Two Lit Mamas

Episode 40: Time Traveling Middle Graders

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

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 ...

Episode 38: Twisted Fairy Tales for Modern Middle Graders

For the first episode of the new year, the Mamas are kicking it at the back of the class, reading twisted fairy tales, passing notes about their latest obsessions (we’re looking at you Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum); while keeping their heads down and hoping to stay under the radar of Mrs. 2022’s evil glare. Come join the rebels in the back – this is your two-minute warning! Book Chat:  Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales by Soman Chainani Pick 6: Our 2022 Obsessions 1.     Trashy Reality ...

Episode 37: Holiday Gift Guide for Ages 0-9

Need gift suggestions for your kiddos this holiday? The Mamas have your back with board book, picture book, and chapter book recommendations. And, if book recommendations from Two Mamas isn’t enough for you, we’ve invited a Third Mama, author Rebecca Mullin, to help us get this holiday party started.  Board Book Recommendations (ages 0-3): The Lovely Haze of Baby Days by Lindsay Kellar-Madsen The Night is Deep and Wide by Gillian Sze, illustrated by Sue Todd   One Tomato by Rebecca Mulli...

Episode 37: Holiday Gift Guide for Ages 0-9

Need gift suggestions for your kiddos this holiday? The Mamas have your back with board book, picture book, and chapter book recommendations. And, if book recommendations from Two Mamas isn’t enough for you, we’ve invited a Third Mama, author Rebecca Mullin, to help us get this holiday party started.  Board Book Recommendations (ages 0-3): The Lovely Haze of Baby Days by Lindsay Kellar-Madsen The Night is Deep and Wide by Gillian Sze, illustrated by Sue Todd   One Tomato by Rebecca Mulli...

Episode 36: Holiday Gift Guide for Middle Graders

The Mamas are ready for the holidays (or at least ready for soccer season to be over). To get you in the mood for gift giving, the Mamas recap the best books in some of their favorite categories: Top Faves from 2021: Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos (Episode 15) City Spies Series by James Ponti (Episode 20) The Whispers by Greg Howard (Episode 26) Fave Fantasy Reads: The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant (Episode 29) The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington Fave Sports-themed Books T...

Episode 35: Middle Grade Horror

In this Halloween episode, the Mamas admit they share a brain (FYI, it’s kept in a jar in a mad scientist’s lab). How do they know they share a brain? Because they each picked a Middle Grade horror book from the same author without realizing it. Fortunately, they were creeped out in the best possible way by an author who’s the hottest new horror ticket in Chi-town. Plus, sinister cats!  Book Chat: Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie   Pick 6: More ...

Episode 34: Latinx Heritage in Middle Grade Lit

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, the Mamas were thrilled to chat about two Middle Grade books oozing with Mexican mythology and Día de los Muertos inspired adventures. So, gulp down some Pan de Muerto, grip your calavera, and let the Mamas make you cringe with fright (and hopefully not from their Spanish pronunciations).    Book Chat: Loteria by Karla Arenas Valenti Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera   Pick 6: Latinx Children’s Books Board Books: La Catrina series Boar...

Episode 33: Middle Grade Books for Horse Lovers

Margie hates it but Heather’s inner horsey girl catches her stride in Episode 33 as the Mamas share their childhood memories of horses and explore Middle Grade books and resources in the horsey genre. The Mamas also get on their high horses and rant about banned books. Saddle up and hold on tight! Book Chat: The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd The Compton Cowboys by Walter Thompson-Hernandez   Pick 6: Resources for Horse-Themed Learning Activities Horse Illustrated Online...

Episode 32: Sporty Stories for Middle Graders

The Mamas embrace their inner Sporty Spice (or Benchwarmer Spice) to share reviews of Middle Grade novels (ages 8-12) about gymnastics, football and soccer, as well as, the personal and family trauma that can sometimes be associated with sports. The Mamas also share six sports-themed activities for the classroom and home. Put on your athletic supporters and let's get started! Book Reviews: Chirp by Kate Messner Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Wood...

Episode 31: Middle Grade Books in Space!

