Book Club for Kids

May the Fourth Be With You The Strange Case of Origami Yoda May 04, 2021

We celebrate the Star Wars national holiday May the Fourth with our favorite Star Wars episode The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger. Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from the Baltimore Book Festival Apr 28, 2021

We miss book festivals! It's the best place to meet authors, fellow book lovers, and come home with a stack of books and pages of great book suggestions. This week, we turn back the clock to 2015 for our visit to the Baltimore Book Festival for some terrific book suggestions.

And if you're looking for a book festival this weekend, join host Kitty Felde at the virtual Literary Hill BookFest. She's on a panel with LBJ's granddaughter to talk about the power of children's literature to dismantle divisions.

Sunday, May 2

noon eastern time

Here's the link: https://www.literaryhillbookfest.org/

Flying the Dragon Apr 21, 2021

The pink blooms on the cherry trees are fading in Washington, DC. And the Cherry Blossom Festival is virtual this year. But you can still fly a kite. Or fight with a kite. That's the battle in Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. We reprise this episode taped live at Hooray for Books! bookstore in Alexandria, Virginia where Natalie joined our young readers and answered their questions. Congressman Mark Takano is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Passenger on the Pearl by Winifred Conkling Apr 14, 2021

The Book Club for Kids podcast began in the smallest quadrant of Washington DC called Southwest. It was the waterfront for DC, the place where ships would dock bringing everything from building supplies to fresh fish to slaves. This week marks the 173rd anniversary of what Washington Post writer Colbert King calls "one of the most courageous acts in antebellum America": the attempted escape of African American slaves on a ship docked at the Southwest waterfront, a ship called the Pearl.

This week, Book Club for Kids honors its roots by reprising our one episode featuring a non fiction book: Passenger on the Pearl by Winifred Conkling, taped before a live audience at Virginia's Fall for the Book Festival. Lolita Marie is our celebrity reader.

www.bookclubforkids.org

A Conversation with New Zealand Writer Brian Falkner Apr 07, 2021

Are children's writers different than those who write for adults? New Zealand Brian Falkner has a few thoughts. He also shares his techniques for organizing his stories and talks about creating the next generation of young writers. Kitty Felde is host.

More author interviews at the website www.bookclubforkids.org.

Shooting Stars by Brian Falkner Mar 31, 2021

Do you have a code for the way you live your life? Egan does. And the world wants to follow it. Egan has spent most of his life in the New Zealand bush. Can he survive the modern world and keep to his own code? That's our book Shooting Stars by Brian Falkner.

Readers from Southwell School in Hamilton, New Zealand discuss the book and ask questions of writer Brian Falkner. New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States Rosemary Banks is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Find out how you can be on the show. Visit our website: www.bookclubforkids.org.

Favorite Books from New Jersey and Illinois Mar 24, 2021

Running out of good books to read? We're here to help. This week, we hear great book suggestions about tigers, horses, a sinking ship, and more! And we tell you how you can be on the show, too.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Hound of Rowan Mar 17, 2021

Read all the Harry Potter books? Looking for your next great fantasy novel? This week, we discuss The Hound of Rowan by Henry Neff. Jamari and Steven at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington, D.C. are our readers. D.C. City Councilman Charles Allen is celebrity reader. Writer Henry Neff takes questions from readers across the country.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from Southwell School New Zealand Mar 10, 2021

Ever wonder what kinds of books kids halfway across the world like to read? We've got the answers from readers in Hamilton, New Zealand. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

And check out The Fina Menoza Mysteries podcast!

Episode 117 - The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney Mar 03, 2021

Did you ever wonder if your parents were really your parents? Maybe you were kidnapped.That’s a question facing Janey in the book “The Face on the Milk Carton” by Caroline Cooney. Readers from New Los Angeles Middle School have a lively discussion about best friends, parenting skills, and writing. Actor Peter Michael McDonald is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Note: the book and the discussion touch on the topic of sex. Our readers suggest it’s appropriate for seventh graders and older students.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Christopher Paul Curtis Feb 24, 2021

A conversation about writing with Newbery Award winning author Christopher Paul Curtis about "The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963," writing in libraries and donut shops, and creating a soundtrack for writing.

www.bookclubforkids.org

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 with an interview with Christopher Paul Curtis Feb 17, 2021

"The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963” touches on a tragic moment in American history: the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. But it’s really a family story about a road trip. Readers from Two Rivers Public Charter School in Washington, DC discuss the novel with host Kitty Felde. On the 25th anniversary of the book's publication, writer Christopher Paul Curtis tells us the first title of the book. Our celebrity reader is actor Quinn Marchman.

Free curriculum at the website www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from Brooklyn and Los Angeles Feb 10, 2021

We hear from readers who share their favorite books. You can, too! Just record yourself on the voice memo app of your smartphone, telling us your FIRST NAME, city where you live, the name of your favorite book, and WHY YOU LOVE IT. Email the file to us at bookclubforkidspodcast@gmail.com. And you can be on the show.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Episode 116 - Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D Taylor Feb 03, 2021

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.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from Alisal Elementary School Jan 27, 2021

Students from Alisal Elementary School in Alisal Elementary School in Pleasanton, California have a few favorite books to share with you. Also, information about how your students can star on the show.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard Jan 20, 2021

It’s Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen. And it was the choice of a group of 7th graders from Newport Middle School in Maryland. Writer Victoria Aveyard talks about the difference between writing books and writing screenplays. Our celebrity reader, NPR’s Renee Montagne, brings to life our lightning girl Mare who is decidedly not excited about becoming a princess. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

A Conversation with writer Varsha Bajaj Jan 13, 2021

Writer Varsha Bajaj talks to Kitty Felde about the connection between therapy and writing and the importance of having another set of eyes on a developing manuscript.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Episode 115 - Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj Jan 06, 2021

“Count Me In” by Varsha Bajaj looks at the power of social media to combat hate. The story involves a hate crime: an attack on an Indian American family and how that changes a shy girl named Karina and the boy next door who used to hang out with what the grandfather called a pack of hyenas. Our readers are 5th graders from PS 174 in Queens, New York and they interview our author. Our celebrity reader is public radio journalist Deepa Fernandes. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from 2020 Dec 30, 2020

As we look forward to a better 2021, we look back at the great book suggestions made by the kids who appeared on Book Club for Kids last year. This episode full of terrific titles that so reflect this past year, whether it’s the social justice issues of Black Lives Matter or a need to escape the realities of covid. It’s our end of the year gift to you faithful Book Club for Kids listeners. Thank you.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Bonus Christmas 2020 Dec 23, 2020

In a year when we can't gather together to celebrate the holidays, we offer a special bonus episode: a tale of Christmas in Washington from our other podcast The Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Moo by Sharon Creech Dec 16, 2020

These chilly December nights remind us of Maine, which is the location of this week's reprise episode "Moo" by Sharon Creech. Readers from Tyler Elementary School in Washington, DC recount their tales of cows they've met and we meet a cow expert, dairy farmer and Congressman David Valadao of California. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Edward Bloor Dec 09, 2020

Writer Edward Bloor talks about the biggest lesson he learned about writing and how to handle criticism with host Kitty Felde.

Episode 114 - Tangerine by Edward Bloor Dec 02, 2020

A story about family divisions, economic divides, history, and growing citrus trees. It’s “Tangerine” by Edward Bloor. Our readers from the Laurence School in Los Angeles discuss the novel and interview our writer. Actress Jovita Molina is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

A Conversation with Holly Goldberg Sloan Nov 25, 2020

Writer Holly Goldberg Sloan talks about story construction, the difference between film and fiction, and describes her very unconventional childhood with host Kitty Felde.

More author interviews at www.bookclubforkids.org.

Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan Nov 18, 2020

What is a family? Willow Chance loves her adoptive parents. After they're killed in an accident, she helps create a new, very unusual family. Eighth graders from Roanoke Catholic School in Virginia discuss Holly Goldberg Sloan's New York Times best-selling novel "Counting By 7's" with host Kitty Felde. Actress Jo Mei reads from the book. Holly shares a secret about the book that she only shares when she makes classroom visits.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Barbara OConnor on Teaching Kids to Write Nov 11, 2020

Writer Barbara O'Connor, author of last week's episode "Wish," talks to Kitty Felde about her technique of teaching writing to kids. She also talks about her own writing journey and why 4th graders are her ideal audience.

More interviews with writers of childrens books at our website www.bookclubforkids.org/writers-on-writing.

Episode 113 - Wish by Barbara OConnor Nov 04, 2020

Do you wish upon a star? Or just when you’re blowing out birthday candles? Our book is full of ideas about how to make wishes. In fact, that’s the title of the book: “Wish” by Barbara O’Connor. Actress and playwright Dianna Burbano is celebrity reader. Our readers are from Multnomah Elementary School in Los Angeles. Kitty Felde is host.

Free reading tips at the website BookClubforKids.org.

James Nicol on Writing Oct 30, 2020

James Nicol is the author of "The Apprentice Witch" which we discussed on the show. Now, he shares his thoughts on getting up the courage to share your work with the rest of the world.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Bonus Episode - Favorite Books from Iowa and Sweden Oct 28, 2020

We get some great book suggestions from Sweden and from the Ottumwa Public Library's Middle School Book Club. You can be on the show, too! Check out our website www.bookclubforkids.org.

The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol Oct 21, 2020

Think becoming a witch is easy? Think again. Readers from Changing Hands bookstore in Phoenix discuss James Nicol's tale of becoming a professional witch called "The Apprentice Witch." Our celebrity reader is public radio journalist (and amateur ice hockey player) Susan Valot. Our writer talks about how he created the rules for his magical world and confesses that he wasn't much of a reader when he was young. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Angela Dominguez Talks About Writing and Illustrating Books for Children Oct 14, 2020

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 112 - Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez Oct 07, 2020

Are you a little shy? Is it hard to speak up in class or introduce yourself to strangers? That pretty much describes our main character in this episode’s book “Stella Diaz Has Something to Say” by Angela Dominguez. Readers at Canoga Park Elementary School talk about bullies, learning a new language, and speaking up. Actress Alejandra Ramos is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Find out how you can be on the show at:

www.bookclubforkids.org

A Preview of "Let Kids Vote!" Sep 30, 2020

Looking for a way to talk about the upcoming election without getting into the ugliness of politics?

Our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES has a special two-part election episode coming out next week. It's designed to inspire the next generation of voters to become civicly engaged NOW.

The episode features a real-life congressman - Mark Takano (D-CA) - who takes questions from our fictional characters.

Here's a preview.

Subscribe now to THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES.

The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry Sep 23, 2020

Did your class field trip to DC get cancelled? No worries, we'll take you on "The Worst Class Trip Ever" with writer Dave Barry. Kids from Washington debunk the stereotypes folks outside the beltway have about their hometown. Congressman Jeff Denham of California is celebrity reader. Dave Barry talks about why he's funny. Kitty Felde is host.

Find out how you can be on the show: bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from England and Ireland Sep 16, 2020

Running out of book suggestions? We ask kids in England and Ireland to share their favorite book titles. We also tell you how you can be on the show. Kitty Felde is host.

bookclubforkids.org

The Struggle: Mom and the Summertime Blues Sep 09, 2020

How did you spend your summer? Did you write a book? That's what the Smith girls did. This week, we discuss "The Struggle: Mom and the Summertime Blues" by Patrice, Donna, Shannon, Charity, and Faith Smith. Our readers are budding writers themselves from the Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore and our celebrity reader is actress Makeda Declet. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Bonus Episode Virtual Book Clubs with School Librarians United Sep 02, 2020

This is an episode for teachers, librarians and parents.

Book Club for Kids host Kitty Felde was invited to share some tips about starting your own virtual book club by the School Librarians United podcast. We thought it could give you some ideas about starting your own virtual book club.

Amy Hermon of School Librarians United thanks composer Nazar Rybak at Hooksounds.com for the music you’ve heard today.

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolLibrariansUnited/

bookclubforkids.org

Twitter: @BookClubforKids or @kittyfelde

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate Aug 26, 2020

We are always thrilled when a middle grade novel is turned into a movie and this month, Katherine Applegate’s tale of a very special gorilla THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN began airing on Disney Plus. We love Katherine Applegate. In fact, we talked to her a couple of years ago about another of her books about another wonderful animal: an invisible cat. So here’s to you, Katherine Applegate: we reprise our episode of Crenshaw.

The book is the story of a family on the verge of becoming homeless. Our student readers from Gunston Middle School talk about their own experiences volunteering at a homeless shelter. Actor Rodney Lizcano from the Denver Theater Center is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Bonus Favorite Books from England Aug 19, 2020

Overseas travel may be impossible this summer...at least in person. But we take a virtual trip to Great Britain to find out what kids in England are reading. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 110 - The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo Aug 12, 2020

It’s all about poetry and body image and standing up for yourself. It’s the National Book Award winning novel "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo. Readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington, DC talk about the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Monica Vigil from THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES podcast is celebrity reader. Writer Elizabeth Acevedo talks about why she writes.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Bonus SciFi Reading Suggestions Aug 05, 2020

Looking for a great last book of summer? We've got lots of suggestions from Southern Californians who attended the Los Angeles Public Library's Maker Faire.

And we have a special invitation to teachers and librarians looking for an opportunity to engage their students in reading this fall. Listen to the end of the episode for details.

bookclubforkids.org

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 Jul 29, 2020

In this week, as the country lays to rest Congressman John Lewis, one of the heroes of the Civil Rights movement, we thought it was a good time to revisit one of the darkest days of the struggle, the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, told through the eyes of young people. It’s "The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963" by Christopher Paul Curtis.

