The Mamas are manifesting summer with two new Middle Grade books that will inspire parents and teachers during break. Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or a science geek or both, the Mamas have adventure stories that will keep your kiddos entertained.
Book Chat:
Wilderness Hacks by Joslin Brorsen
Found Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek
The Mamas are bringing the mayhem with ghosts, goddesses and general goofiness in newish Middle Grade and YA books. The Mamas may be in their crone era but they can still vibe with the best.
Book Chat:
X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie. (ages 8-12)
Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno (ages 13 & up)
The Mamas discuss Middle Grade books set in hauntingly realistic dystopian worlds, but don’t worry, the kids are okay. In fact, they work together to save themselves and expose the bad guys, a powerful lesson for us all.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland, translated by Rosie Hedger
Away by Megan Freeman, a companion to Alone
The Mamas have hearts in their eyes for lovable monsters this week. Bigfoot, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Medusa receive much needed empathy and rollicking adventures in the Mama’s middle grade and young adult reads. Ditch your pitchforks, folks, and listen in.
Book Chat:
Stitch by Padraig Kenny (MG)
The Mighty by Judd Winick (MG Graphic Novel)
I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (YA/Adult)
The Mamas are a little cranky but they pull it together to bring you one fantastic Middle Grade series, one middle of the road cozy murder mystery, and one skip-it fantasy series in honor of Middle Grade March. They were slightly disappointed with some of their picks but you won’t be disappointed with the delivery. As usual, the episode is a rollicking coffee talk with your besties.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
Last Resort, the Claiming by Jasmine Warga
Liar’s Society series by Alyson Gerber
Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Sounders
For Margie March, the Mamas planned to read weird books in Margie’s honor, but they failed the assignment. Instead, the Mamas discuss two beautiful Young Adult books so gorgeous you’ll want the hardcovers, and one slightly weird grown up book that wouldn’t scare your grandmother.
Book Chat:
The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker, YA book in notes
Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff, Grown-up cozy horror
The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin, YA fantasy romance
The Mamas crossed the pond to bring listeners 2 rollicking middle grade (ages 8-12) adventure books by British authors. As a bonus, Margie shares a grown-up book with similar vibes for the adventurous parent, teacher or writer.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade Books
Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho
The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle
Grown Up Book
Slayers of Old by Jim C. Hines
The Mamas show love for their craft by reading informational books on the art of writing. They share the best tips and advice that worked for them, like how to start with action and how to keep the joy going during the long writing and editing process. If you’ve ever considered putting your heart on paper, this episode is for you.
Book Chat:
The Magic Words, Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl B. Klein
The Happy Writer by Marissa Meyer
Dystopian books may seem like a tough read at the moment but, as the Mamas point out, the good guys always win in MG and YA fiction, offering a nice break from reality. So if you need a moment of self-care and inspiration, join the Mamas as they chat about Dystopian books for resisters.
MG & YA Book Chat:
The Legend of the Secret Library by Frank L. Cole (for 8-12 years)
Outside by Jennifer Holm (for 8-12 years)
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman (for 12-18 years)
The mamas rang in the new year by–shocker–reading new books. They distracted themselves from boring mom tasks and ignored their families to binge some winners. Even Margie loved the books she read, kicking off 2026 with sunshine vibes, something we all needed.
Book Chat:
Grown up book
The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller
Middle grade books
Blood in the Water by Tiffany B. Jackson
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
Other books referenced:
The Change by Kirsten Miller
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
The 2LMCorrespondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman (MG)