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. 

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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

Teaching YA Romance with Joy: The Best Books and Creative Classroom Tips

Whether you’re a fan of epic love stories or just looking for creative ways to bring romance into your classroom, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing some engaging strategies to teach YA romance, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect for your classroom library or next unit plan. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make YA romance an unforgettable reading experience for your students. Highlights: Romance Novels + Character Study = Match Made in Heaven Finding the Right Books Project – Multi-Genre Character Collection YA Romance in Popular Media Try a Full Literature Circle

continue reading

Love, Tropes, and Trends: A Deep Dive into YA Romance

If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today, we’re diving deep into this beloved genre that has captured the hearts of readers young and old. In this episode, we’ll: Define what makes a YA romance truly shine Explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages Take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time Look at the trends dominating YA romance today And we’ll break down the subgenres that offer something for everyone—from swoony contemporary tales to love stories with a touch of fantasy.

continue reading

Fresh and Relatable: Contemporary YA Authors You Can’t Miss

Let’s talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.

continue reading

5 Ways to Assess Your Historical Fiction Unit Without a Test or Quiz

Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st century skills.

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

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

Teaching YA Romance with Joy: The Best Books and Creative Classroom Tips

Whether you’re a fan of epic love stories or just looking for creative ways to bring romance into your classroom, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing some engaging strategies to teach YA romance, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect for your classroom library or next unit plan. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make YA romance an unforgettable reading experience for your students. Highlights: Romance Novels + Character Study = Match Made in Heaven Finding the Right Books Project – Multi-Genre Character Collection YA Romance in Popular Media Try a Full Literature Circle

continue reading

Love, Tropes, and Trends: A Deep Dive into YA Romance

If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today, we’re diving deep into this beloved genre that has captured the hearts of readers young and old. In this episode, we’ll: Define what makes a YA romance truly shine Explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages Take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time Look at the trends dominating YA romance today And we’ll break down the subgenres that offer something for everyone—from swoony contemporary tales to love stories with a touch of fantasy.

continue reading

Fresh and Relatable: Contemporary YA Authors You Can’t Miss

Let’s talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.

continue reading

5 Ways to Assess Your Historical Fiction Unit Without a Test or Quiz

Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st century skills.

continue reading

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