Tortall Tea

Wow! It’s been a while. This episode starts with Emily and Caroline talking about some depressingly out-of-date Kansas City sports news. Then we talk about friendship, feelings, and fencing…oh my! This week’s tea: Mental health matters, especially for LGBTQIA+ youth (and yikes at the CDC’s website).Book recs:Emily: So This Is Ever After by F. T. LukensCaroline: The Moorchild by Eloise McGrawWant to add to your own growing TBR? Check out all our book recs so far here.We want to hear from you! Do you have questions for us? Book recs of your own? Big feelings about these books? Email us at [email protected]!

Emily and Caroline are in the same room! Special guest appearances by Captain and Lucy, Caroline’s feline familiars. We talk about birthdays, how Chappell Roan makes the perfect Alanna, and critique the Tortallan medical establishment.This week’s tea: Diseases kill; vaccines help. Get your flu shots and read John Green’s book “Everything is Tuberculosis.” Book recs:Emily: The Demon King by Cinda Williams ChimaCaroline: Sabriel by Garth NixAlso: Time’s Convert by Deborah HarknessAlso also: Everything is Tuberculosis by John GreenWant to add to your own growing TBR? Check out all our book recs so far here.We want to hear from you! Do you have questions for us? Book recas of your own? Big feelings about these books? Email us at [email protected]!

Better late than never, right?! Apologies for the delay - episode 3 is here! Emily and Caroline almost got lost in the Tamora Pierce Wiki, and speculate on Alanna’s astrological sign before diving into this chapter, which is all about standing up to bullies and solidifying friendships.This week’s tea: Stand up to the bullies in power. Caroline suggests the 5calls app to help you contact your elected officials about the issues that matter to you.Book recs:Emily: Truthwitch by Susan DinnardCaroline: The Once and Future Witches by Alex HarrowListener rec (wooo!): Bloody Jack by L.A. MeyerDon’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @tortalltea and email your thoughts and questions to [email protected]!

Like Alanna, we are not quitters and we are BACK for episode 2! Caroline and Emily recap the chapter and discuss loneliness, friendship, and all the new characters introduced in the second chapter, including the bully Ralon, Prince Jon, Gary, Coram, Myles, and everyone’s favorite King of Thieves, George Cooper (😍).This week’s tea: tips for how to keep kids reading after the age of 9. Plus, Emily and Caroline’s personal reading habits and styles.The Decline By NineBook recs:Caroline: When You Reach Me by Rebecca SteadEmily: The Thief by Megan Whalen TurnerDon’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @tortalltea and email your thoughts and questions to [email protected]!

Emily and Caroline explore the journey this book took in order to be published, explore some cover art through the years (look at that horse, look at that horse, look at that horse...), and dive into the first chapter of Alanna: The First Adventure. This week's tea: girls' education around the world.The Malala FundCamfedBook recs:Emily: Scarlet by A.C. GaughenCaroline: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi***Note about the audio quality of this episode - we had a little sna-fu while recording, so if it sometimes sounds like Caroline is being haunted by a ghost made out of tinfoil, that is why. We're learning how to podcast and appreciate you listening along! Confidence levels are high that the next time we record, we will sound much better! ***

Welcome to Tortall Tea, where we read through Tamora Pierce's classic YA fantasy novels! We are starting our journey with Alanna: The First Adventure! Our first full episode will cover chapter 1: Twins. Grab your books, get reading, and meet us back here soon!