Bronx Library Center's Podcast: August 2025

In the first of a two-part podcast, the FVRL Reading Advisers explore some mystery series that offer a bit more diversity, character development and real-life challenge than your typical cosy mystery:

The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Veronica%20Speedwell&searchType=series&sort=series

Tita Rosie’s Kitchen by Mia P. Manansala 
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Tita%20Rosie&searchType=series


Not-So-Cosy Cosy Mysteries (Part 1)

In the second of this two-part podcast, the FVRL Reading Advisers explore more not-so-cosy cosy mysteries: 

Pies Before Guys Mystery series by Misha Popp
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Pies%20before%20guys%20mystery&searchType=series

She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1950573


Not-So-Cosy Cosy Mysteries (Part 2)

Today, Reading Adviser Sally shares a great mystery book for kids in Grades 4 and up. The Case of the Pilfered Pin is part of Michael Hutchinson’s Mighty Muskrat series. This story is full of suspense, adventure and teamwork.

The Windy Lake First Nation's lands have been shared with cottagers for 50 years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends. When the Mighty Muskrats hear that the only thing that can prove the boundary is a steel surveyor's pin that was stolen years ago, they make it their mission to find the missing pin and prove that the land belongs to their people.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1916196


The Case of the Pilfered Pin

In this special episode of FVRL ReadRadio, we're joined by R.S. Twells, the award-winning author of The Bennet Saga. This series has captivated YA readers since the release of her first novel, The Field Agent, in 2021. The series currently includes three books, with a fourth set for release in spring 2026. 

In this interview with FVRL Events Specialist Deanna, Twells discusses her journey toward publication, from the start of an idea to a finished published book, and all the bumps along the way. She takes a deep dive into her creative process and her thoughts on using writing as an outlet to help work through challenging times and emotions. 

Find R.S. Twells' novels in the FVRL collection:
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Twells%2C%20R.%20S.&searchType=author

R.S. Twells Author Interview

Bronx Library Center's Podcast: September 2025

In today’s podcast, Larissa shares The Lotus Shoes, a book of historical fiction by author Jane Yang. The novel explores the lives of two girls from significantly different social backgrounds in 18th-century China.

As a child, Little Flower is sold to Linjing's wealthy family to become a muizai. In a fit of childish jealousy over her new handmaiden's ladylike bound feet and talent for embroidery, Linjing ensures Little Flower can never leave her to ascend in society.

Find this title in the FVRL collection:
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1956175



The Lotus Shoes

In today’s podcast, Reading Adviser Sally shares a fantastic first chapter book: Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow by Sita MacMillan. It’s perfect for kids in Grades 2 and up – especially if you’re just starting to read chapter books but still enjoy a few pictures.

When Sarah moves to the city, she feels lost and far from home — until a dream about a magical forest powwow helps her discover courage and connection in unexpected ways. This heartwarming story celebrates imagination, friendship and the strength of Cree traditions.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1936736


Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow

Book or movie? Fans of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us have strong opinions on which version they like more. Today, FVRL Reading Adviser Margarita offers her hot take on the issue!

It Ends With Us follows Lily Bloom, who falls for the charismatic Ryle Kincaid but soon discovers a darker side to their relationship. When her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, Lily must confront painful memories and make a life-changing choice. Powerful and emotional, the novel explores love, trauma and the courage it takes to break free from the cycle of abuse.

Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1739768 


Book or Movie? It Ends With Us

In this episode of Kids' ReadRadio, Hoda makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2025–2026 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. The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink by Roy MacGregor
2. Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold
3. Stella Díaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez
4. Willodeen by Katherine Applegate
5. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
6. The Islands of Elsewhere by Heather Fawcett

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


Reading Link Challenge 2025–2026 Book List

In today’s episode, Leanna shares a book series that will thrill fans of Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley. The Queen of the Tearling series by Erika Johansen follows Kelsea Glynn, an exiled princess on her quest to save her kingdom and fulfill her destiny. The stories are full of magic, adventure, mystery, and romance. What more could you ask for? Happy reading, everyone!

The Queen of the Tearling (ReadRadio, Ep. 31)

Are you looking for something good to read? Or watch? Or listen to? Tune in to Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ReadRadio podcast for some great recommendations. In each episode we will highlight some of the library’s books, movies and TV shows that you might not know about. All reviewed materials are available for loan in the FVRL catalogue. 

Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving nearly 680,000 people in its service area.