Episode 275: Listenersode 2023!

Listenersode 2023!

Thanks to all of the listeners who participated in this year’s crowd-sourced episode: Abby, Diane, Julia, Holly, Kat, Shira, and Tracey.

Tune in to hear them answer questions about their favorite childhood reading, times when they disagreed with the podcast, book recommendations for 2024, and more!

Books Mentioned

Tithe: A Modern Fairy Tale by Holly Black
Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo
The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate Dicamillo
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Heaven to Betsy and Betsy in Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace
The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright
Nothing But the Truth by Avi
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Wellness by Nathan Hill
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

SSR Episodes Referenced

Episode 106: Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging (with Jessica Goodman)
Episode 17: Twilight (with Kelly Parker Smith)
Episode 262: New Moon (with Emma Noyes)
Episode 261: All-of-a-Kind Family (with Taleen Voskuni)
Episode 37: The Boxcar Children #1 (with Abby Wolfe)
Episode 258: Surprise Island (The Boxcar Children #2) (with Andrea Bartz)
Episode 226: The Trumpet of the Swan (with Emily Wibberley + Austin Siegemund-Broka)
Episode 61: Hatchet (with Sara Faring)
Episode 57: Running Out of Time (with Rebecca Fishbein)
Episode 273: Among the Hidden (with Claire Ahn)
Episode 253: Ramona the Pest (with Kara Alloway)
Episode 248: Dawn (California Diaries) (with Rachel Koller Croft)
Episode 259: The Secret Garden (with Genevieve Wheeler)
Episode 242: Emily of New Moon (with Leaving Eden Podcast)
Episode 243: The Summer I Turned Pretty (with Grace Chlosta)
Episode 127: Because of Winn-Dixie (with Hunter McLendon)
Episode 24: The Hate U Give (with Traci Thomas)
Episode 134: The Hunger Games (with Margaux + Emilie from Old Millennials Pod)
Episode 236: Catching Fire (with Heather McGhee)
Episode 27: The Westing Game (with Lauren Boone)
Episode 161: Betsy-Tacy (with Laura Hankin)
Episode 04: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (with Hannah Howard)
Episode 130: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (with Jordan Moblo)
Episode 72: Nevermoor (with Alex Fahey)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 274: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

For the final book episode of 2023, Alli and her guest turn their attention to a real classic: Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It’s the first time reading the 1943 semi-autobiographical novel for both of them… and there’s a lot to discuss in this hefty volume! Topics of conversation include imperfect adults, the importance of education, pragmatism vs. idealism, the evolution of our language around mental health, financial insecurity, red flags, anti-Semitism, and how they might have experienced a book like this had they read it as children.

TW: addiction, death of a parent, infant loss

Ore Agbaje-Williams is the author of The Three of Us. Follow her on Instagram (@oreawilliams).

CHECK OUT ORE’S BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT ORE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Trust by Hernan Diaz

Women by Chloe Caldwell

MORE READING:

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Has Almost No Plot, and That’s Kind of the Point” (The Book Cafe, 2022)

“Why Mark Zuckerberg Should Read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (The New Yorker, 2018)

“Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (Bob On Books, 2020)

“Book Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (Choosing Wisdom)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 273: Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden

At long last, Alli and her guest turn their attention to a book that’s been requested many times by listeners: Margaret Peterson Haddix’s Among the Hidden. The first installment in the Shadow Children series, Among the Hidden explores the consequences of a totalitarian government taking extreme measures to combat (alleged) overpopulation. Episode 273 covers everything from reproductive rights and propaganda to the history of dystopian literature and different types of activism.

Claire Ahn is the author of I Guess I Live Here Now. Follow her on Instagram (@cuhlaireahn).

CHECK OUT OUR EPISODE ABOUT RUNNING OUT OF TIME HERE!

