Book Club for Kids

Students from Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC talk about "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. The conversation covers everything from death to Nazis to books. Actress Melanie MacQueen (Robotech) is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Markus Zusak interview is courtesy of the Australian bookstore Booktopia.  Spoiler Alert: plot points are discussed in this episode. FAVORITE BOOKS FROM STUART-HOBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL: The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Kelly Barnhill Dork Diaries - Rachel Renee Russell Harry Potter Prisoner of  Azkaban - J.K. Rowling MARCUS ZUSAK'S FAVORITE BOOKS: What's Eating Gilbert Grape - Peter Hedges Wonder Boys - Michael Chabon The Odyssey - Homer, translated by Emily Wilson MELANIE MACQUEEN'S FAVORITE BOOK: Winnie the Pooh - A.A. Milne

This week, host Kitty Felde asks future scientists what they are reading. Here's some suggestions: Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas Books of Bayern - Shnnon Hale Five Worlds - Mark Siegel The Hardy Boys - Franklin W. Dixon Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo Percy Jackson 5: The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes - Rick Riordan Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

Last week, we talked about “Refugee,” Alan Gratz’ tale of kids fleeing violence and political oppression around the world. It’s a tough read. I had to put it down a few times. But how difficult is it to write a book about a tough subject? We asked Alan Gratz.

  What would it be like to leave everything you know, everything you own, everyone you love to escape war, persecution, or poverty? In “Refugee,” Alan Gratz imagines how three young people struggle to survive as they excape to freedom. Students from Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Amy Solano is celebrity reader. SPOILER ALERT: plot points are discussed in this episode.   FAVORITE BOOKS FROM WASHINGTON LATIN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Long Haul - Jeff Kinney The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas Twilight - Stephenie Meyer Alan Gratz’ Favorite Book: As Brave as You - Jason Reynolds Amy Solano’s Favorite Book: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

We brought our giant microphone to the 2025 City of Stem/LA Maker Faire in Los Angeles on Saturday, asking kids our favorite question: what's your favorite book? Here are just some of the titles: The Maze Runner series - James Dashner Twins - Rain Telgemeier My Weird School - Dan Gutman Ellray Jakes - Sally Warner Magic Treehouse - Mary Pope Osborne Dog Man - Dav Pilkey The Canyon's Edge - Dusti Bowling The Baby-Sitters Club - Ann M. Martin Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling Fazbear Fights - Scott Cawthon   

We continue our series highlighting episodes that feature books that have been banned or challenged. This week, it’s Walter Dean Myers’ tale of a kid on trial for murder “Monster.”   In 2021, parents in Signal Mountain Middle/High School in Tennessee complained about mature language and sexual content in some 7th grade reading club selections. In response, a teacher told parents she was removing “Monster” from the reading list.  Myers reacted to the book ban by saying,”I think that most often the people wanting to censor books are well-meaning and concerned about the welfare of their children. But I suggest that children will be exposed to the world in spite of their efforts, and that exposure is best handled in a school setting. I write to establish the humanity of the children I identify as my major audience. I’m not trying to push any boundaries.”  Give a listen as a group of readers from Washington,DC discuss the book and make up your own mind.

Last week, we took a trip to Hawaii to discuss “Lei and the Fire Goddess.” This week, we talk to author Malia Maunakea about using Google maps as a writer, the difference between writing fiction and non-fiction, ADHD, even tax write-offs! Kitty Felde is host.

This week, we talk about myths – whether it’s on Capitol Hill or Hawaii. Our book is “Lei and the Fire Goddess” by Malia Maunakea. Our readers are members of the Page Turners Book Club at East City Bookshop in Washington, DC. Our celebrity reader is playwright Kiki Rivera. Kitty Felde is host. The kids mention Keeper of the Lost Cities  I mention a book with the DC myth about the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza Favorite Books from the Page Turners Book Club at East City Bookshop: Hooky - Miriam Bonastre Tur Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling Mac B. Kid Spy - Matt Barnett  A Thousand Ships - Natalie Haynes Who Was... Sisters - Raina Telgemeier Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney Dragon Masters - Tracey West   Malia Maunakea's Favorite Book: The Far Side - Gary Larson

This week we talk to some older readers at the Culver City book Festival about their favorite books. Once again, fantasy seems to be the fan favorite. Give a listen. Favorite Books from Older Readers at the Culver City Book Fest Once and Future - Cory McCarthy & A. R. Capetta Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling Big Nate - Lincoln Peirce Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

Jewell Parker Rhodes, winner of the American Book Award, talks about the difficulty of writing "Ghost Boys" and about her own reading journey with host Kitty Felde. bookclubforkids.org