Episodes

  • Vanessa and Erica talk about the perfect YA books to gift, plus some other little goodies for others, or—let's be real—yourself.
    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!
    Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.
    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
    Books Discussed
    An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
    A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
    Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
    Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
    The Agathas series by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
    The Davenports and The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis
    A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar
    Bodega Bakes by Paola Velez
    Anatomy duology by Dana Schwartz
    The Unofficial Ghibli Park Cookbook by Andy Cheng
    The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook by Jessica Ann Yun
    This Poison Heart series by Kalynn Bayron
    All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
    Non-Book Recs
    Momo Cocoa
    Korean skincare sites
    Olive Young
    Stylevana
    Skin Cupid
    Jolse
    Misc. Self Care
    ScentBird
    A nice robe
    Cute instant camera
    e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm
    Tree Hut scrub gift set
    Fenty Onesie Hoodie
    Act Up Sis
    Also have puzzles that Oprah likes
    Games
    Mika and the Witch's Mountain
    Reka
    Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe
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  • Erica speaks to Susen Shi, the New York Public Library's Young Adult Staff Engagement and Support Manager, about the library's list of the 50 best YA books of the year.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Further clarification on hi-lo titles from Susen Shi: "they are defined as high-interest stories written at a lower reading level to engage readers and strengthen their love for literature. Our list does contain books that I consider hi-lo that would pique readers interest in an accessible way."
    Snowglobe by Soyoung Park, translated by Joungmin Lee Comfort
    Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire by Ferin Davis Anderson, Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
    Night Owls by A.R. Vishny
    Secret Staircase series by Gigi Pandian
    Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P. Manansala
    The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté

    Links:
    Best Books for Teens 2024
    NYPL Teens Instagram
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  • Vanessa and Erica talk lotería, a land where Christmas is year-round, predatory and dark magic, and the best new YA out in November to add to your TBR.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!
    Keep up to date with the world of books and reading with Today in Books, Book Riot's daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Our editors offer commentary, context, and the occasional clap-back to keep you informed and entertained. Visit bookriot.com/todayinbooks to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    News
    Emily The Strange Animated Feature In Works From Bad Robot, Warner Bros Pictures Animation

    Books Discussed
    Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June
    Fortune's Kiss by Amber Clement
    Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar
    Darkly by Marisha Pessl
    In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price
    Greater Secrets by Ananth Hirsh, Tess Stone
    Leap by Simina Popescu
    When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar
    The Wedding People by Alison Espach
    Halfway There: A Graphic Memoir of Self-Discovery by Christine Mari
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica gets into some new YA books by Native American authors — which include a graphic novel collection, a debut horror, Lipan Apache fabulism, and a mystery — just in time for Native American Heritage Month.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    This October, Tailored Book Recommendations is giving away a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! TBR is the perfect way to take the guesswork out of finding your next favorite read. To get started with TBR, just fill out a quick survey about your reading likes and dislikes, and we’ll pair you with a professional book nerd— aka bibliologist— who uses their bookish knowledge to match you with three books they think you’ll dig. You can sign up to receive your recommendations via email or have your bibliologist’s picks delivered right to your door as either hardcovers or paperbacks.

    And if you sign up or gift TBR in the month of October, you’ll be automatically entered to win a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! Current TBR subscribers also have a chance to win by purchasing a drop-in round of recommendations in October. Sign up today at mytbr.co

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Indiginerds, edited by Alina Pete
    The Unfinished by Cheryl Isaacs
    Sheine Lende and Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger, illustrated by Rovina Cai
    Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • This week, Erica speaks with Madeline Berberian-Hutchinson about being a 16-year-old NYS and NYC Youth Poet Laureate Finalist and co-founder of a literary arts magazine, and Kelly talks with author Veronica Chambers about Ida In Love and Trouble, Black historical YA, and more.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    This October, Tailored Book Recommendations is giving away a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! TBR is the perfect way to take the guesswork out of finding your next favorite read. To get started with TBR, just fill out a quick survey about your reading likes and dislikes, and we’ll pair you with a professional book nerd— aka bibliologist— who uses their bookish knowledge to match you with three books they think you’ll dig. You can sign up to receive your recommendations via email or have your bibliologist’s picks delivered right to your door as either hardcovers or paperbacks.

    And if you sign up or gift TBR in the month of October, you’ll be automatically entered to win a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! Current TBR subscribers also have a chance to win by purchasing a drop-in round of recommendations in October. Sign up today at mytbr.co

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books, Media, and Writers Discussed
    Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
    Chen Chen 
    Tony Hoagland
    Danez Smith
    A Tale for the time being by Ruth Ozeki 
    Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
    Magical/Realism: Essays on Music, Memory, Fantasy, and Borders by Vanessa Angélica Villarreal
    An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
    Ida, In Love and Trouble by Veronica Chambers
    Veronica Chambers at The New York Times
    Suffs on Broadway
    Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
    The Memphis Diaries by Ida B. Wells
    Ida: A Sword Among Lions by Paula Giddings
    Quinceanera Means Sweet Fifteen by Veronica Chambers
    Amigas: Fifteen Candles by Veronica Chambers
    Sabaa Tahir
    The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
    The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
    Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden
    Babel by R. F. Kuang
    Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers
    Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter by Jennifer Harlan and Veronica Chambers
    The New York Times writing contests for teens
    Playlist for Ida in Love and Trouble
    Follow Madeline Berberian-Hutchinson's art and literature magazine at Noor.org and on Instagram
    Donate to Noor.org on Gofundme
    Follow Veronica Chambers on Instagram.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Kelly talks about Summer Scares and highlights several awesome YA horror books honored as part of the program. Get ready to get the chills.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Join Book Riot's editorial staff and expert guest writers at The Deep Dive, your destination for deep thoughts on all things reading, behind-the-scenes insights, informed takes, and so much more. Whether we're analyzing book deal trends, whittling down the best books of the century, or letting you in on the best book club book of the summer, you'll find something to nerd out over and enrich your reading life. With decades of experience in books and publishing between us, we have a wealth of knowledge, thoughts, and curated goodness we can't wait to share with you. Go ahead and take the plunge.

    Visit bookriot.com/deepdive to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Summer Scares Resource Page
    All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
    #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil
    Dead Flip by Sara Farizan
    Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
    Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
    Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Lisa Sterle
    Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Join Vanessa Diaz and Erica Ezeifedi as they discuss the best new YA books out this month and authors who chose to write books because otherwise, they would have done crime.  👀

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    This October, Tailored Book Recommendations is giving away a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! TBR is the perfect way to take the guesswork out of finding your next favorite read. To get started with TBR, just fill out a quick survey about your reading likes and dislikes, and we’ll pair you with a professional book nerd— aka bibliologist— who uses their bookish knowledge to match you with three books they think you’ll dig. You can sign up to receive your recommendations via email or have your bibliologist’s picks delivered right to your door as either hardcovers or paperbacks.

    And if you sign up or gift TBR in the month of October, you’ll be automatically entered to win a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! Current TBR subscribers also have a chance to win by purchasing a drop-in round of recommendations in October. Sign up today at mytbr.co

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    News

    ‘Look Back’ Review: Teen Girls Become Manga Superstars in a 53-Minute Anime Stunner About the Agony and Ecstasy of Artistic Creation

    National Book Awards Shortlist announced


    Books Discussed
    Solis by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher
    Heir by Sabaa Tahir and Ember in the Ashes
    A Vile Season by David Ferraro
    Killer House Party by Lily Anderson
    For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
    The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas 
    Thief of the Heights by Allison M. Charette (Translator), Robin Yao
    They Watch from Below by Katya de Becerra 
    Tangleroot by Kalela Williams
    An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
    Lightborne by Hesse Phillips 
    The Crescent Room Tea Room by Stacy Sivinski
    Morgana and Oz by Miyuli
    The Piano Lesson by August Wilson
    Vita Nostra by Marina Dyachenko, Sergey Dyachenko, translated by Julia Meitov Hersey
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica goes over some new spooky YA graphic novels to get into the mood of the season. Get ready for cute, goth vampire moms, queer werewolves, and Romeo & Juliet, but make it witches and vampires.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    This October, Tailored Book Recommendations is giving away a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! TBR is the perfect way to take the guesswork out of finding your next favorite read. To get started with TBR, just fill out a quick survey about your reading likes and dislikes, and we’ll pair you with a professional book nerd— aka bibliologist— who uses their bookish knowledge to match you with three books they think you’ll dig. You can sign up to receive your recommendations via email or have your bibliologist’s picks delivered right to your door as either hardcovers or paperbacks.

    And if you sign up or gift TBR in the month of October, you’ll be automatically entered to win a pair of Beats Fit Pro headphones! Current TBR subscribers also have a chance to win by purchasing a drop-in round of recommendations in October. Sign up today at mytbr.co

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Ghost Roast by Shawnée Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs, illustrated by Emily Cannon
    Noss and Zakuro Vol. 1 by Rariatto
    Flying Witch by Chihiro Ishizuka, translated by Melissa Tanaka 
    Hozuki's Coolheadedness by Natsumi Eguchi
    Full Shift by Jennifer Dugan and Kit Seaton
    Coven by Jennifer Dugan and Kit Seaton
    Morgana and Oz Volume One by Miyuli
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica speaks with Caitlyn Colman-McGaw, Associate Director for Young Adult Programs and Services at the New York Public Library, about the launch of their Freedom to Read Campaign, which includes their Teen Banned Book Club and a contest.

    Then, Kelly joins Lamar Giles to discuss his new book Ruin Road, writing cross genre, and the growth of Black horror YA.

    It's all very exciting, really.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!
    Join Book Riot's editorial staff and expert guest writers at The Deep Dive, your destination for deep thoughts on all things reading, behind-the-scenes insights, informed takes, and so much more. Whether we're analyzing book deal trends, whittling down the best books of the century, or letting you in on the best book club book of the summer, you'll find something to nerd out over and enrich your reading life. With decades of experience in books and publishing between us, we have a wealth of knowledge, thoughts, and curated goodness we can't wait to share with you. Go ahead and take the plunge.

    Visit bookriot.com/deepdive to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Important Links
    Teen Banned Book Club at NYPL
    NYPL Teen Art Contest-Enter Here
    The NYPL Teen Instagram
    Winning Teen Vogue essay by Tara Lago, winner of the New York Public Library’s Freedom to Read Writing Contest
    100 Years of James Baldwin
    Lamar Giles on Instagram, Website

    Books Discussed
    Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
    Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
    Flamer by Michael Curato
    Run by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
    Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann
    The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
    Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
    The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
    Ruin Road by Lamar Giles
    Blood Brothers by Stephen Barnes
    Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
    You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
    Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
    The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
    The White Guy Dies First by Terry J. Benton-Walker
    She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
    Beholder by Ryan La Sala
    Come Out, Come Out by Natalie D. Parker
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Kelly serves up a delicious array of YA foodie romances to satisfy your appetite.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. That's what Better Living Through Books is all about.

    Visit bookriot.com/betterliving to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Guava and Grudges by Alexis Castellanos
    A Banh Mi for Two by Trinity Nguyen
    With Or Without You by Eric Smith
    You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith
    Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
    Batter Royale by Leisl Adams
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Kelly and Erica discuss book censorship and get into some YA books out in September that you should TBR.Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!Join Book Riot's editorial staff and expert guest writers at The Deep Dive, your destination for deep thoughts on all things reading, behind-the-scenes insights, informed takes, and so much more. Whether we're analyzing book deal trends, whittling down the best books of the century, or letting you in on the best book club book of the summer, you'll find something to nerd out over and enrich your reading life. With decades of experience in books and publishing between us, we have a wealth of knowledge, thoughts, and curated goodness we can't wait to share with you. Go ahead and take the plunge.Visit bookriot.com/deepdive to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.NewsGreenville County Libraries (SC) ban all “trans” YA books from the teen section; will move to the adult sectionKaty Independent School District (TX) bans all books about “gender fluidity” in the district (& will require all book fairs to follow this policy, too)Books DiscussedSuch Lovely Skin by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne Pick the Lock by AS KingThe Collectors by AS KingIda in Love and Trouble by Veronica ChambersThe Davenports by Krystal MarquisSaving Savannah by Tonya BoldenTo The Bone by Alena BruzasHeir by Sabaa TahirThey Thought They Buried by NoNieqa RamosThe Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary by NoNieqa RamosCompound Fracture by Andrew Joseph WhiteRuin Road by Lamar GilesThe Getaway by Lamar GilesBlackward by Lawrence LindellSpirit Sleuths by Gail JarrowLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica gets into some new YA dark academia books, just in time for back-to-school season.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Join Book Riot's editorial staff and expert guest writers at The Deep Dive, your destination for deep thoughts on all things reading, behind-the-scenes insights, informed takes, and so much more. Whether we're analyzing book deal trends, whittling down the best books of the century, or letting you in on the best book club book of the summer, you'll find something to nerd out over and enrich your reading life. With decades of experience in books and publishing between us, we have a wealth of knowledge, thoughts, and curated goodness we can't wait to share with you. Go ahead and take the plunge.

    Visit bookriot.com/deepdive to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Tigest Girma on how to pronounce the names of characters in her new book
    Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
    Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
    Zodiac Rising by Katie Zhao
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica talks about recent YA books to read during Summerween, while Kelly interviews debut YA author Chatham Greenfield about their book Time and Time Again, time loop stories, and disability in YA.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. That's what Better Living Through Books is all about.

    Visit bookriot.com/betterliving to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Gravity Falls clip
    The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
    Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch by Codie Crowley
    Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
    Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis
    The Dark We Know by Wen-yi Lee
    Monstrous by Jessica Lewis
    Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis
    She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
    Gravity Falls (show)
    X-Files (shows)
    So Weird (shows)
    The Evil Dead (movie)
    So Witches We Became by Jill Baguchinsky
    This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings
    Come Out, Come Out by Natalie C. Parker
    Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield
    The No Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall
    This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
    See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon
    How To Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
    Groundhog Day (movie)
    Russian Doll (show)
    Palm Springs (movie)
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • This week, Kelly highlights several YA authors who are debuting their adult novels this year.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. That's what Better Living Through Books is all about.

    Visit bookriot.com/betterliving to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Running With Lions by Julian Winters
    As You Walk On By by Julian Winters
    I Think They Love You by Julian Winters
    Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
    One True Loves by Elise Bryant
    It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant
    The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera
    Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera
    Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera
    All These Monsters by Amy Tintera
    Ruined by Amy Tintera
    Reboot by Amy Tintera
    Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
    Growing Up: YA Authors With Debut Adult Novels in 2024
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Kelly and Erica discuss August's new must-read YA releases.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!
    Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. That's what Better Living Through Books is all about.

    Visit bookriot.com/betterliving to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    News
    Francine Pascal dies at 92
    A first look at the Uglies Netflix adaptation 
    The Uglies adaptation is actually happening

    Books Discussed
    Hovergirls by Geneva Bowers
    Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang
    The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow
    A Banh Mi for Two by Trinity Nguyen
    This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings
    The Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan
    The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
    Come Out, Come Out by Natalie C. Parker
    Ruin Road by Lamar Giles
    Imaginary Borders by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica mixes and matches her summer playlist with YA books that keep the same energy.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!
    Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. That's what Better Living Through Books is all about.

    Visit bookriot.com/betterliving to subscribe for free, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Songs Mentioned
    Mamushi by Meg Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
    Good Luck, Babe by Chappell Roan
    Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
    Nasty by Tinashe

    Books Discussed
    A Song Below Water and A Chorus Rises by Bethany C. Morrow
    A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee
    The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
    Café Con Lychee by Emery Lee
    A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic by Debbie Rigaud
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Erica talks about recent library finds and Kelly interviews author and editor Rob Costello about short story collections, horror, and queer reads.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!

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    Books Discussed
    My Lady Jane (on Prime)
    Cat + Gamer by Wataru Nadatani
    A Certain October by Angela Johnson
    A Sign of Affection, Vol. 2 by Suu Morishita
    Space Trash Vol. 1 by Jenn Woodall
    We Mostly Come Out of Night edited by Rob Costello
    Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small-Town America edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter 
    Looking for Love in All The Haunted Places by Claire Kann
    The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
    Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick
    The Marbury Lens and Passenger by Andrew Smith
    All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
    Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros
    The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters
    Monstrous Affections edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant
    Slasher Girls & Monster Boys edited by April Genevieve Tucholke
    Night of the Living Queers edited by Shelly Page and Alex Brown
    Our Shadows Have Claws edited by Yamile Saied Méndez and Amparo Ortiz
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  • Kelly highlights some of the most exciting YA nonfiction hitting shelves this fall, including several works of graphic nonfiction.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

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    Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books Discussed
    Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote by Michael Eric Dyson, Marc Favreau (September 10)
    Shift Happens by J. Albert Mann
    Unequal: A Story of America by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau
    Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes by Gail Jarrow (September 10)
    Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I’d Known by George M. Johnson and illustrated by Charly Palmer (September 24)
    Don’t Look Back: A Memoir of War, Survival, and My Journey from Sudan to America by Achut Deng, Keely Hutton (October 8)
    A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
    Side Quest: A Visual History of Role Playing Games by Samuel Sattin and Steenz (October 8)
    Halfway There: A Graphic Memoir of Self-Discovery by Christine Mari (October 15)
    Ay, Mija by Christine Suggs 
    I Was There American Dream by Malaka Gahrib
    Visitations by Corey Egbert (November 19)
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  • Erica and Kelly highlight some of the best new YA releases hitting shelves in July.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

    To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter!

    Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    News
    The New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century

    Books Discussed
    Feed by MT Anderson
    The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
    The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
    The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
    Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
    Unbecoming by Seema Yasmin
    We Don’t Have Time For This by Brianna Craft
    Portrait of a Shadow by Meriam Metoui
    The White Guy Dies First edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker
    The Black Girl Survives In This One edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell
    We Mostly Come Out at Night edited by Rob Costello
    Night of the Living Queers: 13 Tales of Terror Delight edited by Shelly Page
    The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
    Not About a Boy by Myah Hollis
    So Witches We Became by Jill Baguchinsky
    Mammoth by Jill Baguchinsky
    The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
    Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield
    Reese Witherspoon's LitUp Program
    A Sign of Affection, Vol. 1 by Suu Morishita, translated by Christine Dashiell
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  • Erica offers up some YA books led by disabled characters to celebrate Disability Pride Month. There's a queer Greek retelling, autistic changelings, and a little polyamory, as a treat.

    Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

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    Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!

    This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Books and Links Discussed
    Disability Pride Month
    Iron Widow's character bios
    Disability Visibility for Young Readers by Alice Wong
    Icarus by K. Ancrum
    Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
    Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
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