Parenting isn’t just about raising kids, it’s about raising ourselves, too. From “kids are resilient” to “toughen up,” journalist and mom of three Elise Hu unpacks the cultural scripts families pass down and reframes them with reporting, expert voices, and real-life stories. Every episode of Raising Us comes with a free conversation kit to spark connection around your dinner table, on the drive to school, or before bedtime.

New episodes begin September 9. Follow now so you don’t miss the first conversation: body image, confidence, and the messages our kids carry for life.

Harold Hughes, author of A Kids Book About Blockchain, talks about fostering curiosity and conceptual discussion of an evolving technology called blockchain.

A Kids Book About Blockchain (view book)

Full Book Description:

This book helps foster curiosity and conceptual discussion of an evolving technology called blockchain. Through big and small ideas about practical uses for it, a clear eye to the future, and with the author and his expertise guiding the reader each step of the way, learn how blockchain has the power to bring positive change now.

About the Author:

Harold Hughes (he/him) is a first-generation American who was raised in a Jamaican household. As a startup founder and dad to Carter and Camryn, he lives the importance of work-life prioritization, not balance. Harold and his wife, Tiffany, are raising their kids in Austin, Texas. He is co-leading Black@ to foster community and bring more Black people into the Web3 space.

Rachel Burger, author of A Kids Book About School, talks about what school is, why we go, and why it’s so important!

A Kids Book About School (view book)

Full Book Description:

What does going to school mean for you? A lot of people will think of history, science, or PE class. But did you know school can teach you so much more? Like how to connect with other people, communicate well, problem-solve, and discover the things you love the most. School is a journey, and this author (and teacher) is here to encourage you along the way!

About the Author:

Rachel Burger (she/her) is an English teacher and writer. She enjoys listening to podcasts, painting, and seeing friends. When she is not writing or teaching, she is likely spending time with her husband, 2 sons, and their dogs. 

AJ Thomas, author of A Kids Book About Teams, and daughter Ava Thomas talk about how teams are everywhere, and you’ll be a part of so many throughout your life!

A Kids Book About Teams (view book)

Courage Takes Flight (view book)

Full Book Description:

A team is any group of people who have a shared passion or goal, and do you want to know something fun? Teams are EVERYWHERE. You’re probably a part of more teams than you realize! You’ll belong to lots of different teams throughout your life, so open this book to learn what makes a team most successful, and how you can best work with others to achieve awesome things!

About the Author:

AJ Thomas (she/her) is a writer and speaker who believes that with a special group of people, and a combination of curiosity, courage, connection, and kindness, great things can happen!

Maeve Clinton, author of A Kids Book About Chemotherapy, talks about something that can be a scary thing to talk about—take a breath, play the episode, open the book, and bravely start that conversation.

A Kids Book About Chemotherapy (view book)

Full Book Description:

Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer, and talking about cancer and illness can be hard sometimes. But this author is here to encourage you to ask big questions and guide you through what your person might experience while going through chemotherapy. You’re so brave, and you’ve got this!

About the Author:

Maeve Clinton (she/her) is a licensed social worker and children's therapist. Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when Maeve was 5 years old. Maeve’s hope is that you’ll talk with your kids, give them the opportunity to ask big and scary questions, and that you’ll share how you’re feeling, too.

Kali Thorne Ladd, author of A Kids Book About Hope, talks about an irreplaceable, never-ending thing which exists in and around all of us.

A Kids Book About Hope (view book)

Full Book Description:

What does it mean to have hope? Hope is trusting that good things are possible, no matter the circumstances. It’s also something we all have inside and can give to those around us. Hope is a powerful choice we can make to bring about change, healing, and light to the world we all share.

About the Author:

Kali Thorne Ladd (she/her) is a social entrepreneur, passionate about the neuroscience of love and belonging as a driving force for education transformation and human flourishing. Kali was the founding Executive Director of KairosPDX, a school and nonprofit organization anchored in the rehumanization of children in education. She is currently CEO of the Children’s Institute.

Dr. Heather Chow, author of A Kids Book About Puberty, talks about how every person experiences these changes in their own way, and the more we talk about them, the less scary they seem.

A Kids Book About Puberty (view book)

Full Book Description:

OK, let’s say this word together: puberty. That wasn’t so bad, right? Puberty is a completely normal part of growing up, but it can feel really weird to talk about—for grownups and kids. Every person experiences these changes in their own way, and the more we talk about them, the less scary they seem.

About the Author:

Dr. Heather Chow (she/her) is living her kindergarten dream as a pediatrician. She loves building trusting relationships with her patients and their parents in order to help them navigate the physical and emotional complexities of growing up, especially when it comes to issues that often seem difficult to talk about.

Neha Shulka, author of A Kids Book About Sleep, talks about AI and its powerful potential.

A Kids Book About AI (view book)

Full Book Description:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that’s transforming our world today. We can run from it, or we can understand it and use it to reimagine a more innovative and inclusive future. This author introduces the topic for kids and grownups, providing an entry point to make better sense of the power and possibilities of AI.

About the Author:

Neha Shukla (she/her) is 18 years old and an inventor, social entrepreneur, activist, and AI ethicist at the World Economic Forum. Her work developing tech for social good is recognized in the New York Times, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Bloomberg, and commended by President Biden and the British Royal Family.

Katie Pitts, author of A Kids Book About Sleep, talks about an amazing thing which helps us be the best version of ourselves.

A Kids Book About Sleep (view book)

Full Book Description:

You may not know it yet, but sleep is awesome! Every living thing needs sleep: you, your grownup, your teacher, EVERYONE. Why? Sleep is when our brains and bodies rest and get stronger. Getting good sleep is how we stay healthy and are able to do all our favorite things. And here’s something extra special: sleep helps us be the best versions of ourselves with each new day. 

About the Author:

Katie Pitts (she/her) is the well-rested founder and CEO of Sleep Wise Consulting. After her newborn son showed her the effects of sleeplessness firsthand, Katie’s life mission became to educate, inform, and inspire people of all ages to experience the life-changing results of a good night’s sleep.

*If you want to be on a future episode of A Kids Book About: The Podcast or if you have a question you’d like us to consider, have a grownup email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you the details. 

Yonina Schnall Lermer, author of A Kids Book About Perseverance, talks about reframing something you “can’t do” into something you “can’t do”...yet.

A Kids Book About Perseverance (view book)

Full Book Description:

What if you found out there was a tiny word that could change your frustrations into opportunities? When we tell ourselves, “I can’t do this,” we give up. But when we say, “I can’t do this…yet,” we’re opening ourselves to the possibility of growing through challenges, also called perseverance. Join this author in practicing perseverance, adding “yet” to your vocabulary, and learning the value of continued effort toward the things you love, even when it gets hard.

About the Author:

Yonina Schnall Lermer (she/her) is a licensed New York state teacher with a masters in elementary education. Yonina has taught almost every grade level and subject in elementary and middle school, and served as a literacy curriculum coordinator, teacher mentor, and summer camp head. She coaches parents to become advocates for their kids and is passionate about helping others “fail forward.”

*If you want to be on a future episode of A Kids Book About: The Podcast or if you have a question you’d like us to consider, have a grownup email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you the details.