Podcast
Book Club for Kids
The place where young readers meet to talk about books. The show includes a celebrity reader and an interview with the author. The host is award winning public radio journalist Kitty Felde. Book Club won the California Library Association Technology Award and the DC Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Humanitites. Named one of the top 10 podcasts for kids by THE TIMES of London.
Episodes
Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga
Jan 12 2022
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."
Losing is Democratic Part Two THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES
Jan 05 2022
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 t...more
Losing is Democratic Part One Bonus Episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast
Dec 29 2021
Something a little different this week and next. 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 at...more
Jerry Craft on Writing
Dec 22 2021
Newbery Award-winning writer Jerry Craft confesses that he was not much of a reader as a kid. But he wanted to create a book for kids like him. He talks about which comes first in his graphic novels, the pictures or the words. He tells host Kitty Felde how to write a joke in four panels.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Dec 15 2021
We're so excited to talk about the Newbery Award-winning graphic novel New Kid by Jerry Craft. Students at Randle Highland Elementary School in Washington, DC debate whether they'd rather go to a fancy pants school on the other side of town, or the school in their own neighborhood. Actor Gary Anthony Williams is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.
Favorite Books from Hope Christian School in Albuquerque
Dec 08 2021
What makes a book personal to you? We talk to a group of readers from Albuquerque, New Mexico about the books that mean something special to them. Kitty Felde is host.
Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
Dec 01 2021
Get out the Kleenex and a warm jacket and gloves. This week is a heartbreaking tale of troubled foster kid who finds comfort among a herd of cows in Maine. Readers from Carter G. Woodson Charter School in Chicago discuss Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt. U.S. Senator Angus King is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.
A Conversation About Writing Collaboratively with Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
Nov 24 2021
How do you write a novel together without destroying a friendship? We ask the writers of "A Place at the Table," Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan.Â
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
Nov 17 2021
What does it mean to be an ally? How do you confront racism face to face? What's it like to be the child of an immigrant? And can food bring people together? We talk about it all with a trio of students from Columbia Heights Educational Campus in Washington, DC. Writers Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan answer questions about writers block from our readers. Our celebrity reader is USA Today journalist Tami Abdollah. Kitty Felde is host.
Bonus: Lots of Wimpy Kid and Minecraft
Nov 10 2021
Got a favorite book? Need a great book to read next? These fourth graders from Cienega Elementary School in Los Angeles have LOTS of suggestions.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Nov 03 2021
Want to keep that Halloween feeling going? We offer a Southern tale of witches and spooky houses. And the Civil War. It's Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. We're lucky to have DC's Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton as our celebrity reader. Students from Washington DC's Jefferson Academy discuss the novel with host Kitty Felde.
Bonus: Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead
Nov 01 2021
Today and Tuesday are special days in the Catholic and Mexican calendar: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. As an added bonus episode of Book Club for Kids, we wanted to share this snippet from our other podcast The Fina Mendoza Mysteries. It's the story of a 10-year-old detective on Capitol Hill, but it's also a family story about coming to terms with the death of Fina's mother. In this mini-episode, Fina and her sister Gabby and grandmother Abuelita remember her on Dia de los Muertos. The...more
A Conversation with Pseudonymous Bosch
Oct 27 2021
He's known as Pseudonymous Bosch, but writer Rafael Simon talks to us about structuring a series and how he considers himself both a plotter AND a pantser. Kitty Felde is host.
The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Oct 20 2021
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. www.bookclubforkids.org
Favorite Books from California
Oct 13 2021
The 4th and 5th graders in the Bookopolis Book Club meet weekly to discuss, share, and celebrate their love of books. They share some of their favorites with us.
Hypatia Academy by Esther Goldenberg
Oct 06 2021
Did Harry Potter make you wish you were going to boarding school? This week, we visit another extraordinary boarding school with invisible students and k'lepreechons. It's Hypatia Academy by Esther Goldenberg. It's the favorite book of this trio of Maryland readers. NPR's Morning Edition host Rachel Martin is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.  www.bookclubforkids.org Â
An Interview with Canadian Writer Gina McMurchy-Barber
Sep 29 2021
Is there a connection between archeology and writing? Writer Gina McMurchy-Barber digs deep with host Kitty Felde. www.bookclubforkids.org
The Jigsaw Puzzle King
Sep 22 2021
Suppose you had a sibling with Down Syndrome? How would this change your life? That's the question in The Jigsaw Puzzle King by Gina McMurchy-Barber. Readers from Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Remote School in Ontario, Canada discuss the book and discuss the merits of peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. We're joined by celebrity reader Tammy McLeod, who just broke the Guinness World Record for speed, solving a jigsaw puzzle. Kitty Felde is host.
Bonus Sherri L. Smith
Sep 15 2021
Where do ideas come from? Writer Sherri L. Smith shares some of the things that inspired her writing. She also has some advice for young writers. Kitty Felde is host.
Orleans by Sherri L. Smith
Sep 08 2021
Hurricanes and pandemics - sounds like the latest headlines. But it's a dystopian novel by Sherri L. Smith called Orleans. Readers from the Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy in Maryland discuss the book with host Kitty Felde and talk about why dystopian novels are so popular with young readers. Public radio journalist Cheryl Devall is celebrity reader. More episodes at bookclubforkids.org
Back to School Special
Sep 01 2021
Book Club for Kids wants to send you back to school with some inspiration from kidcasters from around the country. In this special bonus episode, you'll get a taste of what's available for young ears, produced by our colleagues at Kids Listen, a collaborative of creators of content for kids.Â
A Conversation with Christina Soontornvat
Aug 25 2021
Attention fantasy writers: Christina Soontornvat, whose novel A Wish in the Dark offers some tips about world building in a mythical Thailand. More author interviews at www.bookclubforkids.org.
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
Aug 18 2021
This week, readers at The Meridian School in Seattle discuss Christina Soontornvat's unusual novel A Wish in the Dark and interview the author. Actress Pimmie Juntranggur is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. You can find a list of everyone's favorite book and find out how your young reader can be on the show at the website www.bookclubforkids.org.
Favorite Books from Around the World
Aug 11 2021
Looking for some great end-of-summer book suggestions? Kids from around the world have some great suggestions. Kitty Felde is host. Complete list of books at www.bookclubforkids.org.
The Shadows by Jacqueline West
Aug 04 2021
Looking for a late summer thriller? We discuss the first book in Jacqueline West's Books of Elsewhere series The Shadows with the Girlfriends BookClub Baltimore. Public radio journalist Doualy Xaykaothao is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Free reading tips at the website: bookclubforkids.org.
A Conversation with Writer Veera Hiranandani
Jul 28 2021
Veera Hiranandani explains why she chose to use diary entries to tell her story in The Night Diary and offers tips to young people about how to get their older relatives to open up about their life stories. Kitty Felde is host.
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
Jul 21 2021
What would you bring with you if you had to leave your home forever? It's just one of the topics we discuss with readers from Tyler Elementary School in Washington, D.C. as we tackle The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani. It's a novel written as a diary about the creation of independent India and Pakistan. Our celebrity reader is actress Nivi Varanasi. Kitty Felde is host.
Favorite Books from the National Archives
Jul 14 2021
We ask kids and their parents to answer our favorite question: what's your favorite book? Listen for some great summer reading suggestions!
A Little Wicked
Jul 07 2021
We reprise our episode taped before a live audience at the National Archives. Readers from the Girlfriends BookClub Baltimore discuss A Little Wicked by Janet Macreery with host Kitty Felde. Celebrity reader is NPR Special Correspondent Susan Stamberg.
Bonus Geoff Rodkey
Jun 30 2021
Geoff Rodkey is both a successful screenwriter and writer of books for kids. Including "We're Not From Here." He talks about the difference between writing screenplays and novels, about science fiction, and about creating non-binary characters. Kitty Felde is host. Lots more interviews with authors at the website www.bookclubforkids.org.
Were Not from Here by Geoff Rodkey
Jun 23 2021
Earth is doomed, so a band of survivors is looking for a friendly planet to save them. But our earthling reputation isn't so great. Will they be allowed to stay? Readers from Maury Elementary School discuss Geoff Rodkey's We're Not From Here. Our celebrity readers is Mat Kaplan, host of Planetary Radio. Kitty Felde is host. Free reading tips: www.bookclubforkids.org
Favorite Books from Nantucket
Jun 16 2021
We get book suggestions from readers at the Nantucket Book Festival. www.bookclubforkids.org
Old Yeller
Jun 09 2021
Pets play such an important part in our lives and the loss of an animal creates a hole in our hearts. The Newbery Honor award winning classic Old Yeller by Fred Gipson does the same thing. We hear from a trio of fifth graders from Lafayette Elementary School in Washington, DC who talk about their own pets. Actor and dancer Michael McKinley is celebrity reader. Dog expert Mia Cobb from Australia joins us. Kitty Felde is host.  www.bookclubforkids.org
A Conversation with Meg Medina
Jun 02 2021
How long does it take to publish a book? Newbery award winning writer Meg Medina says most of her time is spent rewriting and rewriting. More conversations with writers at our website www.bookclubforkids.org.
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
May 26 2021
Book Club for Kids goes to Hooray For Books! bookstore in Alexandria, Virginia to talk about Meg Medina's novel about bullying and mother-daughter relationships Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass. Our celebrity reader is National Public Radio Arts Correspondent Mandalit Del Barco. Writer Meg Medina discusses the writing process with a pair of aspiring writers, Lila and Julia. Kitty Felde is the host. www.bookclubforkids.org
A Conversation with Writer Rob Buyea
May 19 2021
We continue the conversation with writer Rob Buyea about how his experiences as a classroom teacher influenced his writing of "Because of Mr. Terupt." Kitty Felde is host. www.bookclubforkids.org
Episode 119 - Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
May 12 2021
Were you lucky enough to have one special teacher who changed your life? This week, our book is all about that gifted educator and the classroom that was lucky enough to have him: "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea. Readers from Harmony Township Elementary School in New Jersey talk about their own teachers - and about learning in this socially distanced/hybrid/covid school year. They also interview author Rob Buyea. Actor Garrett M. Brown is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Reading tips,...more
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 di...more
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 wee...more
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 c...more
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 s...more
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.bookclubfork...more
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: @BookClubfo...more
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 studen...more
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 Â
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 o...more
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, ...more
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 Â
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 (...more
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 hitti...more
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. Â Â
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. Â 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 ...more