Teaching guide at the website bookclubforkids.org.

Bonus Anne Nesbet on Alice Guy-Blanche Jul 22, 2020

Last week, we discussed the novel “Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen” by Anne Nesbet. It’s a tale set during the early days of movie making. One character in the book is a real-life person, a larger than life woman whose contribution to filmmaking has been largely forgotten over the years. Anne Nesbet, who also teaches film history at UC Berkeley and she fills us in a bit more about Alice Guy-Blanche.

We’ll have links to one of Alice Guy-Blanche’s films and to a documentary about her work at our website,

www.bookclubforkids.org.

Episode 109 Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet Jul 15, 2020

Summertime's the perfect time to go to the movies...even if we can't go in person. Meet "Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen," a heroine from the early days of movie making.

Taped remotely at the Bay Area Book Festival, a trio of 7th graders from Albany Middle School in northern California discuss the novel by Anne Nesbit and interview the author. Our celebrity reader is Pam Rogers from the Buttons & Figs podcast. Kitty Felde is host.

To see a video of this Zoom episode, check out our website, www.bookclubforkids.org.

Bonus July 2020 Summer Reading Jul 08, 2020

Readers from Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York share their summer reading suggestions with host Kitty Felde.

www.bookclubforkids.org

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia Jul 01, 2020

The fight for racial equality didn't start with Black Lives Matter. This week, we visit a Black Panther summer camp in Rita Williams-Garcia's novel "One Crazy Summer." Readers from Washington, DC's Jefferson Academy discuss the novel and host Kitty Felde speaks with the author.

A Conversation with Writer Jewell Parker Rhodes Jun 24, 2020

Jewell Parker Rhodes, winner of the American Book Award, talks about the difficulty of writing "Ghost Boys" and about her own reading journey with host Kitty Felde.

bookclubforkids.org

Episode 108 - Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes Jun 17, 2020

How do we talk about police violence targeting African-Americans? This group of eighth graders from Columbia Heights Educational Campus/Lincoln Middle School in Washington, DC discuss “Ghost Boys” by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Actor Jonathan Del Palmer Rhodes is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

NOTE: this discussion contains a discussion about violence, Emmett Till, and police violence.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Summer Reading Suggestions from Readers at the LA Public Library Jun 10, 2020

Libraries across the world are kicking off their summer reading programs - many of them remotely. Which means finding ebooks or ordering online and picking up hard copies at the library curbside pickup spot. But which books to pick? It’s so much harder when you can’t see a book on the shelf. We have some suggestions from readers at the LA Public Library.

You can be on the show, too. Check out the website for info:

www.bookclubforkids.org

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt Jun 03, 2020

Would you like to live forever? That's the question our readers from Basis DC Charter School ponder as they discuss Natalie Babbitt's classic tale "Tuck Everlasting" with host Kitty Felde. Actress Denise Krueger is celebrity reader. The late writer talks about her own view of life and death. There is free curriculum at the website:

bookclubforkids.org

Summer Reading Kickoff 2020 May 27, 2020

We want to hear what you're reading this summer.

On this episode, kids from coast to coast share their favorites. You can be on the show, too.

Attention parents, teachers, and librarians: Looking for a way to inspire your Summer Readers when they can’t go to the library? Turn them into podcast stars.

It's easy:

- find the voice memo or recording app on a smartphone

- set the level somewhere in the middle

- have the reader introduce her/himself as:

Hi, my name is - (first name only)

I'm from (what city, school, or library)

The book I’m reading this summer is -

Tell us about it. (not the plot, but what it is YOU like about this book and why you'd recommend it to someone else)

Email the audio files to us at bookclubforkidspodcast@gmail.com

Book Club for Kids is the award-winning podcast where kids talk about books. The Times of London calls it one of the world’s top 10 kidcasts. Common Sense Media rates it “excellent.” The New York Times says the “virtual gathering space for young readers feels more vital than ever in the social distancing era.”

Episode 107 - Stef Soto Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres May 20, 2020

A story about entrepreneurs and rock stars and veggie burritos. Readers from the Children Chatting with Children’s Authors podcast discuss Jennifer Torres' novel "Stef Soto, Taco Queen" in an episode taped live at the Studio City branch of the LA Public Library. Jeannette Franco is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

What's Your Favorite Book? May 13, 2020

We invited readers from around the world to tell us about their favorite books. Kitty Felde is host.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead May 06, 2020

If you were a time traveler, would you go to the future or the past? That's the question readers from Lafayette Elementary School in Washington, DC ponder as they discuss the Newbery Award-winning "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead. NPR reporter Neda Ulaby is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Free curriculum for this episode available at the website:

bookclubforkids.org

Kazu Kibuishi Talks about Writing Apr 29, 2020

Kazu Kibuishi admits he never thought "Amulet" would be a hit. He talks about writing, travel, research, and screenwriting with host Kitty Felde.

Podapalooza Episode Apr 26, 2020

This weekend we’re participating in a special podcast event: Podapalooza, to raise funds for folks hardest hit by Covid-19.

We here at Book Club create a second podcast – The Fina Mendoza Mysteries – and for Podapalooza, we’re sharing episode 1.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries is a serialized mystery series for kids and political junkies. Season one tells the tale of the 10 year old daughter of a congressman who solves the mystery of the demon cat of Capitol Hill.

We all know that COVID 19 is hitting the entire world, and unfortunately, some have been harder hit than others. We’re proud to have this opportunity to give back while doing something we love. Podapalooza is a podcast festival for COVID relief, the work of more than a hundred podcasters who have contributed content and resources to the cause. 100% of funds raised go to GiveDirectly, an international aid organization helping families hardest hit by COVID. To learn more and donate, go to Podapalooza.org, or p - l - z - a dot org for short. That’s p - l -z -a dot org.

Episode 106 - Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi Apr 22, 2020

It's the perfect time to escape on an adventure. Our graphic novel "Amulet" by Kazu Kibuishi tells the tale of a magical amulet that leads a young girl on a quest. Students from Ketcham Elementary School in Washington, D.C. talk about magic in their own lives and have lots of questions for our writer. Actor Denny Colonna is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from PS 174 Apr 15, 2020

It's the perfect time for a book series. We've got several terrific suggestions from kids in Queens, New York.

More great book suggestions and free curriculum at our website bookclubforkids.org.

James and the Giant Peach Curriculum Episode Apr 08, 2020

We're reprising our episodes with free curriculum guides. We're starting with Roald Dahl's first book for children "James and the Giant Peach" because don't we all need to escape our current situation inside a giant summer fruit? Cash Peters is celebrity reader and students from LA's Equitas Academy discuss the book with host Kitty Felde.

Free curriculum guide at bookclubforkids.org.

Be a Podcast Star Apr 03, 2020

It's your opportunity to be a podcast star. Listen for details.

Angie Thomas Shares Her Playlist Apr 01, 2020

Ever wonder what a writer uses for inspiration? Angie Thomas tells us what gets her fingers flying over the keyboard.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Episode 105 - On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Mar 25, 2020

Today it’s a book for older kids – "On the Come UP" by Angie Thomas. Our main character is an aspiring rap star dealing with sudden fame and the reputation of her late father. Our readers are from West Education Campus in Washington, D.C. Actress Tallie Johnson is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

We’ll have a list of everybody’s favorite book at our website, bookclubforkids.org. In fact, we have lots and lots of book suggestions to help you find the perfect ebook or audiobook to download from your public library during this time when schools are closed.

And did you know that if you want to be on the Book Club for Kids, you can do it from your living room? All you need is your smartphone. Record yourself on the voice memo app telling us your first name, city where you live, the name of your favorite book, and why you love it. Then email the file to us at kitty@bookclubforkids.org. Or just click the “put me on the show” button at our website bookclubforkids.org for more information. And teachers, we’re collecting recommendations from students around the world. We’d love to hear from your homebound kids on the show.

Book Suggestions from Laurence School Mar 18, 2020

It’s an unusual time. A time when most of us are home with our families. A time when we can order up a book free of charge from our local library and have it delivered immediately to our phone, computer or tablet.

But what book?

We have some great suggestions from students at the Laurence School in Los Angeles. And we want to hear your suggestions for great books and book series we can be reading during this time of social distancing. If you have book suggestion, please call us at 323-639-3560. Tell us your first name, the city where you live, the name of your favorite book, and why you love it.

Just a note to teachers, parents and librarians. We have free curriculum guides at the website bookclubforkids.org so you can keep the learning going during this haitus. We also have more than 100 free Book Club for Kids episodes free of charge. You can listen to an episode with your kids, get a digital copy or audio book version of the novel from your public library, read it together, and use the podcast questions for a jumping off place for your own discussion. You could even get a Skype book club session with your child and other kids stuck at home.

We have a free newsletter for teachers, parents, and librarians. Usually, we send out bimonthly free tips about how to turn kids into lifelong readers. But starting this week, we’ll be sending out short newsletters with activities and suggestions of learning opportunities you and your kids can do at home. You can sign up at our website: bookclubforkids.org.

One other way to lighten the mood with your kids: we have a terrific mystery podcast, the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It’s a free 8-part series about a little girl and a gigantic red dog named Senator Something. Together, they solve the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill. As one young listener put it, "It’s not too scary."

