PODCAST · arts
Wonder World Book Cafe'
by Susan
In this cafe, I serve up books written mostly for middle school students and young adults. I'll provide enough information to help you decide if a story is right for the young readers you serve, but I won't give away all of the details just in case you want to read it, too. And, I sure hope you do.
Episodes
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131. The Silence Between Us Alison Gervais
High school seniors, Maya and Beau couldn't be any different. Maya is trying to deal with the challenge of being Deaf at a hearing school while working towards college admission. Beau, overachiever, cute, bound for Yale University, and student body president is interested in her. He's even…
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130. Forget Me Not
Two middle school students, Calliope and Jinsong . Callie just started at her 10th school. Kids make fun of her tics all due to Tourette Syndrome. Jin really likes her, but he can't risk being friends with a girl his friends call "weird" and "the goon." Each tells their own story, Callie in verse...
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129. Absent Rex Ogle
Three very different junior high boys who are absent from school ALL THE TIME end up serving detention together. Read to find out just why they are absent. It may surprise you. Written cleverly in mixed media. Transcript here
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128. Sisters Alone Shifa Saltagi Safadi
A middle-grade novel written in verse. Sister rivarly. Grief. Natural disaster. Mental health. SURVIVAL! Told from two points of view: Leena in 6th grade and Rama in 8th.. Transcript here
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127. A Work in Progress Jarret Lerner
This heavily illustrated novel (mostly) in verse follows 7th grader Will, who is navigating some tough issues around disordered eating and body dysmorphia. Even though Will is in middle school, his thoughts and feelings will resonate with readers far beyond middle school.
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126. The Roach King of Raleigh
16 year old Quill is devastated about the break-up of his parent's marriage due to his dad's alcoholism. Money is tight, really tight. Quill needs a way to feed his new hungry pet, a bearded dragon. and to help his mom pay the bills. In comes Quill's cock rorach breeding business (based a true...
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125 A Scar Like a River Lisa Graff
Fallon is one strong 13 year-old girl dealing with a heavy past, family secrets, and events that will impact her for a lifetime. Yet, there are some comical moments, along with healing, and an ending that will 100% impact you! Transcript here
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124 Yasha's Amazin' Bar Mitzvah Margaret Gurevich
If you've ever felt like you didn't fit in, or like you were losing yourself trying to be someone else, this book is for you. Yasha is dealing with a new home, new so-called friends, and his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. The only thing that seems to be going well is his continued love of baseball, but…
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123. A Year Without Home V.T. Bidania
In this novel written in verse, Gao and her family make a harrowing escape from her beloved country, Laos, after the Vietnam War. Ending up in a Thai refugee camp, a reminder that refugees are not just headlines. They’re kids who miss their pets, families who tell jokes even when they’re scared,...
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122. The Amazing Generation Haidt & Price
Hey Gen Alpha. You're the first kids who’ve always had social media and are super tech‑savvy. That’s a major strength, and lots of screen time can make it harder to focus and hang out with friends in person. Break up with your phone? Probably not. You can make decisions to "use technology as a…
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121. Hail Mariam Huda Al-Marashi
Meet Mariam. She’s in sixth grade and starting at a new school in a small California farm town. It’s a Catholic school, and Mariam’s Muslim. Her mom thinks it’s fine, even helpful, to learn about a different religion. Mariam? Well, she’s not so sure. Transcript here
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120. A Sea of Lemon Trees Maria Dolores Aguila
Set in San Diego, 1931. Based on a true story about a school board and local chamber of commerce pushing segregation by creating a separate school for the Mexican children. It’s filled with families with a fighting spirit, traditions and holidays, music, food, pinatas, and plenty of Spanish phrases.
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119. Words Apart Aimee Lucido
Sisters Mattie and Olive are inseparable but couldn't be more different. One thinks in words, and the other in pictures. This makes for a playful (yet serious) tale as each shares their part of the story differently: Mattie with doodles and drawings, graphic novel style, and Olive with free verse...
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118. Invisible The Sort of True Story of Me & My Hidden Disease David Soren
Hilariously written about a serious topic! J.J. is living with a hidden disease, Chron's. In this story, the disease is an actual character (funny and sarcastic) named Norm--a 7 foot ogre and motorcycle gang member. Filled with tons of illustrations, middle grade readers will LOVE it. Transcript...
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117. Speechless Aaron Nels Steinke
Mira has ONE big goal for her 6th grade year: start talking at school. A talented stop motion film producer, Mira is comfortable creating in her bedroom/studio/sanctuary. But social situations cause anxiety and the inability to speak. A serious story with many comical moments. Readers gain…
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116. Spark Chris Baron
Living in California, 8th graders Finn and Rabbit are not strangers to wildfire danger. It's not IF, rather WHEN. And, when one devastates their community, these two friends think they know the cause and are ready to use their voice to tell others. Will the community listen? Transcript here
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115. The Trouble With Heroes Kate Messner
Overcome with grief over his father's death, 7th grader Finn is given a chance to make amends for an act of vandalism by hiking the 46 highest peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Transcript here
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114. Zarina Divided Reem Faruqi
Zarina is a young girl navigating challenges of identity, family and culture during the political turmoil of the Partition in 1947 when India gained independence from the British. What does Zarina and her family do when they're told they no longer belong in their ancestral country, one they…
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113. Top 3 of All Time
Welcome back to a new season! Here, I shine a light on the top three listened to episodes of ALL TIME! Want a sneak peak? Okay! Ep. 46 Solito by Javier Zamora, Ep. 1 Unsettled by Reem Faruqi, and Ep. 6 This Light Between Us by Andrew Fukuda Transcript here
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112. Hoops Matt Tavares
Inspired by a true story in the 1970s. A group of high school girls just wanted to play basketball, like the boys. There is no funding and no fans in the stands, no uniforms, no coach at first, and no bus for their away games. With plenty of determination, the "Lady Bears" show how a small group…
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111. Whale Eyes James Robinson
In Whale Eyes, author James Robinson and illustrator Brian Rea collaborate to provide readers with an interactive experience--inviting them to experience how James’ "Whale Eyes" work. Robinson empowers readers to appreciate the impact of words, helps them confront the discomfort of recognizing...
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110. Where Wolves Don't Die Anton Treuer
A prime suspect for burning down the house of a long-time bully, Ezra find comfort in learning his Ojibwe ancestral traditions of hunting and trapping in the wilderness. There is plenty of action, mystery, and suspense to keep YA readers turning pages. Transcript here
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109. A Simple, Special Way to Recommend Books
Discover a simple, special method to recommend books that requires NO time on your part while making a significant impact on readers' next book choices! Transcript here Spark Creativity Podcast interview with Betsy and Spark Creativity on Instagram Current top pick for a novel in verse: Kareem...
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108. One Step Forward Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It's 1913. Teen Matilda Young wonders if she's brave enough to join the many suffragists fighting for something so simple: women's right to vote in the U.S. The work is difficult, exhausting, and exhilarating. While we know the final outcome (ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920), Matilda...
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107. No Purchase Necessary Maria Marianayagam
8th grader Ajay is navigating being the only Sri Lankan in his new community. He has numerous family rules to uphold, and now he's stolen a candy bar that makes him a millionaire. He has to tell one lie after another in attempts to not disappoint his parents, deal with a bully, make friends, and...
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106. It's All or Nothing, Vale Andrea Beatriz Arango
7th grader Vale is THE best athlete in her gym. After a devastating accident, Vale is determined to come back stronger than ever as she strives to realize her dream of being a pro international fencer. Transcript here
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105. Radiant Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Surrounded by her supportive family, ten-year old Cooper is growing up in 1963, a time marked by the Civil Rights Movement. She's dealing with issues close to home like a bully and racism plus tragic events in the U.S. like JFK's assassination and the bombing at a Black church in Alabama.…
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104. All the Blues in the Sky
On 13 year old Sage's birthday, her best friend was hit and killed by a speeding driver as she crossed the street. . . on her way to Sage's. Now, Sage is filled with grief and guilt. This emotionally resonant novel, written in verse, is an honest and raw telling of living with the rollercoaster…
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103. Dear Dad Jay Jay Patton
In this middle grade graphic memoir, Jay Jay has grown up with an incarcerated dad, and now he's home. Dad is a program developer and wants to use technology to connect kids with incarcerated parents. When stumped by a programming problem, he turns to his brilliant, math loving daughter, Jay Jay,...
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102. Flying Through Water Mamle Wolo
Sena's life on his farm in Ghana is difficult, and he'd do anything to help his family. A story of survival, human trafficking (a world-wide crisis), filled with adventure and anguish, heartbreak, and hope. Transcript here
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101. Safe Harbor Padma Venkatraman
Geetha's important story will be loved by middle grade readers with its relatable topics such as immigrating to a new and very different country (from India to the U.S.), bullying, friendship, music, the healing power of nature, and young people who strive to make an incredible difference in…
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✨100. When We Flew Away Alice Hoffman
Celebrating 100 episodes with Alice Hoffman's When We Flew Away A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary. In this fictional account grounded in historical accuracy, middle grade readers meet Anne, a bright, hopeful young girl living freely in a world without fear, before the world starts to…
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99. Free Lunch Rex Ogle
Rex Ogle's memoir, Free Lunch, is his first of three. Here, as a sixth grader, Rex endures domestic abuse. School is safer, yet not without the struggles that come from living in poverty. Rex's honest account of tough topics with glimmers of hope make this a favorite of many readers. Transcript here
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98. Run Deer Run Ann Clare LeZotte
12 year-old Effie is deaf and uses ASL (American Sign Language), but nobody in her family knows ASL, nor do they care to learn. Effie is courageous and through trusted people, friendship, poetry, and deer, she comes to know herself. Transcript here
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97. Red Bird Danced Dawn Quigley
Best friends, Ariel and Tomah, live in intertribal housing in the heart of a city. Ariel's auntie becomes an all too common, devastating statistic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Their powerful story, written in verse, is one of tradition and healing. Transcript here
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96. Popcorn Rob Harrell
This middle grade novel, Popcorn, bring readers preteen, Andrew who suffers from serious anxiety and OCD. These serious topics are combined with plenty of doses of relatable mishaps and hilarious moments! Quick moving with plenty of illustrations throughout. Transcript here
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95. Buffalo Dreamer Violet Duncan
Through the eyes of 12 year old cousins enjoying summertime fun on a Cree Reservation in Northern Alberta, Canada, middle grade readers learn about the atrocities of Indian Residential Schools, history not widely known in Canada and the United States. Transcript here
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94. Not Nothing Gayle Forman
An unlikely friendship between 12 year old Alex and 107 year old Josey. Alex has done something terrible. Josey has lived through the Holocaust. How can these two possibly support each other? Storytelling at its finest! Transcript here
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93. The Beautiful Game Yamile Saied Méndez
12 year-old Valeria (AKA Magic) plays soccer on an elite all-boys team. On the field she's strong, rebellious even, and the top-scorer. When the coach (her grumpy abuelo) cuts her from the team, she has tough decisions to make. The Beautiful Game addresses topics so relatable for middle school...
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92. Orbiting Jupiter Gary D. Schmidt
A foster family welcomes 8th grader, Joseph into their family despite knowing he was incarcerated and has an infant daughter he's never met and longs to know. When readers request a "shorter book" this is a GO TO! Plus, the sequel is now out!! Pair Orbiting Jupiter with Jupiter Rising! Transcript...
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91. Kareem Between Shifa Saltagi Safadi
2016. 7th grader Kareem is a Muslim, Syrian American desperate to be on the football team. He's caught between his faith, language, culture, and having integrity OR being on the team. Kareem and his family are sidelined when his mama and ill grandfather are stranded in Syria. Kareem is sure he's...
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90. The Diamond Explorer Kao Kalia Yang
Malcolm is a first generation Hmong living in Minnesota longing for a sense of safety, a stronger sense of his identity, and a connection with his ancestors. This middle grade novel is storytelling at its finest. Transcript here
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89. I'm From Here Too Kashmira Sheth
I’m From Here Too brings us a middle grade story of friendship, prejudice, senseless bullying, hope, and Anoop, a first generation American Indian Sikh. Transcript here
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88. Break to You Shusterman, Young, and Knowlden
Break to You is set in a juvenile detention facility, and is told from alternating teen perspectives: Adriana’s and Jon’s. The authors hope to shed light on the often overlooked world of juvenile detention institutions. Transcript here
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87. The Bletchley Riddle Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Release date 10/8/24. Jakob, 19, works the night shift at Bletchley, near London, with other brilliant minds and complex machines all working toward deciphering German messages during WWII. While his sister, Lizzie, 14, is deciphering messages potentially written by their mother proving Lizzie's...
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86. Reintroducing the Podcaster (Susan)
Hello! With season six on the way, here I reintroduce myself as Wonder World Book Cafe's podcast host! You can look forward to episode 87 in the very (very) near future!
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85. And Then, Boom! Lisa Fipps
Joe Oak can rely on math and his grandmum; both are consistent. He cannot rely on food or his mom; both are inconsistent. Joe knows and experiences things kids shouldn't have to, yet being a survivor is his superpower. Transcript here
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84. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow Zoulfa Katouh
The deep devotion and respect Syrians have for their ancestral homeland is deeply moving and so beautiful. This is a story of history and hope, dreams and believing in a different future. Transcript here
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83. Other Words for Home Jasmine Warga
Jude, her parents, and her favorite person in the whole world–her older brother–are living in Syria. With political unrest and safety concerns, Jude’s parents decide it’s time for Jude and her expectant mother to move to the United States. (One of my favorites from 2019 and still so relevant...
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82. Shark Teeth Sherri Winston
In and out of foster care, twelve-year old Kita's story is heavy and hopeful. It won’t take but a few pages before readers become Kita’s biggest supporter.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
In this cafe, I serve up books written mostly for middle school students and young adults. I'll provide enough information to help you decide if a story is right for the young readers you serve, but I won't give away all of the details just in case you want to read it, too. And, I sure hope you do.
HOSTED BY
Susan
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wonder World Book Cafe' have?
Wonder World Book Cafe' currently has 134 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wonder World Book Cafe' about?
In this cafe, I serve up books written mostly for middle school students and young adults. I'll provide enough information to help you decide if a story is right for the young readers you serve, but I won't give away all of the details just in case you want to read it, too. And, I sure hope you do.
How often does Wonder World Book Cafe' release new episodes?
Wonder World Book Cafe' publishes regularly with 134 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Wonder World Book Cafe'?
You can listen to Wonder World Book Cafe' on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Wonder World Book Cafe'?
Wonder World Book Cafe' is created and hosted by Susan.
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