Book Club for Kids

Writer Jack Gantos has his own unusual take on a childhood in the town named after Eleanor Roosevelt - the real-life place called Norvelt, Pennsylvania. Readers from Belvedere Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia discuss DEAD END IN NORVELT with host Kitty Felde. Wenzel Jones is celebrity reader.

Favorite books from Belvedere Elementary in Virginia:

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Candymakers - Wendy Mass

Wereworld - Curtis Jobling

Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis

Warriors series - Erin Hunter

Wings of...

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

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 the British International School of Washington:

Agatha Christie mysteries

FunJungle series - Stuart Gibbs

The Maze Runner - James Dashner

Katherine Rundell's...

Duration: 00:23:27

Katherine Marsh says her son helped a lot with the creation of "The Door by the Staircase." She also offers some writing tips.

This week, we get a new look at an old fairy tale – the story of the Russian witch known as Baba Yaga. A boys book club in Portland, Oregon met us at Powell's Books to discuss Katherine Marsh's novel "The Door by the Staircase" with host Kitty Felde. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who represents Portland on Capitol, is celebrity reader.

How does a White House speechwriter turn into a writer for kids? How do you become a Washington speech writer to begin with? We speak to Sean O'Brien, former speechwriter to then-Vice President Joe Biden. Kitty Felde is host.

Former White House speechwriter Sean O'Brien takes us inside the building to a secret passageway to the past in his mystery "White House Clubhouse." Readers from Oak View Elementary School in Fairfax, Virginia discuss how Theodore Roosevelt's mantras are still relevant to them today. Actress Elizabeth Logun is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM OAKVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

The Chronicles of Whetherwhy: the Age of Enchantment - Anna James

Echo - Pam Munoz Ryan

Walk Two Moons - Sharon Creech

Wonder - R.J. Palacio

T...

If you've listened to the show before, you know that we ask everybody our favorite question: What's your favorite book and why. We ask it in classrooms, we ask it in libraries, and we ask if of YOU. A pair of twin brothers from Washington state picked up a phone and recorded their answers on the voice memo app of a smartphone and sent it to us. We also visit the National Book Club in the other Washington: Washington, D.C. Kitty Felde is host.

We have a conversation with "A Little Wicked" author Janet Macreery about two kids of writers: plotters and pantsers. Kitty Felde is host.

We have a conversation with "A Little Wicked" author Janet Macreery about two kids of writers: plotters and pantsers. Kitty Felde is host.

We pay tribute to NPR Special Correspondent Susan Stamberg as we reprise an episode taped before a live audience at the National Archives in 2017. Readers from the Girlfriends BookClub Baltimore discuss A Little Wicked by Janet Macreery with host Kitty Felde. Susan Stamberg is our celebrity reader.

You can read a special tribute to Susan at our website bookclubforkids.org or sign up to receive a copy in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does a background in radio help you write dialogue? What's the one thing you should never include in a book designed for readers with dyslexia? We ask the expert: Lisa Thompson, author of "The Light Jar" and other middle grade novels.

Did you have an imaginary friend when you were little? Nate did. And he's back. Just in time. Students from Garvanza Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss Lisa Thompson's novel "The Light Jar." NPR newscaster Dale Willman is celebrity reader and Kitty Felde is host.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM GARVANZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

The Stand - Stephen King

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson

LISA THOMPSON'S FAVORITE BOOK:

Charlotte's Web - E.B. White

DALE WILLMAN'S FAVORITE BOOKS:

Hardy Boys - Franklin W. Dixon<...

We visit Maine to talk to readers at Manchester Elementary School about their favorite books.

Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss

The Wild Robot - Peter Brown 

Forgotten Girl - India Hill Brown

The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak

Naruto the Boy Ninja - Masashi Kishimoto

Warriors - Erin Hunter

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

I Survived - Lauren Tarshis

Ellie's Story: A...

It's banned books week, as we continue our look at books that have been challenged or banned. This week, it's Gennifer Choldenko's tale "Al Capone Does My Shirts." Back in 2016, the book was challenged by a group that said the book "perpetuates negative stereotypes" by including Al Capone as a character in the book. 

And earlier this year, a school board member in Pennsylvania called for a ban on the Newbery Honor book because a character called an autistic teenager stupid. 

The school says the books are selected by professional staff members to support the di...

