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The SSR PodcastEpisode 318: xoxo, SSR (Goodbye for now!)It has been a wild, amazing ride and I couldn't be more grateful for all of your support over the years. Please enjoy this reflective last episode, which includes some of my thoughts on podcasting more broadly, a bit of housekeeping, and a whole lot of Q&A. Thank you for every little thing.Love,AlliKEEP IN TOUCH!Follow me on Instagram @allihoffkosik. Check out (and subscribe to!) my Substack: Getting It Alli TogetherRemember: All 318 episodes of SSR will still...2025-04-0149 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 316: Princess Academy (with London Sperry)Add this to the list of Alli's favorite SSR reads of all-time—and just in time for the show to say goodbye in a couple of weeks! Nearly 20 years after it was published and won a Newbery Honor, Shannon Hale's Princess Academy was a delight to read and discuss. The book inspires conversations on Episode 316 about everything from hometown pride and tropes about female bodies to the value of education and lame princes. Alli's guest also blows her mind with some facts about 2025 slang.London Sperry's debut novel Passion Project hits shelves on 4/8/25. Follow her on In...2025-03-1855 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 315: WTF # 7 | WTF Do I Do to Promote a Book?On this last installment of our monthly SSR: WTF (WriTing Friends) series, Alli and Abby look to the future!In anticipation of the 2026 publication of Alli's debut novel, they discuss all things book promotion: book events, PR boxes, social media icks, supporting authors online and IRL, newsletters, pre-orders, and more. They also chat more about the decision to end SSR and give you a preview of their future (potential) collaborations!CHECK OUT AND SUBSCRIBE TO ABBY'S SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER HERE! BOOK SHOUTOUTS: Written: How to Keep Writing and Build...2025-03-1156 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 301: Troubling a Star (with Elise Hu)This week, join Alli and her guest for an exciting voyage to Antarctica… and also for a conversation about Troubling a Star by Madeleine L’Engle. The fifth installment in L’Engle’s beloved Austin Family Chronicles series, the book was published in 1994 and explores subjects of espionage, nuclear waste dumping, drug trafficking, and more. Join the fun as we try to unpack all of it—and don’t be turned off if you’re not familiar with the story. Alli and Elise both read Troubling a Star, and they’re still not sure how much they know about it.El...2024-11-1949 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 289: Alone in the Crowd (Sweet Valley High #28)It’s been too long since we paid a visit to Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield in good old Sweet Valley, California. Let’s fix that! Episode 289 covers the twenty-eighth installment in Francine Pascal’s beloved series, Alone in the Crowd, a book that explores insecurity, songwriting, the complicated nature of mother/daughter relationships, and rocking chair fundraisers. Alli and her guest find much to clown on here and it’s a truly excellent time.TW: suicideOne of Alli’s all-time favorite authors is on the pod today! Claire Lombardo is the New York Times bestsellin...2024-08-2756 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 282: WTF #1 | Getting to Know YouWelcome to the first episode of SSR: WriTing Friends! This new monthly series—co-hosted by Abby Wolfe—is a fun look at the writing process from multiple perspectives and stops along the way. Broadly speaking, our goal with WTF is to make the writing process transparent at every stage and to further connect readers and writers in this community and beyond.In this inaugural episode, Abby shares more about herself and her writing life with listeners! Alli and Abby also talk more about their vision for WTF going forward, their thoughts on genre, and Alli’s DNF era.2024-07-0957 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 276: Welcome Back!SSR is back after Alli’s maternity leave! We’ll be back to discuss a new literary throwback next week, but we’re kicking things off (again!) with a little catch-up session. Chelsey Feder of @chelseyreads and Novel Pairings plays co-host to help bring the SSR community up to speed on what’s been happening since you last tuned into the podcast. Alli and Chelsey discuss two major developments in Alli’s life, as well as what her reading routine has looked like recently. You’ll also hear more about what to expect from this new chapter of SSR.2024-05-2842 minThe SSR PodcastBONUS EPISODE: Behind-the-Scenes of Bookish Content Creation + Maternity Leave PlansOn this special bonus episode, Alli is joined by Sara Hildreth of Fiction Matters and the Novel Pairings podcast! As she prepares to take a brief podcast maternity leave in early 2024, Alli looks to Sara for advice on how to manage a pause in sharing content with her community. They take you behind-the-scenes of the business of podcasting, Patreon, Substack, and more! Follow Sara on Instagram (@fictionmatters). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-11-0339 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 265: FifteenOn Episode 265, Alli and her guest explore a new side of all-time kid lit rock star Beverly Cleary — a more ~mature~ side! This week, the focus is one of Cleary’s books for teen readers, Fifteen. The conversation covers everything from awkward first date moments and ‘50s crush etiquette to class undercurrents and the importance of confidence. Alli and her guest also unpack a hard-to-read scene set in a Chinese restaurant.Alison Rose Greenberg is the author of Bad Luck Bridesmaid and Maybe Once, Maybe Twice. Follow her on Instagram (@alison.greenberg) and Twitter (@alisongreenberg). Hosted...2023-10-171h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 250: Hope Was HereFive years of the podcast and 250 episodes… it’s a big week! And what better way to celebrate than by revisiting one of Alli’s deep cut childhood favorites, Joan Bauer’s Hope Was Here? Join the party as Alli and her guest take a sweet walk down memory lane with the help of this Newbery Honor book, covering topics ranging from Gilmore Girls parallels and the glamorization of working in food service to found family and political organizing.Bridget Morrissey is the author of That Summer Feeling, A Thousand Miles, Love Scenes, When the Light Went Out, and...2023-06-2759 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 247: BloomabilityOn Episode 247, Alli finally gets the chance to revisit a book that’s been at the top of her personal SSR wish list for years: Bloomability by Sharon Creech. With the help of her guest, Alli follows main character Dinnie on a journey from her nomadic life in the U.S. to a Swiss boarding school, where she makes new friends, is forced to see her family back home in a new way, and learns more about herself. The book opens up conversations about everything from family dysfunction and dream journals to culture shock and belonging.Kaitlyn Hi...2023-06-061h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 220: Anne of West Philly (New Reads November)For Week 4 of New Reads November, Alli and her guest talk about Alli’s first-ever graphic novel: Anne of West Philly. Written by Ivy Noelle Weir and illustrated by Myisha Haynes, Anne of West Philly is a fresh retelling of the classic Anne of Green Gables that casts Anne Shirley as a spunky foster kid who develops a passion for coding while living with the Cuthberts in Philadelphia. Tune in to hear about all things graphic novels, Anne of Green Gables, representations of foster care, and some seriously sweet teachable moments.Erin Entrada Kelly is the Newbery Me...2022-11-2259 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 214: Can't Stay Away (SVH Senior Year #1)On Episode 214, Alli and her guest go back to Sweet Valley… but they find it grittier and sassier than you’ve seen it before. In the first book of the SVH Senior Year series Can’t Stay Away, the Wakefields and their classmates adapt to a new normal after their lives are shaken up by a major earthquake. But what happens when Sweet Valley is forced to