Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable.

In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategies to connect students with poems in meaningful, approachable ways. Whether it’s tapping into their emotions, using pop culture references, or finding those perfect “aha!” moments, Lesa has a wealth of tips to help you transform poetry from intimidating to inspiring.

Tune in and let these tips show you how poetry can help to create joyful readers.

Resources Mentioned:

Rudy Francisco - My Honest Poem - https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/my-honest-poem

Button Poetry - https://buttonpoetry.com/

Louder Than a Bomb - http://www.louderthanabombfilm.com/

Academy of American Poets - http://www.poets.org

Poetry Magazine Collection - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/issue/1639193/january-february-2025

Warsan Shire - Bless the Daughter Raised By a Voice in Her Head - https://amzn.to/42pcJ6o

Walter Dean Myers - Here in Harlem - https://amzn.to/4gXAbMi

Amanda Gorman - Call Us What We Carry - https://amzn.to/40F6FVX

Zeta Elliott - Say Her Name - https://amzn.to/3DXKql5 

Rupi Carr - Home Body - https://amzn.to/4hmey8g , Milk & Honey - https://amzn.to/3WqzByg

Elizabeth Acevedo - Beast Girl and Other Origin Myths - https://amzn.to/4aIyY9z

Poetry is Not a Luxury - https://www.instagram.com/poetryisnotaluxury

Morgan Harper Nichols - https://morganharpernichols.com/

Teach Living Poets - https://teachlivingpoets.com/

Connect with today's guest:

Lesa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithteaches9to12

Lesa's Free E-Book: https://smithteaches9to12.com/poetry-e-book/

Lesa's TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/smithteaches9to12

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

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Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in your classroom.

Highlights:

• Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels
• Verse Novel Activities
• Best YA Verse Novels

Resources Mentioned:

If you’re loving these ideas but don’t have time to plan all the details, I’ve got you covered. I have a ready-to-go resource:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Novels-in-Verse-Choice-Activities-Resource-7846837

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

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Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you're reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite YA audiobooks that will have you—and your students—hitting play again and again.

Highlights:

• Why Audiobooks Count
• Ways to Use Audiobooks in the Classroom
• Some of My Favorite YA Audiobooks

Resources Mentioned:

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: https://amzn.to/3BVp3R3

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks: https://amzn.to/4aek2j6

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson: https://amzn.to/4ac0ADH

Sadie by Courtney Summers: https://amzn.to/3PvLr6D

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley: https://amzn.to/4hahDYW

Ghost by Jason Reynolds: https://amzn.to/4jsBzZd

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

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https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

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https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection.

If you’ve ever wondered how graphic novels can support literacy and empower students, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

Amanda’s Curated List of Graphic Novels:  45 Graphic Novels for Teens and Tweens from Librarian Amanda Hunt - https://www.samanthainsecondary.com/2025/01/13/45-graphic-novels-for-teens-and-tweens-from-librarian-amanda-hunt/

Connect with today's guest:

Follow her across social media @thenextgenlibrarian

Amanda’s Website: http://www.thenextgenlibrarian.com

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

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Today, I’m joined by storyteller extraordinaire Kaycee Racer—a Young Adult author, devoted reader, and retro media podcaster. Kaycee is the author of two heartfelt contemporary YA novels that capture the ups and downs of growing up with authenticity and heart. Influenced by childhood favorites like Sweet Valley High, The Baby-Sitter’s Club, and Ramona Quimby, Kaycee's love for stories only grew stronger with the sweet friendships and romances of Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot.

In addition to her writing, Kaycee co-hosts Nostalgic Nightcaps, a podcast where she revisits and dissects the pop culture classics that shaped her youth, creating fun and meaningful conversations with listeners.

In this episode, we’re diving into romance tropes—why we love them, the ones that make our hearts race, and how they’ve evolved in both YA and beyond. Whether you’re here for the slow burns, love triangles, or second-chance stories, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get into it.

Connect with today's guest:

Visit Kaycee’s website - www.retrospect-publishing.com

Follow Kaycee on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kayceeracer

Middle of Nowhere by Kaycee Racer - https://amzn.to/4iYYmLM

Everything is Alright by Kaycee Racer - https://amzn.to/4fIAHwc

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

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--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

I’m so glad you’re here for Creating Joyful Readers, your go-to show for tips, strategies, and inspiration on nurturing avid readers in secondary schools. I’m your host, Samantha, and today we’re exploring the secrets of what makes a great YA romance.

I’m so excited to be joined by Kristy Boyce, the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. Kristy’s stories capture the highs and lows of young love with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. 

When she’s not crafting swoon-worthy stories, Kristy is a senior lecturer in psychology at The Ohio State University, where she brings her expertise on human behavior into her writing. Today, we’re chatting about her books, her journey as an author, and her tips for creating YA romances that readers just can’t put down.

Settle in and join me as we explore what makes YA romance so captivating with Kristy Boyce



Resources Mentioned:

Kristy’s Website - https://www.kristyboyceauthor.com/

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce - https://amzn.to/4a22VRm

Dragons and Dating by Kristy Boyce - https://amzn.to/404QQGs

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

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--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Whether you’re a fan of epic love stories or just looking for creative ways to bring romance into your classroom, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing some engaging strategies to teach YA romance, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect for your classroom library or next unit plan.

So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make YA romance an unforgettable reading experience for your students.

Highlights:

• Romance Novels + Character Study = Match Made in Heaven
• Finding the Right Books
• Project - Multi-Genre Character Collection
• YA Romance in Popular Media
• Try a Full Literature Circle

Resources Mentioned:

Romance Unit:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Romance-Genre-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-10524239?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Romance%20Unit

Character Mini-Lesson:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Analysis-Mini-Lesson-for-Characterization-Character-Graphic-Organizer-6286846?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Character%20Mini-Lesson

Multi-Genre Character Collection: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Analysis-Project-Multi-Genre-Character-Collection-10508848?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Multi-Genre%20Character%20Collection

Book Speed Dating:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Speed-Dating-Independent-Reading-Activity-5231105?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Book%20Speed%20Dating

Book Talks:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Talks-Instructions-and-Templates-9076397?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Book%20Talks

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord - https://amzn.to/3PjnSOj

Dungeons & Drama by Kristy Boyce - https://amzn.to/3ZZT4ai

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter - https://amzn.to/4j327Qj

Frankly in Love by David Yoon - https://amzn.to/4h14PnD

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - https://amzn.to/420FwO9

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today, we’re diving deep into this beloved genre that has captured the hearts of readers young and old.

In this episode, we’ll:

• Define what makes a YA romance truly shine
• Explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages
• Take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time
• Look at the trends dominating YA romance today
• And we’ll break down the subgenres that offer something for everyone—from swoony contemporary tales to love stories with a touch of fantasy.

Resources Mentioned:

Hello Stranger - Katherine Center: https://amzn.to/400NFQ2

Romance Lit Circle Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Romance-Genre-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-10524239?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2024%20-%20Romance%20Literature%20Circles%20Bundle

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Don't miss this conversation with literacy expert Natalie Wexler.

Connect with our guest:

https://nataliewexler.com/

The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it https://amzn.to/3BBt4cZ

The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades https://amzn.to/3ZJzXRF

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Enjoy this conversation about contemporary YA writing with author Isaac Blum.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.isaacblumauthor.com/

The Judgment of Yoyo Gold - https://amzn.to/3ZEH1yQ

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen - https://amzn.to/3ZDnNcR

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love: