Two Lit Mamas artwork

Two Lit Mamas

93 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 21 hours ago -

A KidLit Podcast for Parents, Teachers and Writers created by two mommy blogger friends who discuss upper and lower middle grade books, children's books, chapter books, and picture books, as well as, topics such as parenting, homeschool, writing, teaching, cooking, holidays, and more.

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Episodes

Episode 86: March Mysteries

March 28, 2024 03:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MB

In episode 86, the Mamas party like it’s 1999 with their favorite genre, mysteries. Heather brings you a new Middle Grade mystery and rebel Mama, Margie, shares  one of her favorite newer grown up series. The Mamas also explore the mystery of the Middle Grade slump and follow up the book chat with a list of new Middle Grade books with boy main characters that will hopefully put an end to Margie’s whining. Book Chat: The World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson (MG) Suburban Dicks and Self-Made W...

Episode 85: Middle Grade March

March 14, 2024 01:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MB

Happy Middle Grade March! The Mamas are in their element, celebrating new Middle Grade book releases that cover a roller coaster of categories from Emily Post’s etiquette tips and environmental activism to Dungeons & Dragons style quests and cryptid monsters from other dimensions. Margie follows up the MG book chat with six grown up March releases you won’t want to miss.  Book Chat: MG New Releases Emily Posts by Tanya Lloyd Kyi The Doomsday Archives - the Wandering Hour by Zack Loran Cla...

Episode 84: Spies & Heists

February 29, 2024 03:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

In episode 84, the Mamas go full fangirl swooning over beloved spymaster James Ponti, author of the bestselling City Spies series and Crime Fighters series for middle grade (ages 8-12). The Mamas fell for Ponti back in 2020 with the first City Spies book and wanted to catch up with the series, chatting about the newest release while also checking out Ponti’s backlist. Grab your grappling hooks, brush up on your Russian, and synchronize your watches, because the Mamas are going spying. Book...

Episode 83: Hot off the Presses

February 14, 2024 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

The Mamas have burned their little mom fingers to bring you the hottest new books for 2024. From grown up books in the book chat to picture books in the Pick 6, the Mamas are sharing the latest books that grabbed them in a world with so many books and too little time. What do you think of their tastes? Too weird? According to Margie, that’s what the Mamas are here for! Heather can’t disagree.  Book Chat: New Releases for Grown Ups The Fetishist by Katherine Min The Heiress by Rachel Hawki...

Episode 82: Graphic Novels R Cool (Who Knew!)

February 01, 2024 03:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

In this episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, the Mamas get graphic but Tipper Gore can chill – no warning label required for this bundle of sweet, fun, and entertaining Middle Grade (ages 8-12)and Young Adult (ages 13 and up) novels in comic form! That’s right, the mamas are chatting about graphic novels and *spoiler alert* they are loving them.    Book Chat: The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz Inked by Dominic Bustamante, Colored by Eleonora Bruni EVE by Victor La...

Episode 81: Books for Grown Ups

January 18, 2024 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

The Mamas want to help you  through the dark days of winter with recommendations for the grown up books they plowed through over the holidays. Don't worry, they'll be back with  kid book recs next time around, but for episode 81, all you parents, teachers, and writers out there, prepare to get your read on. Happy New Year! Here's to hoping 2024 isn't a hot mess.  Book Chat: See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt Margie's Winter Break Reads: They Never Learn by Layne Fargo The House in the ...

Episode 80: Mystery & Mayhem for the Holidays

December 07, 2023 02:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

The Mamas get festive for the last episode of 2023 with a holiday-themed short story collection for 8–12-year-olds filled with murder, mystery, and mayhem. If you enjoy a holiday haunted house, listen in as the Mama’s say good-bye to 2023 with a book chat about creepy funhouses, famous cat burglars, and conspiracies meant to silence the most benevolent among us. Happy Holidays!   Book Chat: The Very Merry Murder Club edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens www.twolitmamas.com

Episode 79: 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2

November 23, 2023 00:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

Stuff your mouth with turkey while the Mama’s share their opinions on funny, sexy, and murdery Grown Up books that made the top of their lists in 2023. Heather went for fantasies filled with dragons and angry gods, while Margie nabbed myths, space murders and, of course, zombies.  You can’t go wrong when a nerd and an outcast team up – that’s when the Two Lit Mamas are at their finest. Happy Thanksgiving! And, don’t forget to hit your local bookstores on Small Business Saturday or you’ll en...