merge with the student body from El Carro High? One word: drama. Tune in to this episode to hear Alli and Elissa Sussman unpack all of said drama and discuss weird gestures around...2022-10-1159 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 213: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-BanksOn Episode 213, Alli and her guest explore a newer and also lesser-known throwback, E. Lockhart’s The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. This 2009 Printz Honor recipient might just be Alli’s new SSR favorite, so tune in even if you’re not familiar with it! The discussion about Frankie focuses primarily on matters of feminism, power dynamics, and questioning the status quo.S.K. Ali is the New York Times bestelling and award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Saints and Misfits, Love from A to Z, Misfit in Love, Once Upon an Eid, and The Pr...2022-10-0459 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 198: P.S. Longer Letter LaterEpisode 198 is more than a decade in the making! Alli and guest Colleen McKeegan went to high school (and were cheerleaders!) together and have been planning for Colleen’s appearance on the pod since the day they started talking about becoming novelists at happy hour in midtown Manhattan. In this conversation about P.S. Longer Letter Later, it finally happens! This epistolary novel was published in 1998 and is a collaboration between two legends: Ann M. Martin and Paula Danziger. Tune in for discussions about the unique nature of a pen pal relationship, chosen family, a subversion of co...2022-06-141h 09The SSR PodcastEpisode 185: InkheartOn Episode 185, Alli and her guest have a bit of a love fest in honor of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart. Alli is coming to the book for the first time and she compares notes with her guest, who remembers it fondly from her childhood. They talk about world building, the tricky business of translation, the author/reader relationship, compelling adult characters in books meant for kids, and grief. It’s a conversation about a book about books, so book lovers — get excited!Akshaya Raman is the author of The Ivory Key. Follow her on Instagram (@akshraman) and Twitte...2022-03-1555 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 184: A Ring of Endless LightFor the first time since the SSR episode about A Wrinkle in Time back in 2018, Alli returns to the world of Madeleine L’Engle, this time for a deep dive into A Ring of Endless Light. Listen to Episode 184 for conversations about everything from grief and loss to dolphins and ESP. Alli and her guest also share their thoughts on a series of potential love interests for main character Vicky and discuss the ways in which this book feels painfully timely for readers in 2022. TW: suicidal ideation, depression, PTSD, trauma, griefClaire Legrand is a Ne...2022-03-081h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 179: Kidnapped By the Cult! (Sweet Valley High #82)On this very exciting episode, Alli is joined by linguist and cult expert Amanda Montell for a conversation about the eighty-second book in Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley High series, Kidnapped By the Cult!, in which they discover that the SVH portrayal of cults is actually pretty accurate. You’ll learn about the history and language of cults, Amanda’s first impression of the Wakefields, teen brain chemistry, and so much more. Plus, Alli and Amanda reminisce on high school angst and mall hangs! Amanda Montell is a writer, linguist, and author of the critically acclaimed books Cultis...2022-02-011h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 178: Artemis FowlFor the grand finale of Manuary 2022, Alli finally returns to a book that she’s been wanting to discuss on the pod for years: Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl. Will it live up to her memories and expectations? You’ll have to listen to find out! On this episode, Alli and her guest chat about fairy lore, antiheroes, bathroom humor, racism in fantasy, office politics, law enforcement in literature, boy geniuses, and Santa Claus. Zack Loran Clark is a writer and editor of children’s books. He is the author of The Lock-Eater and co-author of The Adventur...2022-01-2555 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 170: Prairie Lotus (New Reads November)At long last, Alli is reading and discussing the book that has been most frequently recommended to her by guests and listeners in 2020 and 2021: Linda Sue Park’s Prairie Lotus. This book presents a long overdue perspective about the same (highly complicated) era romanticized by Laura Ingalls Wilder and explores matters of race, xenophobia, loss, Otherness, and assault. On Episode 170, Alli and her guest discuss the importance of embracing one’s full identity, the depiction of Native American culture in Prairie Lotus, the pressures placed on children and women of color, and so much more. Enjoy this third week of N...2021-11-1659 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 155: Zoey Fools Around (Making Out #1)It’s always a treat for Alli when a podcast guest introduces her to a book from their teen or tween years that’s brand new to her… so imagine what a treat it is when a guest shares an entire SERIES with her! On Episode 155, Alli has her first experience with Katherine Applegate’s Making Out series, more specifically, the first installment Zoey Fools Around. She and her guest discuss the unique social dynamics of the teen cast of the series, draw parallels between the book and popular teen dramas of the ‘90s and early ‘00s, share their love for the...2021-07-2759 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 144: I Am an ArtichokeOn Episode 144, Alli and her guest Elise Bryant have a thoughtful, honest, and at times vulnerable conversation about I Am an Artichoke, which was written by Lucy Frank and published in 1995. The book tells the story of an angsty teen named Sarah who takes a summer job as a mother’s helper in New York City, only to discover that the family who hired her is working through trauma that they’re not willing to acknowledge. Together, Alli and Elise consider the dangers of the way that eating disorders are depicted in this book, share the parts of S...2021-05-111h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 134: The Hunger GamesAlli volunteers as tribute… to discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins! On Episode 134, it’s finally time to tackle this pop culture phenomenon! Alli and her guests discuss how the series impacted the YA category, how it mirrors real-life past and present, and the dystopian genre as a whole. They also chat about their feelings about the book’s love triangle and Katniss Everdeen’s experience as a young woman in the public eye… and more! Margaux Poupard and Emilie Begin are the hosts of the Old Millennials Podcast, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher...2021-02-231h 06The SSR PodcastEpisode 130: The True Confessions of Charlotte DoyleEpisode 130 marks the conclusion to Manuary 2021 — and Alli’s first experience with the oft-requested Avi novel, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. The book was published in 1990 and won a Newbery Honor in 1991 and has quite the fandom within the SSR community. On this episode, Alli and guest Jordan Moblo have an in-depth conversation about The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and what it says about power, race, gender, class, and morality. Follow Jordan on Instagram (@jordys.book.club). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-01-261h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 128: Night of the Living Dummy (Goosebumps #7)It’s the second week of Manuary, the second episode of 2021, and Alli’s second-ever experience reading one of R. L. Stine’s beloved Goosebumps books! On Episode 128, SSR takes a spooky look at the seventh book in the iconic series, Night of the Living Dummy, in which we meet a very famous ventriloquist dummy named Slappy. Alli and her guest discuss their personal feelings about and experiences with ventriloquism, the portrayal of sibling rivalry in the book, and the suspension of disbelief necessary in the horror genre. They also chat about the genre, more generally. Dav...2021-01-1259 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 123: The Cricket in Times SquareNew Reads November is over… and we’re back to our usual literary throwback programming! On Episode 123, Alli and her guest take a walk down reading memory lane for a discussion about George Selden’s The Cricket in Times Square, which was published in 1960 and won a Newbery Honor in 1961. The book is a celebration of friendship, New York City, and the American dream. Tune in to hear Alli and Melissa discuss their personal experiences with this book (hint: Alli had a childhood pet named after the main character), the power of the arts, the presidential fitness test, and more...2020-12-0158 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 118: Karen's Witch (Baby-Sitters Little Sister #1)For way too long, Alli underestimated one amazing character in the BSC world: Karen Brewer, AKA Kristy’s younger stepsister. Netflix’s 2020 adaptation of The Baby-Sitters Club showed her just how amazing Karen is… and she’s thrilled to be turning the spotlight on her for Episode 118 and a discussion of Karen’s Witch.The first book in the BSC spin-off series Baby-Sitters Little Sister, Karen’s Witch tells the story of what happens when our heroine becomes convinced that her dad’s neighbor Mrs. Porter is actually a witch named Morbidda Destiny. The book also touches on matters of...2020-10-271h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 117: Meet Kirsten (American Girl)It’s time for another American Girl deep dive! This time, the focus is pioneer girl Kirsten Larson — and Alli couldn’t have picked a better guest for this one. On Episode 117, she welcomes the ~queen~ of pop culture deep dives, Kate Kennedy from the Be There in Five podcast.Tune in to listen to Alli and Kate’s conversation about Meet Kirsten, which was published in 1988 and written by Janet Shaw. They share about their personal histories with the American Girl brand as a whole and examine the emotional roller coaster that is Meet Kirsten, specifically. Kate and...2020-10-201h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 116: The View from SaturdayEvery once in a while, Alli stumbles her way back to a book that tells her more than she ever could have expected about the kind of reader and writer she’s grown up to be… and The View from Saturday is one of them! On Episode 116, she and her guest take a close look at this 1996 middle grade novel by E.L. Konigsburg, which won the Newbery Medal in 1997. Alli and Kate discuss the book’s multiple perspectives and framing device, share which of the four core characters they most relate to, talk about the magic of a s...2020-10-131h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 111: Freaky FridayAuthor Suzanne Park joins Alli on Episode 111 to discuss Freaky Friday, the 1972 middle grade novel by Mary Rodgers that served as the inspiration for many adaptations, including the 2003 movie starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. They discuss the differences between the book and the movies, focusing especially on how one fosters more empathy within the mother/daughter relationship than the other. They also discuss the book’s more problematic elements, namely a racist housekeeper and a misogynist dad. And they chat about the fundamental misunderstandings that exist between kids and parents! Suzanne Park is the author of...2020-09-081h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 110: This LullabyOn Episode 110, book lover and bookstagrammer Sarah Coquillat is on the pod to chat about a book she absolutely loved as a teenager, Sarah Dessen’s This Lullaby. Does she still love it just as much after a reread? You’ll have to listen to find out. Sarah and Alli discuss dreamy (and not-so-dreamy) literary heartthrobs, slut-shaming, the lack of diversity in YA from this era, and the author’s portrayal of sexual assault in This Lullaby. They also talk about several common tropes in teen romance: characters who don’t believe in love, young men ruthlessly pursuing...2020-09-011h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 109: You Know You Love Me (Gossip Girl #2)It’s time for another Gossip Girl chat! On Episode 109, author (and Gossip Girl expert) Hannah Orenstein joins Alli to discuss the second title in Cecily von Ziegesar’s iconic series, You Know You Love Me. They talk about the many disturbing elements of the book that would likely not land in 2020 (homophobia, chain smoking, blatant body shaming), the complicated relationships (and love triangles) among characters, and the pressures of the college application process. They also explore the possibility that Nate Archibald is the single worst boyfriend in the history of ever and consider whether Dan Humphrey is sweet or s...2020-08-2557 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 108: The Headless CupidAuthor Jen Doll joins Alli on Episode 108 for a conversation about Zilpha Keatley Snyder’s Newbery Honor-winning novel, The Headless Cupid. They discuss blended family dynamics, the importance of mental health resources for kids, and ghost stories! They also address an extremely disturbing, racist scene that would never fly in 2020… and shouldn’t have flown when it was written in 1971, either.Jen is the author of Unclaimed Baggage and Save the Date: The Occasional Mortifications of a Serial Wedding Guest. Follow her on Instagram (@jendoll) and Twitter (@thisisjendoll). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...2020-08-181h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 107: Catherine, Called BirdyOn Episode 107, Alli is joined by podcaster and comedian Kelly Anneken to discuss Karen Cushman’s 1995 Newbery Honor winner, Catherine, Called Birdy. They chat about babysitting, Accelerated Reader, and their misguided impressions of the Middle Ages. They take a close look at the way Catherine, Called Birdy depicts heavy issues of childbirth, agency, domestic violence, diversity, consent, and the patriarchy. Alli and Kelly also chat about the unique challenges of adapting a book like this one for film or TV.Kelly is co-host of the Red All Over and Up Yours, Downstairs podcasts. Follow her on Instagram (@ke...2020-08-111h 05The SSR PodcastEpisode 106: Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal SnoggingOn Episode 106, Alli and her guest explore one major question: how good (or not-so-good) does it feel to read a book that feels like a time capsule of an era gone by? As you’ll hear in the episode, there are plenty of upsides and downsides, all discussed in the context of Louise Rennison’s 1999 YA hit Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. The conversation jumps from ‘90s movies and bad hair to toxic friendships and teen confidence. Jessica Goodman is the author of They Wish They Were Us. Follow her on Twitter (@jessgood) and Instagram (@jessic...2020-08-0456 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 105: Mr. Popper's PenguinsOn Episode 105, Alli sets aside her very real, very intense fear of birds for a conversation about Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Written in 1938 by Richard and Florence Atwater, this Newbery Honor winner is the story of a house painter named Mr. Popper who dreams of traveling to the Arctic and the penguins who come into his life thanks to one of his heroes, explorer Admiral Drake. Alli and her guest Swati chat about the many antics of Popper’s penguins, as well as the extent to which Mr. Popper represents a little bit of all of us! They also talk...2020-07-281h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 104: Eight Cousins // Rose in BloomIt’s been well-established that Alli is a superfan of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, but on Episode 104, her guest introduces her to two of the author’s other books — Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom. On this episode, they chat about how Alcott’s real-life influenced her storytelling and consider the many ways in which these books were highly progressive and feminist when they were written, even if it doesn’t seem that way now. Mary Kay Andrews is the New York Times-bestselling author of 27 novels. Her latest novel is Hello, Summer. Follow her on Instagram...2020-07-2151 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 103: Who's Who? (Sweet Valley High #62)It’s become an unofficial tradition to come back for a new year of the podcast with a Sweet Valley episode… and this year is no exception! On Episode 103, Alli’s soon-to-be podcaster friends Jaimie Farris and Abby Tracy join her to chat about Book #62 in the series, Who’s Who?Check out this episode for conversations about old school “computer dating services,” body image, high school romances, the motivational quotes that inspired us in high school, and about a thousand laughs. Jaimie, Abby, and Alli also discuss the age-old question: Team Jessica or Team Elizabeth?Jaimie an...2020-07-141h 14The SSR PodcastEpisode 102: Bonus Q+A #3!Rounding out year TWO of the podcast, it’s time for another round of Q+A!On this episode, Alli answers questions about everything from her favorite episodes and goals for the show to her personal writing and her recent move to Philadelphia. Enjoy this bonus episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-07-0326 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 101: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)This is the fourth and final week of Pride Month on the pod. Cheers to many more! Thanks so much to all of the guests who have joined Alli to celebrate Pride on SSR.On Episode 101, Tim Swenarton guests to chat about the book that made him a reader, Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief. The first title in the five-book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the novel was published in 2005 and shot Riordan to immediate kid lit stardom. Tune in to this episode to hear more about why The Lightning Thief meant so much to Ti...2020-06-231h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 100: A Great and Terrible BeautyIt’s Episode 100 of SSR — and Week 3 of Pride Month! There’s so much to celebrate on the podcast this week!Episode 100 is all about Libba Bray’s A Great and Terrible Beauty, the 2003 YA novel that kicked off the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Megan Tripp joins Alli to discuss everything from world-building and problematic othering of BIPOC to subtle hints at queerness and young women claiming their agency! You don’t want to miss it.Follow Megan on Instagram (@booksnblazers). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-06-161h 08The SSR PodcastEpisode 99: Keeping You a SecretWe’re back for the second episode of Pride Month 2020!Allison Punch joins Alli to chat about a book that made a huge impact on her life, Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters. On this episode, they discuss the lack of queer love stories in mainstream YA in decades gone by and how this book compares to other coming-out narratives. They also dig into the sweet dynamics of the romance in Keeping You a Secret, as well as the homophobia that the main characters experience. Follow Allison on Instagram (@allisonreadsdc) and Twitter (@ajpunch). ...2020-06-0959 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 98: Peter PanEpisode 98 kicks off Pride Month 2020 on SSR!This week, Alli is joined by podcaster and kid lit enthusiast Bryce Kelly for a conversation about J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. And we’re not talkin’ the Disney version! Tune in to hear them chat about this story’s deep publishing/adaptation history, unpack its strict depiction of traditional gender roles and weird conception of parenthood, and consider which characters are “good” and which characters are “bad.” Bryce is the co-host of the Percy Jackson podcast Radio Camp Half Blood and the former co-host of the Lemony Snicket p...2020-06-021h 05The SSR PodcastEpisode 97: Sideways Stories from Wayside SchoolEvery once in a while, Alli has to share what she *really* thinks is going to be an unpopular opinion on the podcast. Well, this is one of those times. Without any nostalgic attachment to Louis Sachar’s Sideways Stories from Wayside School, she’s not quite sure how to feel about it… but you’ll have to tune in for all the details! On this episode, you’ll hear Alli and her guest Katie Cragwall discuss their favorite things about the book’s format/structure, the way it shows its age with respect to name-calling, the extent to which the au...2020-05-261h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 96: Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell (Dear America)There have been so many requests for a Dear America episode — at last, we deliver! On Episode 96, Alli and her guest discuss the fifth installment, Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, 1847. Tune in to hear them chat about Alli’s elementary school obsession with all things Oregon Trail, the joys and embarrassments of keeping a diary, and how their reading tastes have developed since childhood. They also talk about the book’s depiction of race relations, share their newfound appreciation for the rigor of the Oregon Trail journey, and determine — without a doubt —...2020-05-1958 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 95: My Side of the MountainLong-time listeners of The SSR Podcast will hardly be surprised to discover that Alli is not the biggest fan of survival stories, but on Episode 95, she and her guest revisit Jean Craighead George’s Newbery Honor-winning novel My Side of the Mountain. After all, it is a classic! Tune in to find out if this is the book to change Alli’s mind about the survival genre and to hear her frustrations about its lack of character context and backstory. How old is the main character? Why did he run away? Why do his parents seem so unco...2020-05-0557 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 94: New York, New York! (The Baby-Sitters Club Super Special #6)When it comes to The Baby-Sitters Club and SSR, too much of a good thing is never enough… so it’s lucky for you that Episode 94 is yet another Super Special installment, New York, New York! In this book — the sixth BSC Super Special — the crew has a big apple adventure for their spring break, during which each baby-sitter finds her own NYC story. Some are much more interesting than others, but on this episode, Alli and her guest Megan Angelo discuss each of them, along with their memories of reading the BSC series out of order as tweens, their th...2020-04-281h 05The SSR PodcastEpisode 93: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1)Alli experiences a serious case of retroactive FOMO on Episode 93, thanks to a discussion about the first book in Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series, I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You. Along with guest Phoebe Wright, she discusses the many, many cool aspects of the Gallagher Academy, considers how the series may have planted some early feminist seeds, ponders alternate endings, and swoons over the magical first moment of being fully “seen” as an insecure teen. Oh, and there’s talk of Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls!Phoebe is a NYC-bas...2020-04-211h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 92: SuperfudgeOnce again, we return to an SSR *~queen~* — Judy Blume! On Episode 92, it’s all about the Hatcher family — Peter, Fudge, baby Tootsie, their parents, and the many adventures and misadventures they get into in Superfudge, published in 1980.Tune in to hear Alli and her guest discuss Blume’s expert portrayal of sibling and family dynamics, the honesty with which she seems to write about parenting, and the extent to which they related to the grown-ups in the book. They also consider accusations from parents who say that Judy Blume ruined Santa Clause for their children in Superfud...2020-04-1457 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 91: Snowbound (The Baby-Sitters Club Super Special #7)On Episode 91, get snowed in with Alli, the Stoneybrook babysitters, and guest Margaret Willison, who read her first-ever BSC book for SSR! Alli and Margaret chat through the situations in which each babysitter finds herself in an unexpected blizzard, discuss how much easier it is to weather a bad storm in 2020 than it was in 1991 when the book was published, and talk more