In this episode, the Mamas get extra nerdy exploring the final frontier in the latest Middle Grade science fiction novels and short stories. So grab your communicators and listen in as they cover hermetically sealed post-pandemic apartments, talking heads, shape-shifting aliens, and murder on the moon.  Oh, it gets creepy, gross and dark, but you're gonna love it. Science Fiction MG Book Chat: Cleo Porter and the Body Electric by Jake Burt Moon Base Alpha Series by Stuart Gibbs Weird Kid by...

Episode 30: Book vs. Show: The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mamas don their Siskel & Ebert disguises and debate the pros and cons of the Mysterious Benedict Society’s new Disney+ series vs. the OG book series. Although you can probably guess what the lit-loving Mamas have to say (hint: the book is ALWAYS better), you might enjoy the Middle Grade series recommendations at the end, especially if you’re in love with Mr. Benedict and his society of kid geniuses, like two middle-aged spies we know (yes, we’re talking about the Mamas).     Book Discus...

Episode 29: New Middle Grade Fantasy Books

The Mamas’ fantasies are flying in Episode 29 with two hot Middle Grade fantasy picks. Following the book chat, the Mamas share six more MG fantasies from their TBR Lists for 2021. So, if animals talk to you, you should listen in because you’re in good company, or at least not alone in your fantasy world!  Book Chat: The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan   Pick 6: MG Fantasies from the Mamas 2021 TBR lists T...

Episode 28: Kid Entrepreneurs in MG Lit

Two of the Mamas’ fave authors (yes, ones from the Franzia List) are back in the book chat with financially-focused Middle Grade characters who discover how to run a business and manage money in the most fantastic settings. Listen as the Mamas WERK IT, doing what they love—chatting about great Middle Grade Lit and natural disasters (yes, they get waaaay off topic). Book Discussion: Middle School’s a Drag You Better Werk by Greg Howard Millionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty Pick 6: ...

Episode 27: Books with Middle Grade Cooks

Find out what’s cooking in Middle Grade lit as the Two Lit Mamas drool­–err–chat about the latest novels with kid bakers and chefs. If you aren’t hungry now, you will be by the time the Mamas finish dishing their foody opinions and kid-friendly recipes. Bon Appetit!  Book Discussion:  Midsummer's Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca All You Knead is Love by Tania Guerrero A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan When Life Gives You Lemons Make Peach Pie by Erin Soderberg Downing   P...

Episode 26: Happy Pride Year!

In episode 26, the Mamas join forces with Uncle Johnny to discuss the latest in LGBTQIA+ books for Middle Graders. They look at how far we’ve come and how far we have to go through the lens of two great novels about love, loss and growing up queer in America.  Book Discussion: One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock The Whispers by Greg Howard   Pick 6: Grown Up Books We’re Reading Now (Yes, we read do read them) 1.     The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune 2.     Four Lost Cities by An...

Episode 25: Refugee & Immigrant Stories

On their one year anniversary, the Mamas share their favorite heartwarming and hard hitting immigrant & refugee novels for Middle Graders. Since Margie's life is one big immigrant story and Heather's small, rural world was widened by international students who came for the holidays, the topic of immigration and refugees is close to their hearts. So, think globally but listen locally as the Mamas discuss ways to introduce kiddos to other cultures through books and much more! Book Discussion ...

Episode 24: Middle Grade Preppers

In Episode 24, the Mamas discuss two middle grade novels that take very different approaches to prepping from a kid’s perspective: one is apocalyptic and the other is fake news, but both are intensely entertaining and involve drinking toilet water. If you can hang with that, then grab your bug-out bag, dust off your survival skills, and join the Mamas in the bunker. Just don’t forget the Franzia.  Book Discussion: The World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty 96 Miles by J.L. Eslpin   Pick ...

Episode 23: Fat Acceptance in Middle Grade Lit

According to recent reports, the pandemic has stirred up body image concerns in teens, leading to a rise in eating disorders, so for this episode The Mamas turn to Middle Grade fiction to help kids, parents and teachers tackle the topic in a positive way. Catch the wave of change that's coming and leave body shaming far behind with this list of fat acceptance novels: All of Me by Chris Baron Starfish by Lisa Fipps Jelly by Jo Cotterill Husky by Justin Sayre Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes D...

Episode 22: Happy Earth Day!

The mamas have so much to share for Earth month, from middle grade environmental nonfiction and eco-fiction novels, to nature picture books, articles, contests, book festivals, PBS specials, and more. Whew! Now, put on your green jeans and let’s get started! Book Discussion: How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein and Rebecca Stepoff Girl Warriors, How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth by Rachel Sarah Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk The Last Wild by Piers Torday Pick Six: Na...

Episode 21: Water Warriors in Kidlit

In honor of Earth Day, the Mamas do a deep dive (insert eye roll here) into the importance of clean water. Using her love language, Margie breaks down water treatment issues into dorky layman's terms, as the Mamas discuss their first nonfiction and graphic novel middle grade reads. If the mamas haven't hooked you with the lighthearted topic of water pollution, you might want to give this episode a pass because even the Pick 6 is more of the same. But, if you're up for an important cause, tak...

Episode 20: Middle Grade Spies

For Episode 20 of Two Lit Mamas Podcast, the Mamas pry-bar themselves into black Spandex to get their spy game on. Yes, that IS your shoe phone ringing. Answer it and join the Mamas on a not-so-secret mission to hack into the latest middle grade books with kid spies. From chubby spy geniuses to petticoated, steampunk femme fatales, the Mamas chase the MacGuffin to bring you the best in MG-Lit. Spread the word before this podcast self-destructs. City Spies by James Ponti The Double Cross by...

Bonus Episode: What is Middle Grade Lit?

Happy Middle Grade March! In celebration of this very special month, the mamas threw together a BONUS episode on their fave topic – Middle Grade books. The Mamas break down the category for fellow mamas and papas who need help finding appropriate reading material for their middle schoolers. Resources for finding great middle grade books: Read Brightly Imagination Soup From the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors Mr. Sharp Reading Middle Grade Two Lit Mamas Podcast

Divorce & Blended Families in Middle Grade Lit

In this episode, the Mamas tackle tough topics, including divorce, blended-up families, and sick kiddos with their middle grade, realistic fiction pics. Maybe not the best topics to cover during a pandemic but the mamas grip their calming stones and make it through two important and wonderful reads written by diverse authors. For Pick Six, the Mamas share new releases they’re looking forward to reading this summer. Books Discussed in this Episode:  Love Like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood (s...

American Mythology in Middle Grade Books

The snowbound, quarantining mamas are starting to get a little stir crazy, obvi – the cry-laughing was a dead giveaway – but fortunately they found some great middle grade fantasy reads about American myths to distract them. Join the mamas in beating off the winter blues, especially if you’re a sasquatch or a ghost mastodon.  Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston  Evangeline of the Bayou by Jan Eldredge  Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger  Lemons by Melissa Savage  Pick 6:  1. Exped...

World Mythology for Middle Grade

After grumbling about the weather like two old ladies, the mamas dive into Iberian, Bengali, Egyptian and Greek mythology stories for middle grade readers. The fictional stories aren’t for fainthearted parents since most adults have disappeared at the beginning of the books. Fear not, the kids do rescue them, of course only after falling for crushes, exploring secret worlds, and becoming warriors. Connect with your inner goddess and will yourself to join the mamas on their mythic adventure. ...

Episode 16: Winter Survival Middle Grade Books

Put on your parkas and two face masks. You’ll need them for warmth as the mamas chill with a couple of Middle Grade survival adventure books set in the dead of winter. In one book our young hero lives in a frozen fjord just as life is about to go berserk, and in the second book the hero, plucked from the fjord and relocated to the prairie, battles a blizzard. If you can handle the cold, hang on until the end for a chat about reading in the time of COVID.  Icefall by Matthew Kirby Blizzard ...

Differently-Abled Middle Grade Characters

Episode 15: Differently-Abled Middle Grade Books & Homeschool Chat

The mamas launched the new year discussing two awesomely-abled middle grade characters – one’s a math savant, one’s autistic, both make exciting leads and reads. Then the mamas switched gears and got real about homeschool life. The mamas urge you to ignore the news for an hour, Irish up your coffee, and listen in! Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty North Carolina 7th grader, Lucy, was struck by lightning when she was young and was diagnosed with acquired savant syndrome wh...

Episode 14: Middle Grade Books to Read at Christmas

Happy Holidays from Two Lit Mamas! The holidays may not be the same this year but don’t cancel Christmas like Margie did in 2008! Instead, the mamas encourage you to start a new tradition of sharing and gifting books. Choose from the mama’s Middle Grade recommendations that will make you laugh and give you a fright while bringing your family closer together.  In a farewell to 2020, the mamas snuggle in with festive stories that are perfect for reading aloud by the fire.   Greenglass House b...

Episode 13: Holiday Gift Guide Part 2, Middle Grade

3-2-1 Shop! In this episode, the mamas share many – let’s face it, probably too many – gift recommendations. Concentrating on upper and lower middle grade books, these crazy, wined-up Santa’s helpers go to town on their faves. From series and standouts to interactive finds, the mamas have got your holiday book shopping covered. The mamas faves from past episodes: We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly The Creativity Projec...

Episode 13: Holiday Gift Guide Part 2, Middle Grade

3-2-1 Shop! In this episode, the mamas share many – let’s face it, probably too many – gift recommendations. Concentrating on upper and lower middle grade books, these crazy, wined-up Santa’s helpers go to town on their faves. From series and standouts to interactive finds, the mamas have got your holiday book shopping covered. The mamas faves from past episodes: We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly The Creativity Projec...

Episode 12: Gift Guide Part 1, Picture Books & Chapter Books

Happy Holidays! The mamas flipped the script this episode to bring you their Pick 6 gift lists at the front of the show. Not surprisingly, the opinionated broads have gobs of recommendations for their favorite picture books and chapter books of 2020 so, get out your quills and parchment paper and let the mamas kickstart your holiday shopping.  Heather’s 2020 Picture Book Faves 1. Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner, art by Christopher Silas Neal 2. Vote for our Future by Margare...

Episode 11: Dystopian Middle Grade Lit, Killer Plants

If you’re in need of a distraction (and we KNOW you are), join the mamas for some mutating, eco-horror, dystopian fun. In the 11th episode of Two Lit Mamas, killer plants have taken over the world and it’s up to a few smart middle grade heroes to save the day. (If only they could save our country while they’re at it.) In 2020, nature may be out to get us, but look on the bright side, the year is almost over. Hit play and hang in there, folks!  Book Discussion: Bloom by Kenneth Oppel Myster...

Episode 10: Scary Stories for Middle Graders

Put on your pointy, black hats and join the witchy mamas for a bone-chilling discussion about Middle Grade books with ghosts, creepy dolls, and other frights trapped within their pages. Halloween celebrations may not be the same in 2020, but with Two Lit Mamas’ help you can still have a good cackle and curl up with a scary tale (or tail).   Scary Books: Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn This well-known ghost story from master of suspense Mary Downing Hahn may have been written in...

Episode 9: Deaf & Hard of Hearing Characters

In the longest episode yet, the mamas just can’t stop yakking about the great and not-so-great (Judge Judy’s in da house!) Middle Grade books with deaf and hard of hearing characters. The mamas find authors to stalk and characters to love while advocating for the deaf community. And that’s not all. The BFFs end the show with science, history and math related books that will help parents and caregivers survive e-learning and homeschooling in 2020. The struggle is real, but the mamas have your...

Episode 8: Back to School Creativity

Whether your family is doing e-learning, homeschooling, unschooling, striking, or hiding out in a bunker to avoid the latest natural disaster, you need The Creativity Project book to fill your time and sparkle your creativity. If you’re not sure if this book is for you, listen as the mamas give the hard sell (no, there’s no money in it for them although they’ll take your money if you’re offering) for literary advocate Colby Sharp and his unique prompt-response anthology along with tips to ke...