Episode 78: Holiday Gift Guide, Part 1

November 09, 2023 06:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

The Mamas have once again donned their pointy hats and elf ears for another Holiday Gift Guide Extravaganza-ganza-ganza! As a special treat, they've also included an highlight reel for 2023. Get out your pen or open an app so you can make your list. Don't forget to check it 500 times. Happy Shopping! 2023 Highlight Reel Heather's 2023 Faves:  Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum Gnome is Where Your Heart is by Casey Lyall A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga Falling out of time by Margaret Peters...

Episode 77: Ghost Stories for Spooky Season

October 26, 2023 03:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

Episode 77: Ghost Stories for Spooky Season It’s the Mamas’ favorite time of the year when they happily scare themselves silly with ghost stories that are not only bone-chilling but also life affirming. The Mamas start the book chat by chanting Bloody Mary’s name three times in the dark so watch out – she might be coming for you with a hearty Clamato drink garnished with chicken wings. You’re welcome. After the Mamas gush over middle grade ghosts, they dig into a sweet grown up ghost story ...

Episode 76: Game On!

October 12, 2023 02:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

The Mamas want to help get your Middle Schoolers off screens with game-themed novels for 8-12 year olds! Join the book chat as the Mamas share two new fantasy/sci-fi novels that will appeal to gamers: one book is set in a haunted woods and includes three sixth-graders who play a game to save the town, and the other book is set in a floating fun park that is taken over by androids and only the owners’ son and friends realize it. Both books are sure to satisfy your little gamers as much as the...

Episode 75: Middle Grade Mysteries

September 28, 2023 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

The Mamas shine in their diamond episode, geeking out over their favorite genre, mysteries. First, the Mamas fangirl about TV cozies, then they chat it up with two new mystery novels for kiddos, ages 8-12: one that Margie recommends for the classroom and one that Heather recommends for family car trips. At the end of the 75th episode, the Mamas discuss a new grown up murder mystery that honors three generations of strong women. Put on your sleuthing caps!        Middle Grade Book Chat: Lin...

Episode 74: This Magic MG Moment

September 14, 2023 03:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

It’s a magical moment indeed when Margie realizes a book can have too many fart jokes. Heather didn’t even use her witch wand to open Margie’s eyes. Shocking! In the latest episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, the Mamas sprinkle fairy dust on their Middle Grade book chat to spin stories filled with the magic of Gullah conjurers and Norse gods; stories that have the Mamas wishing for broomstick guardians and talking alligators. The Mamas then compel you to listen until the end when they shar...

Episode 73: Blast Off to Space!

August 24, 2023 03:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MB

The Mamas boldly and happily leave Earth for an hour to stowaway with space pirates and explore mars with a sentient rover in the 73rd episode of the Two Lit Mamas Podcast. If your Middle Schoolers would rather blast into space than go back to school, then listen in for books that will help them escape. A special bonus for midlife Earthlings includes The Mamas first official grown up book chat about aging GenXers, there's nothing more punk than that. Grab your moon boots, you’ll need them. ...

Episode 72: Falling Out of Summer

August 10, 2023 03:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

The Mamas are back from summer hiatus and fangirling hard for MPH’s newest book Falling Out of Time, a companion piece to Running Out of Time (for kids aged 8-12). They have a lot to say about the two Middle Grade novels but not until they get caught up after a month off. Hear how the Mamas got kicked out of puppy school and went on wildly inappropriate back-to-school shopping sprees. Stick around to the end, the Mama’s are mixing things up and hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised.   Book C...

Episode 71: MG Books for Foodies

June 22, 2023 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

The Mamas revisit their favorite topic, food! Gather the kid foodies in your life and share these fun summer reads for ages 8-12 that focus on diversity, overcoming adversity, friendship, family and most importantly delicious foods. The Mamas will wet your appetite for fiction, fusion food and cake! If you can stave off hunger, hang on to the end of the episode for recommendations from the Mamas for six new books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in honor of PRIDE month.   Book Chat: Pie...

Episode 70: Hidden Folk in Middle Grade

June 08, 2023 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

The Mamas go in search of fairies, gnomes, and magical folk in Middle Grade novels (for 7-12 year olds) to kick off summer! Well, let's be honest, Heather went in search of them and Margie stomped along  begrudgingly but that didn't keep them from bringing you two winners along with a fun round of 2 Book and a Fake. Can you spot the fake? Book Chat: Dust and Grim by Chuck Wendig Gnome is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall Show Links: Thirteenth Circle by MarcyKate Conolley and Catherine H...

Episode 69: YA! YA

May 25, 2023 03:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MB

In this episode, the Mamas ditch Middle Grade books (although their humor remains squarely in Middle School - don’t worry) for Young Adult reads to provide the sweet, stinky teens in your life with recs for fun summer fiction and the perfect high school graduation gift. Then, the Mamas share new Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult recs to add to your TBR pile in preparation for beach or pond-side reading. Enjoy!     Book Chat: Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly DeVoss First-Year Orientation, shor...

Episode 68: Judy Blume FanMamas

May 10, 2023 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MB

The Mamas revisit their own middle school trials, traumas, and triumphs through a book chat around Judy Blume’s famous 1970 children’s book, Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret and the new movie of the same title. If that isn’t enough, they also dig into the Amazon documentary Forever Judy Blume for a full-scale Judy Blume love fest. Grab your BFF and join the Mamas’ secret club. They won’t make you increase your bust, but you will need a code name. (Lit Mama One and Lit Mama Two are taken)...

Episode 67: Short & Sweet

April 27, 2023 01:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

The Mamas are serving up short and sweet stories for your snacking pleasure in the 67th episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, a kidlit book review show, highlighting light-hearted short story collections that are perfect for the Middle Grade classroom.   Book Chat: Super Puzzletastic Mysteries an anthology edited by Chris Grabenstein The Ice Cream Machine by Adam Rubin   Pick 6: The Mamas fave short stories for grown ups The Space Between the Trees by Jo Kaplan from the anthology Into ...

Episode 66: Revisiting the Pandemic (not as bad as it sounds)

April 12, 2023 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming – it’s the perfect time to revisit the global pandemic (record scratch) – wait, what? Margie would like it known that it was Heather’s idea to read Middle Grade books about the pandemic during spring break. Don’t worry, dear listeners, it’s not as bad as it sounds, even Margie begrudgingly agreed in the end that the reads were worth it. Join the Mamas  for a gentle discussion on the power of disruption.  Book Chat: Rez Do...

Episode 65: STEM Books that Rock

March 30, 2023 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Would you rather read STEM books or STEAM books? The Mamas say yes to both. The book chat this episode is loaded with STEAM themes as well as hot topics that impart natural life lessons gently and honestly without being preachy. The Mamas couldn't be happier with their chosen Middle Grade reads unless they were being  defended by surly cats and driven around by labradoodles while reading them. They follow up the giddy book chat with a rousing game of Would You Rather in honor of a return to ...

Episode 64: For the Birds

March 16, 2023 02:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

The Mamas are flying high with two lower middle grade books that helped them escape into fun fantasy worlds filled with talking parrots and pigeons who cooed and plucked their way into the Mama’s hearts. If you have a bird loving 8–12-year-old or just want to flip birds in your mind, join our flock and get carried away with the Mamas.  Book Chat:  The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo  Coo by Kaela Noel Pick 6: Six spring activities to get you and your kiddos outside   www.twolitm...

Episode 63: Happily Ever After

February 28, 2023 05:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

The Mamas went in search of lighthearted, feel-good reads to balance out the important yet difficult Middle Grade stories they’ve been consuming lately. Luckily they found them in a fantasy story and an historical fiction book. So, if you (or your kiddo aged 8-12) need some balance in your reading diet, join the Mamas for a laugh, a little harmless murder, and some happily ever afters. Middle Grade Book Chat: The Swifts, a Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln A Place to Hang the Moon ...

Episode 62: Important Stories of Adversity

February 16, 2023 01:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

Episode 62 of the Two Lit Mamas podcast hits all the feels, including the good, the sad and the funny, with a book chat about two important diverse stories for middle grade (ages 8-12) that plumb the depths of tragedy and adversity through the agony  of racism and classism. The Mamas hope you will not back away. Then, the Mamas move on to  a fun new game called Two Books and a Fake. Will you be fooled? Book Chat: The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander    The Last Mapmaker by Christina S...

Episode 61: Censored Books in Middle Grade

January 26, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

The Mamas fight censorship and much more with the help of special guest, Staci Schwarz, who dazzles the Mamas with her witty book critique and the scrumptious details of her new Middle Grade Book subscription box. Listen in to get the deets.  (Please ignore Margie’s violent tendencies, we’re blaming it on her new Hag-itude!)  Book Chat: Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King   Middle Grade Book Subscription Box: Chapters Reading Club Book Box     Next up on the Two Lit Mamas 2023 ...

Episode 60: New Year, New Book Series

January 12, 2023 02:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB

The Mamas started the New Year on the right foot with middle grade book series about gothic water parks, bubble aliens, and fart jokes! 2023 may or may not be a good year – the Mamas are sneaking in quietly so as not to provoke it – but, whatever the next 12 months bring, you can count on the Mamas to bring you book recommendations that the 7-12 year olds in your life will love! Book Chat: The Area 51 Files Series by Julie Buxbaum and Lavanya Naidu The Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten ...

Episode 59: Parenting with an Accent

December 08, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MB

Happy Holidays! For the last episode of 2022, the Mamas are leaving listeners with a special gift – a visit from journalist Masha Rumor, the author of the new nonfiction book for adults titled, Parenting with an Accent, How Immigrants Honor Their Heritage, Navigate Setbacks, and Chart New Paths for Their Children.  Laugh along with the Mamas as they dig into the importance of food, community and house slippers to cultural identity. You'll definitely be Googling Herring Under a Fur Coat by th...

Episode 58: Holiday Gift Guide Part 2

November 24, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB

The Mamas are shopping again, and the books are piling up. This episode, our two favorite surly elves offer up gift buying guides for the Middle Grade (ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 13-18) readers in your life. So, eat until your fat pants are tight and then take advantage of Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday deals to snatch up some great books that will leave your big kids asking for more, please, Oliver Twist style.     Holiday Gift Guide: Middle Grade (ages 8-12) books Quest Kids ...

Episode 57: Holiday Gift Guide, Part 1

November 10, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

It’s beginning to look a lot like Giftmas and the Mamas are here for it with board book, picture book, chapter book and activity book recommendations. Grab a hot toddy and fill your shopping cart while sharing a few laughs with your two BFFs. Book Recs: Board Books 1.     Oink I’m a Pig and Roar I’m a Dinosaur by Merril Rainey 2.     This is a Book of Shapes by Kenneth Kraegel 3.     Rainy Days by Deborah Kerbel and Miki Sato 4.     Moon: A Peek-Through Board Book by Britta Teckentrup ...

Episode 56: MG Books to Read in the Dark

October 27, 2022 03:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

The Mamas celebrate spooky season with three books perfect for middle graders (ages 8-12) to read in the dark even if the two middle-aged Mamas read them in bright daylight (insert chicken noises here). The Mamas chat about witches, night beasts and ghosts. Oh my! And, debate if its okay to kill books by DNF-ing them. Listen in to find out who is a serial killer and who is a brain sucking zombie.  Book Chat: The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie Witchlings by Claribel Or...

Episode 54: Who Knew The End Times Could Be Fun

October 13, 2022 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

The end is near unless a few resourceful and persistent middle grade heroes can stop the apocalypse in three fun books for 8–12-year-olds. For this episode, The Mamas have jumped into a big pile of raked up spooky season, careful not to spill their pumpkin spice lattes, to bring you their opinions on all things dystopian ­– just in time for Halloween.  Book Chat: Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout It’s the End of the World and I’m in my Bathing Suit by Justin Reynolds Apocolypse Taco by N...

Episode 54: Delightfully Dark Sci-Fi for Middle Grade

September 29, 2022 03:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MB

The Mamas are ready for the spooky season after reading two Sci-Fi novels for Middle Graders (ages 8-12). The MC of one has an experimental brain implant and the other is a human/cockroach hybrid. What more could you want? Oh, and both heroes are battling evil corporations. So deliciously dark – just how the Mamas like it. Book Chat: Maximillion Fly by Angie Sage Trex by Christyne Morrell Pick 6: Writing craft resources Wired for Story by Lisa Cron Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessic...

