No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments Show That Independent Reading Matters

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5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Classroom Library

Tune in to hear five practical and budget-friendly ways to stock your shelves, along with some of my own favorite strategies that helped me create a diverse and engaging collection of books—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to help you build a literary haven for your students. Highlights:

continue reading

Imagining the Impossible: Brigid Kemmerer on the Power of Speculative Fiction

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy and contemporary novels, including A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. Her books have a way of pulling in teens and adults alike. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about Brigid’s own journey to becoming a joyful reader and what makes the speculative fiction genre so fascinating for audiences of all ages. Plus, she’ll share insights into her own writing process and teasers about upcoming projects. So, whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or just a fan of incredible YA, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 

continue reading

Lesa Smith on Using Poetry to Create Joyful Readers

Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable. In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategies to connect students with poems in meaningful, approachable ways. Whether it’s tapping into their emotions, using pop culture references, or finding those perfect “aha!” moments, Lesa has a wealth of tips to help you transform poetry from intimidating to inspiring. Tune in and let these tips show you how poetry can help to create joyful

continue reading

Verse Novels 101: Why You Should Give Them a Try in ELA

Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in your classroom. Highlights: Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels Verse Novel Activities Best YA Verse Novels

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Press Play: How Audiobooks Inspire Joyful Readers

Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you’re reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite YA audiobooks that will have you—and your students—hitting play again and again. Highlights: Why Audiobooks Count Ways to Use Audiobooks in the Classroom Some of My Favorite YA Audiobooks

continue reading

Why Graphic Novels Matter: A Talk with Librarian Amanda Hunt

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection. If you’ve ever wondered how graphic novels can support literacy and empower students, this episode is for you.

continue reading

Kaycee Racer on Tropes That Make Us Swoon in YA Romance

Today, I’m joined by storyteller extraordinaire Kaycee Racer—a Young Adult author, devoted reader, and retro media podcaster. Kaycee is the author of two heartfelt contemporary YA novels that capture the ups and downs of growing up with authenticity and heart. Influenced by childhood favorites like Sweet Valley High, The Baby-Sitter’s Club, and Ramona Quimby, Kaycee’s love for stories only grew stronger with the sweet friendships and romances of Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot. In addition to her writing, Kaycee co-hosts Nostalgic Nightcaps, a podcast where she revisits and dissects the pop culture classics that shaped her youth, creating fun and meaningful conversations with listeners. In this episode, we’re diving into romance tropes—why we love them, the ones that make our

continue reading

Kristy Boyce Shares the Secrets of a Great YA Romance

I’m so glad you’re here for Creating Joyful Readers, your go-to show for tips, strategies, and inspiration on nurturing avid readers in secondary schools. I’m your host, Samantha, and today we’re exploring the secrets of what makes a great YA romance. I’m so excited to be joined by Kristy Boyce, the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. Kristy’s stories capture the highs and lows of young love with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not crafting swoon-worthy stories, Kristy is a senior lecturer in psychology at The Ohio State University, where she brings her expertise on human behavior into her writing. Today, we’re chatting about her books, her journey as an

continue reading

No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments Show That Independent Reading Matters

continue reading

5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Classroom Library

Tune in to hear five practical and budget-friendly ways to stock your shelves, along with some of my own favorite strategies that helped me create a diverse and engaging collection of books—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to help you build a literary haven for your students. Highlights:

continue reading

Imagining the Impossible: Brigid Kemmerer on the Power of Speculative Fiction

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy and contemporary novels, including A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. Her books have a way of pulling in teens and adults alike. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about Brigid’s own journey to becoming a joyful reader and what makes the speculative fiction genre so fascinating for audiences of all ages. Plus, she’ll share insights into her own writing process and teasers about upcoming projects. So, whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or just a fan of incredible YA, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 

continue reading

Lesa Smith on Using Poetry to Create Joyful Readers

Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable. In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategies to connect students with poems in meaningful, approachable ways. Whether it’s tapping into their emotions, using pop culture references, or finding those perfect “aha!” moments, Lesa has a wealth of tips to help you transform poetry from intimidating to inspiring. Tune in and let these tips show you how poetry can help to create joyful

continue reading

Verse Novels 101: Why You Should Give Them a Try in ELA

Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in your classroom. Highlights: Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels Verse Novel Activities Best YA Verse Novels

continue reading

Press Play: How Audiobooks Inspire Joyful Readers

Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you’re reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite YA audiobooks that will have you—and your students—hitting play again and again. Highlights: Why Audiobooks Count Ways to Use Audiobooks in the Classroom Some of My Favorite YA Audiobooks

continue reading

Why Graphic Novels Matter: A Talk with Librarian Amanda Hunt

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection. If you’ve ever wondered how graphic novels can support literacy and empower students, this episode is for you.

continue reading

Kaycee Racer on Tropes That Make Us Swoon in YA Romance

Today, I’m joined by storyteller extraordinaire Kaycee Racer—a Young Adult author, devoted reader, and retro media podcaster. Kaycee is the author of two heartfelt contemporary YA novels that capture the ups and downs of growing up with authenticity and heart. Influenced by childhood favorites like Sweet Valley High, The Baby-Sitter’s Club, and Ramona Quimby, Kaycee’s love for stories only grew stronger with the sweet friendships and romances of Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot. In addition to her writing, Kaycee co-hosts Nostalgic Nightcaps, a podcast where she revisits and dissects the pop culture classics that shaped her youth, creating fun and meaningful conversations with listeners. In this episode, we’re diving into romance tropes—why we love them, the ones that make our

continue reading

Kristy Boyce Shares the Secrets of a Great YA Romance

I’m so glad you’re here for Creating Joyful Readers, your go-to show for tips, strategies, and inspiration on nurturing avid readers in secondary schools. I’m your host, Samantha, and today we’re exploring the secrets of what makes a great YA romance. I’m so excited to be joined by Kristy Boyce, the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. Kristy’s stories capture the highs and lows of young love with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not crafting swoon-worthy stories, Kristy is a senior lecturer in psychology at The Ohio State University, where she brings her expertise on human behavior into her writing. Today, we’re chatting about her books, her journey as an

continue reading

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