Author Archives: heatherkauffmanpeters

Episode 54: Who Knew the End Times Could be Fun

Leave a reply

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 Nathan Hale


Pick 6: Our Fave Halloweeny Shows

  1. My Best Friend’s Exorcism
  2. Hocus Pocus 1 & 2
  3. Escape to Witch Mountain
  4. Halloween ‘78
  5. Sleepy Hollow 
  6. Tales from the Crypt 

Episode 54: Delightfully Dark Sci-Fi for Middle Grade

Leave a reply

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 Jessica Brody

Crafting the Personal Essay by Dinty Moore 

Telling Your Story with Joyce Maynard (podcast)

MasterClass.com/articles

Literaryterms.net

Episode 53: Historical Hayride

Leave a reply

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

Daring Darleen: Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos

Pies from Nowhere by Dee Romito

Marika Marches for Equality by Salima Alikhan and Andrea Rossetto

Escape from East Berlin by Andy Marino

Escape from Chernobyl by Andy Marino

Episode 52: Back to School with Middle Graders

Leave a reply

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 to kid robots everywhere. 

Book Chat: 
The School For Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Pick 6:
The Mamas share their favorite tropes in Middle Grade fiction.

Episode 51: End of Summer Fun

Leave a reply

In episode 51, the Mamas cling to the last days of summer as tightly as they would to 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 Children by Natalie Lloyd

Pick 6: The Mamas answer 3 questions about summer. How would you answer?

  1. What was the best thing you ate?
  2. What was the best thing you watched?
  3. What was the best thing you read?

Episode 50: Summer Stories for Budding Environmentalists

Leave a reply

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 Griffith
The Line Tender by Kate Allen 

Pick 6: Screen Time Parents Can Feel Good About
www.savethemanatee.org 
www.nps.gov
https://www.epa.gov/students/games-quizzes-and-videos-about-environment
https://ypte.org.uk/topics/home-learning-packs
https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/marine-biology

Episode 49: Adventure on the High Seas

Leave a reply

The Mamas dive into the big blue sea with Middle Grade (ages 8-12) seafaring fiction in this episode. Margie chases down her white whale while Heather dives for train treasure. Grab your snorkel and join the fun! We’re in vacay mode on the Two Lit Mamas podcast. 

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 Delight Mystery Series by Mehmet Murat Somer
  4. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill 
  5. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
  6. Grown & Flown by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington

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

Leave a reply

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:

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

Pick 6: 
Books That Turned Us into Readers

  1. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
  2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tokein
  3. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 
  5. Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman
  6. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
  7. The Island of the Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore

Episode 47: Diverse Realistic Fic for Middle Grade

Leave a reply

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 they’re looking forward to this summer! 

Episode 46: Diverse Fantasy Books for Middle Grade

Leave a reply

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 6: Summer Reads for All Ages

Margie’s Picks:

  1. Lower Middle Grade: The Orphans of St. Halibuts by Sophie Wills
  2. Teen/YA: Just Our Luck by Julia Watson
  3. Grown Ups: A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers

Heather’s Picks:

  1. Preschool: Roar! I’m a Dinosaur by Merrill Rainey
  2. Middle Grade: Northwind by Gary Paulsen
  3. Grown Ups: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman