All Things YA and Middle Grade Magic
Today's episode is a conversation with Alli Hoff Kosik of the SSR Podcast
Hey listeners!
We are super excited for today’s episode as we are welcoming our first ever guest on Novel Pairings! Alli Hoff Kosik, freelance writer, lifelong bookworm, and host of the SSR Podcast, joins us to talk all about young adult and middle grade literature. On SSR, Aill breaks down an old school read from her tween and teen years with a special guest every Tuesday. Both Chelsey and I have been lucky enough to be guests on Alli’s show, and we neither of us could wait to chat books with her again asap!
Today, we’re talking about classic and contemporary YA lit, the magic of middle grade, how childhood books stick with us into adulthood, and more. And as always, we’re offering some novel pairings—this time with classic kid lit or YA books and contemporary adult reads. It’s a super fun episode, and we think you’re going to love it.
You can find the SSR Podcast wherever you download your podcast episodes. Today is also Alli’s 100th episode of SSR!! So follow her on Instagram and Twitter to say congrats!
For more reading on YA…
Listen to Chelsey discuss Tuck Everlasting on The SSR Podcast.
Listen to Sara discuss Jacob Have I Loved on The SSR Podcast.
For a brief history of the marketing Young Adult literature read this.
Read about why the British tell better children’s stories.
Find the most anticipated YA releases of 2020.
Some of these links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Coming Up:
Next week, we’re discussing Passing by Nella Larsen, a lesser-known classic that both Chelsey and I adored. Passing is super short (like 100 pages!) so there’s still plenty of time to read it before the episode drops. If not, we keep this episode mostly spoiler free, although we have to chat about the ending, which is utterly jaw-dropping and absolutely insane!
This month, we’re partnering with the woman-owned small business Bookshelf Tees to bring you an incredible deal. Chelsey and I both basically live in these shirts, and we’re so excited to be able to offer you 20% off with the code “novelpairings.” Also be sure to watch for a giveaway happening on our Instagram in the upcoming weeks!
Currently Reading:
Like many readers, I’ve been struggling to focus right now, and audiobooks* have been essential to keeping me reading. I listened to White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, which I found challenging and illuminating, even a second time through. I also listened to Heavy by Kiese Laymon, a recommendation from one of our favorite podcasters and book people, Traci of The Stacks Podcast. This weekend I also started The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa. If you like dystopian fiction, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s incredibly original and extremely well-written.
*Listeners, we’re excited to be partnering with Libro.fm to offer you three audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get three audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!
And click here to find a list of Black-owned bookstores to support when you sign up.
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Find me at @fictionmatters and my newsletter. Find Chelsey at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. We love hearing what you’re reading, so feel free to tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
Have a lovely week, everyone!
-S