Author Archives: heatherkauffmanpeters

Episode 109: Graphic Novels 4 Kids

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The Mamas are once again surprised by the awesomeness of graphic novels, geeking out over middle grade (ages 8-12) and YA (ages 13-17) books that are so engaging they can’t stop gushing about them. If you’re looking for great fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, informational text, and memoir graphic novels that make perfect gifts or additions to the classroom, the Mamas have several to add to your lists.   

Book Chat:

The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

K is in trouble by Gary Clement

Visitations by Corey Egbert

Coven by Soman Chainani and Joel Gennari

Episode 108: Happy Poetry Month

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The Mamas celebrate National Poetry Month on the 108th episode. They aren’t happy about it but they do it, that’s now much they love literature and their listeners. Join the Mamas as they offer questionable reviews of middle grade (ages 8-12) books in verse. At the end, Heather embarrasses herself by geeking out over a picture book. Feel free to make fun of her, Margie certainly does. 

Book Chat:

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis

And Then, Boom by Lisa Fipps

Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees by Michelle Schaub and illustrator Anne Lambelet

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Episode 107: YA, YA, YA, for Y.A.

Y.A. all day with the Two Lit Mamas! In this episode, they’ve got four new books for teens and young adults, including a novella, an historical fiction novel, and two mysteries. But first, the Mamas reminisce about YA in the 80s, sharing books they thought were gnarly and grody. Be there or be square. 

Book Chat:     

Errant Roots (novella) by Sondra Taylor

Truth, Lies and the Questions in Between by L.M. Elliott

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch by Codie Crowley 

Links:

10 Cult Books that Defined Teen Girlhood in the ‘80s by Heather Pierce

10 Cult Books That Defined Teen Girlhood in the ’80s

Episode 106: Margie March

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For Margie March, the Mamas feed their inner witchy women with fictional books for grown ups centered around witches, cozy horror, and retired assassins, inspired by real women’s stories – a tribute to Women’s History Month.   

Book Chat:

The Book of Witching by CJ Cooke

In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn 

Episode 105: Celebrate Middle Grade

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In this episode, the Mamas are in their happy place with a celebration of Middle Grade books. Middle Grade March has become a staple on the Two Lit Mamas podcast and the Mamas bring it once again with Middle Grade books (ages 8-12) set in other countries and ones that explore difficult times in our history as well as ones that honor our beloved National Parks. They even have a Middle Grade book for middle aged ladies! The 80s vibes are undeniable.

Book Chat:

Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi 

We Built this City by Cat PatrickA Brush with Magic by Flora Ahn 

National Park Mystery Series by Aaron Johnson (book 2) 

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook for Kids by David Borgenicht and Justin Heimberg

Kid Musicians True Tales of Childhood from Entertainers, Songwriters, and Stars by Robin Stevenson, illustrations by Allison Steinfeld

Book Update:

The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie

City Spies, London Calling by James Ponti

Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Episode 104: Black Authors Rising

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The Mamas have consulted their star charts and found black authors rising! In celebration of black history month, Margie and Heather fangirl over three rollicking Middle Grade adventure books (for ages 8-12), one historical fiction and two fantasy novels that highlight the black experience while entertaining readers of all ages. Then Margie sets the Handmaids Tale aside to make room for another dystopian story that hits a little too close to home, The Parable of the Sower by the queen of sci-fi, Octavia Butler.

Book Chat:

Kwame Crushes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Episode 103: Escape into Books!

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The Mamas are encouraging everyone to show themselves some love this Valentine’s Day by escaping into books. Heather offers up two middle grade (ages 8-12) mystery books, one silly and one scary. While Margie highlights three grown up books for weirdos (her words) that examine motherhood from the bog to the grave and beyond. 

Book Chat :

Death! By Narhwal! By Alex T. Smith (Middle Grade)

It’s Watching by Lindsay Currie (Middle Grade)

The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister (Grown Up Book)

The Forbidden Territory of a Terrifying Woman by Molly Lynch (Grown Up Book)

My Murder by Katie Williams (Grown Up Book)

Episode 102: Book Ban Prep

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In episode 102 of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, Heather reluctantly agrees to discuss book bans, again. Fortunately, Margie shares a grown up book that leaves both Mamas feeling hopeful. Book ban talk with a positive spin? No, the Mamas haven’t thrown in their lot with busy-body banners. Tune in to hear their sunshine-and-rainbow rants. Fingers crossed you’ll feel hopeful too. 

Book Chat:
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

Middle Grade:
Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King  
Ban this Book by Alan Gratz

Episode 101: Sci-FI/Fantasy Short Stories

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The Mamas are back and easing listeners into the new year with short stories – just ignore the dystopian, sci-fi, murdery AI if you can. Don’t worry, the Mamas promise they won’t go too dark in 2025 (wink-wink). So, kick back and catch up with your two favorite Lit Mamas.  


Margie’s & Heather’s Book Gifts:

  • The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book, Real Recipes for Joke Burgers
  • The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
  • Tasting History by Max Miller
  • Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Death Comes at Christmas edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane


Short Stories:

  • The Wretched and the Beautiful by E. Lily Yu
  • Valedictorian by N.K. Jemisin
  • Examination Day by Henry Slesar
  • The Atrocious Fairytale by Daniel Errico


Other references:

  • The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov
  • A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury
  • There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury

Episode 100: Celebrate Good Times

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The Mamas hit their 100th podcast episode! They are in full celebration mode, sharing their favorite memories from the past four years, including special episodes, favorite books and authors, and the many laughs. Listen in to hear what the Mamas are most grateful for during this season of Thanksgiving—spoiler alert, it’s naked pilgrims.  

Book Chat: 

The Mamas’ Favorite Books:

Middle Grade (ages 8-12) Books

  • We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey
  • Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
  • Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
  • Starfish by Lisa Fipps
  • Christmas Dinner of Souls by Ross Montgomery
  • Poisoned Water by Candy J Cooper and Mark Aronson (MG version & Adult version)
  • Forgotten City by Michael Ford 
  • 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
  • The Creativity Project edited by Colby Sharp
  • The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkein
  • The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Root Magic Eden Royce
  • The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Icefall by Matthew Kirby
  • Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout
  • International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies
  • Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim
  • A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
  • Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum
  • Not Nothing by Gayle Forman
  • Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos (YA)

Grown Up Books

  • Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman
  • Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
  • Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
  • Zero Stars Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer

The Mamas’ Favorite Authors:

Middle Grade Authors

  • Margaret Peterson Haddix
  • James Ponti
  • Stacy McAnulty
  • Lynne Kelly
  • Lindsay Currie
  • Rajani LaRocca
  • Robin Stevens

Grown Up Book Authors

  • TJ Klune
  • Margaret Atwood
  • Christopher Moore
  • David Sedaris
  • Richard Osman
  • Jesse Q. Sutanto
  • Rachel Harrison
  • Alice Hoffman