Episode 104 - The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner Mar 11, 2020

Did you ever think you were a little different than everybody else in school? Suppose you found out there’s a reason for that and that reason is that you’re actually a witch. That's the story of "The Okay Witch," by Emma Steinkellner. Students from Virginia Road Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss the graphic novel and interview Emma. Actress Diane Adair is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

www.bookclubforkids.org

Bonus Interview with Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan Mar 04, 2020

Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan co-wrote "Watch Us Rise." They answer the two biggest questions: how do you collaborate with a friend without destroying the friendship? And what's the best snack for writing inspiration? Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 103 - Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan Feb 26, 2020

Was there ever a time when you had to stand up and speak your mind, no matter the consequences? Is it harder to do that if you're female? Standing up for girls is at the heart of this week’s book "Watch Us Rise" do, letting the world know what it’s like sometimes, being a girl. Our readers from Brookland Middle School in Washington D.C. interview the wrtiers Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan. Our celebrity reader is actress Pinkie Washington. Kitty Felde is host.

Reading tips at our website www.bookclubforkids.org

Bonus Episode - A Conversation with Writer Tricia Springstubb Feb 19, 2020

Tricia Springstubb is the writer of the "Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe" series and other books. She tells Kitty Felde about finding Cody's voice and the difference between writing middle grade novels and picture books.

Episode 102 - Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb Feb 12, 2020

Writers are often confused when editors talk about “voice” in children’s literature. The title character in “Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe” has one of the most unique voices in print. Readers from Randle Highlands Elementary School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde and ask questions of writer Tricia Springstubb. Actress Peggy Miley is celebrity reader.

Favorite Books from Brooklyn and the LA Public Library Maker Faire Feb 05, 2020

It's our favorite question: what's your favorite book? We get lots of answers from our readers who called in to us or talked to us at the Los Angeles Public Library's Mini Maker Faire. Kitty Felde is host.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak Jan 29, 2020

Students from Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC talk about "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. The conversation covers everything from death to Nazis to books. Actress Melanie MacQueen (Robotech) is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Markus Zusak interview is courtesy of the Australian bookstore Booktopia.

Spoiler Alert: plot points are discussed in this episode.

Find out how you can be on the show at our website:

www.bookclubforkids.org

Favorite Books from the British International School in Houston Jan 22, 2020

We get some terrific book suggestions from kids from around the world - from Scotland to Singapore, England to Ecuador, Mexico to Australia. Readers from the British International School in Houston share their favorites with host Kitty Felde.

Get reading tips or find out how you can be on the show at our website: bookclubforkids.org.

Episode 100 The Storm Runner Jan 15, 2020

It’s our 100th episode!

To celebrate, we travel up to the Bay Area Book Festival to tape a live show celebrating “The Storm Runner” by J. C. Cervantes. This fantasy tale with Mayan mythology is a “Rick Riordan Presents” novel. Public radio journalist Erika Quilar from KQED is celebrity reader. Our readers are 6th graders at Albany Middle School in Northern California and they quiz our author. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books in 2020 Jan 08, 2020

We talked to kids in Maryland, Illinois, and California and asked them to tell us their favorite books. Here's their picks for 2020.

Fan Favorite 2019 Jan 01, 2020

We asked you to pick your favorite Book Club for Kids episode. Thank you for voting! And the winner of the 2019 Fan Favorite Episode is "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Our celebrity reader is actress Mimi Kennedy of "Mom" and kids at the East Rancho Dominguez branch of the LA County Library discuss the novel. Lynda Mullaly Hunt tells host Kitty Felde what it was like to be the kid who never read.

Happy Holidays from our UK Friends at Fun Kids Book Club Dec 25, 2019

In honor of the holidays, we bring you this special bonus episode of the Book Club for Kids. It comes from our friends in London at the UK’s children’s radio station, Fun Kids. Every other week, they produce a show called the Fun Kids Book Club podcast.

Their show is a bit different from Book Club for Kids – not only do they talk faster and have wonderful British accents, the show is presented by their host Bex and features authors from the UK who chat about how they wrote their book and answer quiz questions about what kind of potato chips they like best.

This episode contains some of the best bits from 2019. And features a lot of books I’ll bet you never even heard about! Enjoy!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Producer Ilsa Setziol's Favorite Episode Dec 18, 2019

We’re counting down to our 100th episode and we’re asking YOU what’s your favorite episode? You can email us here.

We asked our producer Ilsa Setziol which episode was HER favorite. She explains why she loves “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.”

Williamsburg has changed enormously since Betty Smith published "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" in 1943. But a trio of DC readers tell host Kitty Felde that they find contemporary themes - the chasm between rich and poor, the rise of the #MeToo movement - in the novel. Nancy Smith Pfeiffer, the 95 year old daughter of Betty Smith, tells us about rushing home from school to read the latest pages of the novel, hot off her mother's typewriter. Actress Sonia Manzano (Maria from "Sesame Street") is celebrity reader since the book is her favorite.

Check out the website for CURRICULUM for "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."

A Short Interview with Writer Alan Gratz Dec 11, 2019

Last week, we talked about “Refugee,” Alan Gratz’ tale of kids fleeing violence and political oppression around the world. It’s a tough read. I had to put it down a few times. But how difficult is it to write a book about a tough subject? We asked Alan Gratz.

Episode 99 - Refugee by Alan Gratz Dec 04, 2019

What would it be like to leave everything you know, everything you own, everyone you love to escape war, persecution, or poverty? In “Refugee,” Alan Gratz imagines how three young people struggle to survive as they excape to freedom. Students from Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Amy Solano is celebrity reader.

Thanksgiving Roadtrip 2019 Nov 20, 2019

Thanksgiving is next week and we know a lot of you will be on the road this weekend – by plane, car, bus, boat, whatever. We wanted to give you something to listen to as you make your way to grandmother’s house or wherever you are headed. So we’ve collected six Book Club for Kids episodes with family themes at their center.

In this extended Book Club for Kids episode, we’ll meet a large family in Utah where one kid describes himself as THE GREAT BRAIN, a classic by John D Fitzgerald. (Celebrity reader: J. Keith van Straaten)

And since it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without at least one family battle, we bring you a classic one between a girl and her Chinese great aunt: THE GREAT WALL OF LUCY WU by Wendy Wan-Long Shang. (Celebrity reader: Congresswoman Judy Chu)

Next we meet the southern relatives in Jason Renolds’ AS BRAVE AS YOU (celebrity reader: Kim Estes) and then off to Pennsylvania for Jack Gantos’ family in DEAD END IN NORVELT (Celebrity reader: Wenzel Jones.) Next, we head out west to New Mexico for a tale about a girl and her grandfather – Lindsay Eagar’s HOUR OF THE BEES (Celebrity reader New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.) And then head east to Harlem to meet Karina Yan Glaser’s THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141st STREET (Celebrity reader: Valente Rodriguez).

And then stick around. We’ll have a special treat: a short Thanksgiving scene set in southern California. It’s from our newest podcast: an 8 part dramatic series called THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES podcast. This scene is from next weeek’s episode and if you like it, you can catch up from the beginning by subscribing to The Fina Mendozaa Mysteries.

You’ve got a long roadtrip ahead of you, so sit back, relax, and celebrate with your family and ours here at the Book Club for Kids. Happy Thanksgiving.

Bonus Episode: Favorite Books from Grosse Point, Michigan Nov 13, 2019

Readers from Michigan recommend their favorite books...and many of them are Book Club for Kids episodes. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 98 - Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell Nov 06, 2019

Sophie's quest to find her mother takes her from London to Paris - mostly rooftop to rooftop. Katherine Rundell's novel "Rooftoppers" is our book this episode. Students from the British International School of Washington discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Director and audio book actress Stevie Zimmerman is celebrity reader. Katherine Rundell talks about writing for the stage vs. writing books for kids.

Favorite Books from WORLDCON, the World Science Fiction Convention in Dublin Oct 30, 2019

Ever wonder what kids in other countries are reading? This week, we take you to Dublin, Ireland which hosted WORLDCON, the World Science Fiction Convention. While the adults were attending panels, the kids were creating fabulous costumes for the masquerade parade...and taking the time to tell host Kitty Felde the name of their favorite books.

Sneak Preview of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast Oct 23, 2019

We have a special treat this week for Book Club for Kids listeners. It's something completely different.

Instead of our regular Book Club for Kids episode, we invite you to stay tuned for a special SNEAK PREVIEW of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. It's the story of the 10-year old daughter of a congessman from California who moves to Washington DC and solves the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill.

Episode 1 will be released to the rest of the world on Friday, but we thought our loyal Book Club for Kids subscribers deserved to hear it first.

The Fina Mendoza Mysteries is an original 8-part dramatic series described as Nancy Drew meets "The West Wing." And to quote one of our youngest actors: it's not too scary. Give a listen.

Subscribe NOW to The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.

More information at finamendozamysteries.com.

We'll be back again next week with a bonus episode and then we tackle Katherine Rundell's novel "Rooftoppers."

