Tag Archives: Middle Grade books

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

Episode 91: Love for Libraries

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The Mamas are headed to the library to kick off summer right with books set in their favorite public space. After fangirling over cherished library memories, the Mamas chat about Middle Grade books (for ages 8-12) where, in one school library, fictional villains jump out of books and, in another school library, books are banned until a secret library is created by kid heroes. Then Heather shares new picture books that will get little ones excited for summer library programs. And, of course, Margie has a grown up book set in a small town library where a serial killer is hiding out. It’s always murder with her (insert eye roll – wait, maybe don’t roll your eyes at Margie, might not be safe).

If you’re a fan of libraries and librarians, check out this episode!
(pun intended)

Book Chat:

Picture Books

Middle Grade Books

Grown Up Book

Episode 90: Dreaming of Summer

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School is almost out and the Mamas are dreaming of summer vacation. In the 90th episode, the Mamas hit the virtual beach with books set on Martha’s Vineyard, Greece, and a Texas summer camp. They chat about sportsball, endangered birds, boarding school brats and, of course, mysteries. The Mamas offer summer reads for any and all book lovers, from Middle Grade (ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 9-18) to grown ups. Get your sunnies and join the Mamas on the patio for a summer book chat.

Book Chat:

The Fury is Alex Michaelides

Liar’s Beach by Katie Cotugno

The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly

Episode 89: Back to the 90s

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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)

Throwback by Maurene Goo (YA)

Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan (Grown Up)


Show Links:

Middle Grade Book data 2024: www.samsubity.com

www.twolitmamas.com

Episode 87: New MG Fantasy

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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:

No Ordinary Thing by G.Z. Schmidt

Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca

Episode 86: March Mysteries

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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  

Olivetti by Allie Millington

Race to the Truth series

Show Links:

Post on fromthemixedupfiles.com

The Middle Grade Slump

Episode 85: Middle Grade March

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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

  1. Finlay Donavan Rolls the Dice by  Elle Cosimano
  2. American Spirits by Russell Banks
  3. The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski
  4. How to Solve Your Own Murder by Krisitn Perrin
  5. Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women  by Victoria Smith
  6. The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

Episode 84: Spies & Heists

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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 

Episode 77: Ghost Stories for Spooky Season

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It’s the Mamas’ favorite time of the year when they happily scare themselves silly with ghost stories that are not only bone-chilling but also life affirming. The Mamas start the book chat by chanting Bloody Mary’s name three times in the dark so watch out – she might be coming for you with a hearty Clamato drink garnished with chicken wings. You’re welcome. After the Mamas gush over middle grade ghosts, they dig into a sweet grown up ghost story with even more bone-chilling life affirmations. Drink it down, just don’t spew it as your head slowly rotates 180 degrees. Happy Halloween!

Middle Grade Book Chat:

The Clackity and The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf

The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies

Grown Up Book Chat:

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune