Two Lit Mamas

The Mamas discuss ghost stories in honor of Summerween. If you’ve never heard of Summerween, don’t worry, the Mamas hadn’t either.  In this episode, they share what they learned about the new-ish genre along with middle grade recs for spooky summer reading lists.  Book Chat: Ghoul Summer by Tracy Badua The Polter-Ghost Problem by Betsy Uhrig The Haunting of Walker Pond by Nancy Tandon It Came from...

The Mamas chat about grown up books in the latest episode of the Two Lit Mamas podcast. They chose murdery cozies perfect for the summer reading lists of their favorite parents and teachers. So, if you spend too much time watching shady neighbors from your window or would love to tour a creepy library after dark, then the Mamas have books for you.  Book Chat: A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L....

The Mamas are manifesting summer with two new Middle Grade books that will inspire parents and teachers during break. Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or a science geek or both, the Mamas have adventure stories that will keep your kiddos entertained.    Book Chat: Wilderness Hacks by Joslin Brorsen Found Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek  www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas are bringing the mayhem with ghosts, goddesses and general goofiness in newish Middle Grade and YA books. The Mamas may be in their crone era but they can still vibe with the best.  Book Chat: X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie. (ages 8-12) Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno (ages 13 & up) www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas discuss Middle Grade books set in hauntingly realistic dystopian worlds, but don't worry, the kids are okay. In fact, they work together to save themselves and expose the bade guys, a powerful lesson for us all. Middle Grade Book Chat: Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland, translated by Rose Hedger Away by Megan Freeman, a companion to Alone www.twolitmamas.com     

The Mamas have hearts in their eyes for lovable monsters this week. Bigfoot, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Medusa receive much needed empathy and rollicking adventures in the Mama’s middle grade and young adult reads. Ditch your pitchforks, folks, and listen in. Book Chat: Stitch by Padraig Kenny (MG) The Mighty by Judd Winick (MG Graphic Novel) I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (YA/Adult) www.twolitmamas.com...

The Mamas are a little cranky but they pull it together to bring you one fantastic Middle Grade series, one middle of the road cozy murder mystery, and one skip-it fantasy series in honor of Middle Grade March. They were slightly disappointed with some of their picks but you won’t be disappointed with the delivery. As usual, the episode is a rollicking coffee talk with your besties. Middle Grade B...

For Margie March, the Mamas planned to read weird books in Margie’s honor, but they failed the assignment. Instead, the Mamas discuss two beautiful Young Adult books so gorgeous you’ll want the hardcovers, and one slightly weird grown up book that wouldn't scare your grandmother.  Book Chat: The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker, YA book in notes Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff, Grown-up c...

The Mamas crossed the pond to bring listeners 2 rollicking middle grade (ages 8-12) adventure books by British authors. As a bonus, Margie also shared a grown-up book with similar vibes for the adventurous parent, teacher or writer.  Book Chat: Middle Grade Books Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho The Stolen Songbird by Judith Eagle Grown Up Book Slayers of Old by Jim C. Hines www.twolit...

The Mamas show love for their craft by reading informational books on the art of writing. They share the best tips and advice that worked for them, like how to start with action and how to keep the joy going during the long writing and editing process. If you’ve ever considered putting your heart on paper, this episode is for you. Book Chat: The Magic Words, Writing Great Books for Children and Yo...

Dystopian books may seem like a tough read at the moment but, as the Mamas point out, the good guys always win in MG and YA fiction, offering a nice break from reality. So if you need a moment of self-care and inspiration, join the Mamas as they chat about Dystopian books for resisters.   MG & YA Book Chat: The Legend of the Secret Library by Frank L. Cole (for 8-12 years) Outside by Jennifer...

The mamas rang in the new year by–shocker–reading new books. They distracted themselves from boring mom tasks and ignored their families to binge some winners. Even Margie loved the books she read, kicking off 2026 with sunshine vibes, something we all needed. Book Chat: Grown up book The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller Middle grade books Blood in the Water by Tiffany B. Jackson Candle Island...

The Mamas bring you mystery, mayhem and murder for the coziest of holidays! In their year-end party episode, the Mamas share holiday-themed books with (not-too) dark mysteries for adults and middle graders (ages 8-12). Get your hot cocoa and soft blanket and snuggle up for a cozy book chat with your favorite Gen-Xers. Happy Holidays and justice for Tupac! Book Chat: Middle Grade Books The Clockwor...

The Mamas are back with opinions and hot takes in their annual holiday gift guide. Their book recs are for little ones, big kids, and picky older readers like themselves. Grab a cup of cheer and make your list! Happy Holidays! Heather’s Picture Book Recs (ages 3-5): On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug by Susan E. Goodman and Merrill Rainey Woodland Dreams by Karen Jameson  Snuggle Season by Jaimie MacGi...

The Mamas get cozy with their favorite topic, murder. From just okay assistants to dysfunctional families, the Mamas dig into Middle Grade, YA, and Grown Up books full of cozy vibes and mysteries to solve.     Book Chat: The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder by Kate Emery ( Upper Middle Grade) The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer (YA) The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by...

Welcome to the Two Lit Mamas' Halloween episode, the episode in which the Mama's cast some spells, haunt some kids, and kill some vampires all through the medium of spooky books for grown ups and kids. (It's also the episode in which Heather forgot to hit the record button the first time around. Yikes!) Book Chat: Grown Up Book: The Late Night Witches by Auralee Wallace Middle Grade...

The Mamas are cauldron deep in brand new spooky season reads. Margie has 2 grown up books and Heather has 2 middle grade books that will make your wicked little hearts happy.  Book Chat: Grown Up Books: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan (Sequel to Bless Your Heart) Middle Grade Books (ages 8-12): Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest b...

Join the Mamas on a journey with books about road trips, climbing adventures and walking tours where the destination is not the point. Along the way, the Mamas share ridiculous details of their own journeys into old-lady-hood. You can’t unhear the details so be prepared! (Hint: kaftans are involved) Book Chat: Middle Grade Books Bewilderness by Gus Gordon (graphic novel) The Trouble with Heroes by...

We're baaaack! We hope our absence made your hearts grow fonder. Ours certainly did! We missed you. As we catch up, be prepared to be inundated with 2 Lit Mamas episodes, starting with a dog-themed book chat in honor of Margie's new puppy. (Recorded in August)  Book Chat: Graphic Novel series for kids:  Wagnificent series by Bethanie Murguia Mystery series for grown-pups Chet and Bernie...

The Mamas are here to help you pack for vacation with books for little ones, middle graders, young adults, grown ups and weirdos. They’ve got books about canoeing goats, Hawaiian folklore, mind-controlling orchids, sirens, witches and more—perfect for reading on the beach, in your backyard or in Bigfoot’s hut in the Pacific Northwest. Grab one of the Mamas' recommendations and escape reality...

The Mamas get cooking in episode 111, serving up fun ideas to keep you and your kiddos active over summer break. From gluing 3-D toys to grilling up your veggies, the book chat is filled with a variety of resources to help prevent brain drain while you’re on vacay. Book Chat: My First Town, a Building Block Book by Merrill Rainey Tasting History by Max Miller Dear Writer, Pep Talks and Practical A...

Fan-girling over a debut Young Adult novel, the Mamas eagerly get lost in the wilderness with a sisterhood of feral girls in the latest book chat. The Mamas are swept away by the twisty, slippery, primeval magic of the life-wrecking (in a good way) book. Is it fantasy or tragedy? The Mamas can't agree but they are here for it.  Book Chat: The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin ww...

The Mamas are once again surprised by the awesomeness of graphic novels, geeking out over middle grade (ages 8-12) and YA (ages 13-17) books that are so engaging they can’t stop gushing about them. If you’re looking for great fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, informational text, and memoir graphic novels that make perfect gifts or additions to the classroom, the Mamas have several to...

The Mamas are celebrating National Poetry Month on the 108th episode. They aren't happy about it but they're doing it, that's now much they love literature and their listeners. Join the Mamas as they offer questionable reviews of middle grade books in verse. We wish we could say they're not that bad, but they probably are. On a light note, Heather embarrasses herself by geeking...

Y.A. all day with the Two Lit Mamas! In this episode, they’ve got four new books for teens and young adults, including a novella, an historical fiction novel, and two mysteries. But first, the Mamas reminisce about YA in the 80s, sharing books they thought were gnarly and grody. Be there or be square.  Book Chat:      Errant Roots (novella) by Sondra Taylor Truth, Lies and the Questions in Between...