Episode 7: Cozy Mysteries for Middle Grade

Grab your shawl, pour yourself a spot of tea and get cozy. For Episode 7 of Two Lit Mamas, the ladies dig into all things murderous. From traditional British cozies to inspired African American mysteries, the mamas share their favorite TV shows and grown up murder mysteries while uncovering fab mysteries for middle graders. So, take a bun break and Greek out with the mamas or Miss Fortune will find you.      Middle Grade Cozies: Taylor & Rose Secret Agents, Peril in Paris by Katherine Wood...

Episode 6: LGBTQIAP+ Middle Grade Books

Gear up, middle grade writers! The mamas have invited YA novelist John Petrie to join the podcast for episode 6. Petrie breaks down his process for researching sports romances while sharing with our cis gender mamas amazing insights into the history of queer books. Put on your mask, open your mind, and walk in someone else’s shoes as the Two Lit Mamas and One Lit Godfather chat about middle grade books full of LGBTQIAP+ characters and culture.   Rick by Alex Gino Rick knows middle school is...

Episode 5: Best Middle Grade Series

Join the Two Lit Mamas as they disappear into their favorite Middle Grade series and forget about the dumpster fire that is 2020 for a while. The mamas talk Star Wars, supernatural powers and even exchange a recipe for Café de Olla, all while giving big props to genius authors who make parents cringe and kiddos cheer. So, go ahead, get lost in a neighborhood of make believe with the mamas. You might feel better – at least for 30 minutes.  Margie’s Faves A New Hope: The Princess, the Scound...

Episode 4: Diverse Summer Reads

Two Lit Mamas: A kid-lit podcast for parents, teachers and writers Episode 4: Diverse Summer Reads You might want to pour a glass of wine for this one. Heather and Margie dive into diverse American stories and get on their soap boxes about the importance of representation, true patriotism, letting sassy children lead us, and the power of mamas’ boys. They aimed for light summer beach reads but happily landed on more important books about black girl magic and the kindness of Latinx boys – m...

Episode 4: Important Summer Reads

Two Lit Mamas: A kid-lit podcast for parents, teachers and writers Episode 4: Important Summer Reads You might want to pour a glass of wine for this one. Heather and Margie dive into diverse American stories and get on their soap boxes about the importance of representation, true patriotism, letting sassy children lead us, and the power of mamas’ boys. They aimed for light summer beach reads but happily landed on more important books about black girl magic and the kindness of Latinx boys –...

Episode 3: Multicultural Middle Grade

Two Lit Mamas: A Kid-Lit podcast for parents, teachers and writers  Episode 3: Multicultural Middle Grade In Episode 3 of Two Lit Mamas, Margie and Heather chat about heavy metal t-shirts, flower pictures, and flying teenagers before diving into a discussion on first gen Americans, language misconceptions, unfounded fears of the other, and the right kind of rule breakers. Margie even gets misty about her Turkish, immigrant husband – you don’t want to miss it!  Multicultural Middle Grade B...

Episode 2: Fifth Grade Book Reports

In Episode 2 of Two Lit Mamas, Margie and Heather surprise each other with book reports on two Middle Grade novels the other one hasn’t read. Listen along as the mamas introduce each other to bog monsters, butter cows, wish granters, and Jan Brady books. What the heck is a Jan Brady book, you ask? Hit play and let Margie explain it to you.   Margie’s Surprise-Me Books: Eventown by Corey Ann Haydu Eventown follows eleven-year-old twins, Elodee and Naomi as they move from their urban home t...

Episode 1: Our Middle Grade Crushes

Heather and Margie, two KidLit obsessed moms, share their middle grade author crushes. The discussion quickly devolves as the BFFs defend fart jokes, thumb their noses at boring classics, and disparage men who take credit for the work of goddesses. If you’re a KidLit snob, you might want to give it a pass, but, if you’re in need of some good book lovin’, give it a shot. Eh, why not?  Margie’s Top 5 MG Crushes: Dan Gutman  Not only for the most fun chapter books around, the Weird School se...