Author Archives: heatherkauffmanpeters

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

Episode 99: 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

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The Mamas have made their list and checked it twice to ensure you have the perfect book gifts for all the readers in your life, from ages 2 to 107. Now, snuggle up with your favorite pup, open your bookshop app, and start your holiday shopping.

Picture Books:

  • If Animals Went to Work by Ann Whitford Paul, art by David Walker
  • Finnegan Fox by Katie Gilstrap, art by Lori Nichols
  • Penguin’s Egg by Anna Kemp and Alice Courtley

Middle Grade Books:

  • The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
  • Not Nothing by Gayle Forman
  • Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer 

Young Adult Books:

  • Sunderworld Vol 1, The Extraordinary Disappointment of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs
  • The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
  • Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

Grown Up Books:

  • Sandwich by Catherine Newman  
  • Medea  by Elish Quinn
  • The Funeral Ladies of Ellery County by Claire Swinarski
  • We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
  • I Will Show You How It Was by Illia Ponomarenko
  • Zero Stars Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer
  • Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
  • The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
  • Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Thurton
  • Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan
  • Cackle by Rachel Hrarison

Episode 98: Love for Genre Faves

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The Mamas read new releases in their favorite genres for the 98th episode. Can you guess which genre each Mama picked? Yes, Heather was drawn to middle grade historical fiction, no surprise there. And, dark, dark Margie went for adult dystopian. After discussing how their reading interests have changed over the years, the Mamas gush over books that don’t disappoint even if they give them zero stars. It’s an enigma. 

Book Chat:

Middle Grade

The Bleckley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinken

Adult

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer 

Episode 97: Spook-tacular Middle Grade

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If you’d live in a town that celebrates Halloween everyday, then you’ll enjoy the latest book chat with the Mamas. They cover new Middle Grade books that will get you in the mood for spooky season with ghosts, haunted houses and towns named Samhain where kids only wear costumes. As always the Mamas have the perfect recs for gathering the family for a reading by the Jack-o’-lantern light, if you dare. 

Book Chat:

Middle Grade

The Creepening of Dogwood House by Eden Royce

A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga

A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig

Grown Up

A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Episode 96: Greek Monsters

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Witches, gorgons, and sea nymphs, oh my! The Mamas explore modern interpretations of ancient Greek myths in their 96th episode with books about Medea and Medusa. Are these characters the monsters we have always believed them to be? The Mamas say, “hard no,” but listen in and decide for yourselves.  

Book Chat:

Grown up book
Medea by Eilish Quin

Middle Grade books

Medusa from the Myths and Monsters series by Katherine Marsh

The Curse of Medusa, a Modern Graphic Greek Myth from Mythology Graphics

Episode 95: Fall Vibes

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Get a peek behind the scenes as the Mamas fall straight into conversation before starting the show, then gear up  for happy fall vibes from Heather and surly vibes from You-Know-Who. The book chat includes a cornucopia of books that are perfect for fall reading, from stories for kids about acorns, bears, and popcorn to one for grown-ups about lazy bones. The Mamas will get you ready for leaf peeping season.

Book Chat:

Picture Books (3-5 year olds)

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Shaefer with the art by Frann Preston-Gannon

Sometimes We Fall by Randall de Seve and art by Kate Gardiner 

Middle Grade Book (8-12 year olds)

Popcorn by Rob Harrell

Grown Up Book

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Book Shop by Emmeline Duncan

Episode 94: Back to School Books

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The Mamas kick off the new school year with books set in the hallowed halls of academia. From Mrs. Z’s third grade class to boarding school Misfits and lunar mages, the Mamas review books for all age groups, including grown ups. They also hold a short coffee klatch on a new genre, dark academia. FYI, these teaching Mamas would like an apple for their efforts, unless it’s poisoned.

Book Chat:

Chapter Book

The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class series (book #1) Emma McKenna, Full Out by Kate Messner

Middle Grade Book

The Misfits a Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee

Young Adult Books

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle

Grown Up Books

Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian

Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes

Episode 93: Summer Reading

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The Mamas are back from break and ready to gab about what they read over the summer. They review several middle grade books and grown-up books as part of their “What Did You Do Over the Summer” sharing – teachers, you get it. And, at this point the Two Lit Mamas podcast wouldn’t be complete without sporty talk for some reason, so The Mamas give their takes on the Summer Olympics, covering highlights like hot Turkish sharp-shooting dads. Skip to minute 11, if you’re over the sports. We are!  

Summer Reading:

Middle Grade Books

Tree. Table. Book. By Lois Lowry

Olivetti by Allie Milligan

Grown-Up Books

The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann and Amy Bojang

One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

Wait by Gabriella Burnham

The Pisces and Death Valley by Melissa Broder