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
The Bad Guys
Sep 21 2022
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
Sep 14 2022
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.Â
The Lions of Little Rock - Kristin Levine
Sep 07 2022
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!
Aug 31 2022
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...more
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Aug 24 2022
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
Aug 17 2022
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
Aug 10 2022
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
Aug 03 2022
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
Jul 27 2022
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
Jul 20 2022
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
Jul 13 2022
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
Jul 06 2022
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
Jun 29 2022
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
Jun 22 2022
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 ...more
More Book Suggestions from City of Stem
Jun 15 2022
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
Jun 08 2022
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
Jun 01 2022
What makes a great book? Readers from Loyola Village Elementary School in Los Angeles have some answers.
Eye of the Storm by Kate Messner
May 25 2022
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
May 18 2022
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
May 11 2022
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
May 04 2022
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
Apr 27 2022
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
Apr 20 2022
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
Apr 13 2022
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
Apr 06 2022
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
Mar 30 2022
Writer Dan Gutman talks about his other popular My Wierd School series.
Jackie and Me by Dan Gutman
Mar 23 2022
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 persua...more
AJ Steiger
Mar 16 2022
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
Mar 09 2022
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
Mar 02 2022
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
Feb 23 2022
Donna Barba Higuera
Feb 16 2022
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
Feb 09 2022
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
Feb 02 2022
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
Jan 26 2022
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.
A Conversation with writer Jasmine Warga
Jan 19 2022
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.
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.
Episode 124 - 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.