Last week, we took a trip to Hawaii to discuss “Lei and the Fire Goddess.” This week, we talk to author Malia Maunakea about using&nbsp;Google maps as a writer, the difference between writing fiction and non-fiction, ADHD, even tax write-offs! Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Malia Maunakea

We continue our series highlighting episodes that feature books that have been banned or challenged. This week, it’s Walter Dean Myers’ tale of a kid on trial for murder “Monster.”&nbsp; &nbsp;In 2021, parents in Signal Mountain Middle/High School in Tennessee complained about mature language and sexual content in some 7th grade reading club selections. In response, a teacher told parents she was removing “Monster” from the reading list.&nbsp;  Myers reacted to the book ban by saying,”I think that most often the people wanting to censor books are well-meaning and concerned about the welfare of their children. But I suggest that children will be exposed to the world in spite of their efforts, and that exposure is best handled in a school setting.  I write to establish the humanity of the children I identify as my major audience. I’m not trying to push any boundaries.”  &nbsp;Give a listen as a group of readers from Washington,DC discuss the book and make up your own mind.

Banned Books Monster by Walter Dean Myers

We brought our giant microphone to the 2025 City of Stem/LA Maker Faire in Los Angeles on Saturday, asking kids our favorite question: what's your favorite book? Here are just some of the titles: The Maze Runner series - James Dashner Twins - Rain Telgemeier My Weird School -&nbsp; Ellray Jakes - Sally Warner Magic Treehouse -  Dog Man - Dav Pilkey The Canyon's Edge - Dusti Bowling The Baby-Sitters Club - Ann M. Martin Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling Fazbear Fights - Scott Cawthon&nbsp; &nbsp;

LA Maker Faire 2025

&nbsp; What would it be like to leave everything you know, everything you own, everyone you love to escape war, persecution, or poverty? In “Refugee,” Alan Gratz imagines how three young people struggle to survive as they excape to freedom. Students from Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. discuss the book with host Kitty Felde. Actress Amy Solano is celebrity reader. SPOILER ALERT: plot points are discussed in this episode. &nbsp; FAVORITE BOOKS FROM WASHINGTON LATIN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Long Haul - Jeff Kinney The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas Twilight - Stephenie Meyer Alan Gratz’ Favorite Book:  Amy Solano’s Favorite Book: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

Top Ten List to Celebrate 10 years of podcasting - Number 10 "Refugee" by Alan Gratz

Last week, we talked about “Refugee,” Alan Gratz’ tale of kids fleeing violence and political oppression around the world. It’s a tough read. I had to put it down a few times. But how difficult is it to write a book about a tough subject? We asked Alan Gratz.

An Interview with Writer Alan Gratz

This week, host Kitty Felde asks future scientists what they are reading. Here's some suggestions: Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas Books of Bayern - Shnnon Hale Five Worlds - Mark Siegel The Hardy Boys - Franklin W. Dixon Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo Percy Jackson 5: The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes - Rick Riordan Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

What are Future Scientists Reading?

Students from Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC talk about "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. The conversation covers everything from death to Nazis to books. Actress Melanie MacQueen (Robotech) is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Markus Zusak interview is courtesy of the Australian bookstore Booktopia.&nbsp; Spoiler Alert: plot points are discussed in this episode. FAVORITE BOOKS FROM STUART-HOBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL:   Harry Potter Prisoner of&nbsp; Azkaban - J.K. Rowling MARCUS ZUSAK'S FAVORITE BOOKS: What's Eating Gilbert Grape - Peter Hedges Wonder Boys - Michael Chabon The Odyssey - Homer, translated by Emily Wilson MELANIE MACQUEEN'S FAVORITE BOOK: Winnie the Pooh - A.A. Milne

Top Ten List: #9: The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

What's your favorite book? A Series of Unfortunate Events Book 7 -Lemony Snicket Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Angry Aztecs (Horrible Histories) - Terry Deary Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery Invisible Inkling - Emily Jenkins Cat Kid Comic Club - Dav Pilkey Aru Sha - Roshani Chokshi Frizzy -

