FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

In today’s podcast, Heather shares the Dragon Masters series by Tracie West. This series of first chapter books is perfect for kids ages 6 to 9. The chapters are not too long, and the words are not too tricky. The first title in the series is Rise of the Earth Dragon: “Eight-year-old Drake is snatched up by the King's soldiers and taken to the castle, where he is told by the wizard Griffith that h...

In today’s special podcast episode, Reading Adviser Deanna talks to local author R. S. Twells about The Final Renegade, her last installment in The Agent Bennet Saga. “In this thrilling final installment of The Agent Bennet Saga, Bennet's whole world is starting to unravel. His loyalty to the Orphanage and its foundational mission is being strained to the limit by his ever-growing doubt and disill...

In today’s podcast, Dave tells us about a book called Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces. It’s the first in a graphic novel series by author-illustrator Carlos Sanchez. It’s a great choice for middle-school and older kids – particularly those with an interest in D&D-style games and fantasy worlds. “Chiri and best friend Dai live in an orphanage right next to the deepest, darkest forest. On a scave...

Are you in the mood for a charming escape with a touch of enchantment? This week, Reading Adviser Sally reviews Do Your Worst, a contemporary enemies-to-lovers romance, with strong “Practical Magic” vibes. Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance from author Rosie Danan. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bi...

In today’s podcast, Sally shares some of her favourite books featuring Pete the Cat. These easy readers are perfect for kids who are starting to read books on their own or with a little help: Pete the Cat: Scaredy Cat https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1936296 Pet the Cat’s Mars Mission https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1962435 Pete the Cat’s Not So Groovy Day https://fvrl.bib...

In today’s podcast, Reading Adviser Sally introduces us to the books of Darcy Coates. These cosy horror novels are both unnerving and comforting at the same time. Featured titles by Darcy Coates include: The Haunting of Ashburn House | https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1804005 Hunted | https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1936528 And for more cosy horrors, check out: Starling Ho...

In today’s podcast, Deanna shares the book Bob by Wendy Mass. It's a good read for kids ages 8 to 12, especially those interested in stories about friendship, reconnecting with old friends, and uncovering mysteries. “Visiting her grandmother in Australia, Livy, age 10, is reminded of the promise she made five years before to Bob, a strange, green creature who cannot recall who or what he is.” Find...

In today’s podcast, Liana tells us about a non-fiction title by Andrew Ross Sorkin — 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History — and How It Shattered a Nation. “In 1929, the world watched in shock as the unstoppable Wall Street bull market went into a freefall, wiping out fortunes and igniting a depression that would reshape a generation. But behind the flashing ticker tapes and panic...

In today’s podcast, Sally shares a kids’ graphic novel called Schoolbot 9000, written and illustrated by Sam Hepburn. This story is packed with questions that really make you think! “When the school district replaces his beloved teachers with glitchy Schoolbots, 11-year-old James teams up with an unlikely ally to stop his middle school from turning into a cold, test-driven nightmare.” Find this ti...

In today’s podcast, Sally shares a couple of book picks with a similar theme: sinister seniors. There’s something fascinating about a strong senior woman with a dark edge! If this theme interests you, check out these two reading suggestions: Too Old for This by Samantha Downing “Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her. Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a...

In today’s podcast, Reading Adviser Margarita delves into a chilling, conversation-sparking book: The Exorcist Files by Father Carlos Martins, a collection of case files that explores some of the strangest and most unexplained human experiences. “In his blockbuster podcast, The Exorcist Files, Fr. Martins uncovers the disturbing reality of the forces of evil in our world, guiding listeners through...

Today, Sally has a super-creepy book to tell us about: Nightbooks by J.A. White. It’s a chapter book perfect for kids ages 8 and up. This story is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, and it’s an excellent read if you like fairy tales, creepy stories and books with unforgettable characters. “A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to...

In today’s podcast, Laurel reviews The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes. If you like your fantasy mixed with romance, you will enjoy this book. “Swept from her quiet life as an apothecary's apprentice to the treacherous court of the High King, Rosie Harpwood is shocked to discover she is the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Reawakening her dormant magic is the kingdom's only hope...

Today, Sally shares a powerful, gritty YA novel — The Grace Year by Kim Liggett. “Tierney James, sixteen, struggles to endure the year in which she and other young women are banished to the wild until, purified, the survivors are allowed to return home and marry.” Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1797576

Today, Dave tells us about a book called The Eyes & the Impossible by author Dave Eggers. It’s a great read for kids 8 to 12 years old. “Free dog Johannes' job is to observe everything that happens in his urban park and report back to the park's three bison elders. But changes are afoot, including more humans, a new building, a boatload of goats and a shocking revelation that changes his view of t...

Today, Reading Advisor Margarita dives into Desperate Measures, the first novel in Katee Robert’s Wicked Villains series. In this dark, erotic reimagining of Aladdin, Jasmine flees an abusive sultan and enters a dangerous, desire-charged alliance with Jafar. As power, control and pleasure blur, Jasmine must decide what freedom truly costs — and who she wants to become. Find this title in the FVRL...

In today’s podcast, Charlotte shares a riveting book for kids 11 and up: Hazel Hill Is Gonna Win This One by Maggie Horne. It’s a hopeful story about facing online bullying and standing up for what you believe in. "When she discovers her nemesis, Ella Quinn, is being harassed by golden boy Tyler Harris, seventh grader Hazel Hill is determined to prove it, since no one believes he would do such a t...

Today, Larissa shares her review of Mike Bockoven’s Fantasticland, a book she describes as “brutal, gruesome and unnervingly believable.” “Since the 1970s, FantasticLand has been the theme park where 'Fun is Guaranteed!’ But when a hurricane ravages the Florida coast and isolates the park, the employees find it anything but fun. Five weeks later, the authorities who rescue the survivors encounter...

Sally can’t wait to share a hilarious mystery called The Case of the Strange Splash. It’s Book 1 in the Detective Duck series by Henry Winkler — a great read for kids in Grades 3 and up. “Willow Feathers McBeaver, aka Detective Duck, and her pond animal pals investigate puzzling mysteries caused by human disruptions to their habitat.” Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocomm...

Today, Dave tells us about two memoirs written by independent musicians: Orenda Fink of Azure Ray and Neko Case of the New Pornographers. The Witch’s Daughter: My Mother, Her Magic, and the Madness That Bound Us — by Orenda Fink “Acclaimed indie musician and songwriter Orenda Fink’s lyrical and moving memoir about growing up with a mother who battled mental illness and addiction is a ‘master text...

Today, Charlotte shares a heartfelt and uplifting book for kids ages 9 and up: Sparkle by Lakita Wilson. “After 12-year-old aspiring superstar Sparkle Moore is diagnosed with alopecia, she must navigate family, friends and her own self-esteem with the added challenge of losing her hair.“ Find this book in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1913746

In today’s podcast, Deanna tells us about FVRL’s exciting Family Literacy Day contest, which will run through the month of January. Family Literacy Day will take place on January 27, 2026, and it’s all about having fun while boosting your family’s love of reading and learning. This year’s theme is: “Make meal time family learning time!” FVRL is celebrating all month long with a contest. Until Janu...

Today, Larissa shares her review of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones, a chilling historical horror novel set in the American West. “A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor, is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares...

In today’s podcast, we explore Eden Royce’s The Creepening of Dogwood House, an award-winning horror novel for middle schoolers. After the tragic death of his mother, Roddie moves in with an aunt he barely knows at their eerie ancestral home in South Carolina. Strange and spooky things begin to happen, and Roddie learns that the house — and his family — are tied to powerful hoodoo traditions. As h...

In today’s podcast, staff from FVRL’s Maple Ridge Public Library share their top picks for the holiday season: Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night by Sophie Hannah https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1902696 The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1940424 Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1947097 Moo, Ba...