Best Ya Lit Podcasts (2026)

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Ep 18 The Art of YA Narrative Nonfiction with Deborah Heiligman 54:04

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8d ago54:04

54:04

Join host Kirsten W. Larson for a deep-dive craft conversation with award-winning nonfiction author Deborah Heiligman—known for Vincent and Theo, Charles and Emma, Torpedoed, and her newest YA biography, Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America, A Love Story. In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, Deborah breaks down her entire narrat…

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Ep. 17 Traveling for Research with Sandhya Acharya 32:55

1M ago32:55

32:55

How do you write an authentic story rooted in a real place and culture? In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson talks with Sandhya Acharya, author of Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi. Discover how Sandhya turned her immersive travel research in Meghalaya, …

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Ep. 16 - Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in Kid Lit 55:28

2M ago55:28

55:28

🎙️ Episode 16: Writing Across Genres and Age Categories in KidLit How do successful children’s authors move seamlessly between board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, and even books for adults—without losing their voice or audience? Host Kirsten W. Larson sits down with award-winning authors Marzieh Abbas (A Dupatta Is…, Yasmeen La…

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15 Fostering a Love of ALL Kinds of Nonfiction with Melissa Stewart 47:29

3M ago47:29

47:29

In this episode of the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart. They discuss Stewart's five kinds of nonfiction classification system, its impact on writers, educators, and publishers, and the importance of expository nonfiction. Stewart shares insights on fin…

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The Cat’s Out of the Bag: This Is Our Last Episode 1:03:50

3M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Kelly and Erica look back on 8 years of Hey YA, highlighting their favorite (and messy!) YA moments, their most memorable episodes, and some YA books they think deserve more attention. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a c…

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14.5 A Peek Inside Elementary Science Classrooms with Emily Starr 36:26

3M ago36:26

36:26

Welcome to the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Kirsten Larson sits down with Emily Starr, founder of Starrmatica, to explore the craft and business of writing true stories for kids—especially in STEM and science education. Discover how to inspire curiosity in young learners, the latest trends in elementary scie…

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Colombo Had the Right Idea: Interviews with Author Mariko Tamaki, Illustrator Nicole Goux and Author Hannah V. Sawyerr 1:13:10

4M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

In the first half of this two-part episode, Erica goes back in time to the late '80s with Mariko Tamaki's and Nicole Goux's sapphic murder mystery This Place Kills Me. Next, Kelly Jensen speaks to Hannah V. Sawyerr about her novel-in-verse Truth Is. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommend…

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14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison 38:16

4M ago38:16

38:16

Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books. What You'll Learn: When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing How to dev…

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That Was Extremely Libra of You: September's Best New YA Releases 55:22

4M ago55:22

55:22

Kelly and Erica highlight the best of September's new YA books, including some feminist nonfiction, thrilling mysteries, goth-y fun, and more. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a cozy, bookish autumn? Let Tailored Book Rec…

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13.5 Accountability & Community with Marcie Colleen 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

Want to finally finish your writing projects? Discover the accountability system that's helped two children's authors publish dozens of books! In this episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten Larson sits down with fellow children's author Marcie Colleen to reveal their secret weapon: an 8-year accountability partnership that s…

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All Thrills, No Chill: New YA Books for Spooky Season, Plus an Interview With Author Candace Fleming 58:04

5M ago58:04

58:04

Erica highlights some new YA genre-bending thrillers and Kelly talks with YA author Candace Fleming about her latest book, Death in the Jungle, as well as cults and YA nonfiction. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready for a cozy, …

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S13 Ep118: Who Pissed In The Dating Pool 1:02:44

5M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

In this episode of the Nothinpodcasts DjEfsclusive explores the concept of "Piss in the dating pool" and offers what she considers cleaning products and life guards that can assist in keeping the dating pool clean. She also discusses the idea of considering a different dating pool if the one you're swimming in is too crowded. Overall, the key to a …

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Anywhere There's a Court, There's Mess: New YA Books For August 53:46

5M ago53:46

53:46

Kelly and Erica discuss the latest media they've been consuming and the YA books coming out in August that they're most excited about. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Book Riot is hiring a digital content specialist! If you love b…

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13. The Nonfiction/Fiction Divide with Colleen Paeff 29:40

6M ago29:40

29:40

🎧 Nonfiction vs. Informational Fiction: Where Do You Draw the Line? | Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Join host Kirsten Larson and Sibert Honor author Colleen Paeff as they explore one of children's literature's most debated topics: the distinction between nonfiction and informational fiction. When should authors stick strictly to documented …

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Interview with Frederick Joseph (THIS THING OF OURS), Plus Queer YA Graphic Novels 1:01:01

5M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Erica talks queer YA graphic novels you should read and Kelly speaks with author and activist Frederick Joseph. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! T…

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Tiny Dragons & Giant Cats 58:23

6M ago58:23

58:23

Danika joins Kelly this week to talk about exciting new YA books that hit shelves in June and July, as well as to talk the best YA books of 2025 so far. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailore…

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Connecting with Educators Through Conferences with Patricia Newman 47:10

6M ago47:10

47:10

🎙️Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations | Ep. 12: Connecting with Educators Through Conferences with Patricia Newman Want to build relationships with the educators who share your books with kids? In this episode, Kirsten chats with Sibert Honoree and environmentalist Patricia Newman, author of Sharks Unhooked, illustrated by Becca Hall (Millbrook P…

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History and Politics in YA Fiction with L.M. Elliott 51:57

7M ago51:57

51:57

Kelly talks with YA author L.M. Elliott about historical fiction, Watergate, and contemporary politics for teens. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help!…

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"We Are Each Others' Safes": A Conversation with Jason Reynolds [Rerun] 1:00:57

7M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

We're revisiting a fantastic interview from earlier this year! Kelly talks with YA author and children’s literature champion Jason Reynolds about his career, writing the inner lives of teen boys, his favorite middle grade and YA books, and more. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendatio…

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Radical Revision with Michelle Cusolito 37:50

7M ago37:50

37:50

Revision Magic & the Art of Critique: Tips from Michelle Cusolito | Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations 🎧 Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations is the podcast for children's authors who want to deepen their craft, hosted by Kirsten W. Larson, award-winning nonfiction picture book author and leading educator in children's nonfiction writing. In ea…

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An Interview with WE WERE LIARS author E. Lockhart & Reflections on NIMONA at 10 1:05:19

7M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

It's a YA blast-from-the-past meets popular-still-for-a-reason this week. Kelly talks with E. Lockhart about the We Were Liars adaptation, and Erica talks with Rioter Danika Ellis about the 10th anniversary of Nimona. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s U…

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New YA Books by AAPI Authors and an Interview With Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia, Authors of ON AGAIN, AWKWARD AGAIN 1:06:55

8M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

Erica goes over a nice mix of new YA books by AAPI authors, while Kelly has a great convo with Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia, authors of the new rom-com On Again, Awkward Again. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Ready to level…

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A Few New Books and Revisiting a Great Past Episode 1:14:14

8M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Erica shares a few new books to start the month off with. Then, we revisit a great past episode where Kelly and Erica discuss the first book of the super-popular 1980s/1990s series Sweet Valley High. We also find out who is more of a Jessica/Elizabeth. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recomm…

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Ep. 10: Ensuring Cultural Authenticity with Carrie Tillotson and Mariana Llanos 26:30

9M ago26:30

26:30

Join host Kirsten Larson as she takes you behind the scenes of the delightful picture book Alpacas Here, Alpacas There with author Carrie Tillotson and authenticity reader Mariana Llanos. In this insightful episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Podcast, discover the crucial role of cultural authenticity in children's nonfiction and t…

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SUNRISE ON THE REAPING by Suzanne Collins 2:00:58

9M ago2:00:58

2:00:58

We did it, y'all! We made it to the end(?) of our Hunger Games deep dive with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING by Suzanne Collins (until the movie release, of course) and the gang is all here! How does one even summarize this book/episode? It was so much more traumatic than I think any of us were expecting, but what a journey. We talk major lore, complex cha…

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An Interview With Huda Fahmy, Plus Cute YA Books to Read as It Gets Warmer 1:15:47

9M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Erica gets into some cutesy/cozy YA books, and Kelly speaks to Huda Fahmy about her fictionalized memoir series. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Trust your reading list to the experts at Tailored Book Recommendations! The professi…

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Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Episode 9: Reaching New Audiences with Barrington Irving and Chana Stiefel 31:57

9M ago31:57

31:57

Let's Fly: How Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Journey Became a Children's Book | Children's Nonfiction Craft Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews Chana Stiefel and Captain Barrington Irving about their picture book "Let's Fly: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the World." Discover the craft behind adapting Barringt…

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The Threat of an Exorcism: April's Best YA New Releases 1:01:48

9M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Kelly and Erica discuss their most anticipated YA books coming out in April. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Trust your reading list to the experts at Tailored Book Recommendations! The professional book nerds (aka bibliologists) …

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Ep. 8: School Visits with Ann Koffsky 41:53

9M ago41:53

41:53

School Visits for Children's Authors: Expert Tips with Ann Koffsky | Nonfiction Kidlit Podcast In this episode of the Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations podcast, host Kirsten Larson interviews Ann Koffsky, author and illustrator of more than 50 children's books, about how to create successful school visits and venue events. Ann shares her expert…

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"Nothing Is Original" An Interview with Ava Reid — Plus New YA Graphic Novels to Read This Year 1:02:43

10M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Erica gets into some new YA graphic novels that she's excited about, and Kelly interviews YA author Ava Reid about her latest release, the art of homage, and being a life-long Hunger Games fan. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A ne…

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MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins 1:51:03

10M ago1:51:03

1:51:03

We're back for our final episode covering the original THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy with Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, as well as the 2014 and 2015 films directed by Francis Lawrence! What a journey! What a time! We talk about the bleak realities of war, trauma and PTSD, the continuing failures of humanity, love triangles (just to mix it up), and more…

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That Cover Goes B-A-N-A-N-A-S: YA Books Out in March to TBR 1:02:55

10M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Kelly and Erica share their picks for the best YA books coming out in March and get into a little adaptation news and horror. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! Trust your reading list to the experts at Tailored Book Recommendations!…

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Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Episode 7: Writing Unique POVs with Kamalani Hurley 35:20

10M ago35:20

35:20

In this episode of Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations, host Kirsten W. Larson interviews debut author Kamilani Hurley about her Junior Library Guild selection "Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People." Learn valuable insights about: Kamalani's Journey to Children's Writing Crafting Unique Perspectives Developing Emotional Arcs Ba…

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Book Club Discussion: Sweet Valley High #1, Double Love 1:10:13

11M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Kelly and Erica discuss the first book of the super-popular 1980s/1990s series Sweet Valley High. We also find out who is more of a Jessica/Elizabeth. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! J…

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CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins 1:49:09

11M ago1:49:09

1:49:09

The whole crew is back, and we are continuing our THG deep-dive with CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, as well as the 2013 film directed by Francis Lawrence! We talk Victor trauma, budding rebellions, new characters (brb proposing marriage to both Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason) and so much more! REMINDER: We are in full spoiler mode for this seri…

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"Books Connect You to a Common Experience": An Interview with Gayle Forman 47:11

11M ago47:11

47:11

Kelly talks with New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman about her new book, about the afterlife, and about the growth and evolution of YA as a category. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year means a new Read Harder Ch…

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Let’s Talk About Demons: February's Best YA Book Releases 55:30

11M ago55:30

55:30

Kelly and Erica talk about the YA books out in February they're most excited about...and maybe a demon or two. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tas…

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Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Ep 6 with Beth Anderson -- Pacing 38:34