Peter Brown on Writing Oct 16, 2019

Peter Brown is both a writer and illustrator. We talk to him about how he plots a story and the teacher he hated who set him on his path to becoming a professional artist. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 97 - The Wild Robot Oct 09, 2019

Do you have a relationship with the robot in your life? You'll fall in love with "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown. 4th graders from Flora Hendley Elementary School in Washington, D.C. discuss artificial intelligence and their own favorite robotic devices. U.S. Congressman Scott Peters from San Diego is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Bonus Episode Favorite Books From LitFest Pasadena Oct 02, 2019

Got a favorite book? These readers at Vroman's Bookstore for LitFest Pasadena have a few suggestions to share with host Kitty Felde.

Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword by Henry Lien Sep 25, 2019

What do you get when you mix figure skating, martial arts, and Hogwarts? We take the stage live at Vroman’s Bookstore for LitFest Pasadena to discuss Henry Lien’s “Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword.” Voice actress Veronica Lopez is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

More from writer Varian Johnson Sep 18, 2019

Writer Varian Johnson of "The Parker Inheritance" shares his secrets about writing a successful mystery with host Kitty Felde.

Episode 95 - The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson Sep 11, 2019

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 Studio City Sep 04, 2019

We head out to the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles to ask readers at the Studio City branch of the LA Public Library to tell us their favorite books. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 62 The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez Aug 28, 2019

Malu is moving to Chicago and she's not very happy about it. She's also not very happy with the way her mother would like her to be. Two things do make her happy: punk music and creating zines. The book is the 2018 Pura Belpré Award Author Honor winner "

Bonus Favorite Books Eagan Minnesota Aug 21, 2019

5th graders from Deerwood Elementary School in Eagan, Minnesota share their favorite books with us. Kitty Felde is host.

Summer Intern Hannah Matzecki's Favorite Episode - Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar Aug 14, 2019

The worst summer vacation ever? Being stuck in the middle of a New Mexico desert with the crabbiest grandfather on planet earth. But there are also magical bees that promise the end of of a drought. Students from Belvedere Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia. Our celebrity reader is New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Kitty Felde is host. This episode is the favorite of summer intern Hannah Matzecki.

Favorite Books Arlington Heights, Illinois Aug 07, 2019

Readers from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Illinois share their favorite books with host Kitty Felde.

Episode 94 - The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman Jul 31, 2019

What’s it like to be adopted? Does your adopted family’s history become your history or do you feel the need to find your biological story? Our book this week is "The Length of a String" by Elissa Brent Weissman. It’s a Holocaust story about a Jewish family separated by the war. Readers from the Girlfriends Book Club of Baltimore at Hazelwood Elementary Middle School discuss the book and pose lots of questions to our writer. Actor and producer Bari Hochwald is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Margaret Peterson Haddix Jul 24, 2019

Writer Margaret Peterson Haddix has published nearly four dozen novel. We talk to her about how she manages to write so many books, the difference between writing fiction and non-fiction, and get a sneak preview of her newest series. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 93 - Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix Jul 17, 2019

C’mon. Admit it. Don’t you just wish sometimes that your parents would just disappear? But what happens next? That’s just part of the plot for our book this week “Double Identity” By Margaret Peterson Haddix. Our readers are from Sousa Middle School in Washington, D.C. Our celebrity reader is actress Molly Parker, from "Deadwood" and "Lost In Space." Kitty Felde is host.

Oh, and just a warning: the discussion contains spoiler alerts, so you might want to read the book before you listen to the episode.

Bonus Episode: The Search for the Real Great Brain Jul 10, 2019

Has a book inspired you to take a summer vacation to a particular place? "The Great Brain" series seems to have inspired a lot of readers - including Sharon Madsen's family. Sharon's become the unofficial John D. Fitzgerald historian, archivist, and tour guide, taking fans of "The Great Brain" series around Fitzgerald's hometown of Price Utah. Kitty Felde talks to Sharon Madsen about her family's obsession.

Episode 92 - The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald Jul 03, 2019

This week, we catch up with readers in Houston, Texas who love "The Great Brain" books by John D. Fitzgerald SO much, they named their book club after it. Not familiar with the book? A lot of the plot involves the oldest brother Tom who always has a new scheme to separate kids from their money. Our celebrity reader is J. Keith van Straaten, host of the game show podcast Go Fact Yourself. Our writer John D. Fitzgerald is no longer with us, but Sharon Madsen, the resident expert on Fitzgerald, says he was a man of many talents. Kitty Felde is host.

Summer Reading from the LA Public Library's Mini Maker Faire Jun 26, 2019

Looking for great summer reading ideas? This group from Southern California have lots of suggestions.

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