Episode 129: Prepping for Summer

The Mamas share spooky reads for all ages just in time for Halloween! Get ready for pumpkins, ghosts and young girls who work for Death. Just beware of bleeding walls and middle-aged flashers.  Book Chat:Picture Book:The Very Unusual Pumpkin by Marilyn Singer illustrations by Maya ShleiferMiddle Grade:Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. JacksonThe Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society by Lindsay Currie and picture book Young Adult:When I was Death by Alexis HendersonAdult:The September House by Carissa OrlandoClown in a Cornfield by Adam CezarAll Hallows by Christopher GoldenEpisode Links:Flashtober author is Emma Hill, writer of contemporary fantasy, @ehillauthor on Instagramwww.twolitmamas.com

The frenzy of back to school has settled and Daylight Savings time is here, creating the perfect atmosphere for Dark Academia. The Mamas discuss a Young Adult  (ages 13-19) series and a Middle Grade (ages 9-13) series set in fantasy schools where magic is real, or is it? Put on your pointy hat and settle in. Book Chat:A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid (YA)The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff (MG)www.twolitmamas.com

Fall is here, but The Mamas’ heads are filled with the stories they devoured over summer break. So slide back into your flip flops and slip on your shades because summer isn’t over until The Mamas sing the praises of their top summer reads.Heather’s Top Summer Reads:A Letter from the Lonesome Shore by Sylvie Cathrall (Adult Fantasy)Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Spicy Adult Romantasy)Flirting with Murder by Amanda Sellet (YA Cozy Murder Mystery)Margie’s Top Summer Reads:Nothing Tastes as Good As by Luke Dumas (Adult Sci-Fi/Cozy Horror)Vigil by George Saunders (Cautionary Tale) Take Immediate Shelter by Vincent Yu (Adult Novel-in-Stories)We are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter (Adult Thriller)Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth (Adult Murder Mystery)www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas are back from summer break with a special guest. Middle Grade author, Greg Howard gabs with the gals about county fairs, back to school styles, time travel and his newest middle grade book. Book Chat:The Travelers by Greg Howard

The Mamas discuss ghost stories in honor of Summerween. If you’ve never heard of Summerween, don’t worry, the Mamas hadn’t either.  In this episode, they share what they learned about the new-ish genre along with middle grade recs for spooky summer reading lists. Book Chat:Ghoul Summer by Tracy BaduaThe Polter-Ghost Problem by Betsy UhrigThe Haunting of Walker Pond by Nancy TandonIt Came from the Trees by Ally Russell www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas chat about grown up books in the latest episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast. They chose murdery cozies perfect for the summer reading lists of their favorite parents and teachers. So, if you spend too much time watching shady neighbors from your window or would love to tour a creepy library after dark, then the Mamas have books for you. Book Chat:A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. CullenThe Library After Dark by Ande Pliegowww.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas are manifesting summer with two new Middle Grade books that will inspire parents and teachers during break. Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or a science geek or both, the Mamas have adventure stories that will keep your kiddos entertained.   Book Chat:Wilderness Hacks by Joslin BrorsenFound Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas are bringing the mayhem with ghosts, goddesses and general goofiness in newish Middle Grade and YA books. The Mamas may be in their crone era but they can still vibe with the best. Book Chat:X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie. (ages 8-12)Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno (ages 13 & up)www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas discuss Middle Grade books set in hauntingly realistic dystopian worlds, but don't worry, the kids are okay. In fact, they work together to save themselves and expose the bade guys, a powerful lesson for us all. Middle Grade Book Chat:Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland, translated by Rose HedgerAway by Megan Freeman, a companion to Alonewww.twolitmamas.com    

The Mamas have hearts in their eyes for lovable monsters this week. Bigfoot, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Medusa receive much needed empathy and rollicking adventures in the Mama’s middle grade and young adult reads. Ditch your pitchforks, folks, and listen in.Book Chat:Stitch by Padraig Kenny (MG)The Mighty by Judd Winick (MG Graphic Novel)I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (YA/Adult)www.twolitmamas.com