Podcasts

This is my very first podcast, posted on December 20, 2016. In this episode, I introduce myself and what I plan to do with my podcasts. Then, I describe ten books my students recommend to me to read. Since I am usually the one recommending books, this is a nice switch for my first podcast!

Today, I discuss 20 graphic novels that are most popular with my middle schoolers as well as award-listed graphic novels I need to read and promote better in my library. All the books and resources mentioned in the podcast are also listed in this post.

In today’s podcast, I discuss setting reading goals for 2017 and ten new YA titles to get excited about in January and February.

In this episode I share 15 free verse novels and authors, including some that will debut in early 2017. I also included a printable list of 100 free verse novels for middle and high school in the post.

Today’s podcast features titles about teens and tweens facing complex moral and ethical issues. I decided to focus on moral dilemmas after having a very interesting “What would you do if…” discussion with a Year8 class (7th grade).

Podcast #6 is an extensive look at books about civil rights and racial inequality. This started out as only one (very long!) podcast, but I went back in and separated it into three shorter podcasts, separated by reading and interest level. I think this will be easier for librarians and teachers looking to isolate the titles they are most interested in.

Today’s booktalk features selected titles to represent each of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, introducing each through the Chinese story of The Great Race. All of these titles are for teens and/or tweens, but I also include two picture books and some read-alouds that would work well with elementary students. Xīn nián kuài lè!

Today’s podcast features 12 YA and middle school titles that capture the refugee experience through the eyes of refugee children and teens. Some of these books were even written by former refugees. What better way to help build a bridge to understanding, right?

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today’s episode has nothing at all to do with love or sappy romance. You’re welcome! Instead, today’s booktalk podcast is YA titles that spell out VALENTINE’S DAY. This allows me to feature a lot of different titles from different genres.

Anxiety is a real issue for many of today’s teens (and adults), myself included. I know I try so hard to be perfect and “on top of everything” and smiling and happy, when often, I’m barely keeping my head above water. It’s all an illusion! Pay no attention to that stressed-out librarian behind the curtain!

Ready for a super-fun episode today, full of whizzes, bams, and pows? Today’s episode is YA and middle school books for readers who love watching the TV series The Flash. My family loves The Flash, and I’m certain they will love many of the books on this list!

Today’s episode pays tribute to probably my favorite TV show of all time…Seinfeld! If you love Seinfeld, you are going to LOVE this episode, where I pair one YA book for each of nine favorite episodes. If you don’t love Seinfeld, don’t worry. This podcast is still focused mainly on fantastic books–the Seinfeld episodes just tie it all together.