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The Big Kids Book Club Podcast

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This month we trial a new format as I'm joined alongside Rab (@rabtales) and Emma (@emmakeane10) as we talk about what makes a Summer Read as well as talk about some of the books we've been reading recently and looking forward to reading.
Books discussed in this episode:
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Dry by Jarrod and Neal Schusterman
Malamander by Thomas Taylor
The Pearl in the Ice by Cathryn Constable
Breathless by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton (Part of the Rebel of the Sands Trilogy)
So put your feet up, throw on some shades and pour yourself a cocktail as we dive into the Summer reading vibes.
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Our next Big Club Book Club will return in September.
On this month's show, we look at the big books coming out in May, have a review of Everless by Sara Holland and come up with some fun D&D adventurers from some of our favourite YA protagonists.
It's back, it's fun and ready to chase away the coronavirus blues.
Favourite YA Tropes
In this podcast, I reveal some of the top releases in YA books this week in the publishing world as well as review Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.
I'll also be looking at YA tropes with my top 5 favourite ever in YA literature, TV and film.
Find me on instagram: @theYAguypodcast
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Cat Doyle, joins us back on the show to talk about her newest book - Pirates of Darksea
I chatted with Cat about creating her own fantastical world, emotions in books, and not underestimating young readers.
Cat was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, C. G. Moore, turns up to talk about his newest Young Adult book - Trigger
I chatted with Chris about being writing in verse, the need to talk to young people about difficult subjects, as well as conversations about inspiration and the writing journey.
Chris was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us again.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Rhian Tracey, joins us on the show to talk about her newest book - Hide and Seek.
I chatted with Rhian about historical settings and finding stories never told before.
Rhian was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Liz Flanagan, returns to the show to talk about her newest book - The Pirate's Dragon and the relaunch of her Legends of the Sky series with UCLan Publishing.
I chatted with Liz about swapping publishers during a series, the writing of dragons in different ways, and how a good villain makes all the difference.
Liz was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
Check out Liz's first episode with us about her book Wildsmith, on Episode 185
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Sam Sedgman, turns up to talk about his newest Middle Grade book - The Clockwork Conspiracy
I chatted with Sam about being using facts as foundations for narrative, plotting books with five act structures, and weaving in nerdiness into books.
Sam was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us again.
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Sufiya Ahmed, returns to talk about her newest Middle Grade book - Time Travellers: Adventure Calling
I chatted with Sufiya about being crafting a time travel book, the secrets of Parliament, and the difference between Suffragettes and Suffragists.
Sufiya was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us again.
If you are interested in listening to our first episode with Sufiya, then check out Episode 158.
Hey, hey, hey!
We're back for 2024! Hope you've missed us.
After a difficult and very busy 2023, Emma and I are back with a bang.
In this episode I'll be sharing our plans for the future and the year, along with 2 Middle Grade book reviews.
This week, we're looking at - Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, and A Darkness of Dragons.
Hope you enjoy!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Triona Campbell, joins us to talk about her debut Young Adult novel, A Game of Life or Death.
I chatted with Triona about being a debut writer, the gamification of the narrative, and incorporating previous knowledge into writing.
Triona was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of A Game of Life or Death head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #ShackleComp and tell us what game you'd win if your life was on the line!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 1st March
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Ian Eagleton, joins us to talk about her debut Middle-grade novel, Glitter Boy.
I chatted with Ian about writing picture books, the challenges of writing as a new parent, and promoting LGBTQ+ history and community in his books.
Ian was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Glitter Boy head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Glittercomp and tell us your favourite music artist.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 24th February
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Colm Field, joins us to talk about her debut Middle-grade novel, Kyan Green and the Infinity Racers
I chatted with Colm about writing neurodivergent characters in books, the wonder of Edinburgh, and having books turned into TV and the reality behind it.
Colm was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful he was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Kyan Green head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #RacerComp and tell us your cool race driver knickname.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 22nd February
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Elle McNicoll, joins us to talk about her newest Middle-grade novel, Like a Curse.
I chatted with Elle about writing neurodivergent characters in books, the wonder of Edinburgh, and having books turned into TV and the reality behind it.
Elle was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Like a Curse head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #CurseComp and tell us your favorite mythic animal.
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 17th February
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Naomi Gibson joins us to talk about her newest YA novel, Game Over Girl.
I chatted with Naomi about writing STEM in YA characters, creating book ideas from writing workshops, and also getting to travel thanks to her book's success.
Naomi was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Game Over Girl head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #GameOverComp and tell us your favorite Video game
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 15th February
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Amy Sparkes joins us to talk about her newest Middle-Grade novel, The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond.
I chatted with Amy about starting out as picture books, then moving onto chapter and middlegrade books, about meeting characters while re-writing her ideas, and exploring writing a series one book at a time.
Amy was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Beyondcomp and tell us what everyday object you wish could be magic!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 10th February
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Liz Flanagan joins us to talk about her newest Middle-Grade series: Wildsmith.
I chatted with Liz about her writing for different age ranges, blending animal conservation into fantasy, and how baby dragons are like kittens.
Liz was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Wildsmith head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #Wildsmithcomp and tell us what endangered animal you'd like to save!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 3rd February
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Cynthia Murphy joins us to talk about her latest YA Thriller, The Midnight Game.
I chatted to Cynthia about her career as an author, keeping track of plot twists and breadcrumbs, and adding supernatural elements to her books.
Cynthia was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
***COMPETITION***
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Midnight Game head over to Twitter and follow @BigKidsBookClub.
Send us a tweet using the hashtag #MidnightComp and tell us your greatest fear!
(UK residents only)
The competition closes at midnight on 27th January
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Jennifer Claessen, joins us to talk about her Debut Middle-Grade novel, The October Witches.
Emma chatted with Jennifer about gender-bending the Merlin legend, coming up with witchy worlds, and the joys of bringing a debut novel to life.
Jennifer was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.
Hey hey hey!
Welcome back to this week’s Author Interview.
In this episode, Carlie Sorosiak, joins us to talk about her latest Middle-Grade novel, Always Clementine.
I chatted with Carlie about animal influences in her writing, getting in the mind of our beloved animal companions, and writing a novel in letter form.
Carlie was a great guest to have on the show and we are very grateful she was able to join us on the show.