Planet Book artwork

Planet Book

51 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings

Teen books, tween books, middle-grade books, young adult books -- otherwise known as YA -- we'll talk about it all. Join Charity and Jennifer, of the Springfield-Greene County Library District to discuss all books YA, dish on what it is like to work at a library, discuss the highs and lows of reading, and occasionally interview your favorite authors. If you love to talk about books, tune in for each episode! Got a book you want us to discuss or a topic you’d like to hear us chat about? Send us an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

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Episodes

Interview with Author Brandy Colbert

July 28, 2022 09:10 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

Jen and former co-host Charity interview author Brandy Colbert. Colbert, a Springfield native discusses her books, and some local history that lent inspiration to her latest book, Black Birds in the Sky: the Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

The Book Was Better, Maybe? Part 2

July 21, 2022 09:10 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MB

Jen and Tana talk about their favorite book to streaming series adaptations and some of the upcoming book to series adaptations they are looking forward to seeing. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

The Book Was Better, Maybe? Part 1

July 14, 2022 09:10 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MB

Jen and Tana talk about their favorite book to movie adaptations and some of the upcoming book to movie adaptations they are looking forward to seeing. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

To Reread or Not to Reread

July 07, 2022 09:10 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

On this episode Jen introduces her new co-host, Taña. They talk about their favorite books to revisit, and the reasons they enjoy rereading favorites. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

The Best Books No One Has Heard of

April 28, 2022 11:30 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

We're talking about the best back-listed middle grade and YA titles you've probably never heard of. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

The King of Middle Grade Thrillers: A Conversation with Alan Gratz

April 21, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MB

Alan Gratz, best-selling, award winning author, joins the podcast for an in depth conversation about his books, writing, and fandoms. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

From Eco-horror to Historical Fantasy: A Conversation with Rory Power

April 14, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

YA author Rory Power joins the podcast to talk about her newest book, In a Garden Burning Gold, and share her recommendation for readers.

What to Read When You Don't Love Reading

April 07, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

We discuss our favorite titles for reluctant readers and how to find your perfect book match. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Comics and Carol Burnett: a Conversation with Rachel Elliott

March 31, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

Author-illustrator, Rachel Elliott, joins Charity and Jen to discuss her debut middle grade graphic novel coming out this spring. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Let It Go: The Books We Didn't Finish

March 24, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Just because we didn't finish these doesn't mean you shouldn't read them. We'll talk about the books that we started but just couldn't finish and how to know when it's time to move on. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Diversity in Children's Literature

March 17, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

We discuss the good and the bad of diversity in books, why representation matters, and the stories we want to see more of. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

It's a Jungle Out There: a Conversation with Stuart Gibbs

March 10, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

Best-selling author, Stuart Gibbs, talks about his newest book, Once Upon a Tim, and shares his best advice for readers. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Middle Grade and YA Crossovers

February 24, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

Good stories are for everyone! We're sharing our takes on some of the best kids and teen books adults will also enjoy. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

The Good, the Bad, and the Average: Starred Book Ratings

February 17, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Jen and Charity discuss book ratings, what it takes to get 5 stars, and what it all means. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Behind the Scenes at a Public Library

February 10, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Think you know what it's like to be a librarian? We're giving the tea on our years of experience working at a public library. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Best of the Year Roundup

February 03, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

We're counting down our top 10 books of 2021. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Something Dangerous is Happening: A Conversation with Lemony Snicket

January 27, 2022 12:21 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

Best-selling author Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, joins the podcast to talk about danger, bewilderment, and his newest book, Poison for Breakfast. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Book Cliches We Can't Get Enough of

January 20, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MB

Tropes, no matter how bad, cheesy, or tired, we're here for it. Tune in for this humorous conversation! Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Reader Habits, a New Co-host, and Happily Ever Afters

January 13, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.99 MB

A new co-host, Jen, joins Charity to talk about choosing books new books, maxing out your library card and other strange things that readers do. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

If We Were in a Book, We'd Be These People

December 02, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.3 MB

Charity and Breea wrap up this season discussing some of their favorite characters from middle grade and teen books. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Books are For Everyone

November 25, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.96 MB

In this episode, Charity and Breea talk about their favorite banned middle grade and teen books. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Who Doesn't Love a Book Quiz

November 18, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MB

Through book quizzes, Breea and Charity discover what their reader preferences reveal about their lives. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

We Love Books

November 11, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.9 MB

Charity and Breea chat about the things they love most as readers. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Battle of the Book

November 04, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

Breea and Charity share their different opinions on the the same YA novel, One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Our Biggest Reader Pet Peeves

October 28, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

On this episode, avid readers will be able to relate as Charity and Breea discuss their biggest pet peeves for books. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Would You Rather, Reader Edition

October 21, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

Breea and Charity talk about their reader favorites with a game of would you rather. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

The Books that Surprised Us

October 14, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

A discussion about books that they expected not to like but turned out to be surprisingly good with Charity and Breea. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Confessions of a Reader

October 07, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

In this episode, Charity and Breea reveal their personal reader secrets and habits. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Reader Opinions

September 30, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

Hosts Breea and Charity share their own views on underrated and overrated kids and teen books. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

Books with Impact

September 23, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

Charity and Breea discuss the kids books that influenced them the most as readers. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

The World of Marissa Meyer

September 16, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MB

Youth librarian, Lisa Hellman, joins Charity as they discuss the Wolfner Library and the worlds of Marissa Meyer. Book recommendations for Middle Grade and YA readers.

