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 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
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
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
Grown Up Books
The Mamas’ Favorite Authors:
Middle Grade Authors
Grown Up Book Authors
It’s Sci-fi week and the Mamas are going where no Mamas have gone before. After a deep dive into our AI overlords, the Mamas share some great dystopian, post-apocalyptic, Frankenstein-ish, cozy mysteries. And, that’s all in one book! Once again, the Mamas cover all ages with alien picture books, post-apocalyptic middle grade (ages 8-12) and dystopian grown up recommendations. Don’t worry, Margie talks about sports for only a few minutes. Feel free to fast forward.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Picture Books
Dalmartian by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Grown Up
The Mamas stroll down memory lane with historical fiction set in the 90s. Once they get past the uncomfortable fact that their young adulthood is considered vintage–plaid skirts and flannel shirts included, the Mamas gleefully dig into a variety of books for Middle Graders (ages 8-12), Young Adults (ages 13-18) and Grown Ups that are grounded in analog times and hit on Asian American dreams, Kosovo tragedies and… southern vampires? Oh, Margie, must you always put your own spin on a theme?
Book Chat:
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks (MG)
Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan (Grown Up)
Show Links:
Middle Grade Book data 2024: www.samsubity.com
The total eclipse (of the sun not the heart) inspired the Mamas to explore gilded worlds and travel through time (and party like it’s 1999) with new Middle Grade fantasy books for ages 8-12. As you may have suspected, the Mamas were once just two farm girls waiting to be picked from obscurity for a special quest like all the best main characters of their favorite fantasies, towel capes and all.
Book Chat:
In episode 86, the Mamas party like it’s 1999 with their favorite genre, mysteries. Heather brings you a new Middle Grade mystery and rebel Mama, Margie, shares one of her favorite newer grown up series. The Mamas also explore the mystery of the Middle Grade slump and follow up the book chat with a list of new Middle Grade books with boy main characters that will hopefully put an end to Margie’s whining.
Book Chat:
The World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson (MG)
Suburban Dicks and Self-Made Widow by Fabian Nicieza (Grown Up)
Pick 6: New MG books with boy MCs
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
Walkin’ the Dog by Chris Lynch
Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz
Show Links:
Post on fromthemixedupfiles.com
Happy Middle Grade March! The Mamas are in their element, celebrating new Middle Grade book releases that cover a roller coaster of categories from Emily Post’s etiquette tips and environmental activism to Dungeons & Dragons style quests and cryptid monsters from other dimensions. Margie follows up the MG book chat with six grown up March releases you won’t want to miss.
Book Chat: MG New Releases
Emily Posts by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
The Doomsday Archives – the Wandering Hour by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
Pick 6: Grown Up New Releases
In episode 84, the Mamas go full fangirl swooning over beloved spymaster James Ponti, author of the bestselling City Spies series and Crime Fighters series for middle grade (ages 8-12). The Mamas fell for Ponti back in 2020 with the first City Spies book and were eager to reinvestigate the series with the newest release while also snooping into Ponti’s previous series. Grab your grappling hooks, brush up on your Russian, and synchronize your watches, because the Mamas are taking you into the world of espionage.
Book Chat: James Ponti
City Spies: Mission Manhattan
Crime Fighting Series: Framed, Vanished, and Trapped