CHECK OUT CLAIRE’S BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT CLAIRE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Pizza Girl by Jean Kyoung Frazier

MORE READING:

“Among the Hidden” (Kirkus, 1998)

“Book Review: Among the Hidden (Shadow Children Book #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix” (Manheim Community Library, 2021)

“Among the Hidden” (SF Site)

“Among the Hidden (A Shadow Children Series) Book Review” (Johnny’s Book Reviews)

“Student-Led Book Club Review: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix” (Mrs. Book Dragon, 2018)

“Among the Hidden” (Publishers Weekly, 1998)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 272: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Fantastic Mr. Fox

With New Reads November 2023 behind us, we’re back to throwbacks, starting with Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. Alli’s guest recently read the 1970 novel with her own children… and she has thoughts. Episode 272 features conversations about gender representation, fatphobia, the power of illustrations, violence, and the glorification of stealing.

Bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto is known for a number of books, including Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Dial A for Aunties, and The Obsession. Her latest YA novel is called Didn’t See That Coming. Follow her on Instagram (@jesseqsutanto) and Twitter (@thewritinghippo).

CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS ROALD DAHL EPISODES:

Episode 03: Matilda (with Alexandra Fishwick)

Episode 31: James and the Giant Peach (with Chris Rosen)

Episode 78: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (with Hunter McLendon)

Episode 115: The BFG (with Christina Hammonds Reed)

Episode 206: The Witches (with Amanda Aksel)

CHECK OUT JESSE’S BOOKS:

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Dial A for Aunties

The Obsession

Didn’t See That Coming

CHECK OUT JESSE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphic Novels #1-4 by Ann M. Martin, illus. by Katy Farina

The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

MORE READING:

“A Book Review on Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl” (Sis and Chrys, 2020)

“Fantastic Mr. Fox and the decline of children’s books” (Infunde Amorem Cordibus, 2021)

“Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox” (Kids Book Cafe, 2019)

“Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl Review” (What’s Good to Read)

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (Spaghetti Book Club)

“Wes Anderson Opposed to Editing Roald Dahl’s Books” (Kirkus, 2023)

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Episode 271: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute (New Reads November)

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute (New Reads November)

It’s the grand finale of SSR’s New Reads November 2023… and the perfect time to discuss Talia Hibbert’s YA debut, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. With a trio of fantastic guests, Alli gets into the details of the book’s plot and pays special attention to OCD representation, outdoorsy scholarship experiences, romance tropes, and the extent to which there are two sides to every story.

Thanks to Brittany (@britsgotbooks), Cait (@whatcaitreads), and Shira (@shira243) for being part of this first-ever Patreon episode of the podcast! Join the Patreon family to get in on the fun HERE.

LISTEN TO TALIA HIBBERT ON THE PODCAST HERE!

CHECK OUT BRITTANY, CAIT, AND SHIRA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

Cold Clay by Juneau Black

Mirror Lake by Juneau Black

Twilight Falls by Juneau Black

Warcross by Marie Lu

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

MORE READING:

“Book Review: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” (BreakEven Books, 2023)

“Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” (All About Romance, 2023)

“Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” (Kirkus, 2023)

“Group Discussion: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” (Rich in Color, 2023)

“REVIEW: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert” (Magical Reads, 2023)

“Book Review: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” (DiniPandaReads, 2023)

“Review: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute (Spoiler-Free)” (ReadEm, 2023)

“Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert” (The Southern Bookseller Review, 2023)

“Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” (Publishers Weekly, 2023)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 270: Throwback (New Reads November)

Throwback (New Reads November)

Week 3 of New Reads November takes a very close, very fun look at Maurene Goo’s Throwback. The book inspires conversations about everything from the complicated nature of mother/daughter relationships and empathy between generations to high school homecoming experiences and the tension between conformity and standing out. Alli and her guest also consider who Throwback is meant for and discuss the book’s origin story.

Becca Freeman is the author of The Christmas Orphans Club and co-host of the Bad on Paper podcast. Follow her on Instagram (@beccamfreeman).

CHECK OUT BECCA’S LAST APPEARANCE ON THE PODCAST HERE!

