FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

In this episode of Kids' ReadRadio, Jordanne makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2026–2027 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read!

The books are:

1. Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak

2. The Case of the Pilfered Pin by Michael Hutchinson

3. Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke

4. The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage by David Robertson

5. Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell

6. The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee

The Reading Link Challenge competition is a partnership between local schools and public libraries that promotes a lifelong love of reading for children in Grades 4 and 5. In this award-winning program, students work in teams to read books and answer questions in a quiz-show format, earning points and advancing through four levels of friendly competition.

www.readinglinkchallenge.ca

In today’s podcast, Larissa discusses Claire North’s book Ithaca — a retelling of the famous Odyssey story with the focus on Penelope, Queen of Ithaca. This is book one of the Songs of Penelope series.

“Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door. No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus’s empty throne — not yet. But as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war . . .”

Find this title in the FVRL collection:

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1871451

In today’s podcast, Larissa reviews The Troop by Canadian author Nick Cutter. This disturbing body horror is not for the faint of heart — or those with a sensitive stomach!

“Once every year, Scoutmaster Tim Riggs leads a troop of boys into the Canadian wilderness for a weekend camping trip. This year, something is waiting in the darkness. Something wicked. An intruder stumbles upon their campsite like a wild animal. He is shockingly thin, disturbingly pale, and voraciously hungry. Within his body is a bioengineered nightmare, a horror that spreads faster than fear. One by one, the boys will do things no person could ever imagine.”

Find this title in the FVRL collection:

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1643996

In today’s podcast, Heather shares the Dragon Masters series by Tracie West. This series of first chapter books is perfect for kids ages 6 to 9. The chapters are not too long, and the words are not too tricky.

The first title in the series is Rise of the Earth Dragon:

“Eight-year-old Drake is snatched up by the King's soldiers and taken to the castle, where he is told by the wizard Griffith that he has been chosen to be a Dragon Master like Ana, Rori and Bo — and his first task will be to discover whether his dragon, Worm, has any special powers.”

Find this title in the FVRL collection:

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1728136

In today’s special podcast episode, Reading Adviser Deanna talks to local author R. S. Twells about The Final Renegade, her last installment in The Agent Bennet Saga.

“In this thrilling final installment of The Agent Bennet Saga, Bennet's whole world is starting to unravel. His loyalty to the Orphanage and its foundational mission is being strained to the limit by his ever-growing doubt and disillusionment as he is tasked with hunting down his former friends (and once faithful allies), who've turned their backs on the very agency that raised and trained them.”

The Final Renegade will arrive at FVRL soon. Put a hold on your copy now!

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C2005032

In today’s podcast, Dave tells us about a book called Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces. It’s the first in a graphic novel series by author-illustrator Carlos Sanchez. It’s a great choice for middle-school and older kids – particularly those with an interest in D&D-style games and fantasy worlds.

“Chiri and best friend Dai live in an orphanage right next to the deepest, darkest forest. On a scavenging mission to find some amazing new ingredients for her many culinary experiments, Chiri plunges both her and her best friend into the secret kingdom of Puddin', a secret place plagued by the Thousand Faces Monster and inhabited by all sorts of magical people and critters. Befriending witches, bards, ogres and sorcerers, can our two protagonists make it home and more importantly, can they evade the darkness that has awoken on their arrival?”

Find this book in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1922816

Are you in the mood for a charming escape with a touch of enchantment? This week, Reading Adviser Sally reviews Do Your Worst, a contemporary enemies-to-lovers romance, with strong “Practical Magic” vibes.

Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance from author Rosie Danan.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1912770

In today’s podcast, Sally shares some of her favourite books featuring Pete the Cat. These easy readers are perfect for kids who are starting to read books on their own or with a little help:

Pete the Cat: Scaredy Cat

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1936296

Pet the Cat’s Mars Mission

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1962435

Pete the Cat’s Not So Groovy Day

https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1863368

In today’s podcast, Reading Adviser Sally introduces us to the books of Darcy Coates. These cosy horror novels are both unnerving and comforting at the same time.

Featured titles by Darcy Coates include:

The Haunting of Ashburn House | https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1804005

Hunted | https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1936528

And for more cosy horrors, check out:

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow | https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1898111

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison | https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1871934

In today’s podcast, Deanna shares the book Bob by Wendy Mass. It's a good read for kids ages 8 to 12, especially those interested in stories about friendship, reconnecting with old friends, and uncovering mysteries.

“Visiting her grandmother in Australia, Livy, age 10, is reminded of the promise she made five years before to Bob, a strange, green creature who cannot recall who or what he is.”

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1761903