By First Circle Press
5
1414 ratings
The podcast currently has 97 episodes available.
Witches, gorgons, and sea nymphs, oh my! The Mamas explore modern interpretations of ancient Greek myths in their 96th episode with books about Medea and Medusa. Are these characters the monsters we have always believed them to be? The Mamas say, “hard no,” but listen in and decide for yourselves.
Book Chat:
Grown up book
Medea by Eilish Quin
Middle Grade books
Medusa from the Myths and Monsters series by Katherine Marsh
The Curse of Medusa, a Modern Graphic Greek Myth from Mythology Graphics
www.twolistmamas.com
Get a peek behind the scenes as the Mamas fall straight into conversation before starting the show, then gear up for happy fall vibes from Heather and surly vibes from You-Know-Who. The book chat includes a cornucopia of books that are perfect for fall reading, from stories for kids about acorns, bears, and popcorn to one for grown ups about lazy bones. The Mamas will help you get ready for leaf peeping season.
Book Chat:
Picture Books (3-5 year olds)
Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Shaefer with the art by Frann Preston-Gannon
Sometimes We Fall by Randall de Seve and art by Kate Gardiner
Middle Grade Book (8-12 year olds)
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Grown Up Book
Chaos at the Lazy Bones Book Shop by Emmeline Duncan
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas kick off the new school year with books set in the hallowed halls of academia. From Mrs. Z’s third grade class to boarding school Misfits and lunar mages, the Mamas review books for all age groups, including grown ups. They also hold a short coffee klatch on a new genre, dark academia. FYI, these teaching Mamas would like an apple for their efforts, unless it’s poisoned.
Book Chat:
Chapter Book
The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class series (book #1) Emma McKenna, Full Out by Kate Messner
Middle Grade Book
The Misfits a Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee
Young Adult Books
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle
Grown Up Books
Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are back from break and ready to gab about what they read over the summer. They review several middle grade books and grown up books as part of their “What Did You Do Over the Summer” sharing – teachers, you get it. And, at this point the Two Lit Mamas podcast wouldn’t be complete without sporty talk for some unknown reason, so The Mamas give their obligatory takes on the Summer Olympics, covering highlights like hot Turkish sharp-shooting dads. Skip to minute 11, if you’re over the sports.
Summer Reading:
Middle Grade Books
Tree. Table. Book. By Lois Lowry
Olivetti by Allie Milligan
Grown Up Books
The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann and Amy Bojang
One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Wait by Gabriella Burnham
The Pisces and Death Valley by Melissa Broder
www.twolitmamas.com
It’s Sci-fi week and the Mamas are going where no Mamas have gone before. After a deep dive into our AI overlords, the Mamas share some great dystopian, post-apocalyptic, Frankenstein-ish, cozy mysteries. And, that’s all in one book! Once again, the Mamas cover all ages with alien picture books, post-apocalyptic middle grade (ages 8-12) and dystopian grown up recommendations. Don’t worry, Margie talks about sports for only a few minutes. Feel free to fast forward.
Book Chat:
Middle Grade
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Picture Books
Dalmartian by Lucy Ruth Cummins
The Spaceman by Randy Cecil
Grown Up
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas are headed to the library to kick off summer right with books set in their favorite public space. After fangirling over cherished library memories, the Mamas chat about Middle Grade books (for ages 8-12) where, in one school library, fictional villains jump out of books and, in another school library, books are banned until a secret library is created by kid heroes. Then Heather shares new picture books that will get little ones excited for summer library programs. And, of course, Margie has a grown up book set in a small town library where a serial killer is hiding out. It’s always murder with her (insert eye roll - wait, maybe don't roll your eyes at Margie, might not be safe).
If you’re a fan of libraries and librarians, check out this episode!
(pun intended)
Book Chat:
Picture Books
Middle Grade Books
Grown Up Book
www.twolitmamas.com
School is almost out and the Mamas are dreaming of summer vacation. In the 90th episode, the Mamas hit the virtual beach with books set on Martha’s Vineyard, Greece, and a Texas summer camp. They chat about sportsball, endangered birds, boarding school brats and, of course, mysteries. The Mamas offer summer reads for any and all book lovers, from Middle Grade (ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 9-18) to grown ups. Get your sunnies and relax on the patio with the Mamas.
Book Chat:
The Fury is Alex Michaelides
Liar’s Beach by Katie Cotugno
The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas stroll down memory lane with historical fiction set in the 90s. Once they get past the uncomfortable fact that their young adulthood is considered vintage–plaid skirts and flannel shirts included, the Mamas gleefully dig into a variety of books for Middle Graders (ages 8-12), Young Adults (ages 13-18) and Grown Ups that are grounded in analog times and hit on Asian American dreams, Kosovo tragedies and… southern vampires? Oh, Margie, must you always put your own spin on a theme?
Book Chat:
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks (MG)
Throwback by Maurene Goo (YA)
Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan (Grown Up)
Show Links:
Middle Grade Book data 2024: www.samsubity.com
www.twolitmamas.com
The Mamas get dark, emotional, and angst-y with a collection of short stories for Young Adults (ages 14-18) that they may be too old to fully understand but fully enjoyed anyway. Join the Mamas as they discuss the significance of collections, the struggles facing modern teens, and the power of weirdos.
Book Chat:
The Collectors, edited by A.S. King (winner of 2024 Printz Medal Award)
Other books the Mamas are currently reading:
The Funeral Ladies of Elerie County by Claire Swinarski (for grown-ups)
Lightlark by Alex Aster (young adult)
www.twolitmamas.com
The total eclipse (of the sun not the heart) inspired the Mamas to explore gilded worlds and travel through time (and party like it’s 1999) with new Middle Grade fantasy books for ages 8-12. As you may have suspected, the Mamas were once just two farm girls waiting to be picked from obscurity for a special quest like all the best main characters of their favorite fantasies, towel capes and all.
Book Chat:
No Ordinary Thing by G.Z. Schmidt
Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca
Show Links:
www.twolitmamas.com
The podcast currently has 97 episodes available.
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