Book Club for Kids
338 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 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
Episode 109 Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet
July 15, 2020 10:30 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBSummertime's the perfect time to go to the movies...even if we can't go in person. Meet "Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen," a heroine from the early days of movie making. Taped remotely at the Bay Area Book Festival, a trio of 7th graders from Albany Middle School in northern California discuss the novel by Anne Nesbit and interview the author. Our celebrity reader is Pam Rogers from the Buttons & Figs podcast. Kitty Felde is host. To see a video of this Zoom episode, check out our w...
Bonus July 2020 Summer Reading
July 08, 2020 11:00 - 6 minutes - 5.88 MBReaders from Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York share their summer reading suggestions with host Kitty Felde. www.bookclubforkids.org
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia
July 01, 2020 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBThe fight for racial equality didn't start with Black Lives Matter. This week, we visit a Black Panther summer camp in Rita Williams-Garcia's novel "One Crazy Summer." Readers from Washington, DC's Jefferson Academy discuss the novel and host Kitty Felde speaks with the author.
A Conversation with Writer Jewell Parker Rhodes
June 24, 2020 10:30 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MBJewell Parker Rhodes, winner of the American Book Award, talks about the difficulty of writing "Ghost Boys" and about her own reading journey with host Kitty Felde. bookclubforkids.org
Episode 108 - Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
June 17, 2020 10:30 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBHow do we talk about police violence targeting African-Americans? This group of eighth graders from Columbia Heights Educational Campus/Lincoln Middle School in Washington, DC discuss “Ghost Boys” by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Actor Jonathan Del Palmer Rhodes is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. NOTE: this discussion contains a discussion about violence, Emmett Till, and police violence. www.bookclubforkids.org
Summer Reading Suggestions from Readers at the LA Public Library
June 10, 2020 10:30 - 7 minutes - 5.8 MBLibraries across the world are kicking off their summer reading programs - many of them remotely. Which means finding ebooks or ordering online and picking up hard copies at the library curbside pickup spot. But which books to pick? It’s so much harder when you can’t see a book on the shelf. We have some suggestions from readers at the LA Public Library. You can be on the show, too. Check out the website for info: www.bookclubforkids.org
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
June 03, 2020 09:30 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBWould you like to live forever? That's the question our readers from Basis DC Charter School ponder as they discuss Natalie Babbitt's classic tale "Tuck Everlasting" with host Kitty Felde. Actress Denise Krueger is celebrity reader. The late writer talks about her own view of life and death. There is free curriculum at the website: bookclubforkids.org
Summer Reading Kickoff 2020
May 27, 2020 11:00 - 7 minutes - 7.1 MBWe want to hear what you're reading this summer. On this episode, kids from coast to coast share their favorites. You can be on the show, too. Attention parents, teachers, and librarians: Looking for a way to inspire your Summer Readers when they can’t go to the library? Turn them into podcast stars. It's easy: - find the voice memo or recording app on a smartphone - set the level somewhere in the middle - have the reader introduce her/himself as: Hi, my name is - (first nam...
Episode 107 - Stef Soto Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres
May 20, 2020 07:30 - 21 minutes - 20 MBA story about entrepreneurs and rock stars and veggie burritos. Readers from the Children Chatting with Children’s Authors podcast discuss Jennifer Torres' novel "Stef Soto, Taco Queen" in an episode taped live at the Studio City branch of the LA Public Library. Jeannette Franco is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. www.bookclubforkids.org
What's Your Favorite Book?
May 13, 2020 07:30 - 6 minutes - 6.23 MBWe invited readers from around the world to tell us about their favorite books. Kitty Felde is host.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
May 06, 2020 07:30 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIf you were a time traveler, would you go to the future or the past? That's the question readers from Lafayette Elementary School in Washington, DC ponder as they discuss the Newbery Award-winning "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead. NPR reporter Neda Ulaby is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Free curriculum for this episode available at the website: bookclubforkids.org
Kazu Kibuishi Talks about Writing
April 29, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBKazu Kibuishi admits he never thought "Amulet" would be a hit. He talks about writing, travel, research, and screenwriting with host Kitty Felde.