What does it mean to be "gifted?" Don't we all have unique gifts to share with the world? Readers from Eliot-Hine Middle School on Capitol Hill discuss Gordon Korman's story of a prankster who lands in a "Gifted" program. KNX sports anchor (and Talking About Cars podcast host) Randy Kerdoon is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

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.

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. 

In 1925, newlyweds Pete and Gert packed up their lives and  headed west for California in a Model T Ford. Gert chronicled the
journey in a series of letters.

Now, one hundred years later, a pair of cousins Kitty Felde and Marie Felde follow their route to see America through their eyes.

Join us on a podcast journey at honeymoonroad.com.

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

Americans have a romanticized image of English boarding schools. RIBBLESTROP is the opposite of that. Writer Andy Mulligan has created what must be the most dangerous school on planet earth. And this trio of readers at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, New Jersey, debate whether they'd like to attend. Peter Sagal, playwright and host of NPR's quiz show "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite books from Carolina, Jack, and Eleanor:

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library - Chris Grabenstein

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls...

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.

We added up the numbers and found our NUMBER ONE top listened-to episode over the past decade of Book Club for Kids! It's Shannon Messenger's fantasy adventure Keeper of the Lost Cities. Readers from St. Elizabeth School in Maryland discuss The girls ask our writer to pick her favorite characters, something she hates to do. Our celebrity reader is host of the Roman on the Radio podcast  Nick Roman. Kitty Felde is host.

It was our fourth episode and Roald Dahl's first book for children. Number Two on our top ten list is "James and the Giant Peach" with Cash Peters as celebrity reader. Students from LA's Equitas Academy discuss the book with host Kitty Felde.

Free curriculum guide at bookclubforkids.org.

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

We're happy to report that the number 3 most popular episode of Book Club for Kids is no mystery...actually, it IS a mystery: Varian Johnson's The Parker Inheritance.

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.

And by the way...

Can you believe it? Book Club for Kids began ten years ago in the summer of 2015. And we're celebrating by counting down our top ten most listened to episodes over the past decade. This week, just in time for the second installment in the Bad Buys series is the graphic novel that started it all: number four on our top ten list, Aaron Blabey's The Bad Guys.

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...

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

We continue our celebration of ten years of podcasting by looking back at our most popular episodes. This week, it's number 5 on our top ten list: New Kid.

How do you fit in at a new school? Readers from Randle Highlands Elementary School in Washington, D.C. discuss the Newbery Award-winning graphic novel New Kid by Jerry Craft. They even suggest an alternate version of the book. Actor Gary Anthony Williams is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Randle Highlands Elementary School:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney Duration: 00:20:15

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.

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.

Favorite Books from Flora Hendley Elemetary School:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Dork Diaries- Rachel Renée Russell

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs - Jon Scieszka

P...

Duration: 00:23:32

We're celebrating our ten year anniversary as a podcast! And to celebrate, we're counting down our list of the TOP TEN MOST LISTENED TO EPISODES. This week, it's number 7: 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.

Favorite Books from Jefferson Academy

Recommended by Jefferson Academy's Aarianna, Enyjaih, and Reece:

Little Women - Louisa Mae Alcott

145th Steet - Walter Dean Myers

Recommended by...

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

www.bookclubforkids.org

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. 

Favorite Books from West Education Campus:

Lost and Found (Bluford High Series #1) – Anne Schraff

The Day Tajon Got Shot - Beacon House Writers

When We Collided - Emery Lord

Angie Thomas' Favorite Book:

Roll...

What's your favorite book?

A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 7 -Lemony Snicket

Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan

Angry Aztecs (Horrible Histories) - Terry Deary

Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery

Invisible Inkling - Emily Jenkins

Cat Kid Comic Club - Dav Pilkey

Aru Sha - Roshani Chokshi

Frizzy - Claribel Ortega

What's your favorite book?

A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 7 -Lemony Snicket

Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan

Angry Aztecs (Horrible Histories) - Terry Deary

Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery

Invisible Inkling - Emily Jenkins

Cat Kid Comic Club - Dav Pilkey

Aru Sha - Roshani Chokshi

Frizzy - Claribel Ortega

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.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM STUART-HOBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL:

The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Kelly Barnhill

Dork Diaries - Rachel Renee Russell

Harry Potter Prisoner of  Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

MARCUS ZU...

This week, host Kitty Felde asks future scientists what they are reading. Here's some suggestions:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas

Books of Bayern - Shnnon Hale

Five Worlds - Mark Siegel

The Hardy Boys - Franklin W. Dixon

Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo

Percy Jackson 5: The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes - Rick Riordan

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

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.

