Not Your Average Book Report

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You remember the golden years of reading. Back when a book could sweep you and your JanSport backpack off on an adventure losing all sense of time (and homework that is due!). Siblings-in-law, Sam and Sarah Scott, believe books don't have to lose this fee

Not Your Average Book Report


    • Mar 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 24 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Not Your Average Book Report podcast is a delightful and nostalgic journey through beloved children's books. As an adult, revisiting these childhood favorites has been a blast, and this podcast allows listeners to relive the magic of these stories with the added bonus of insightful analysis and discussion. Hosts Sam and Sarah create a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like sitting down with old friends to chat about books. Their deep dives into the storylines and characters offer new perspectives and reveal hidden truths within seemingly simple books.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the way it encourages listeners to engage with literature on a deeper level. The hosts provide thoughtful reflections on each book, guiding listeners to uncover profound themes and emotional connections. This approach not only adds depth to the podcast but also inspires listeners to seek truth in their own reading experiences. The inclusion of textual evidence in their discussions, reminiscent of an English teacher's request for support in book reports, highlights their commitment to thorough analysis.

    Another standout feature of this podcast is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The hosts' genuine love for these childhood classics shines through in every episode, making it impossible not to feel transported back in time. Whether it's through quotes from the books or personal anecdotes about their own experiences reading them as children, Sam and Sarah create an atmosphere that captures the magic and wonder of being immersed in a great story.

    While there aren't any glaring negative aspects to this podcast, one minor downside could be that some episodes may cater more towards those familiar with specific children's books. However, even for listeners who haven't read certain books discussed on the show, Sam and Sarah do an excellent job providing enough context and summary to still make the conversations engaging.

    In conclusion, The Not Your Average Book Report podcast is an absolute delight for anyone looking to reconnect with their favorite childhood stories or discover new ones through fresh eyes. Sam and Sarah bring humor, thoughtfulness, and a genuine love for literature to each episode, making it a truly wonderful and relaxing listen. This podcast is not only entertaining but also serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that books can have on our lives. Whether you're an avid reader or simply seeking an escape from reality, this podcast is sure to bring a smile to your face and inspire you to revisit the beloved stories of your youth.



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    Latest episodes from Not Your Average Book Report

    Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 34:37


    Join hosts Sam and Sarah on this episode of "Not Your Average Book Report" as they dive into Judy Blume's timeless classic "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Discover how this beloved coming-of-age tale resonates with readers and explore its enduring themes of identity, friendship, and faith. Power Rank These Three from Worst to Least Worst: 1.) Philip Leroy from Are You There God, it's Me Margaret 2.) Henry Fussy from Charlotte's Web 3.) Earnie McMillan from the Harry Potter series 

    Matilda by Roald Dahl

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 38:59


    In this episode we're reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. Sam and Sarah share laughter-inducing excerpts (You can do it, Brucie!) and reminisce about their favorite teachers who inspired them. Immerse yourself in a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and genuine moments as we discuss this classic. 

    The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 23:27


    Ah, the sweet nostalgic halls of the Mountain View Inn where you'll find loud dogs, plenty of crumbs and perhaps a MOUSE bbbbbbbbbbddddd-ing by on a motorcycle. We loved this discussion of Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle and think you will too! Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Got comments or book suggestions? You can now follow us on instagram and leave a comment or e-mail us at nyabookreport@gmail.com! We'd love to hear from you! And as always, support your local bookstore! 

    The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 27:18


    Let's journey to Yorkshire in England to the wild and wonderful moor where Mistress Mary Quite Contrary is discovering some things about the world and herself! It's the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett!

    Our Friend S.D. Smith Serves Up Some Sandwiches

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 35:27


    Today we are joined by S.D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series, who tells us about things like writing being a job you do with an apron on, telling stories to your kids and we find a way to talk about Narnia. You can find Sam on the web at sdsmith.com. There you can find info about his newest book: Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key. 

    Wonder by R.J. Palacio

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 39:40


    We are back from our little fall break and we've got a doozy. We read Wonder by R.J. Palacio based on a recommendation from our friend (who you might just be hearing from later on in the show!). Wonder is a heart-warming book in the truest sense and we hope you enjoy it and this episode as much as we did. 

    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 39:44


    It all ends here. "One will die at the hands of the other, for neither shall live while the other survives."  Join us as we conclude our Summer of Potter (in October, it's fine, it's fine). 