generally about the series and the babysitters themselves. Margaret is a librarian, writer, and podcaster. Follow her on Instagram (@mrsfridaynext) and Twitter (@MrsFridayNext), check out her culture newsletter Two Bossy Dames, and...2020-04-071h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 90: Coming Home (Heartland #1)SSR gallops into the world of horse books for Episode 90! Alli and her guest Hannah Williams are chatting about the first book in Lauren Brooke’s Heartland series, Coming Home. Tune in to hear them swap notes about their own horse girl pasts, reminisce about the many horse books they loved as kids, and consider why kids are so drawn to horses and stories about them. They also take a deep dive into the ways in which Coming Home depicts trauma, grief, and family dynamics. Hannah is a full-time wife, mom, and behavioral therapist for children diagnosed wi...2020-03-311h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 89: Don't Die, My LoveIt’s rare that Alli’s met a reader who has been as deeply affected by a book as the guest on Episode 89 has been affected by Lurlene McDaniel’s Don’t Die, My Love. You don’t want to miss this story! On this episode, Alli and her guest Hitha Palepu also talk about the power of books like McDaniel’s tragic teen romances to help kids better understand and cope with crisis situations. They discuss the extent to which they emphasize with the parents in Don’t Die, My Love and the many (real) things they learned a...2020-03-241h 04The SSR PodcastEpisode 88: The Birchbark HouseOn Episode 88, Alli and her guest Uli Beutter Cohen discuss their first experience reading Louise Erdrich’s The Birchbark House, which was a National Book Award finalist for young people’s fiction in 1999. In their conversation, they get real about the gaps in American education regarding the true history of indigenous people, talk about the importance of own voices stories, and share their love for the ways in which Erdrich’s work connects both readers and characters to the natural world. Uli Beutter Cohen is the creator and editor of the Subway Book Review. Her work has been f...2020-03-1758 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 87: Jacob Have I LovedFor Episode 87, Alli comes to Katherine Paterson’s Newbery-winning Jacob Have I Loved for the first time — and what a ride it was! This middle grade book is a story of sibling rivalry, resentment, privilege, and family responsibility. It’s also a story about learning to take responsibility for your own path… although Alli has some seriously mixed feelings about how that last part is handled. Tune in to hear her and guest Sara Hildreth take a close look at family dynamics, stumble their way through an Enneagram digression, consider Jacob Have I Loved through a feminist lens, and so much...2020-03-101h 10The SSR PodcastEpisode 86: Gossip Girl #1XOXO, it’s (finally!) time for the SSR Gossip Girl episode!On Episode 86, Alli and guest Alexandra Monir discuss the elements of the Gossip Girl universe that don't hold up so well in 2020, both in terms of technology and teen behavior. They consider parental objections to the book’s racy content and look at multiple sides of the argument for “light reading” versus no reading at all. They also talk about the depictions of friendship in Gossip Girl and answer the age-old question: Team Blair or Team Serena? Alexandra is the author of The Final Six, The...2020-03-031h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 85: The Castle in the AtticAs we all know, Alli loved A LOT of books when she was a kid, but for some inexplicable reason, Elizabeth Winthrop’s The Castle in the Attic seems to have buried itself in her subconscious more than most. On Episode 85, she and her guest Amanda Lovelace try to figure out why it’s been so memorable to her for so many years!Tune in to this episode to hear Alli and Amanda discuss The Castle in the Attic’s affirmative messages about celebrating your personal strengths and abilities, as well as its positive take on masculinity. They a...2020-02-251h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 84: Meet Felicity (American Girl)On Episode 84, SSR finally enters the American Girl universe, this time with a conversation about Meet Felicity! Alli and her guest Rachel King discuss the gender politics of Felicity’s world, the frankness with which the author approaches issues like alcohol and animal abuse, and the book’s apparent whitewashing of race relations. They also consider Felicity Merriman from a feminist perspective! And no American Girl conversation would be complete without a chat about the brand as a whole, as well as Alli and Rachel’s personal memories of the books, dolls, catalogs, magazine, and more! Rac...2020-02-1859 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 83: All-American GirlOn Episode 83 of SSR, Atlas Obscura newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang joins Alli to discuss all things Meg Cabot’s All-American Girl. Is this the patriotic book that we need in these trying political times? Tune in and find out!Alli and Ashley chat about the fine line between being angsty and being annoying, recall their days of listening to CDs at FYE, and wonder why *both* of the love interests in All-American Girl are so irritating to them as adults. They consider the political aspects of the story and wonder how they might be different (or the sa...2020-02-111h 05The SSR PodcastEpisode 82: The Parent TrapManuary is over and the ladies are back! On Episode 82, Alli welcomes Christie and Izzy from the From Where She Sits podcast for a conversation about Erich Kästner’s The Parent Trap, the little-known German children’s book that inspired the blockbuster 1998 movie. The book is nothing like the sparkly summer camp movie you might remember, though!Tune in to hear Alli, Christie, and Izzy chat about the darker elements of this book — neglectful parents, infidelity, and an unreasonable expectation that children should be responsible for adults’ relationship issues. They also chat about the story’s sexist pres...2020-02-0459 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 81: The Adventures of Huckleberry FinnEpisode 81 of SSR is an extra special one, not only because it’s the final installment of Manuary 2020, but because it features Alli’s husband Matt as the guest! She can’t wait for the pod community to get to know him a little better.Matt decided to take things in the required reading direction for his episode, and Episode 81 is all about Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Ever since its publication in 1885, Huck Finn has been at the center of literary controversy, largely because of its language and depiction of race relations in the deep...2020-01-281h 04The SSR PodcastEpisode 80: The GiverIt’s Week 3 of Manuary, and we’re finally tackling Lois Lowry’s The Giver. Published in 1993, the book won the Newbery Medal in 1994 and is basically the OG dystopian YA of our generation. The Giver follows 12-year-old Jonas in his journey to fulfill his newly assigned role: the Receiver of Memory for a community that has done away with all memories and feelings in favor of a state of sameness.Jonas’s story is a heavy and thought-provoking one, and it opens up conversations about all kinds of big moral questions. Brett Vergara joins Alli to discuss...2020-01-211h 08The SSR PodcastEpisode 79: The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids // Vampires Don't Wear Polka DotsIt’s another week of Manuary 2020, and Alli is welcoming Andrew and Craig from Overdue Podcast for a conversation about the first book in the beloved Bailey School Kids series, Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots. Tune in for discussions about everything from class clowns and popcorn reading to ambiguous cliffhanger endings and Emily Deschanel. You’ll also hear Andrew, Craig, and Alli attempt to decipher the meaning of “goldfish noises” on mic. Follow Overdue on Twitter (@OverduePod), Instagram (@overduepod), and Facebook (@OverduePod). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2020-01-141h 08The SSR PodcastEpisode 78: Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryHappy 2020 and Happy Manuary, listeners! To kick off this special month, we’re welcoming Hunter from Shelf by Shelf for a conversation about Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Published in 1964, the book tells the story of Charlie Bucket, an underprivileged young boy who — along with a zany group of kid characters and their parents — gets the chance to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious candy factory. On Episode 78, Hunter and Alli take a deep dive into Charlie’s controversial publishing history, discuss the book’s film adaptations, and analyze problematic messages around food, weight, body i...2020-01-0759 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 76: The CliqueIn 2004, Lisi Harrison’s The Clique series launched with its first book, which was aptly titled The Clique. The book brought the mean girls content that was so popular during this time period to the middle school set, introducing readers to a seventh grade queen bee named Massie Block, her gaggle of rich besties, and the new girl who she’s being forced to befriend. Alli didn’t read The Clique when she was growing up, and coming to it for the first time as an adult was an experience!Tune in to Episode 76 to hear Alli and he...2019-12-171h 04The SSR PodcastEpisode 75: ForeverAt long last, SSR tackles the infamous “Judy Blume sex book” — her 1975 YA novel Forever! On Episode 75, Alli and her guest discuss the way that the book portrays teen sex and informs readers about the importance of consent and safety. They also chat about the ways in which mixed messages about sex and relationships can inform the way a teenager makes decisions and the ways in which different kids react to the end of high school. Does Forever really deserve its reputation as the “Judy Blume sex book?" Listen and find out!The guest on Episode 75 is Emily Ed...2019-12-101h 07The SSR PodcastEpisode 74: There's a Boy in the Girls' BathroomAfter a fabulous month of New Reads November, it’s back to literary throwbacks on the pod this week, and we’re psyched to be kicking things off with a discussion of Louis Sachar’s 1988 novel There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom. Over the course of this hour, Alli and her guest Lisa Schwartz chat about mental health (and the stigmas around it!), toxic masculinity, and the importance of modeling a healthy counselor relationship to kid readers. They also discuss the (sometimes gross) protocols surrounding bathroom use for elementary schoolers. And, importantly, how does the title of this book...2019-12-0359 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 73: Opposite of Always (New Reads November)It’s the final week of New Reads November 2019, and Jeopardy! champ (and SSR fan!) Emma Boettcher is joining Alli to discuss Opposite of Always, the 2019 debut novel from Justin A. Reynolds. On this episode, Alli and Emma chat about the book’s unique time travel structure, unrequited love within friendships, and the reasons it can be difficult for us as adults to buy into the intensity of young relationships in teen books, movies, and TV. They also muse about some of the bigger questions explored in Opposite of Always: How much is too much to give up for some...2019-11-261h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 72: Nevermoor (New Reads November)Fun fact: Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow was the single most requested title for New Reads November 2019, and on Episode 72, Alli talks all about it with middle school ELA teacher Alex Fahey. They chat Harry Potter comparisons, world building, strong female protagonists, character development, isolation, immigration, and the appeal of power versus the appeal of community. Spoilers are minimal, so tune in for an intro to this book even if you haven’t read it yet! Follow Alex on Twitter (@TeacherAFahey) and Instagram (@ourlives_afahey). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...2019-11-191h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 71: The Princess and the Fangirl (New Reads November)For Week 2 of New Reads November 2019, we’re chatting all things fandom, life swapping, and sci-fi conventions, thanks to Ashley Poston’s The Princess and the Fangirl. a twist on old school fairy tale The Prince and the Pauper. Alli and guest Rachel Strolle talk about the struggles of celebrity, the misleading nature of fame, and the good and scary sides of the fan community. They also chat about the refreshing approach this book takes to diversity in terms of race, sexuality, and relationships.Rachel Strolle is a youth librarian, blogger, former bookseller, and YA buff. Follow her...2019-11-121h 04The SSR PodcastEpisode 70: Frankly in Love (New Reads November)New Reads November is back! The first title we’re discussing in this very special, very fun series is David Yoon’s YA debut Frankly in Love, which quickly became a bestseller when it was published in September 2019. In it, we meet high school senior Frank Li, who is experiencing the “normal” growing pains of your average American teen along with the unique challenges of being the child of Korean immigrants who moved to the U.S. to give him a better life. The book touches on everything from fake dating schemes and first love to challenging conversations about identity...2019-11-0558 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 69: GingerbreadPublished in 2002, Gingerbread is the story of Cyd Charisse, a teen who makes her way from a posh New England boarding school to her home in San Francisco and then to the larger-than-life streets of New York City, where she hopes to bond with the biological father she’s idealized for over a decade. In the book, author Rachel Cohn explores the ideas of blended families, chosen families, unhealthy relationships, and tough choices. On Episode 69, Alli and her guest Kristina fangirl over Cohn’s writing, take a deep dive into the way the book portrays abortion, recap Cyd Charisse’s high...2019-10-291h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 68: Just as Long as We're TogetherThere’s nothing quite like a simple, solid friendship story to really bring you back to what it felt like to be a kid, and that’s exactly what you get in Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together. On Episode 68, author Caroline Moss joins Alli to discuss this title (which just so happens to be one of her childhood favorites!), as well as what it says to kid readers about friendship, family, weight, and body image. Is three really a crowd? Can you have more than one best friend? Is it cool for tweens to be total...2019-10-221h 06The SSR PodcastEpisode 67: DragonsongDudes abound in the world of science fiction and fantasy, and author Anne McCaffrey was a true trailblazer… just like the protagonist in her 1976 YA novel Dragonsong. The book is a celebration of fighting the patriarchy and any other institution that keeps you from pursuing your passions and talents. On Episode 67, author Tui Sutherland joins Alli to discuss her lifelong passion for McCaffrey’s work and to break down all the reasons that main character Menolly is a total badass (in the best possible way). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-10-151h 05The SSR PodcastEpisode 66: The Baby-Sitters Club // Claudia and the Sad GoodbyeAlli and guest Jaime Elsey — who you may know better as bookstagram’s @absorbedinpages — are getting real on Episode 66 as they discuss the heartbreaking twenty-sixth book in Ann M. Martin’s beloved Baby-Sitters Club series, Claudia and the Sad Goodbye. Tune in to hear them compare Claudia’s experience with the loss of a loved one to their own, and to hear them discuss the amazing ways in which this book communicates truisms about death to young readers and normalizes the complicated feelings that come with the grief process. (Oh, and because it’s the Baby-Sitters Club, there’s also some arts...2019-10-0856 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 65: Scary Stories to Tell in the DarkOctober is here… and we’re kicking off the spookiest month of the year with Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, the first book in a series of the same name, published in 1981. Alli’s not the biggest fan of being scared, but in Episode 65, she learns to appreciate the history of these stories and the research that went into curating them. She and guest Gale Galligan talk about which of the scary stories are their favorites, consider how our definitions of scary change over time, and wonder why so many kids enjoy being scared in the f...2019-10-0155 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 63: HomecomingIf you feel like every episode of The SSR Podcast is basically just a lovefest about whatever book we happen to be discussing (and you’re sick and tired of it!), then you should definitely check out Episode 63. Our feelings about Cynthia Voigt’s Homecoming are A LOT more complicated. Let’s just say it’s a love/hate thing. On this episode, Alli and guest Kelly Jensen try to look at this 1981 novel from every spot on that love/hate spectrum. They also swap stories about their own middle and high school English classes and compare notes on...2019-09-171h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 62: To Kill a MockingbirdEver since its publication in 1960, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird has been earning accolades and showing up on school required reading lists. In more recent years, the conversation around this book — more specifically, around what it has to say about race and racial injustice — has become more complicated. On Episode 62, Alli and guest Amy Jo Bunselmeyer take a good, hard look at this classic and try to make sense of the role it should play in our larger dialogues about important social issues. Thanks to Amy Jo for guesting on this episode! You may know Amy Jo...2019-09-101h 07The SSR PodcastEpisode 60: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneIt’s finally happening… we’re talking about Harry Potter on the podcast! More specifically, Episode 60 of SSR is all about the book that started it all: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In this episode, we talk about why the books have been challenged by conservative communities, obsess over the amazing world of Hogwarts and beyond, and chat about what we would have liked to see more of from Rowling’s female characters. Alli also reveals her true feelings about the movie adaptations and takes a guess at which House she would be sorted into. And that’s just the s...2019-08-2759 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 58: Go Ask AliceOriginally billed as the real life diary of an anonymous teen drug addict, Go Ask Alice offers plenty of food for conversational thought — not only because of its graphic content, but because of the many questions of authorship that have emerged around it since the book was published in 1971. In Episode 58, Read It Forward’s Abbe Wright joins Alli to consider how much these questions of authorship really matter and to discuss the role that Go Ask Alice has played in drug and alcohol education for teens over the last few decades. Follow Read It Forward on Inst...2019-08-1355 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 57: Running Out of TimeAlli’s called a lot of SSR books her favorite… and this one is no exception! On Episode 57, she’s joined by writer and debut author Rebecca Fishbein to discuss Margaret Peterson Haddix’s 1995 thriller Running Out of Time, in which we meet a thirteen-year-old who thinks she lives in 1840s Indiana but is actually part of a weird tourist attraction plopped right in the middle of 1996. It’s up to her to escape to the modern world and save her loved ones from diphtheria — no pressure. Tune in to this episode to hear Alli and Rebecca chat about...2019-08-061h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 56: The OutsidersAs a high schooler, Alli missed the boat on reading S.E. Hinton’s iconic 1967 novel The Outsiders, but all that changed for Episode 56 of SSR! Along with guest Esther Zuckerman — a senior entertainment writer at Thrillist — she discovers the original context of “Stay gold, Ponyboy,” discusses the book’s unique portrayal of masculinity, and considers the ways in which its representation of marginalized youth and communities is (sadly) still relevant in 2019. Alli and Esther also talk about S.E. Hinton’s fascinating overnight journey from (literal) teen to publishing sensation and the larger cultural significance of The Outsiders.Follow E...2019-07-3055 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 55: The Perks of Being a WallflowerWith the help of a cult fan base and a 2012 movie adaptation, Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 epistolary novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower has become a beloved piece of YA history for people of all ages. Chbosky’s beautiful writing has made the book iconic, and the way he presents sensitive subjects (sexual abuse, abortion, dating violence, suicide, drug abuse, and more) to teen audiences has made Perks a valuable lifeline for readers braving their own traumas. In Episode 55, Alli and guest Caitlin Flynn discuss the universal nature of Charlie’s story, chat about the nuances of high school social...2019-07-231h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 54: Sweet Valley High // Double LoveSSR is back for year TWO, and we’re kicking things off with a conversation about the first book in Francine Pascal’s beloved Sweet Valley High series, Double Love. In this episode, we (sadly) reveal a lot of problematic messages in the book about sexuality, class, privilege, and relationships. We also dive into the emphasis that these characters place on physical appearances and on the lack of female empowerment we see in Sweet Valley. There’s a hilarious game of FMK, a little Jessica vs. Elizabeth debating, and reflections on our own awkward teen years and misguided fashion choice...2019-07-161h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 53: Bonus Q+A #2!It’s round two of SSQ Q+A! Tune in to hear Alli talk about mental health, favorite music, podcast behind the scenes, favorite movies, body image… and for plenty of book talk, too. Thanks so much for all of your support in the first year of the podcast! Follow Alli on Instagram (@ahoffkosik) and Twitter (@ahoffkosik). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2019-06-2520 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 52: Walk Two MoonsSharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons was published in 1994 and went on to win the celebrated Newbery Medal in 1995. It’s the story of thirteen-year-old Sal’s journey — both literally and metaphorically — to learn (and accept) the truth of her mother’s recent disappearance, to empathize with the struggles that her peers are going through, and to find her own identity in the chaos of life. Walk Two Moons is populated with lovable characters and perfectly poignant moments… to say nothing of the beautiful writing!Guest Katharine Scrivener joins Alli to discuss everything from guilt and grief to motherhood...2019-06-1858 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 47: Charlotte's WebIn celebration of Mother’s Day and special ladies everywhere, Alli welcomes her own mom Deb Cummins Stellato to Episode 47, in which they discuss a book they loved reading together years ago: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. Tune in to hear them discuss childhood reading rituals, the importance of listening, the value of friendship, and loss. They also share about their love of animals and take a close look at the personalities of Charlotte’s Web’s animal characters and their own pets. Deb even dishes on a few embarrassing stories from Alli’s childhood!Learn more...2019-05-141h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 46: Anastasia KrupnikUnless you can get yourself a time machine, there are few better ways to go back to childhood than to read a middle grade book — and Lois Lowry’s Anastasia Krupnik is written from such an amazing kid perspective that you’ll feel like an elementary schooler all over again when you pick it up. The first in a series of nine books, Anastasia Krupnik isn’t a fantastical journey or magical quest. It’s the story of a relatable (and cheeky and funny and dramatic) kid dealing with relatable — maybe even boring — things (baby brothers, crushes, ailing grandparents, and more). Wri...2019-05-0758 