11M ago38:34

38:34

🔍 How to Write Page-Turning Nonfiction Picture Books | Writing Craft Tips with Beth Anderson Master the art of writing gripping nonfiction picture books in this craft-focused interview with award-winning children's author Beth Anderson. Discover the behind-the-scenes process of her latest book "Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and The Race to Save…

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Revenge All the Way Down: The Best YA Books Out in January 1:03:42

12M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Kelly and Erica discuss a mega list of the best YA books of 2024, the romance bookstore boom of the last few years, and our current book club pick. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! Join…

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THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins 1:52:41

12M ago1:52:41

1:52:41

We are once again joined by some friends of the pod to continue our coverage of The Hunger Games series with THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, as well as the 2012 film directed by Gary Ross! We talk Panem politics, love triangles, series implications, and so much more! Don't forget we're going full spoiler mode for this series, so if you haven't…

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"We Are Each Others' Safes": A Conversation with Jason Reynolds 1:00:51

12M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Kelly talks with YA author and children's literature champion Jason Reynolds about his career, writing the inner lives of teen boys, his favorite middle grade and YA books, and more. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year mean…

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"I'm Optimistic Because It Saved My Life" [rerun] 1:22:09

12M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

This week we're sharing a rerun of a favorite episode from last year in which Erica speaks with Madeline Berberian-Hutchinson about being a 16-year-old NYS and NYC Youth Poet Laureate Finalist and co-founder of a literary arts magazine, and Kelly talks with author Veronica Chambers about Ida In Love and Trouble, Black historical YA, and more. Subsc…

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Hey YA Extra Credit: Start the Year Off With These YA Fantasy Graphic Novels and Comics 16:04

1y ago16:04

16:04

Erica gets into some new YA fantasy graphic novels, comics, and manga she's excited to read in the new year. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks…

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Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations Ep. 5 with Katherine Roy 39:56

1y ago39:56

39:56

🎨 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katherine Roy, the acclaimed creator of "Making More" and "Sea Without a Shore" with Barb Rosenstock! In this episode, Kirsten Larson interviews Katherine about her fascinating journey from RISD graduate to award-winning nonfiction author and illustrator. Discover how a stint as a deckhand sparked Kather…

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I Like a Little Depression Now and Then: Our Favorite YA Books of 2024 1:00:25

1y ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Kelly and Erica discuss their year in YA reading, looking back at their favorite books and themes that emerged. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of e…

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Hey YA Extra Credit: 2025 YA Anthologies 15:46

1y ago15:46

15:46

This week on Hey YA, Kelly talks about five upcoming 2025 YA anthologies you'll want on your TBR. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And…

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THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES by Suzanne Collins 1:53:11

1y ago1:53:11

1:53:11

We hope you've missed us, because we are BACK for a new series and this time we are finally covering one of the most culturally significant YA series of all time: THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins - with some special returning guests! This series will take place over the next few months (release schedule TBD) and each episode will focus on one bo…

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Ep 4 Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations with Stephanie Gibeault on Nonfiction Proposals 29:24

1y ago29:24

29:24

What does it take to craft a compelling children's nonfiction book proposal? Today I talk to Stephanie Gibeault, author of MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES, to learn more about book proposals. Show notes: Classes and resources mentioned: • Jane Friedman’s book proposal post (which also includes a proposal template): https://janefriedman.com/start-here-ho…

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NF Kidlit Convos Ep 4: Nonfiction Book Proposals with Stephanie Gibeault 29:25

1y ago29:25

29:25

What does it take to craft a compelling children's nonfiction book proposal? Today I talk to Stephanie Gibeault, author of MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES, to learn more about book proposals. Show notes:Classes and resources mentioned: Jane Friedman’s book proposal post (which also includes a proposal template): https://janefriedman.com/start-here-how-t…

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Thar Be Monsters: Some of December's Best YA Releases 54:02

1y ago54:02

54:02

Kelly and Erica discuss some of the YA books out in December that they're the most excited for. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! At Tailored Book Recommendations, we’ve recommended over 150,000 books to readers of every type. And w…