FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

We're celebrating Science Literacy Week (September 21 to 27, 2020) with a book pick by Dawn, an avid science fan. In just 81 pages, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics presents a concise overview of relativity, quantum physics and other key themes. Author Carlo Rovelli has the remarkable ability to present complex scientific ideas in a way that is both accessible and inspiring to the average reader.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel across the country on a high-speed luxury train while encountering sasquatches, a murderer, a circus troupe and a steam powered robot called an automaton? In this week's podcast, Mieke shares The Boundless, a cross-Canada adventure by author Kenneth Oppel.

Do you want to brush up on computer skills? Improve your memory? Learn to play banjo? Prepare for a new career? In this week's podcast, Diana walks us through Lynda.com's extensive library of instructional videos. This popular online resource is free for FVRL customers! Find it at fvrl.ca under the Digital Content tab.

Tal reviews Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (author of the Hunger Games) – an exciting read for kids ages 8 to 14. When 11-year-old Gregor and his two-year-old sister are pulled into a strange underground world, they trigger an epic battle involving men, bats, rats, cockroaches and spiders while on a quest foretold by ancient prophecy.

Put on your hiking boots and grab your binoculars! On this week's ReadRadio podcast, we're heading outside. Kelly shares a few books that inspire families to connect with nature together.

Learn all about the art of storytelling! ReadRadio interviews Summer Reading Club performer Lenard Stanga of Pangaea Arts. Head over to fvrl.ca to view Pangaea Arts' virtual show, Stories on Wheels.

Helena shares one of her favourite books ever: Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida. When Opal brings home a big, ugly dog she finds at the grocery store, it sets in motion the humorous misadventures that end up uniting the often misunderstood members of their small town.

This week Joann recommends three older titles for children age nine and up: City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, and Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.

Jacque explores Naxos Music Library, the world's largest online classical music collection. You can access Naxos any time from your computer and most mobile devices. Look for it at the FVRL website under Digital Content.

The Montague Siblings is a historical young adult series by author Mackenzie Lee. In this episode of ReadRadio, Katie tells us about the first two titles in the series: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, and The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy.

What's the scoop on poop? This week we're reading books about human and animal digestion – and the poopy stuff it leaves behind. Janine has three kids' non-fiction books to recommend: Who's Poop Is That?, The Real Poop on Pigeons, and Why Do We Poop?

Chris from Terry Fox Library shares one of her favourite crossover titles. Feed by M.T. Anderson is a teen science fiction novel that adults can enjoy too. It imagines a future where people are linked to a computer network through implants in their brains. Titus, a teenager from Earth, never questions his world until a hacker severs his feed during a trip to the moon.

In this episode of ReadRadio, Teresa reviews the novels George and Rick by Alex Gino. These beautiful and heartwarming stories explore the complexities of LGBTQIA identities for middle school readers.

Katie from Chilliwack Library shares one of her favourite young adult audiobooks: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Set in El Paso, Texas in 1987, the novel focuses on the relationship between two Latino boys. Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda brings the characters to life in the audiobook narration.

A microhistory investigates one small thing – an object, event or person – and explores its significance in a broader historical context. This week, staff at Maple Ridge Public Library share a few of their favourite microhistory books. These fascinating titles cover topics as diverse as cadavers, curry, redheads and home life.

Janet from Chilliwack Library shares two books, both written in verse, that will hold appeal for middle-grade students and adult readers alike: Diamond Willow by Helen Frost and Red Butterfly by A.L. Sonnichsen. Both feature strong young female characters who face almost unimaginable challenges as they grow into adulthood.

Join us for an exclusive interview with Summer Reading Club performer Norden the Magician! Find out how he got interested in magic and learn about his favourite trick to perform. Then head over to FVRL's SRC website to see Norden's virtual show! fvrl-2020-src.mailchimpsites.com/events

Cindy reviews the teen sci-fi novel Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (book one in the Skyward series). It's the story of Spensa, a girl from a world under constant attack by the alien Krell. When the attack escalates, Spensa's dream of becoming a pilot may come true, despite her deceased father being labelled a deserter.

Learn about the art of puppetry in this interview with Summer Reading Club performer and master puppeteer Elspeth Bowers. Then head over to FVRL's SRC website for stories and songs by Espeth and her friends! https://fvrl-2020-src.mailchimpsites.com/events

Jacque from Aldergrove Library likes to go for a walk outside when she is feeling stressed. She also loves books about walking. These titles often examine themes of pilgrimage, reflection and self-discovery. In this episode of ReadRadio, Jacque shares her favourite walking-themed books. These include novels, memoirs and even a local walking guide!

This week Julie has a great book recommendation for our Teen Summer Reading Club: Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy. Set in coastal Mississippi a few years after Hurricane Katrina, this novel tells the story of Ramona Blue and her family and friends as they navigate issues of poverty, race, sexual orientation and growing up. It's an uplifting tale about regular people overcoming difficult challenges.

Happy Canada Day! To celebrate our great country, Helene has chosen three kids' non-fiction books from TumbleBookLibrary. From the Arctic tundra to the Great Bear Rainforest, these books will take you on a cross-country adventure and show you some of the amazing places that make Canada special.

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with too many thoughts and feelings filling your mind and your heart? Corinne from Murrayville Library encourages you to check out One Story, One Song, a collection of essays by the late Canadian Ojibway author Richard Wagamese.

Read-along books are ebooks read aloud slowly by a narrator so children can follow along. This week Kelly from Ladner Pioneer Library explores read-alongs for kids of all ages and reading abilities. All titles mentioned are available to FVRL customers through OverDrive's Libby app.

Tsawwassen Library staffers Joann and Leanna share Summer Reading Club picks for all ages. For the little ones: Sunny Day – A Celebration of Sesame Street by Joe Raposo. For kids: The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan. For teens: The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones. And for adults: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. FVRL has a Summer Reading Club for everyone. Go to www.fvrl.ca...