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 44: Alanna: The First AdventureIn Episode 44, Alli is introduced for the first time to Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness quartet, and HuffPost’s Claire Fallon joins to discuss the first book in the series, aptly named Alanna: The First Adventure. In it, our heroine Alanna seeks to circumvent the expectations of girls in her society by dressing as a boy named Alan and taking her twin brother’s place at the palace, where she can begin training to becoming a knight. The book raises questions of identity, gender, conformity, and whether or not violet eyes are really ever found in nature....2019-04-2359 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 43: The Egypt GamePublished in 1967, Zilpha Keatley Snyder’s Newbery Honor-winning book The Egypt Game is the story of April Hall and Melanie and Marshall Ross, three smart, imaginative kids who create their own land of ancient Egypt in the backyard of a mysterious local curio shop. They establish a series of rituals and ceremonies and even go on to welcome three more children into the group (boys included!). In this episode, Alli breaks down the story with debut author Andrea Bartz. Together, they discuss diversity in kid lit, the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, teasing as a form of fl...2019-04-161h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 41: The Golden CompassOn Episode 41 of The SSR Podcast, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. And it is fascinating — and complicated! Tune in to hear discussions about politics, a child’s loyalty, the Garden of Eden, the pros and cons of seeing the future, the nature of souls, puberty, loneliness, ruling religious bodies, failed movie adaptations, and so much more.Thanks to Refinery29 entertainment writer Elena Nicolaou for joining Alli for this episode! Follow Elena on bookstagram @booksandelena and on Twitter @elenawonders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...2019-04-0256 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 40: Little WomenA century and a half after its publication, it’s time to give Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women the SSR treatment! With the help of comedy writer and satirist Caitlin Kunkel, Alli relives the adventures of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, as well as their parents and suitors. Together, they reflect on the 1994 movie, fangirl about Gerta Gerwig’s forthcoming adaptation, discuss the big questions — Do we all want to be Jo? Why must Louisa May Alcott kill Beth? Is Little Women a feminist novel? — and discover whether or not it’s possible to effectively ruin a classic....2019-03-261h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 39: SpeakOn Episode 39, we discuss Laurie Halse Anderson’s groundbreaking 1999 novel Speak, which explores the troubling issues of sexual and assault and trauma through the story of 14-year-old Melinda. Alli and guest Morgan Hoit — better known as nycbookgirl — talk about the value of the diary-style/epistolary novel, chat about their experiences with high school gossip culture, and break down in great detail Speak’s role as an entry point to an understanding of rape and sexual assault for so many young readers. Follow Morgan’s adventures in all things books and New York City on Instagram @nycbookgirl and on her blo...2019-03-191h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 38: The Face on the Milk CartonYou may know her as @molliereads from her blog Mollie Reads and her podcast No Thanks We’re Booked, and on this week’s episode of SSR, Mollie Turbeville joins Alli to discuss Caroline Cooney’s 1990 YA thriller The Face on the Milk Carton. In Episode 38, they break down the plot that’s been freaking teens out for the last three decades (what if you suspected that your parents might have kidnapped you???), gossip about pushy boyfriend Reeve, and compare notes on how the author portrays trauma on the page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat2019-03-1255 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 37: The Boxcar Children #1Allow us to (re)introduce you to Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden. You probably know them better as The Boxcar Children and the protagonists of the now 150+ titles in the beloved series of the same name. Having been orphaned, the children are left to fend for themselves, and they rebuild their lives in an abandoned boxcar. In Episode 37, writer and educator Abby Wolfe joins Alli to chat about the first book in the series (The Boxcar Children #1). Tune in to listen to them talk about important lessons of resourcefulness and perspective, discuss the heteronormative stereotypes that are so...2019-03-051h 02The SSR PodcastEpisode 36: Are You There God? It's Me, MargaretIf there’s one book that’s been requested for the podcast time and time again by women of all ages, it’s Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. This 1970 novel has served as a kind of guidebook for girls preparing to navigate middle school, puberty, and all of the confusing things that come with them for the last four decades. Joining Alli to talk all things religion and being a lady on Episode 36 is Emma Gray. Emma is a senior reporter focused on women’s issues at HuffPost and the author of A Girl’s...2019-02-261h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 33: Anne of Green GablesHaving never read Anne of Green Gables before, Alli finally meets the strong-willed, imaginative Anne Shirley for Episode 33. With the help of freelance writer Julie Vadnal, Alli discusses Anne as a role model, debates the decision our heroine must ultimately make between work and family, and considers the possibility that she might actually be a little annoying. Julie’s work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Glamour, and Real Simple. Follow her on Twitter @JulieVAD and Instagram @julievadnal. Sign up to receive her JULES newsletter at JulieVadnal.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...2019-02-051h 01The SSR PodcastEpisode 30: The Phantom Tollbooth (Manuary)There is perhaps no other book in history that captures the importance of imagination — and of sucking it up and having a good attitude about learning new things — better than Norton Juster’s 1961 The Phantom Tollbooth. In Episode 30, Alli jumps aboard a giant toy car with protagonist Milo and his friend Tock (the literal watchdog) and explores the fascinating Kingdom of Wisdom with the help of Curtis from the He Read She Read podcast. Alli and Curtis geek out over wordplay, speculate on “what the kids are doing these days,” and break down the many brilliant, zany moments of The Phantom To...2019-01-1558 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 28: Bonus Q+A #1!For the first time ever, SSR host Alli answers listener questions! Tune in to hear her talk about her marriage, her previous job in the publishing world, and her career as a freelance writer… and for plenty of book talk, too. Alli dishes on her favorite titles past and present, her favorite genre, and the books that have been on her TBR list for, like, ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-12-2126 minThe SSR PodcastEpisode 26: StargirlJerry Spinelli’s Stargirl was a favorite of Alli’s when she was growing up, and in Episode 26, she discovers that she can still mostly love rereading a book from childhood, while also recognizing that it’s pretty problematic. Is she still a Stargirl fan? Tune in and find out! In this episode, Alli and guest Britta Lokting talk about all things high school stereotype, popularity, and conformity. They also discuss first loves, the #MeToo movement, Taylor Swift, Hillary Clinton, and Alli’s hilarious history as part of her high school’s morning news show. Britta is a New York-based freelance...2018-12-111h 00The SSR PodcastEpisode 01: Harriet the SpyOn this episode of The SSR Podcast, Brittney Lynn (@brittneyllynn) joins Alli to break down Louise Fitzhugh’s 1964 novel, Harriet the Spy. Learn all about Alli’s complicated history with this character and listen to us talk about A LOT of really mean fictional kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2018-06-2557 min