Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone

Highlights:

• Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer
• Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle
• Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements
• Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments
• Show That Independent Reading Matters

Resources Mentioned:

Genre Based Literature Circles - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Genre-Based-Units-for-Literature-Circles-Book-Clubs-Independent-Reading-12714838?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2035%20-%20Genre-Based%20Literature%20Circles%20Bundle

100 YA Books to Add to Your Classroom Library Freebie - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ebd6642fb8a970026998fa5

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:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy.

Tune in to hear five practical and budget-friendly ways to stock your shelves, along with some of my own favorite strategies that helped me create a diverse and engaging collection of books—without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to help you build a literary haven for your students.

Highlights:

• Make Secondhand Stores Your Best Friend
• Shop Online for Hidden Deals
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Donations
• Library Sales Are a Hidden Treasure
• Apply for Book Grants

Resources Mentioned:

100 YA Books to Add to Your Classroom Library Freebie - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ebd6642fb8a970026998fa5

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:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy.

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy and contemporary novels, including A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. Her books have a way of pulling in teens and adults alike.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about Brigid’s own journey to becoming a joyful reader and what makes the speculative fiction genre so fascinating for audiences of all ages. Plus, she’ll share insights into her own writing process and teasers about upcoming projects.

So, whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or just a fan of incredible YA, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 

Resources Mentioned:

Defy the Night - https://amzn.to/41JupZt

A Curse So Dark and Lonely - https://amzn.to/3QMtNMA

Letters to the Lost - https://amzn.to/3QMtPUI

Connect with today's guest:

Website - www.brigidkemmerer.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/brigidkemmerer

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:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy.

What if time travel were possible? What if magic and science collided? What if we lived in a world where artificial intelligence developed emotions—or where humanity had to fight for survival in a distant galaxy? These "what if" questions are the foundation of speculative fiction, a genre that invites readers to imagine worlds beyond our own.

Highlights:

• What is speculative fiction?
• Why This Genre Might Appeal to Teens
• Speculative Fiction History
• Subgenres
• My Favorites

Resources Mentioned:

Speculative Fiction Bundle - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Speculative-Fiction-Bundle-Dystopia-Science-Fiction-and-Fantasy-Mini-Units-12714513?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2032%20-%20Speculative%20Fiction%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:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy.

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.

--> 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

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.

--> 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

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.

--> 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

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:

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

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:

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:

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:

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: