The Mamas get dark, emotional, and angst-y with a collection of short stories for Young Adults (ages 14-18) that they may be too old to fully understand but fully enjoyed anyway. Join the Mamas as they discuss the significance of collections, the struggles facing modern teens, and the power of weirdos.Book Chat:The Collectors, edited by A.S. King (winner of 2024 Printz Medal Award)Other books the Mamas are currently reading:The Funeral Ladies of Elerie County by Claire Swinarski (for grown-ups)Lightlark by Alex Aster (young adult)www.twolitmamas.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:No Ordinary Thing by G.Z. SchmidtSona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRoccaShow Links:www.twolitmamas.com
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 MCsThe First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly Walkin’ the Dog by Chris LynchMax in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz Olivetti by Allie MillingtonRace to the Truth seriesShow Links:Middle Grade Slump post on fromthemixedupfiles.comhttps://fromthemixedupfiles.com/the-middle-grade-slump/www.twolitmamas.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 ReleasesEmily Posts by Tanya Lloyd KyiThe Doomsday Archives - the Wandering Hour by Zack Loran Clark and Nick EliopulosPick 6: Grown Up New ReleasesFinlay Donavan Rolls the Dice by Elle CosimanoAmerican Spirits by Russell BanksThe Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire SwinarskiHow to Solve Your Own Murder by Krisitn PerrinHags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women by Victoria SmithThe Underground Library by Jennifer Ryanwww.twolitmamas.com
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 wanted to catch up with the series, chatting about the newest release while also checking out Ponti’s backlist. Grab your grappling hooks, brush up on your Russian, and synchronize your watches, because the Mamas are going spying. Book Chat: James PontiCity Spies: Mission ManhattanCrime Fighting Series: Framed, Vanished, and Trapped www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas have burned their little mom fingers to bring you the hottest new books for 2024. From grown up books in the book chat to picture books in the Pick 6, the Mamas are sharing the latest books that grabbed them in a world with so many books and too little time. What do you think of their tastes? Too weird? According to Margie, that’s what the Mamas are here for! Heather can’t disagree. Book Chat: New Releases for Grown UpsThe Fetishist by Katherine MinThe Heiress by Rachel HawkinsPick 6: New Picture BooksTreehouse Town by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charlie MylieNot a Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez illustrated by Laura Gonzalez100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by by David LaRochelle illustrated by Lian ChoToday is For You by Sally Lloyd-Jones illustrated by Kevin W’aldronHabitats: a Journey with Nature by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Izobel Lundie Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris Show links:Nowhere Bookshopwww.twolitmamas.com
In this episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, the Mamas get graphic but Tipper Gore can chill – no warning label required for this bundle of sweet, fun, and entertaining Middle Grade (ages 8-12)and Young Adult (ages 13 and up) novels in comic form! That’s right, the mamas are chatting about graphic novels and *spoiler alert* they are loving them. Book Chat:The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya MunizInked by Dominic Bustamante, Colored by Eleonora BruniEVE by Victor LaValleIllustrated by Jo Mi-Gyeong, Colored by Brittany PeerBreak by Kayla MillerDoom’s Day Camp by Joshua HaukeAnimal Rescue Friends by Meika Hashimoto and Gina LovelessIllustrated by Genevieve Kote, Breakdowns by Axelle LeniorWorld Class byJay Sandlin Illustrated by Patrick Mulholland, Colored by Rebecca NaltyGhosts by Raina Telgemeier www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas want to help you through the dark days of winter with recommendations for the grown up books they plowed through over the holidays. Don't worry, they'll be back with kid book recs next time around, but for episode 81, all you parents, teachers, and writers out there, prepare to get your read on. Happy New Year! Here's to hoping 2024 isn't a hot mess. Book Chat:See What I Have Done by Sarah SchmidtMargie's Winter Break Reads:They Never Learn by Layne FargoThe House in the Pines by Ana ReyesThe Forgotten Girls by Monica PottsHeather's Winter Break Reads:Last Devil to Die by Richard OsmanDivine Rivals & Ruthless Vows by Rebecca RossGalatea by Madeline Millerwww.twolitmams.com
The Mamas get festive for the last episode of 2023 with a holiday-themed short story collection for 8–12-year-olds filled with murder, mystery, and mayhem. If you enjoy a holiday haunted house, listen in as the Mama’s say good-bye to 2023 with a book chat about creepy funhouses, famous cat burglars, and conspiracies meant to silence the most benevolent among us. Happy Holidays! Book Chat:The Very Merry Murder Club edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevenswww.twolitmamas.com