Episode 53: Historical Hayride

September 15, 2022 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

The Mamas are dreaming of hot cider, apple pie and cool nights so join them on an historical hayride as they travel back in time to the not-so distant past (Can the 70s really be considered historical fiction?!?) and fall in love with fantastic, new historical fiction for Middle Graders (ages 8-12). Book Chat: Yonder by Ali Standish Show Me A Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte   Pick 6: More Great Historical Fiction for MG 1.     Daring Darleen: Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet 2.     Cookie...

Episode 52: Back to School with Middle Graders

August 24, 2022 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

The summer flew by and sadly it's time to get back in school mode. The Mamas are here to help with a back to school book chat about The School For Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix (or MPH if you gangsta). Listen to the Mamas fangirl about their author idol and goddess of kid robots. Book Chat: The School For Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix Pick 6: The Mamas share their favorite tropes in Middle Grade fiction. www.twolistmamas.com

Episode 51: End of Summer Fun

August 10, 2022 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

 In episode 51, the Mamas cling to the last days of summer as tightly as they would an only son going off to college. If you can relate, join the Mamas’ book chat about risky midnight meetings at camp and unattended problem children who use their summertime freedom to find treasure in 2 fantasy series for middle graders (ages 8-12). Then reminisce with the Mamas as they each answer 3 important questions about the summer of 2022.  Book Chat: Vanishing Act by Laura Martin The Problim Childr...

Episode 51: End of Summer Fun

August 10, 2022 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

 In episode 51, the Mamas cling to the last days of summer as tightly as they would an only son going off to college. If you can relate, join the Mamas’ book chat about risky midnight meetings at camp and unattended problem children who use their summertime freedom to find treasure in 2 fantasy series for middle graders (ages 8-12). Then reminisce with the Mamas as they each answer 3 important questions about the summer of 2022.  Book Chat: Vanishing Act by Laura Martin The Problim Childr...

Episode 50: Summer Stories for Budding Environmentalists

July 27, 2022 15:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MB

The Mamas go all Eco Warrior this month with Middle Grade fiction (for 8-12 years olds) that is destined to inspire next gen environmental scientists and animal lovers. They get a little weepy discussing manatee injuries, great white shark invasions, themes of loss, and fantastic debut fiction authors. Then, the Mamas share 6 healthy screen time options for summer learning. Put on your Birkenstocks and join the fun! Book Chat: Where the Sky Lives by Margaret Dilloway Manatee Summer by Evan...

Episode 49: Adventure on the High Seas

July 13, 2022 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

Listen in, as the Mamas dive into the big blue sea with Middle Grade (ages 8-12) seafaring fiction. Margie chases down her white whale while Heather dives for train treasure. That's right, we’re in vacay mode over at the Two Lit Mamas podcast. Grab your snorkel and join the fun!  Book Chat: Arch of Bone by Jane Yollen Treasure Tracks by S.A. Rodriguez   Pick 6: The Mamas’ Vacay Reads  1.     My Name is Red by Orham Pamuk 2.     A Passion for Killing by Barbara Nadel 3.     Turkish Del...

Episode 48: Book vs. Movie – Better Nate Than Ever

June 22, 2022 01:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

In episode 48, the Mamas are joined by everyone's favorite uncle to celebrate Pride month and chat about Tim Federle's middle grade character, Nate Foster, a theater lover who stars in a book series and a new Disney musical. The trio follows up the book vs.movie discussion with 6-ish adult and kid books that turned them into readers (or book nerds as Margie no-so-lovingly puts it). Johnny also spills the tea on Margie's grad school years from a century ago. Get your hot goss here! Book Chat...

Episode 47: Diverse Realistic Fic for Middle Grade

June 08, 2022 13:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MB

The Mamas may not sound like themselves in this episode but they’re serving up great diverse reads for 8 to 12 year olds just like normal. Heather even discovers a way to love Realistic Fiction while Margie's just hoping to survive the Great Pollening. Join the Mamas for a fun chat and be grateful that the only thing contagious through your speakers are the laughs. Book Chat: Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raúf Pick 6: The Mamas chat about 6 things...

Diverse Fantasy Books for Middle Grade

May 18, 2022 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

The Mamas are split over their MG Fantasy Reads (for ages 8-12) but it’s not surprising since Heather loves flying horses and all things magical while Margie would rather read true crime stories unless a Sasquatch is involved. Find out where your loyalties lie by joining the debate. Plus, you can jump start your summer reading with six great new recommendations for all ages from the Mamas.  Book Chat: Solimar by Pam Muñoz Ryan Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the World by Samira Ahmed Pick...