    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 28:28


    Just when we think things can't get worse, they do. And I'm afraid for poor Harry, this is far from the end of his troubles but we're here every step of the way as we continue our journey through the Harry Potter series in our SUMMER OF POTTER. 

    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2022 29:33


    Ah, being 15 again: being angry all the time, feeling misunderstood and of course girls bursting into tears when you kiss and the evil wizard invading your dreams. Wait what? Yep, things are getting wild for Harry Potter and we're here to discuss as we dive into the fifth book in the Harry Potter series! 

    Our Friend Raychel is a Harry Potter Professor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 36:22


    Today we are joined by our friend Raychel McKelvy! Within minutes, Raychel blows my mind with some of the symbolism in the books and the conversation only gets better from there. Rachel is an actress, a writer as well as an assistant professor of communications at Moody Bible Institute. She also happens to a be a Ravenclaw! Be sure to follow Raychel on Instagram.Raychel's professor Ted Sherman posts his lectures on Youtube. 

    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2022 32:28


    We rejoin Harry Potter as he faces new dangers like dragons, merpeople and talking to girls! It's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as we continue our Summer of Potter. 

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 24:50


    The worst thing about prison was the dementors! But for Harry Potter, those dementors are now swirling around Hogwarts looking for the murderer Sirius Black who apparently wants nothing more than to murder Harry! Join us as we continue our Summer of Potter with the third book in the series, the Prisoner of Azkaban.

    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 28:03


    It's the Summer of Potter! We're going to read the entire series by September and you should join us! The weather is heating up and so are things at Hogwarts as Harry faces new perils like Dobby trying to save his life, giant snakes and Ernie McMillan's accusations! It's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 33:46


    It's the Summer of Potter! We're going to read the entire series by September and you should join us! Today we're kicking it off with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (or Philosopher's) Stone!Here's the article where Rowling discusses where the K. came from. Here's Rowling's diagram for Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. 

    The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022 31:57


    The 2013 Newberry Award winning The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a precious story about a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall with his friends Bob the stray dog and Stella the elephant. Join us as we discuss this fun book and themes like belonging, caring for animals and more. 

    The Giver by Lois Lowry

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 31:17


    IMPORTANT NOTE:  The Giver falls more in the young adult category and deals with some heavier themes which young ears may not be ready for. So if you're listening with youngsters around, we advise discretion.We're diving into the classic The Giver by Lois Lowry.  Did you know this 1993 classic was the #11 most challenged book (a challenge is an attempt to ban it from a library) by the American Library association? We discuss why and as always delve deeply into the prevalent themes in this fascinating book. 

    Redwall by Brian Jacques

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 32:12


    Eulalia!  We're jumping into the first of Brian Jaques Redwall series, the eponymous story that started it all.  And to make it even more special, we're joined by Nat Scott (Sarah's husband, Sam's brother), an english teacher who loves this series!

    Holes by Louis Sachar

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 32:26


    This week we are reading the 1999 Newberry Medal winner,  Holes by Louis Sachar. Join us as we journey with Stanley Yelnats to Camp Green Lake as he digs some holes (and learns so much more). 

    holes louis sachar newberry medal stanley yelnats
    The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 31:05


    Get ready for all the feels because we're jumping into Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

    My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

    Play Episode Play 31 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 24:03


    Today we are reading My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Join us as we discuss lions getting their hair done, the beauty of imagination and have our very first guest join the show! 

    From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

    Play Episode Play 58 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 36:41


    On today's episode, we're discussing the 1967 Newberry Award winner,  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basel E. Frankweiler. We discuss running away, the desire in kids to be "seen" and how we all have secrets! 

    mixed up files basil e frankweiler newberry award
    The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 37:31


    Oh yes, it's time to dive into C. S. Lewis's classic story about lampposts, fauns carrying parcels in the snow and Aslan.  Specifically we want to discuss how relevant this story is to the Christmas season. 

    James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

    Play Episode Play 54 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 30:58


    Today we're reading the James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl For more on Roald Dahl's life story and World War 2 experiences.

    Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 21, 2021 32:59


    It's our first episode! Today we're reading the 1952 classic  Charlotte's Web by E.B. WhiteShow Notes: Here's the full C.S. Lewis quote Sam references: “No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty – except, of course, books of information. The only imaginative works we ought to grow out of are those which it would have been better not to have read at all.” - C.S. Lewis Here's the story of how White was inspired to write the book. 

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