Stuff your mouth with turkey while the Mama’s share their opinions on funny, sexy, and murdery Grown Up books that made the top of their lists in 2023. Heather went for fantasies filled with dragons and angry gods, while Margie nabbed myths, space murders and, of course, zombies. You can’t go wrong when a nerd and an outcast team up – that’s when the Two Lit Mamas are at their finest. Happy Thanksgiving! And, don’t forget to hit your local bookstores on Small Business Saturday or you’ll end up on the Mamas’ naughty list.The Mamas’ Top Just-for-Fun ReadsHeather’s Faves:Circe by Madeline Miller An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene TurstenThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu MandannaMargie’s Faves:Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna RaybournThe Push by Ashley AudrainLocal Woman Missing by Mary KubicaHoliday Gift Guide Grown Up & YA Recs:Heather’s Picks:The Invisible Hour by Alice HoffmanThe Wishing Game by Meg ShafferThe Last Devil to Die by Richard OsmanAccountable by Dashka SlaterDivine Rivals by Rebecca RossFourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca YarrosMargie’s Picks:Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVosInto The Light by Mark OshiroThe Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie Daughters of Sparta and The Shadow of Perseus by Claire HeywoodStarter Villain by John ScaliziThe Midsolar Murders by Mur Laffertywww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas have once again donned their pointy hats and elf ears for another Holiday Gift Guide Extravaganza-ganza-ganza! As a special treat, they've also included an highlight reel for 2023. Get out your pen or open an app so you can make your list. Don't forget to check it 500 times. Happy Shopping!2023 Highlight ReelHeather's 2023 Faves: Area 51 Files by Julie BuxbaumGnome is Where Your Heart is by Casey LyallA Rover’s Story by Jasmine WargaFalling out of time by Margaret Peterson HaddixPurple Carrot by Rebecca MullinMargie's 2023 Faves: Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten White, Wretched WaterparkHoller of the Fireflies by David Barclay MoorePie in the Sky Remy LaiDust and Grim by Chuck Wendig Super Puzzletastic Mysteries - edited by Chris GrabensteinOur Series Faves with New Books in 2023City Spies, James Ponti, latest release City of the Dead (book 4)Show me a sign series - Ann Clare LeZotte, Sail Me Away HomeAmari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston, Amari and the Great Game2023 Holiday Gift Guide Margie's List:Wrecker by Carl HiaasenAlex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-WalkerEnlighten Me by Minh Lê (Author), Chan Chau (Illustrator)The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. SchmidtField of Screams by Wendy Parris Heather’s ListDog Town by Katherine ApplegateWow in the Wow series by Guz Raz and Mindy ThomasThe Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamilloGrace and Box by Kim HowardThe Golden Glow by Benjamin FlouwHot Dog by Doug Salatibookopolis.comtwolitmamas.com
Episode 77: Ghost Stories for Spooky SeasonIt’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 SenfThe International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline DaviesGrown Up Book Chat:Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klunewww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas want to help get your Middle Schoolers off screens with game-themed novels for 8-12 year olds! Join the book chat as the Mamas share two new fantasy/sci-fi novels that will appeal to gamers: one book is set in a haunted woods and includes three sixth-graders who play a game to save the town, and the other book is set in a floating fun park that is taken over by androids and only the owners’ son and friends realize it. Both books are sure to satisfy your little gamers as much as they did the Mamas. And, if you know a few adults who struggle with putting down the gaming controls, the Mamas have a grown-up, gaming-themed book that will give their screen-weary eyes a break too. Now, get out of that gaming chair, take your dog for a walk, and bring the Mamas along.Middle Grade Book Chat:The Bellwoods Game by Celia KrampienFutureland: Battle for the Park by H.D. HunterGrown Up Book Chat:Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevinwww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas shine in their diamond episode, geeking out over their favorite genre, mysteries. First, the Mamas fangirl about TV cozies, then they chat it up with two new mystery novels for kiddos, ages 8-12: one that Margie recommends for the classroom and one that Heather recommends for family car trips. At the end of the 75th episode, the Mamas discuss a new grown up murder mystery that honors three generations of strong women. Put on your sleuthing caps! Middle Grade Book Chat:Linked by Gordan KormanNo One Leaves the Castle by Christopher HealyGrown Up Book Chat:Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simonwww.twolitmamas.com