Podapalooza Episode
April 26, 2020 12:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBThis weekend we’re participating in a special podcast event: Podapalooza, to raise funds for folks hardest hit by Covid-19. We here at Book Club create a second podcast – The Fina Mendoza Mysteries – and for Podapalooza, we’re sharing episode 1. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries is a serialized mystery series for kids and political junkies. Season one tells the tale of the 10 year old daughter of a congressman who solves the mystery of the demon cat of Capitol Hill. We all know that COVID 1...
Episode 106 - Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
April 22, 2020 07:30 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBIt's the perfect time to escape on an adventure. Our graphic novel "Amulet" by Kazu Kibuishi tells the tale of a magical amulet that leads a young girl on a quest. Students from Ketcham Elementary School in Washington, D.C. talk about magic in their own lives and have lots of questions for our writer. Actor Denny Colonna is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. www.bookclubforkids.org
Favorite Books from PS 174
April 15, 2020 07:30 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBIt's the perfect time for a book series. We've got several terrific suggestions from kids in Queens, New York. More great book suggestions and free curriculum at our website bookclubforkids.org.
James and the Giant Peach Curriculum Episode
April 08, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBWe're reprising our episodes with free curriculum guides. We're starting with Roald Dahl's first book for children "James and the Giant Peach" because don't we all need to escape our current situation inside a giant summer fruit? Cash Peters is celebrity reader and students from LA's Equitas Academy discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Free curriculum guide at bookclubforkids.org.
Be a Podcast Star
April 03, 2020 07:30 - 2 minutes - 2.28 MBIt's your opportunity to be a podcast star. Listen for details.
Angie Thomas Shares Her Playlist
April 01, 2020 07:00 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBEver wonder what a writer uses for inspiration? Angie Thomas tells us what gets her fingers flying over the keyboard. www.bookclubforkids.org
Episode 105 - On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
March 25, 2020 07:30 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBToday it’s a book for older kids – "On the Come UP" by Angie Thomas. Our main character is an aspiring rap star dealing with sudden fame and the reputation of her late father. Our readers are from West Education Campus in Washington, D.C. Actress Tallie Johnson is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. We’ll have a list of everybody’s favorite book at our website, bookclubforkids.org. In fact, we have lots and lots of book suggestions to help you find the perfect ebook or audiobook to dow...
Book Suggestions from Laurence School
March 18, 2020 07:30 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBIt’s an unusual time. A time when most of us are home with our families. A time when we can order up a book free of charge from our local library and have it delivered immediately to our phone, computer or tablet. But what book? We have some great suggestions from students at the Laurence School in Los Angeles. And we want to hear your suggestions for great books and book series we can be reading during this time of social distancing. If you have book suggestion, please call us at 323-63...
Episode 104 - The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
March 11, 2020 07:30 - 22 minutes - 21 MBDid you ever think you were a little different than everybody else in school? Suppose you found out there’s a reason for that and that reason is that you’re actually a witch. That's the story of "The Okay Witch," by Emma Steinkellner. Students from Virginia Road Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss the graphic novel and interview Emma. Actress Diane Adair is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. www.bookclubforkids.org
Bonus Interview with Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan
March 04, 2020 08:30 - 14 minutes - 9.74 MBRenee Watson and Ellen Hagan co-wrote "Watch Us Rise." They answer the two biggest questions: how do you collaborate with a friend without destroying the friendship? And what's the best snack for writing inspiration? Kitty Felde is host.
Episode 103 - Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan
February 26, 2020 08:30 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBWas there ever a time when you had to stand up and speak your mind, no matter the consequences? Is it harder to do that if you're female? Standing up for girls is at the heart of this week’s book "Watch Us Rise" do, letting the world know what it’s like sometimes, being a girl. Our readers from Brookland Middle School in Washington D.C. interview the wrtiers Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan. Our celebrity reader is actress Pinkie Washington. Kitty Felde is host. Reading tips at our website www...
Bonus Episode - A Conversation with Writer Tricia Springstubb
February 19, 2020 08:30 - 6 minutes - 5.75 MBTricia Springstubb is the writer of the "Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe" series and other books. She tells Kitty Felde about finding Cody's voice and the difference between writing middle grade novels and picture books.
Episode 102 - Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb
February 12, 2020 08:30 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBWriters are often confused when editors talk about “voice” in children’s literature. The title character in “Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe” has one of the most unique voices in print. Readers from Randle Highlands Elementary School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde and ask questions of writer Tricia Springstubb. Actress Peggy Miley is celebrity reader.