Book Club for Kids Goes to the City of Stem LA Maker Faire

Do you have a relationship with the robot in your life? You'll fall in love with "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown. 4th graders from Flora Hendley Elementary School in Washington, D.C. discuss artificial intelligence and their own favorite robotic devices. U.S. Congressman Scott Peters from San Diego is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. Favorite Books from Flora Hendley Elemetary School: Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney Dork Diaries- Rachel Renée Russell The True Story of the Three Little Pigs - Jon Scieszka Peter Brown’s Favorite Book: The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien Congressman Scott Peter’s Favorite Book: East of Eden - John Steinbeck

TOP TEN LIST: #6 The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Americans have a romanticized image of English boarding schools. RIBBLESTROP is the opposite of that. Writer Andy Mulligan has created what must be the most dangerous school on planet earth. And this trio of readers at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, New Jersey, debate whether they'd like to attend. Peter Sagal, playwright and host of NPR's quiz show "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. &nbsp; Favorite books from Carolina, Jack, and Eleanor: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library - Chris Grabenstein The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls - Claire Legrand Harry Potter - J.K.&nbsp;Rowling Andy Mulligan’s favorite books: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne Animal Farm - George Orwell

Back to School Episodes: Ribblestrop by Andy Mulligan with Peter Sagal

In 1925, newlyweds Pete and Gert packed up their lives and&nbsp; headed west for California in a Model T Ford. Gert chronicled thejourney in a series of letters. Now, one hundred years later, a pair of cousins Kitty Felde and Marie Felde follow their route to see America through their eyes. Join us on a podcast journey at honeymoonroad.com.

Honeymoon Road: Pete & Me & our Model T

Does square dancing count as an athletic activity? Lupe Wong doesn't think so and is willing to fight the system to make her point. Readers from  in Washington, DC discuss the book with host Kitty Felde and interview the writer . Our celebrity reader is the former president of .&nbsp;

Lupe Wong Wont Dance

&nbsp; What does it mean to be "gifted?" Don't we all have unique gifts to share with the world? Readers from Eliot-Hine Middle School on Capitol Hill discuss Gordon Korman's story of a prankster who lands in a "Gifted" program. KNX sports anchor (and  podcast host) Randy Kerdoon is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 49 - Ungifted by Gordon Korman

It's banned books week, as we continue our look at books that have been challenged or banned. This week, it’s Gennifer Choldenko’s tale “Al Capone Does My Shirts.” Back in 2016, the book was challenged by a group that said the book “perpetuates negative stereotypes” by including Al Capone as a character in the book.&nbsp;  And earlier this year, a school board member in Pennsylvania called for a ban on the Newbery Honor book because a character called an autistic teenager stupid.&nbsp;  The school says the books are selected by professional staff members to support the district’s educataional goals and meet the learning needs of students. The writer dedicated the book to her sister who had severe autism and was the inspiration for the character.&nbsp;  What do you think? Give a listen to our discussion of Jennifer Cheldenko’s “Al Capone Does My Shirts.”&nbsp; It was a rainy, muddy, fabulous day at the Gaithersburg Book Festival where this group of middle school students from Maryland discussed whether they'd like living on Alcatraz and if it's better to be the oldest or youngest in the family. Gennifer Choldenko answers their questions about researching her book AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS. NPR newscaster Jack Speer is celebrity reader. Past Book Club for Kids guests drop by as well. Kitty Felde is host.

Episode 24 - Al Capone Does My Shirts - live from the Gaithersburg Book Festival

We visit Maine to talk to readers at Manchester Elementary School about their favorite books. Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss        Toilet-bound Hanako-kun - Iro              Forgotten Girl - India Hill Brown        Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus -&nbsp;Dusti Bowling              Naruto the Boy Ninja - Masashi Kishimoto Warriors - Erin Hunter Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney I Survived - Lauren Tarshis Ellie's Story: A Dog's Purpose -&nbsp;W. Bruce Cameron &nbsp; If you'd like to be on the Book Club for Kids podcast, send us an email to  and we'll send you all the information. &nbsp; www.bookclubforkids.org  &nbsp;

Favorite Books from Manchester Elementary

Does a background in radio help you write dialogue? What's the one thing you should never include in a book designed for readers with dyslexia? We ask the expert: Lisa Thompson, author of "The Light Jar" and other middle grade novels.

A Conversation with Lisa Thompson

We have a conversation with "A Little Wicked" author Janet Macreery about two kids of writers: plotters and pantsers. Kitty Felde is host.

A Conversation with Janet Macreery

The podcast where middle school readers talk about books.

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