It’s a magical moment indeed when Margie realizes a book can have too many fart jokes. Heather didn’t even use her witch wand to open Margie’s eyes. Shocking! In the latest episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast, the Mamas sprinkle fairy dust on their Middle Grade book chat to spin stories filled with the magic of Gullah conjurers and Norse gods; stories that have the Mamas wishing for broomstick guardians and talking alligators. The Mamas then compel you to listen until the end when they share their latest grown-up book pick, a very twisty turny non-magical mystery that will make you laugh and yell, “girlllllll, don’t do it!” Middle Grade Book Chat:Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell Conjure Island by Eden RoyceGrown Up Book Chat:Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimanowww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas boldly and happily leave Earth for an hour to stowaway with space pirates and explore mars with a sentient rover in the 73rd episode of the Two Lit Mamas Podcast. If your Middle Schoolers would rather blast into space than go back to school, then listen in for books that will help them escape. A special bonus for midlife Earthlings includes The Mamas first official grown up book chat about aging GenXers, there's nothing more punk than that. Grab your moon boots, you’ll need them. Middle Grade Book Chat:A Rover’s Story by Jasmine WargaStowaway by John David AndersonGrown Up Book Chat:Excuse Me While I Disappear by Laurie Notaro www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are back from summer hiatus and fangirling hard for MPH’s newest book Falling Out of Time, a companion piece to Running Out of Time (for kids aged 8-12). They have a lot to say about the two Middle Grade novels but not until they get caught up after a month off. Hear how the Mamas got kicked out of puppy school and went on wildly inappropriate back-to-school shopping sprees. Stick around to the end, the Mama’s are mixing things up and hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Book Chat:Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson HaddixNone of this Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive by www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas revisit their favorite topic, food! Gather the kid foodies in your life and share these fun summer reads for ages 8-12 that focus on diversity, overcoming adversity, friendship, family and most importantly delicious foods. The Mamas will wet your appetite for fiction, fusion food and cake! If you can stave off hunger, hang on to the end of the episode for recommendations from the Mamas for six new books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in honor of PRIDE month. Book Chat:Pie in the Sky by Remy LaiThe Takeout by Tracy BaduaPick 6: LGBTQIA+ Books for Middle GradeEllie Engle Save Herself by Leah JohnsonToo Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff The Insiders by Mark OshiroRing of Solomon by Aden PolydorosGlitter Boy by Ian EagletonThe Song of Us by Kate Fussnerwww.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas go in search of fairies, gnomes, and magical folk in Middle Grade novels (for 7-12 year olds) to kick off summer! Well, let's be honest, Heather went in search of them and Margie stomped along begrudgingly but that didn't keep them from bringing you two winners along with a fun round of 2 Book and a Fake. Can you spot the fake?Book Chat:Dust and Grim by Chuck WendigGnome is Where Your Heart Is by Casey LyallShow Links:Thirteenth Circle by MarcyKate Conolley and Catherine HolmesLast Summer in Outer Space by Joshua LevyI Have a Bad Feeling by Jeff StrandThe Video Game Stole My Sister by Justin Stonewww.twolitmamas.com
In this episode, the Mamas ditch Middle Grade books (although their humor remains squarely in Middle School - don’t worry) for Young Adult reads to provide the sweet, stinky teens in your life with recs for fun summer fiction and the perfect high school graduation gift. Then, the Mamas share new Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult recs to add to your TBR pile in preparation for beach or pond-side reading. Enjoy! Book Chat:Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly DeVossFirst-Year Orientation, short story collection edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric SmithPick 6: Six Books the Mamas Want to Read this SummerBea and the New Deal Horse by L.M. Elliot (MG)Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas (MG)Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley (YA)Fat Girl on a Plane by Kelly DeVoss (YA)The Pisces by Melissa Broder (Adult)Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Adult)Show Links:Mobile Bookstore: www.blackworldschoolers.comwww.twolitmamas.com