Episode 45: Pack Your Bags, We’re Going to Mars

May 04, 2022 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

On the eve of Mother’s Day, the Mamas are packing their bags for Mars. They’ve got their motion sickness cures and their poopoo spray tucked in travel bags; and they’re looking forward to a few days of weightlessness in the silence of space. Join the club so the Mamas aren’t left angry walking (or floating) alone. Book Chat: Packing for Mars for Kids by Mary Roach  Pick 6: Books for a Quiet (and less disappointing) Mother’s Day Jane Austen’s Table: Recipes Inspired by the Works of Jane A...

Episode 44: Spin-Offs for Adults & Kids

April 20, 2022 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

After a break, the Mamas are back with a fun way to boost your summer reading: pairing a gown-up book series with a Middle Grade book series that share the same world and characters in the spirit of Spin-Offs that only kids of the 80's and 90's could love! Inspired by their cold beach walks, the Mamas jumped on an ocean-themed book series for Middle Graders that ties into a series of grown-up books with the same characters and overall themes. Parent/child book club, anyone? Book Chat: Grow...

Episode 44: Spin-Offs for Adults & Kids

April 20, 2022 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

After a break, the Mamas are back with a fun way to boost your summer reading: pairing a gown-up book series with a Middle Grade book series that share the same world and characters in the spirit of Spin-Offs that only kids of the 80's and 90's could love! Inspired by their cold beach walks, the Mamas jumped on an ocean-themed book series for Middle Graders that ties into a series of grown-up books with the same characters and overall themes. Parent/child book club, anyone? Book Chat: Grow...

Episode 43: Middle Grade Biographies

March 23, 2022 22:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

The Mamas celebrate Women’s History Month in Episode 43, by sharing new middle grade biographies about fierce women: one covers an early 1800s highflyer and the other a 1960s Sci-Fi writer. Both books include detailed info of the dramatic times that influenced the women’s childhoods, making them perfect options for use in the classroom. The Mamas also share their favorite women authors of grown-up books. Believe it or not, they read those too.    Book Chat: Lady Icarus: Baloonomania and th...

Episode 42: Happy Middle Grade March!

March 08, 2022 17:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

The Two Lit Mamas celebrate Middle Grade March with random selections from their TBR piles before they collapse and crush them. Margie went for funny superheroes, of course, while Heather dug into a survival story that was a little too real. Listen in as the Mamas gush over poetry (shocker, right?), get on their soap box in defense of graphic novels (not a shocker), and share their favorite female MCs from middle grade books in honor of Women’s History Month (totally on brand).  Book Chat: ...

Episode 41: Celebrating Black Authors in Kidlit

February 22, 2022 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MB

In this episode, The Mamas celebrate Black Authors in Middle Grade Lit. (Really it’s more like worshipping, bordering on stalking, you know how they can get, but anyway…) The Mamas showcase some of their favorite writers across diverse genres including, fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, poetry, and horror (oh, my!). Get ready to grow your TBR piles! Book Chat: The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson Root Magic by Eden Royce Pic...

Episode 40: Time Traveling Middle Graders

February 08, 2022 20:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

In todays book chat, the SciFi loving Mamas are giddy about two new time travel Middle Grade books (for 8-12 year olds) that take them back 5 years and 500 years. But, before they get started the Mamas share their fantasy time travel vacays, including sipping tea with Abigail Adams and throwing down with the magnificent Ottomans. Don't worry! The Mamas won't let you get stuck in the past (especially the '80s) so jump aboard the time machine and laugh along with Two Lit Mamas. Book Chat: Da...

Episode 39: Pirates in Middle Grade Books

January 26, 2022 19:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MB

Arrrrr, the Mamas uncover buried treasure with three pirate-themed books for Middle Grade readers (aged 8-13) in the 39th episode of Two Lit Mamas Podcast. Their high seas discussions quickly freeze over with six tips for beating the winter blahs that don't include walking the plank. Join them if you dare! Book Chat: The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty Dark Waters by Katherine Arden Pirate Queens: Dauntless Women Who Dared to Rule the High Seas ...