CHECK OUT BECCA’S BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT BECCA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION:

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

MORE READING:

“Review: This time-traveling YA novel delights in 1990s nostalgia, with appeal beyond Gen Z” (Datebook, 2023)

“Throwback” (Kirkus, 2023)

“Cover Reveal: Throwback by Maurene Goo” (Publishers Weekly, 2023)

“Throwback (Hardcover)” (Get Your Face In a Book, 2023)

“REVIEW: Throwback by Maurene Goo” (Magical Reads, 2023)

“Review: Throwback” (Rich in Color, 2023)

“Book Review of Throwback by Maurene Goo” (Forever Young Adult, 2023)

“Maurene Goo Author Interview” (Jean Book Nerd, 2023)

“Book Review: Throwback by Maurene Goo” (School Library Journal, 2023)

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Episode 269: Their Vicious Games (New Reads November)

Their Vicious Games (New Reads November)

Week 2 of New Reads November 2023 is all about Joelle Wellington’s Their Vicious Games. The book feels like a real return to the heyday of YA, with the addition of organic, fresh threads about class, race, and privilege. On Episode 269, Alli and her guest do plenty of fangirling over the book and discuss concepts like performative allyship, white saviorism, satire, and more.

Erin La Rosa is the author of For Butter or Worse and Plot Twist. Follow her on Instagram (@erinlarosalit) and Twitter (@erinlarosalit).

CHECK OUT ERIN’S LAST APPEARANCE ON THE PODCAST HERE!

CHECK OUT JOELLE WELLINGTON ON THE PODCAST HERE!

CHECK OUT ERIN’S BOOKS:

For Butter or Worse

Plot Twist

CHECK OUT ERIN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION:

The Kiss Curse: An Ex Hex Novel by Erin Sterling

MORE READING:

“Review: Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington” (Drizzle & Hurricane Books, 2023)

“Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington” (The Story Sanctuary, 2023)

“Their Vicious Games” (Kirkus, 2023)

“Book Tour: Review: Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington” (Utopia State of Mind, 2023)

“Review: Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington” (The Nerd Daily, 2023)

“Their Vicious Games, a Novel Inspired by Gossip Girl and Hunger Games, Reveals Its Cover” (Teen Vogue, 2023)

“Review: Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington” (Meg’s Book Rack, 2023)

“The Gotham Group Acquires Rights To YA Novels Their Vicious Games & That Night in the Library” (Deadline, 2023)

“Joelle Wellington On Her Deadly YA Debut, Their Vicious Games” (United By Pop, 2023)

“Joelle Wellington Interview — Their Vicious Games” (Jean Book Nerd, 2023)

“An Indies Introduces Q&A with Joelle Wellington” (American Booksellers Association, 2023)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 268: Friday I'm in Love (New Reads November)

Friday I’m in Love (New Reads November)

New Reads November is BACK for a SIXTH year!

This time around, we get things rolling with a conversation about Camryn Garrett’s Friday I’m in Love, which was published in January 2023. The book inspires conversations about “coming out narratives,” casual racism, self-aware narrators, the subversion of tropes about sweet sixteens, and the pressures that many teens experience. Alli’s guest also takes her behind-the-scenes of how he writes for the YA audience!

Eliot Schrefer is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of books for young people, including his latest, Charming Young Man. Follow him on Instagram (@schrefer) and Twitter (@EliotSchrefer).

CHECK OUT ELIOT’S LATEST BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT ELIOT’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

MORE READING:

“Friday I’m in Love (Mini Book Review)” (A Blog of Books and Musicals, 2023)

“Friday I’m in Love” (Kirkus Reviews, 2023)

“#ReadWithPride: Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett” (The Nerd Daily, 2023)

“Friday I’m in Love” (Publishers Weekly, 2023)

“Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett” (Kara Reviews, 2023)

“The Delightful, Uplifting Romance in Friday I’m in Love” (Shondaland, 2023)

“Q&A: Camryn Garrett, Author of Friday I’m in Love” (The Nerd Daily, 2023)

“Interview: Camryn Garrett talks about her new book, dresses, and music” (Culturess, 2023)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

BONUS EPISODE: Behind-the-Scenes of Bookish Content Creation + Maternity Leave Plans

Bonus Episode: Behind-the-Scenes of Bookish Content Creation + Maternity Leave Plans

On this special bonus episode, Alli is joined by Sara Hildreth of Fiction Matters and the Novel Pairings podcast! As she prepares to take a brief podcast maternity leave in early 2024, Alli looks to Sara for advice on how to manage a pause in sharing content with her community. They take you behind-the-scenes of the business of podcasting, Patreon, Substack, and more!

Follow Sara on Instagram (@fictionmatters).

CHECK OUT SARA’S PREVIOUS PODCAST APPEARANCES HERE AND HERE.

FOLLOW ALLI ON SUBSTACK HERE.

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 267: Danger at the Zoo: A Kit Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)

Danger at the Zoo: A Kit Mystery

Listener favorites Allison and Mary from Dolls of Our Lives are BACK for Episode 267! This time around, they join Alli to discuss Danger at the Zoo: A Kit Mystery, a 2005 installment in the American Girl Mysteries series that was written by Kathleen Ernst. They talk broadly about Kit’s storyline and the AG mysteries as an offshoot of the rest of the American Girl series. In the context of Danger at the Zoo, they also chat about kid journalism, the Depression, the history of the word “hobo,” and more.

Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney are the co-hosts of the Dolls of Our Lives podcast and the authors of Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can’t Quit American Girl. Follow the podcast on Instagram (@dollsofourlivespodcast) and Twitter (@DollsLivesPod).

CHECK OUT ALLISON AND MARY’S LAST SSR APPEARANCE HERE.

CHECK OUT ALLISON AND MARY’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

1979 by Val McDermid

1989 by Val McDermid

Loot by Tania James

MORE READING:

“Historical Character Mysteries” (American Girl Wiki)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 266: Fall 2023 Q+A!

Fall 2023 Q+A!

On this special episode, Alli answers listener questions about…

* How she handles tricky situations with podcast guests
* Whether she would rather deal with a boring book or a boring guest
* The books she’s most excited to share with Baby K
* The best marriage advice she’s ever received
* The books that are still on her podcast wish list
* Her current thoughts on Bethenny Frankel
* How to get started with writing fiction

… and so much more!

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 265: Fifteen

Fifteen

On Episode 265, Alli and her guest explore a new side of all-time kid lit rock star Beverly Cleary — a more ~mature~ side! This week, the focus is one of Cleary’s books for teen readers, Fifteen. The conversation covers everything from awkward first date moments and ‘50s crush etiquette to class undercurrents and the importance of confidence. Alli and her guest also unpack a hard-to-read scene set in a Chinese restaurant.

Alison Rose Greenberg is the author of Bad Luck Bridesmaid and Maybe Once, Maybe Twice. Follow her on Instagram (@alison.greenberg) and Twitter (@alisongreenberg).

CHECK OUT ALISON’S LAST SSR APPEARANCE HERE.

CHECK OUT OTHER BEVERLY CLEARY EPISODES:

Episode 18: Beezus and Ramona (with Penny Luksic)

Episode 129: The Mouse and the Motorcycle (with Anand Kalra)

Episode 253: Ramona the Pest (with Kara Alloway)

CHECK OUT ALISON’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Boys in the Trees: A Memoir by Carly Simon

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

MORE READING:

“Fifteen” (The Paris Review, 2016)

“Book Review: Fifteen by Beverly Cleary (1956)” (Read-at-Home Mom, 2011)

“Review: Fifteen” (Booking Mama, 2010)

“Fifteen — Beverly Cleary” (Vicky and Polly, 2010)

“Fifteen” (Kirkus, 1956)

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Episode 264: Because I'm Worth It (Gossip Girl #4)

Because I’m Worth It (Gossip Girl #4)

Let’s get back to the Upper East Side, listeners! Episode 264 explores the fourth book in the bestselling Gossip Girl series, Because I’m Worth It. Alli and her guest consider the specific place that Gossip Girl occupies in their shared millennial pop culture history and talk through some especially disturbing parts of the book.