The Teen Book You Should Be Reading Now

June 10, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

Charity welcomes Heather to discuss one of the hottest YA titles to come out in 2020. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

Based on a True Story

June 03, 2021 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.13 MB

Travel from India to Alaska as Charity welcomes Kaitlyn to discuss two middle grade novels based on real life events. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

Girl Power and Big Adventures

May 20, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.43 MB

Charity is joined by Amanda and Breea who share stories featuring strong female characters starting new chapters in their lives and having adventures along the way. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

Connecting to Ourselves and the World Around Us

May 13, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.66 MB

On this episode we discuss middle grade and teen stories that explore the power of the human spirit and the importance of connecting to the natural world. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

The Magic and Fire Within

May 06, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

Charity and Jen discuss graphic novels with an LGBTQ focus for middle grade and young adult readers. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

Books We Can't Forget or the Kids' Classics We Still Love

April 29, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.66 MB

In this episode, we talk about the middle grade books we love just as much now as we did when we were kids, with guest Dionne. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

Escape to Other Worlds

April 22, 2021 09:00 - 10 minutes - 6.94 MB

Charity is joined by high school librarian, Kristan, to discuss the sometimes dark and mysterious but always adventurous world of teen fantasy.  Book Recommendations for YA Readers.

The Wonderful World of Comics

April 15, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MB

Comic enthusiast, Taryn, joins Charity to share their favorite comic books and discuss why reading comics can be so important for kids. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.  

Teen and Tween Audiobooks - The Stories We Loved in 2020

April 08, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

Charity welcomes back Emily to discuss three timely stories that feature characters who aren't afraid to stand out and use their voice to make a difference. Book Recommendations for Tween and Teen Readers.

Quirky Characters: Finger Puppets and Crazy Eyes

March 18, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

On this episode of the Planet Book Podcast we dive into the world of Origami Yoda as well as exploring an Argentine folktale about werewolves in a new Own Voices series with guests Heather and Joe.  Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Epistolary novels (stories told through letters) and Postive Stories featuring LGBTQ+ Themes

March 11, 2021 10:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

Emily welcomes guests Iggi and Jeannine to talk about books with LGBTQ+ positive characters. Join in this discussion of friendship, found families and what exactly an epistolary book is! Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Illustrated Middle Grade and a YA Series 24 years in the Making

March 04, 2021 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

Guests Jen and Sarah join in this episode as we talk about the Newbery and Caldecott book awards as well as book-to-movie adaptations.

Family Read-Alouds and Family Feuds: A Study in Contrasts

February 25, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

This episode of the Planet Book Podcast features book recommendations that are totally opposite! Guests Charity and Adrienne recommend middle books that are great for sharing with the whole family as read-alouds, and teen titles that are all about families in conflict. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Other Cultures, Other Homes

February 18, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.86 MB

In this episode of the Planet Book Podcast, Emily welcomes guests Julia and Sarah, who talk about stories featuring different cultures, found families, and finding your place in the world. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Masterminds and a Space Boy!

February 11, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

This episode of the Planet Book Podcast is all about mystery! Guests Gwyneth and Breea share a middle grade adventure trilogy with some shocking twists, and a futuristic graphic novel about outer space and a mysterious boy who might have been lost in space. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

West African Gods and D&D Graphic Novels

February 04, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

On this episode, Emily talks about stories with lore and epic world building, with guest Phyllis and Paige. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Historical Fiction, First Loves and Political Canvassing

January 28, 2021 10:00 - 10 minutes - 7.38 MB

Historical fiction and politics meet in this episode of the Planet Book Podcast with guests Charity and Lindsey. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Moon Murder Investigations and Fiery Food Stuffs

January 21, 2021 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

On this episode, Emily welcomes guests Heather and Jeannine as they recommend books about a mystery on a lunar colony and a teen mother with a passion for cooking. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.

Steampunk, High Fantasy...and Murder

January 14, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MB

In the first episode of the Planet Book Podcast, podcast host, Emily, is joined by guests Sarah and Adrienne as they talk about steampunk adventures and murderous princesses each on a quest to become queen. Book recommendations for young adult and middle grade readers.