Favorite Books from Brooklyn and the LA Public Library Maker Faire
February 05, 2020 08:30 - 8 minutes - 7.6 MBIt's our favorite question: what's your favorite book? We get lots of answers from our readers who called in to us or talked to us at the Los Angeles Public Library's Mini Maker Faire. Kitty Felde is host.
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
January 29, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBStudents from Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC talk about "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. The conversation covers everything from death to Nazis to books. Actress Melanie MacQueen (Robotech) is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Markus Zusak interview is courtesy of the Australian bookstore Booktopia. Spoiler Alert: plot points are discussed in this episode. Find out how you can be on the show at our website: www.bookclubforkids.org
Favorite Books from the British International School in Houston
January 22, 2020 08:30 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MBWe get some terrific book suggestions from kids from around the world - from Scotland to Singapore, England to Ecuador, Mexico to Australia. Readers from the British International School in Houston share their favorites with host Kitty Felde. Get reading tips or find out how you can be on the show at our website: bookclubforkids.org.
Episode 100 The Storm Runner
January 15, 2020 08:30 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBIt’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, we travel up to the Bay Area Book Festival to tape a live show celebrating “The Storm Runner” by J. C. Cervantes. This fantasy tale with Mayan mythology is a “Rick Riordan Presents” novel. Public radio journalist Erika Quilar from KQED is celebrity reader. Our readers are 6th graders at Albany Middle School in Northern California and they quiz our author. Kitty Felde is host.
Favorite Books in 2020
January 08, 2020 17:00 - 6 minutes - 5.91 MBWe talked to kids in Maryland, Illinois, and California and asked them to tell us their favorite books. Here's their picks for 2020.
Fan Favorite 2019
January 01, 2020 08:30 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBWe asked you to pick your favorite Book Club for Kids episode. Thank you for voting! And the winner of the 2019 Fan Favorite Episode is "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Our celebrity reader is actress Mimi Kennedy of "Mom" and kids at the East Rancho Dominguez branch of the LA County Library discuss the novel. Lynda Mullaly Hunt tells host Kitty Felde what it was like to be the kid who never read.
Happy Holidays from our UK Friends at Fun Kids Book Club
December 25, 2019 08:30 - 50 minutes - 39.8 MBIn honor of the holidays, we bring you this special bonus episode of the Book Club for Kids. It comes from our friends in London at the UK’s children’s radio station, Fun Kids. Every other week, they produce a show called the Fun Kids Book Club podcast. Their show is a bit different from Book Club for Kids – not only do they talk faster and have wonderful British accents, the show is presented by their host Bex and features authors from the UK who chat about how they wrote their book and a...
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Producer Ilsa Setziol's Favorite Episode
December 18, 2019 07:30 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBWe’re counting down to our 100th episode and we’re asking YOU what’s your favorite episode? You can email us here. We asked our producer Ilsa Setziol which episode was HER favorite. She explains why she loves “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” Williamsburg has changed enormously since Betty Smith published "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" in 1943. But a trio of DC readers tell host Kitty Felde that they find contemporary themes - the chasm between rich and poor, the rise of the #MeToo movement - in t...
A Short Interview with Writer Alan Gratz
December 11, 2019 07:30 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBLast week, we talked about “Refugee,” Alan Gratz’ tale of kids fleeing violence and political oppression around the world. It’s a tough read. I had to put it down a few times. But how difficult is it to write a book about a tough subject? We asked Alan Gratz.
Episode 99 - Refugee by Alan Gratz
December 04, 2019 07:30 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBWhat would it be like to leave everything you know, everything you own, everyone you love to escape war, persecution, or poverty? In “Refugee,” Alan Gratz imagines how three young people struggle to survive as they excape to freedom. Students from Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Amy Solano is celebrity reader.
Thanksgiving Roadtrip 2019
November 20, 2019 07:30 - 2 hours - 124 MBThanksgiving is next week and we know a lot of you will be on the road this weekend – by plane, car, bus, boat, whatever. We wanted to give you something to listen to as you make your way to grandmother’s house or wherever you are headed. So we’ve collected six Book Club for Kids episodes with family themes at their center. In this extended Book Club for Kids episode, we’ll meet a large family in Utah where one kid describes himself as THE GREAT BRAIN, a classic by John D Fitzgerald. (Cele...
Bonus Episode: Favorite Books from Grosse Point, Michigan
November 13, 2019 07:30 - 4 minutes - 4.27 MBReaders from Michigan recommend their favorite books...and many of them are Book Club for Kids episodes. Kitty Felde is host.
Episode 98 - Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
November 06, 2019 08:30 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBSophie's quest to find her mother takes her from London to Paris - mostly rooftop to rooftop. Katherine Rundell's novel "Rooftoppers" is our book this episode. Students from the British International School of Washington discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Director and audio book actress Stevie Zimmerman is celebrity reader. Katherine Rundell talks about writing for the stage vs. writing books for kids.
Favorite Books from WORLDCON, the World Science Fiction Convention in Dublin
October 30, 2019 06:30 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBEver wonder what kids in other countries are reading? This week, we take you to Dublin, Ireland which hosted WORLDCON, the World Science Fiction Convention. While the adults were attending panels, the kids were creating fabulous costumes for the masquerade parade...and taking the time to tell host Kitty Felde the name of their favorite books.
Sneak Preview of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast
October 23, 2019 06:30 - 20 minutes - 14.6 MBWe have a special treat this week for Book Club for Kids listeners. It's something completely different. Instead of our regular Book Club for Kids episode, we invite you to stay tuned for a special SNEAK PREVIEW of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. It's the story of the 10-year old daughter of a congessman from California who moves to Washington DC and solves the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill. Episode 1 will be released to the rest of the world on Friday, but we thought our...
Peter Brown on Writing
October 16, 2019 06:00 - 10 minutes - 9.73 MBPeter Brown is both a writer and illustrator. We talk to him about how he plots a story and the teacher he hated who set him on his path to becoming a professional artist. Kitty Felde is host.
Episode 97 - The Wild Robot
October 09, 2019 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBDo you have a relationship with the robot in your life? You'll fall in love with "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown. 4th graders from Flora Hendley Elementary School in Washington, D.C. discuss artificial intelligence and their own favorite robotic devices. U.S. Congressman Scott Peters from San Diego is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.
Bonus Episode Favorite Books From LitFest Pasadena
October 02, 2019 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.03 MBGot a favorite book? These readers at Vroman's Bookstore for LitFest Pasadena have a few suggestions to share with host Kitty Felde.
Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword by Henry Lien
September 25, 2019 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBWhat do you get when you mix figure skating, martial arts, and Hogwarts? We take the stage live at Vroman’s Bookstore for LitFest Pasadena to discuss Henry Lien’s “Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword.” Voice actress Veronica Lopez is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.
More from writer Varian Johnson
September 18, 2019 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.81 MBWriter Varian Johnson of "The Parker Inheritance" shares his secrets about writing a successful mystery with host Kitty Felde.
Episode 95 - The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
September 11, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBDo you love a mystery? Do you love playing detective, looking for clues on every page? This week’s novel is about a lot of things – segregation, bullying, and most of all, a family mystery. This week's episode is "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson. Our readers are from Washington DC’s AIM Academy. Actress Sheila Collins is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.
Favorite Books from Studio City
September 04, 2019 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBWe head out to the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles to ask readers at the Studio City branch of the LA Public Library to tell us their favorite books. Kitty Felde is host.
Episode 62 The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez
August 28, 2019 10:00 - 22 minutes - 16.5 MBMalu is moving to Chicago and she's not very happy about it. She's also not very happy with the way her mother would like her to be. Two things do make her happy: punk music and creating zines. The book is the 2018 Pura Belpré Award Author Honor winner "
Episode 62 The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez
August 28, 2019 10:00 - 22 minutes - 16.5 MBMalu is moving to Chicago and she's not very happy about it. She's also not very happy with the way her mother would like her to be. Two things do make her happy: punk music and creating zines. The book is the 2018 Pura Belpré Award Author Honor winner "
Bonus Favorite Books Eagan Minnesota
August 21, 2019 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.36 MB5th graders from Deerwood Elementary School in Eagan, Minnesota share their favorite books with us. Kitty Felde is host.