K.A. Holt

Challenged and Banned Books The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963

2024/7/3

26:43

A Conversation with Christopher Paul Curtis

2024/7/10

08:04

We talk to Newbery Award winning writer Christopher Paul Curtis about where "The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963" came from and why he finally quit his day job. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Scripps Middle School

2024/7/17

03:23

It’s not too late to catch up on your summer reading. But the conundrum is always: what do I read next? We have some answers from members of the Junior Librarian Commmitee at Scripps Middle School in Michigan. In fact, we turn the microphone over to librarian Lauren Dulmage who asks our favorite question: what’s your favorite book?

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Refugee - Alan Gratz

Six Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth Lim

The Land of Stories - Chris Colfer

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

We’ll have a list of everybody’s favorite book at our website bookclubforkids.org. And if you have a favorite book, you can be on the show, too. Just give us a call at 424-209-2285 and tell us your first name, the city where you live, the name of your favorite book, and why you love it. That number again is 424-209-2285.

And on a purely selfish note: my Fina Mendoza Mystery novel STATE OF THE UNION just got a five star review from Forward Clarion, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.” 

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Both books are now available wherever great books are sold.

Summer Reading Suggestions from the City of Stem LA Maker Faire

2024/7/24

06:44

Its that time of year…summer reading programs at libraries are offering lots and lots of thank you gifts for reading books.

But how hard is it to find a book you’ll love? No worries. We went out the the City of Stem/LA Maker Faire to ask the experts for their book suggestions.

Cleopatra in Space - Mike Maihack

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Az and the prisoner of azkaban- J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone - J.K. Rowling

The Skull - John Klassen

Dragon Girls - Maddy Mara

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

The Ogress and the Orphans - Kelly Barnhill 

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

We’ll have a list of everybody’s favorite book at our website bookclubforkids.org. And if you have a favorite book, you can be on the show, too. Just give us a call at 424-209-2285 and tell us your first name, the city where you live, the name of your favorite book, and why you love it. That number again is 424-209-2285.

And if you’re looking for a good mystery set inside the uS Capitol, check out StATE OF THE UNION by Kitty Felde. It just got a five star review from Forward Clarion, which called Fina an “intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life.”

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold.

This episode is supported in part by a grant from the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.

Live Onstage: Book Club for Kids at City of Stem LA Maker Faire

2024/7/31

07:26

Book Club for Kids live onstage!

We visit the City of Stem LA Maker Faire to bring kids onstage to talk about their favorite books!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo

The Secret Cookie Club - Martha Freeman

Shel Silverstein's books of poetry

Dog Man - Dav Pilkey

This episode is supported in art by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.

Onstage at the City of Stem LA Maker Faire

2024/8/7

08:54

We invited kids onstage at the City of Stem LA Maker Faire with host Kitty Felde to tell the audience about their favorite books: 

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

Dork Diaries - Rachel Renee Russell

Zoey and Sassafras - Asia Citro

Go Team Spidey - Steve Behling

The Secret Series - Pseudonymous Bosch

Challenged Books - Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez

2024/8/14

22:10

We continue our look at books that have been challenged or banned. This week, we revisit STELLA DIAZ HAS SOMETHING TO SAY by Angela Dominguez.

In 2000, the Central York School District pulled books from shelves that dealt with race. In fact, every book removed from school classrooms and libraries were written by people of color. After months of protests, the books were once again available to students in 2001.

Angela Dominguez Talks About Writing and Illustrating Books for Children

2024/8/21

05:36

Angela Dominguez writes and illustrates the Stella Diaz series. She talks to us about her writing path from drawing to writing.

More author interviews at our website.

Episode 152 - Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell

2024/8/28

22:56

What do you do when your long-time school mascot is offensive to others? That's the topic in Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell. Students from Eliot-Hine Middle School discuss the novel and interview the writer. California State Los Angeles theater professor Carolyn Dunn is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Eliot-Hine:

Stunt Boy - Jason Reynolds

The Falling Sword - Ben Kane

The Firekeeper's Daughter - Angeline Boulley

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut

Charles Waters' Favorite Books:

Ordinary People - Judith Guest

Raymond Carver short stories

Bronx Masquerade - Nikki Grimes

Under the Mesquite - Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Carolyn Dunn's Favorite Books:

Love Medicine - Louise Erdich

The Master Butchers Singing Club  - Louise Erdich

Lilith's Brood - Octavia E. Butler

A Conversation with Charles Waters

2024/9/4

06:27

We talk to writer Charles Waters about his life as an actor and how it led to his life as a poet and children's book writer. He also talks about how the Highlights Foundation changed his life. Kitty Felde is host.