The Growing Readers Podcast
The Children’s Book Review is a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy. In the Growing Readers Podcast, we produce author and illustrator interviews focused on the best books for kids of all ages to help you grow readers.
“Not every book is for every child, but for every child there is a book.”
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Upcoming Guests Include
Ask these Book Creators a Question and You Could Be on The Growing Readers Podcast: Leave a Message or Write-In
Ask a question of one of the upcoming book creators. You can ask them about their books, their process, or their inspirations. Or just leave a complement! Your message could end up on a future episode of this podcast!
Ona Gritz, Author of August or Forever
Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts. Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan she’s sure will get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.The Dawn Society brings young readers together through our virtual kids’ book clubs, creating connection and community through awesome stories.Kathleen Burkinshaw, Author of The Last Cherry Blossom
Yuriko was happy growing up in Hiroshima when it was just her and Papa. But her aunt Kimiko and her cousin Genji are living with them now, and the family is only getting bigger with talk of a double marriage! And while things are changing at home, the world beyond their doors is even more unpredictable. World War II is coming to an end, and since the Japanese newspapers don’t report lost battles, the Japanese people are not entirely certain of where Japan stands. Yuriko is used to the sirens and the air-raid drills, but things start to feel more real when the neighbors who have left to fight stop coming home. When the bombs hit Hiroshima, it’s through Yuriko’s twelve-year-old eyes that we witness the devastation and horror.This is a story that offers young readers insight into how children lived during the war, while also introducing them to Japanese culture. Based on author Kathleen Burkinshaw’s mother’s firsthand experience surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, The Last Cherry Blossom hopes to warn readers of the immense damage nuclear war can bring, while reminding them that the “enemy” in any war is often not so different from ourselves.
The Dawn Society: Virtual book clubs for kids
The Dawn Society brings young readers together through our virtual kids’ book clubs, creating connection and community through awesome stories.Dan Santat, Author of A First Time for Everything
A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat’s awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.
Dan’s always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn’t stop him from being bullied and feeling like he’s invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe.
At first, he’s right. He’s stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn’t know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him―first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers… and first love.
Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat’s awkward middle school years. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us, but also life-changing as well.
Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson, Creators of Twenty Questions
Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson tap deep into childhood curiosity with a mind-tickling ode to the open-ended. Andy Griffiths, Author of The 13-Story Treehouse
Andy and Terry live in a treehouse. But it’s not just any old treehouse, it’s the most amazing treehouse in the world!This treehouse has thirteen stories, a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a secret underground laboratory, and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you are hungry.
Life would be perfect for Andy and Terry if it wasn’t for the fact that they have to write their next book, which is almost impossible because there are just so many distractions, including thirteen flying cats, giant bananas, mermaids, a sea monsters pretending to be mermaids, enormous gorillas, and dangerous burp gas-bubblegum bubbles!
Join the fun with The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton. This title has Common Core connections.
The Growing Readers Podcast
In this episode, it’s a trifecta of guests! Caldecott Honor Book winners Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal, and bestselling author Julie Fogliano.
In this episode, cast and crew members talk about Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical.
Author Antwan Eady talks about his stunning and uplifting picture book, Nigel and the Moon—this year’s selection for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record.
An all-time favorite author, Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, talks about her latest stunning novel, Odder, the story of an intrepid sea otter.
In this episode, super talented and award-winning picture book creator Molly Idle talks about her new and poignant story Witch Hazel.
Two incredible award-winning guests, author Trudy Ludwig and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi, about their picture book Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope.
Sisters Cara Mentzel and Tony-award-winner Idina Menzel talk about their debut picture book Loud Mouse: How a Little Mouse Found Her Big Voice.
In this episode, I talk with the incredible Dr. Ibram X. Kendi about his nonfiction book for caregivers, How to Raise an Antiracist.
In this episode, I talk with the super fun and fan-favorite children’s book author, Josh Funk, about his picture book My Pet Feet.
Dan Gemeinhart, author of the acclaimed novel The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, discusses his newest middle grade novel, The Midnight Children.