Book Club for Kids
338 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★ - 331 ratingsThe 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.
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Episodes
Were Not from Here by Geoff Rodkey
June 23, 2021 10:30 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBEarth 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
June 16, 2021 10:00 - 9 minutes - 7.39 MBWe get book suggestions from readers at the Nantucket Book Festival. www.bookclubforkids.org
Old Yeller
June 09, 2021 10:30 - 24 minutes - 17.8 MBPets 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
June 02, 2021 10:30 - 5 minutes - 3.46 MBHow 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 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBBook 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 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.53 MBWe 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 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBWere 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...
May the Fourth Be With You The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
May 04, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.84 MBWe 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
April 28, 2021 10:30 - 7 minutes - 6.52 MBWe 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 disman...
Flying the Dragon
April 21, 2021 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBThe 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
April 14, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBThe 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. Th...
A Conversation with New Zealand Writer Brian Falkner
April 07, 2021 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.96 MBAre 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
March 31, 2021 10:30 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBDo 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 h...
Favorite Books from New Jersey and Illinois
March 24, 2021 10:30 - 6 minutes - 6.32 MBRunning 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
March 17, 2021 10:30 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBRead 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
March 10, 2021 11:00 - 6 minutes - 5.96 MBEver 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
March 03, 2021 11:30 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBDid 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 o...
Christopher Paul Curtis
February 24, 2021 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.38 MBA 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
February 17, 2021 11:30 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB"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.bookcl...
Favorite Books from Brooklyn and Los Angeles
February 10, 2021 11:30 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBWe 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 [email protected]. And you can be on the show. www.bookclubforkids.org
Episode 116 - Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D Taylor
February 03, 2021 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBWe 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
January 27, 2021 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.46 MBStudents 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
January 20, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBIt’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
January 13, 2021 11:30 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MBWriter 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
January 06, 2021 11:30 - 18 minutes - 17 MB“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
December 30, 2020 11:30 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBAs 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
December 23, 2020 17:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIn 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
December 16, 2020 11:30 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBThese 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
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 3 minutes - 2.82 MBWriter 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
December 02, 2020 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBA 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
November 25, 2020 11:30 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBWriter 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
November 18, 2020 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBWhat 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
November 11, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MBWriter 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
November 04, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBDo 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
October 30, 2020 10:00 - 8 minutes - 7.8 MBJames 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
October 28, 2020 10:30 - 8 minutes - 7.56 MBWe 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
October 21, 2020 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBThink 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
October 14, 2020 10:30 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MBAngela 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
October 07, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBAre 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!"
September 30, 2020 10:30 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBLooking 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
September 23, 2020 10:30 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBDid 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
September 16, 2020 10:30 - 6 minutes - 5.52 MBRunning 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
September 09, 2020 10:30 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBHow 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
September 02, 2020 10:30 - 56 minutes - 40.7 MBThis 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 Twitte...
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
August 26, 2020 10:30 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBWe 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 ...
Bonus Favorite Books from England
August 19, 2020 11:30 - 5 minutes - 4.9 MBOverseas 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
August 12, 2020 16:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBIt’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
August 05, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 6.02 MBLooking for a great last book of summer? We've got lots of suggestions from Southern Californians who attended the Los Angeles Public Library's Maker Faire. And we have a special invitation to teachers and librarians looking for an opportunity to engage their students in reading this fall. Listen to the end of the episode for details. bookclubforkids.org
The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963
July 29, 2020 10:30 - 22 minutes - 21 MBIn 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
July 22, 2020 10:30 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MBLast 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 wor...