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.

SPOILER ALERT: plot points are discussed in this episode.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM WASHINGTON LATIN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Long Haul - Je...

We brought our giant microphone to the 2025 City of Stem/LA Maker Faire in Los Angeles on Saturday, asking kids our favorite question: what's your favorite book? Here are just some of the titles:

The Maze Runner series - James Dashner

Twins - Rain Telgemeier

My Weird School - Dan Gutman

Ellray Jakes - Sally Warner

Magic Treehouse - Mary Pope Osborne

Dog Man - Dav Pilkey

The Canyon's Edge - Dusti Bowling

The Baby-Sitters Club - Ann M. Martin

Harry P...

We continue our series highlighting episodes that feature books that have been banned or challenged. This week, it's Walter Dean Myers' tale of a kid on trial for murder "Monster." 

 In 2021, parents in Signal Mountain Middle/High School in Tennessee complained about mature language and sexual content in some 7th grade reading club selections. In response, a teacher told parents she was removing "Monster" from the reading list. 

Myers reacted to the book ban by saying,"I think that most often the people wanting to censor books are well-meaning and concerned about the welfare of the...

Last week, we took a trip to Hawaii to discuss "Lei and the Fire Goddess." This week, we talk to author Malia Maunakea about using Google maps as a writer, the difference between writing fiction and non-fiction, ADHD, even tax write-offs! Kitty Felde is host.

This week, we talk about myths – whether it's on Capitol Hill or Hawaii. Our book is "Lei and the Fire Goddess" by Malia Maunakea. Our readers are members of the Page Turners Book Club at East City Bookshop in Washington, DC. Our celebrity reader is playwright Kiki Rivera. Kitty Felde is host.

The kids mention Keeper of the Lost Cities 

I mention a book with the DC myth about the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza

Favorite Books from the Page Turners Book Club at East City Bookshop:

This week we talk to some older readers at the Culver City book Festival about their favorite books. Once again, fantasy seems to be the fan favorite. Give a listen.

Favorite Books from Older Readers at the Culver City Book Fest

Once and Future - Cory McCarthy & A. R. Capetta

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Big Nate - Lincoln Peirce

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros

The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

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

. We continue our look at books that have been challenged or banned. This week, it's Jewell Parker Rhodes' tale of a young black boy shot by a white police officer "Ghost Boys." The book was temporarily banned in Florida's second largest school district over a complaint that the book was "propaganda" against the police. A rural school district in California removed the book from curriculum after a parent complained about political views in the book.  Give a listen to our discussion of "Ghost Boys."

Last Saturday was the culver city book festival and book club for kids was there, gathering great suggestions for your next favorite read. We've got a different take on Shakespeare, a it of underwear humor, and a debate about which does a better job of telling the story; the book or the movie.

Favorite Books from the Culver City Book Festival:

The Apothacary - Sarah Penner

These Violent Delights - Chloe Gong

Captain Underpants - Dav Pilkey

The Wild Robot - Peter Brown

Dog Man - Dav...

For Black History Month and Valentines Day, we have a special love story – part fiction, part fact, based on a landmark US Supreme Court case. It's called "Loving Vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case" by Patricia Hruby Powell. It's the story of an interracial couple who only wanted to marry the person they loved. Our celebrity reader, actress Crystal West. Readers from Virginia discuss the book and the legal case that took place in their own state. Kitty Felde is host.

We polled readers at the City of Stem/LA Maker Faire about their favorite books. (By the way, Book Club for Kids will be taping more book suggestion interviews at this year's event on Saturday, April 12th at Exposition Park in Los Angeles.) Kitty Felde is host.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM THE CITY OF STEM/LA MAKER FAIRE:

Orphan, Monster, Spy - Matt Killeen

Wonder - R.J. Palacio

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Heidi Heckelbeck and the Never-Ending Day - Wanda Coven<...

We speak to Israeli writer Ofir Lobel, author of "101 Ways to Lose Your Homework: the Snotty Snail" about the difference between writing in graphic novels and writing a screenplay for a movie. He also talks about writing in a country at war. Kitty Felde is host.

This week, it's a graphic novel with evil twins, lost homework, and a giant snail. Oh, and a talking frog. The book is "101 Reasons Why I Lost My Homework Again: The Snotty Snail" by Ofir Lobel. Our readers are from Valley Beth Shalom Day School in Encino, California. Sportswriter Keith Thursby is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Favorite Books from Valley Beth Shalom Day School:

A Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snicket

Harry Potter - JK Rowling

Dragon Masters - Tracey West

A Girl's Guide to Murder...

Looking for your next favorite read? We've got it, courtesy of kids at the City of Stem/LA Maker Faire.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo

Magic Treehouse - Mary Pope Osborne

Bunny vs Monkey -Jamie Smart

A Little Princess - Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fart Quest - Aaron Reynolds

Hilo - Judd Winick

Masterminds - Gordon Korman

The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart

We have LOTS of other book suggestions at our website

2025 is a very special year for Book Club for Kids as we celebrate our 10th anniversary!

But a different version of the show aired on a local cable channel, LA36, taping episodes at the downtown LA public library. This year, we'll be sharing those conversations once a month and we start with readers from St. Mark's Lutheran School in Hacienda Heights, California discussing Gail Carson Levine's classic take on Cinderella "Ella Enchanted" with host Kitty Felde.

You can WATCH this episode on YouTube. Click here.

We end the year with a special episode from our other podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES. Fina is the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman who solves mysteries in the U.S. Capitol with the help of a big orange dog named Senator Something. This episode takes place January 6th, 2021 and is designed to help adults talk to kids about the events of that day. It's based on the book LOSING IS DEMOCRATIC: HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT JANUARY 6TH and contains curriculum for use in the classroom or homeschool. 

Here's a link to purchase an autographed co...

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

For a writer who both illustrates and creates the story for a book, which comes first? We ask writer/illustrator Alina Chau who created "Marshmallow & Jordan."

Did you ever wish that you had a pet elephant? Well, Jordan was lucky enough to find one. That unusual relationship is at the heart of our book Jordan and Marshmallow by Alina Chau. Readers from Atwater Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss disabilities, sports, and Indonesia with host Kitty Felde. Our celebrity reader is NPR's host of "All Things Considered" Ailsa Chang.

Favorite Books from Atwater Elementary School:

One Piece - Eiichiro Oda

The Wild Robot - Peter Brown

Dogman - Dav Pilkey

Captain Underpants - Dav Pilkey<...

We continue our series of episodes highlighting banned books. This week, it's Elizabeth Acevedo's novel The Poet X. The novel in verse was challenged in 2020 by parents in North Carolina who argued that the book was unconstitutionally hostile to religion. The challenge was turned down by the courts. It was again challenged in 2023 in Wisconsin because of objections about frank language about  sex.  In both cases, the books were part of the high school's curriculum.

The book is all about poetry and body image and standing up for yourself. It's the National Book Award winning novel The Po...

Are you that aunt or uncle – the one who only gives books for birthdays and holidays? I hope so. But if it's been a few years since you've picked up a middle grade novel, we have help from some experts – kids who visited us at the City of Stem LA Maker Faire to tell us about their favorite books. Start making your list and checking it twice…

Favorite Books for Black Friday Shopping:

Eragon - Christopher Paolini

The Good Egg - Jory John and Pete Oswald

The Land of Stories - Chris...

Are you that aunt or uncle – the one who only gives books for birthdays and holidays? I hope so. But if it's been a few years since you've picked up a middle grade novel, we have help from some experts – kids who visited us at the City of Stem LA Maker Faire to tell us about their favorite books. Start making your list and checking it twice…

Favorite Books for Black Friday Shopping:

Eragon - Christopher Paolini

The Good Egg - Jory John and Pete Oswald

The Land of Stories - Chris...

How did Oprah inspire a writing career? Listen to this conversation with Nikki Shannon Smith, author of Stranded.

Readers from Las Vegas are live, onstage at the Las Vegas Book Festival, talking about Nikki Shannon Smith's tale of adventure Stranded. Award-winning journalist Rita Pardue from KUNV is celebrity reader. Taped before a live audience, readers have lots of questions for writer Nikki Shannon Smith. Kitty Felde is host.

FAVORITE BOOKS FROM THE LAS VEGAS BOOK FESTIVAL:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo

Cleopatra in Space - Mike Maihack

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Wings of Fire -  Tui T. Sutherland

...

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

Favorite Books from Virginia Road Elementary School in LA:

Ghosts (Fantasmas) - Raina Telegemeier

The Spiderwick Chronicles - Tony DiTerlizzi<...

This episode began with a chance meeting in a tiny art gallery in the city of Cienfuegos, Cuba. Writer Isora Morales Suarez was minding the store to pay the bills, but just had her first novel for kids published in English. The Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore discuss her unusual fairy tale The Meringue Witches with host Kitty Felde. Cuban ex-pat Adolfo Nodal is celebrity reader.

Writer MC Ryder talks about writing song lyrics and middle grade book series with host Kitty Felde.

It's that time of year: Halloween! This week, we tackle M.C. Ryder's tale of romance, betrayal, and creatures of the night The Darkest Side of the Moon. Journalist and actress Hettie Lynne Hurtes is our celebrity reader. Our readers are from Rosecrans Elementary School in Compton, California. Kitty Felde is host. 

NOTE: There are some plot spoilers.

Favorite Books from Rosecrans Elementary School:

Attack on Titan - Hajime Isayama 

Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Beyond the Stor...

Peter Brown's wonderful book is now a movie! This week,we return to the source material.

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.

Favorite Books from Flora Hendley Elemetary School:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Dork Diaries- Rachel...

September is the perfect time of year to start a new habit. How about 15 minutes a day reading a book YOU want to read? Need some suggestions? Give a listen as we hear from kids as the City of Stem LA Maker Faire about the books they LOVE to read. 

Projekt 1065 - Alan Gratz

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

The Light in Hidden Places - Sharon Cameron

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Princess in Black - Shannon Hale

The Magic Factory - Morgan R...

As school is starting up, there are tons of books your teacher wants you to read. But what about a book YOU really want to read? Today we hear from kids as the City of Stem LA Maker Faire about the books ThEY love to read. Give a listen.

Favorite Books:

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

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney 

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Captain Underpants - Dav Pilkey

Harry Potter and th...

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

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

Favorite Books from Eliot-Hine:

Stunt Boy - Jason Reynolds

The Falling Sword - Ben Kane

The Firekeeper's Daughter - Angeline Boulley

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut

...

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.

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

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

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

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

Dork Diaries - Rachel Renee Russell

Zoey and Sassafras - Asia Citro

Go Team Spidey - Steve Behling

The Secret Series - Pseudonymous Bosch

Book Club for Kids live onstage!

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

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo

The Secret Cookie Club - Martha Freeman

Shel Silverstein's books of poetry

Dog Man - Dav Pilkey

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

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

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

Cleopatra in Space - Mike Maihack

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

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

The Skull - J...

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

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Refugee - Alan Gratz

Six Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth Lim

The Land of Stories - Chris Colfer

Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

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

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

And we will put you on a future episode.

Your Favorite Books:

Steve the Noob - Steve the Noob

Missing Since Monday - Ann M. Martin

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

The Land of Stories - Chris Colfer

Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery Duration: 00:07:02

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

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

Favorite Books from Jefferson Academy

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

Favorite Books:

Sarafina and the Black Cloak - Robert Beatty

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

Diary of Wimpy Kid: Rodrick R...

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

Do our names define us?

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

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

The Lemonade War - Jacqueline Davies

Restart - Gordon Korman

Spy x Family - Tatsuya Endo

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

Counting b...

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

Wings of Fire: Winter Turning - Tui T. Sutherland

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeline L'Engle

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff

The Bad Guys - Aaron Blabey

Lunch Lady and the Schoolwide Shuffle - Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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

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

Books in Katy, Texas were pulled from library shelves in 2021 after a parent petition complained that it contained harmful content about critical race theory. CRT examines how racism has shaped laws and public policy in America. Writer Jerry Craft says he'd never heard the term before and had to google it. An African American parent in another part of the country objected to Craft's use of the...

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 1990, a parent in Alabama asked to have the book removed because it "sends a mixed signal to children about good and evil."...

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

Here's the favorite books on this episode:

Wings of Fire - Tui Sutherland

Never Let me Go - Kazuo Isiguro

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger

The Cricket in Times Square - George Selden

Dino-Mike - Franco Aureliani

The Little Book of the Avengers...

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

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

 Cho joins us to talk about his inspiration for the book and LAPD Officer Tony Hyong Im is our celebrity reader. Readers from Tyler Elementary School in Washington D.C. discuss t...

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

Geronimo Stilton - Geronimo Stilton

Athletes vs Mathletes - W.C. Mack

Scare Stories to Tell in the Dark - Alvin Schwartz

Guts - Raina Telgemeier

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

Basil and Oregano - Melissa Capriglione 

Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

Matilda - Roald Dahl

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

...

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

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

We venture into a dystopian universe created by writer Veronica Roth. Divergent is a tale about finding out where you fit in – and whether you're brave enou...

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