FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

Looking for book recommendations while you are waiting on popular title holds by Colleen Hoover and Emily Henry? In this episode, Jessica shares some suggestions: Much Ado About You by Samantha Young, In Five Years by Rebecca Serle and If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy.

In this episode Jessica and Naomi introduce listeners to a picture book by Mo Willems: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. Wilbur, a naked mole rat who likes to wear clothes, is forced to go before the wise community elder, who surprises the other naked mole rats with his pronouncement.

Kelli introduces listeners to one of her favourite graphic novel series: Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe. Adapted from a popular webcomic, the story is a modern retelling of the relationship between the Greek goddess Persephone and the god Hades.

In this episode Mieke tells listeners about the survival adventure story The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Roz the robot discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island with no memory of where she is from or why she is there, and her only hope of survival is to try to learn about her new environment from the island's hostile inhabitants.

Looking for a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end? Joys recommends All the Dirty Secrets by Aggie Blum Thompson. Set in the upscale DC private school scene, where silence can easily be bought, All the Dirty Secrets asks how far you would go to protect your status and your family, and if some secrets should ever be revealed.

In this episode Jessica tells us about two of her current favourite reads written by female authors: A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross and A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw.

Did you enjoy the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? Looking for a fun summer read? Chelsea tells listeners about Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life, the first title in a series by James Patterson. When Rafe Khatchadorian enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, "Leo the Silent," to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every rule in the school's code of conduct.

In this episode, Joys recommends Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of A Wuhanese American by Laura Gao. After spending her early years in Wuhan, China, riding water buffalos and devouring stinky tofu, Laura immigrates to Texas, where her hometown is as foreign as Mars — at least until 2020, when COVID-19 makes Wuhan a household name.

In this episode, Jessica and Naomi introduce listeners to Nina Hamza's novel Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year. Moving from Hawaii to Minnesota, Ahmed Aziz is having the worst year until he deals with bullies, makes new friends and uncovers his family’s past — all while finding himself in three books assigned for his English class.

Jessica and Helena share a selection of picture books to read as a family. These titles explore the theme of moving to a new country: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins, and My Favorite Memories by Sepideh Sarihi.

Do you love the works of Harry Potter and Studio Ghibli? Sally recommends reading the manga series Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama.

In this episode, Kelli introduces listeners to Sue Lynn Tan's debut fantasy novel Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

In this episode, Teresa shares a selection of first chapter book series for young readers: The Nearly Fearless Monkey Pirates, Zach and Zoe Mysteries, The Critter Club, and Chicken Squad.

Looking to add young adult manga to your summer reading list? In this episode, Sally and Kelly recommend two series: Goodbye, My Rose Garden by Dr Pepperco, and Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku.

Do you like survival stories like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, or Stranded by Jeff Probst? Afton recommends the middle grade title Alone, a novel in verse, by Megan E. Freeman.

Looking for a terrifying summer read? In this episode Sally introduces listeners to Pearl, a horror fiction novel written by Josh Malerman.

Looking for a series to add to your summer reading list? Jennifer recommends Humphrey the Hamster by Betty Birney for readers ages 7 to 10.

Looking for an enjoyable full cast audiobook to listen to this summer? Chris recommends the engaging titles in the Miss Marple series.

Are you learning to read? In this episode Jacque shares some of her favorite series featuring diverse characters: Ty's Travels by Kelly Starling Lyons and Geraldine Pu by Maggie P. Chang.

In today's episode, Sally and Erin introduce listeners to the genre of narrative non-fiction — true stories that read like novels. Some great examples include Fuzz by Mary Roach, Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker, Disfigured by Amanda LeDuc, and The Five by by Hallie Rubenhold.

Looking for books with adventure and mystery to add to your summer reading list? Sally tells listeners about titles by her all-time favourite author Lemony Snicket!

To celebrate our country's birthday, Amanda recommends three books written by Canadian authors: Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice, The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, and The Maid by Nita Prose.

In today's podcast, Emily shares a great read for kids ages 7 to 11: Walking for Water by Susan Hughes. Victor and his twin sister Linesi live in the African country of Malawi. Although they are both eight years old, Victor and Lenesi have very different lives because of their genders. When his new teacher, Mr. Tambala, teaches a lesson about gender equality, Victor decides to make a change.

In this today's podcast, Sally explores the writing of Jennifer McMahon. The author's work, such as her recent novels The Drowning Kind and The Children on the Hill, is atmospheric, creepy and suspenseful.

On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, Cindy introduces listeners to two middle grade novels by Indigenous authors: Forever Birchwood by Danielle Daniel and Journal of A Travelling Girl by Nadine Neema.