TW: eating disorders, weight, addiction, overdose

Jamie Lilac is the author of Bellegarde. Follow her on Instagram (@jamie_lilac).

LISTEN TO PREVIOUS GOSSIP GIRL EPISODES…

Episode 86: Gossip Girl #1 (with Alexandra Monir)

Episode 109: You Know You Love Me (Gossip Girl #2) (with Hannah Orenstein)

Episode 157: All I Want Is Everything (Gossip Girl #3) (with Table Flipping Pod)

CHECK OUT JAMIE’S BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT JAMIE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Paper Girls: The Complete Story by Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, and Matt Wilson

MORE READING:

“Because I’m Worth It” (Gossip Girl Wiki)

“Because I’m Worth It (Gossip Girl #4)” (YA Books Central)

“Book Review: Because I’m Worth It — Cecily Von Ziegesar” (Oh_CheezIt, 2014)

“Because I’m Worth It” (Publishers Weekly, 2003)

“Book Review: Because I’m Worth It by Cecily von Ziegesar” (Marion’s Blog, 2016)

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 263: First Test (Protector of the Small #1)

First Test

On Episode 263, Alli’s guest walks her through the first installment of one of her all-time favorite series: Tamora Pierce’s Protector of the Small. They discuss the ins and outs of First Test, as well as why the book has meant so much to the guest over the years. They also talk about toxic masculinity, the importance of quiet good deeds, protagonists who can work through their fears, and the significance of the First Test heroine’s choice to wear a dress during her knight training.

Huda Fahmy’s latest graphic novel Huda F Are You? joins Huda F Cares and That Can Be Arranged on shelves. Follow her on Instagram (@yesimhotinthis) and Twitter (@yesimhotinthis).

CHECK OUT OUR ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE EPISODE HERE!

CHECK OUT HUDA’S BOOKS:

Huda F Are You?

Huda F Cares

That Can Be Arranged

CHECK OUT HUDA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

Love from Mecca to Medina by S.K. Ali

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali

MORE READING:

“Book Review: First Test. Book One of the Protector of the Small Quartet by Tamora Pierce” (Steemit, 2017)

“First Test” (Tamora Pierce Wiki)

"First Test by Tamora Pierce” (Zezee with Books, 2022)

“Book Review: First Test by Tamora Pierce” (Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice, 2013)

Follow SSR on social media!

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Support SSR on Patreon!

**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 262: New Moon

New Moon

Five years after our first foray into the world of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, SSR finally returns to the Twilight universe. At long last, Alli and her guest take a look at 2006’s New Moon, the book that gave Team Jacob Twihards their moment in the spotlight. Tune in for conversations about mental health, toxic relationships, and more, along with a moment for the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate.

TW: eating disorders, suicide, suicidal ideation

Emma Noyes is the author of The Sunken City, The Fallen Witch, and the forthcoming Guy’s Girl. Follow her on Instagram (@emmanoyesmaybe).

CHECK OUT OUR TWILIGHT EPISODE HERE!

CHECK OUT EMMA’S BOOKS:

The Sunken City

The Fallen Witch

Guy’s Girl

CHECK OUT EMMA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

MORE READING:

“New Moon” (Twilight Wiki)

“Dissecting New Moon: An extensive analysis of the hit franchise” (North by Northwestern, 2020)

“New Moon” (Kirkus, 2006)

“New Moon” (Publishers Weekly, 2006)

“The Twilight Saga: Awful Red Flags on Both Team Edward and Team Jacob” (Movie Web, 2023)

“Team Edward Vs. Team Jacob: Which Is the RIGHT Choice in the Twilight Debate?” (CBR, 2023)

“Twilight and New Moon: sexual longing in a world of vampire abstinence” (The Christian Science Monitor, 2009)

Follow SSR on social media!

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Support SSR on Patreon!

**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 261: All-of-a-Kind Family

All-of-a-Kind Family

At long last, Episode 261 dives into the oft-requested All-of-a-Kind Family, the 1951 novel by Sydney Taylor that represented an important step for Jewish representation. Conversation topics range from model minorities and fatphobia to Jewish holidays and shocking romantic twists.

Taleen Voskuni is the author of Sorry, Bro. Follow her on Instagram (@taleenauthor) and Twitter (@taleenvoskuni).

CHECK OUT TALEEN’S BOOK:

Sorry, Bro

CHECK OUT TALEEN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

The First Date Prophecy by Kate Tamberelli and Danny Tamberelli

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

MORE READING:

“Jim Henson Company Developing Drama Series All-Of-A-Kind Family Based On Sydney Taylor Books” (Deadline, 2022)

“All-of-a-Kind Family” (Squeaky Clean Reviews)

“All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor | Book Review” (The Children’s Book Review)

“Top 100 Children’s Novels #55: All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor” (School Library Journal, 2012)

“All-Of-A-Kind Family: Where I Would Put Something Yiddish If I Thought You Goyishe Farshtinkiners Would Farshteyn” (Jezebel, 2007)

“All-of-a-Kind Family Is the Feel-Good Series Perfect for Winter Holidays” (Book Riot, 2021)

“Literary Eats: All-of-a-Kind Family” (Suanne Laqueur, 2016)

“How I Keep Calm: The All-of-a-Kind Family Books” (Hey Alma, 2020)

Follow SSR on social media!

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**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 260: It's Not the End of the World

It’s Not the End of the World

Let’s have a Judy Blume moment, shall we? Episode 260 takes a close look at the iconic author’s 1972 “divorce book,” It’s Not the End of the World. Alli and her guest discuss the ways in which our conversations with kids about divorce have changed… but also the ways they’ve stayed the same! They also talk about the emotional immaturity of the adults in the book, kid psychology, imperfect parents, and the importance of centering children’s feelings.

TW: markers for domestic abuse

Laura Taylor Namey is the New York Times and international bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, The Library of Lost Things, When We Were Them, and the forthcoming A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak. Follow her on Instagram (@laura_namey).

CHECK OUT LAURA’S BOOKS:

A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

The Library of Lost Things

When We Were Them

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak

CHECK OUT LAURA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Half-Orphan’s Handbook by Joan F. Smith

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith

The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom by Allison L. Bitz

MORE READING:

“It’s Not the End of the World” (Judy Blume on the Web)

“Book Review: It’s Not the End of the World by Judy Blume” (I’d So Rather Be Reading, 2013)

“It’s Not the End of the World” (Kirkus, 1972)

“It’s Not the End of the World by Judy Blume” (Lost Classics of Teen Lit, 2013)

Follow SSR on social media!

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Support SSR on Patreon!

**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 259: The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

Episode 259 centers around The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett! Originally published in 1911, this is one of the oldest books covered on the podcast yet, making it a unique case for discussion. Alli and her guest talk about the notion of “classics” as a whole, as well as colonialism, disability, manifestation, the supernatural, unlikable kid protagonists, and mind-over-matter approaches to health.

Genevieve Wheeler is the author of Adelaide. Follow her on Instagram (@geewheeler).

LISTEN TO OUR EPISODE ABOUT A LITTLE PRINCESS HERE!

CHECK OUT GENEVIEVE’S BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT GENEVIEVE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

MORE READING:

“REVIEW: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett” (Dear Author, 2020)

“The Secret Garden: A Lavishly Illustrated Children’s Edition” (Read-Aloud Dad, 2011)

“In the Garden: The Life of Frances Hodgson Burnett” (Shakespeare Theatre Company)

“Quarantine Reads: The Secret Garden” (The Paris Review, 2020)

“Solitude, sunshine and sanctuary in The Secret Garden” (The Guardian, 2020)

Follow SSR on social media!

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Support SSR on Patreon!

**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 258: Surprise Island (The Boxcar Children #2)

Surprise Island (The Boxcar Children #2)

For the first time in YEARS, SSR once again takes on Gertrude Chandler Warner’s beloved Boxcar Children series. Episode 258 is all about the second installment, Surprise Island… and the biggest surprise of all might just be that it’s a pretty quiet story! All aboard for the discussion about the general appeal of the Boxcar Children, gender roles, what makes a mystery, domestic fantasy, wish fulfillment, and more.

Andrea Bartz is an essayist, journalist, and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Lost Night, The Herd, We Were Never Here, and The Spare Room. Follow her on Instagram (@andibartz) and Twitter (@andibartz).

LISTEN TO OUR LAST BOXCAR CHILDREN EPISODE HERE!

LISTEN TO ANDREA’S OTHER SSR APPEARANCES:

Episode 43: The Egypt Game

Episode 160: Claudia and the Mystery at the Museum (BSC Mystery #11)

CHECK OUT ANDREA’S BOOKS:

The Lost Night

The Herd

We Were Never Here

The Spare Room

CHECK OUT ANDREA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins

The Legacies by Jessica Goodman

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

MORE READING:

“What the hell happened to the Boxcar Children’s parents?” (AV Club, 2015)

“The Boxcar Children and the Spirit of Capitalism” (The New Yorker, 2016)

“The Boxcar Children are getting a movie. Here’s how they became immortal crime fighters.” (Vox, 2016)

“Random House Acquires Boxcar Children Series” (Publishers Weekly, 2023)

“This New Twist on the Boxcar Children is the Best” (Vicki V Lucas)

“The Boxcar Children: Everything You Want to Know” (A Mothership Down, 2020)

“MG’s Children’s Books: Boxcar Children: Surprise Island: Gertrude Chandler Warner” (Valdosta Daily Times, 2021)

Follow SSR on social media!

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

Support SSR on Patreon!

**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**

Episode 257: Jessi and the Jewel Thieves (Baby-Sitters Club Mystery #8)

Jessi and the Jewel Thieves (Baby-Sitters Club Mystery #8)

Tune in for a special announcement in the episode intro!

Get ready to investigate, listeners, because we’re revisiting the Baby-Sitters Club Mystery spin-off series. Episode 257 is all about Jessi and the Jewel Thieves, in which BSC junior officer Jessi Ramsey takes a trip to the Big Apple, plans to break-up with her long-distance BF, and somehow manages to get involved in what she *thinks* is a brewing plot to steal some high-value gems. Alli and her guest begin with a big-picture conversation about the Baby-Sitters Club and then chat about the particulars of this installment in all its endearing chaos.

Danielle Jackson is the author of The Accidental Pinup and Accidentally in Love. Follow her on Twitter (@DJacksonBooks) and Instagram (@djacksonbooks).

CHECK OUT DANIELLE’S BOOKS:

The Accidental Pinup

Accidentally in Love

CHECK OUT DANIELLE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean

Knockout by Sarah MacLean

MORE READING:

“Jessi and the Jewel Thieves” (The Baby-Sitters Club Wiki)

“BSC Mystery #8: Jessi and the Jewel Thieves: Punk’d” (‘90s Flashback, 2010)

“Mystery 8 — Jessi and the Jewel Thieves: ‘Girls, Rum, Mangos, and Papayas’” (Stuck in Stoneybrook)

“Mystery #8: Jessi and the Jewel Thieves” (Live the Movies)

Follow SSR on social media!

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

Support SSR on Patreon!

**Please note that the Bookshop.org links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Please do not feel inclined to purchase unless you are excited to add these books to your TBR list!**