Podcasts about amulet books

In this episode of The Professional Book Nerds, Joe sits down with bestselling author Alex Aster to dive into the magic of SKYSHADE (out November 12 from Amulet Books), the thrilling third installment in the Lightlark Saga. Alex shares her extraordinary journey, from querying her first book at just 12 years old to becoming a relentless force in the writing world. Discover the secrets behind Skyshade, the challenges Alex faced along the way, and how her unwavering determination has shaped her career. Whether you're a die-hard Lightlark fan or an aspiring writer, this conversation will leave you inspired and eager for more! Other Alex Aster titles: The Lightlark Saga Lightlark Nightbane Skyshade Summer in the City (publishing March 2025) Emblem Island Series Curse of the Night Witch Curse of the Forgotten City Check out Alex Aster online! Visit her website: https://www.asterverse.com/ or follow her on Instagram and TikTok Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're thrilled to welcome Abrams editor Erica Finkel to the podcast to discuss editorial board meetings, the top reasons writers get rejected--and how "fit" means far more than you'd think. Book a meeting with Erica here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/erica-finkel Erica Finkel (she/her) is an Executive Editor for Amulet Books and Abrams Books for Young Readers. Before starting at Abrams in 2010, she was, among other things, an English teacher in France, a theater-camp counselor, and an ice-cream scooper. Erica focuses primarily on chapter books and middle-grade novels and is honored to work with many bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators, including Andrea Beaty, David Roberts, Mac Barnett, Tom Angleberger, and Ellen Potter. Some books she's edited that are particularly dear to her include Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher, Game Changer by Tommy Greenwald, The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz, Once Upon an Eid edited by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed, Fraidyzoo by Thyra Heder, and a picture-book biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (her hero) by Jonah Winter. When she gets the chance to read a non-Abrams book, she particularly enjoys the work of Gary D. Schmidt, Maggie Stiefvater, Kristin Cashore, and Rainbow Rowell. Her favorite genres are contemporary realistic, fantasy, and magical realism, and she is not the best fit for thrillers or nonfiction. Check out her work here: https://www.pinterest.com/ericafinkel/books-ive-edited/ Transcript: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-erica-finkel Timestamps: Erica Finkel's background (00:00:42) Erica Finkel, an executive editor at Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books, discusses her role and experience in the publishing industry. Career in publishing (00:02:55) Erica Finkel shares her journey into publishing, from internships to her current role, highlighting the value of education and personal growth. Editorial autonomy and collaboration (00:08:02) Exploration of the balance between an editor's individual taste and the imprint's identity, discussing the collaborative process of shaping a list. Book acquisition and fit for the list (00:09:35) Insight into the importance of a book's similarity and difference within the imprint's list, considering marketing, sales, and readers' perspectives. Editorial decision-making process (00:13:37) Erica Finkel shares the challenges of evaluating and selecting manuscripts, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of the decision-making process. Advice for writers (00:18:05) Erica Finkel's advice for writers, emphasizing the value of industry education, extensive reading, and understanding market demands. The vision (00:21:20) The risk and reward of seeing the potential in a manuscript despite potential rejection. Understanding the child reader (00:21:36) Considering comprehension, readability, and authenticity in children's literature. Avoiding stereotypes in children's literature (00:22:22) Emphasizing the need for nuance and authenticity in portraying childhood experiences. Editorial and acquisitions meetings (00:29:32) Insight into the casual and collaborative nature of editorial and acquisitions meetings. Pub board decision-making (00:31:18) The process of evaluating and deciding on book acquisitions involving multiple departments. Book success and in-house support (00:35:29) The importance of in-house support in setting a book up for success. The role of Twitter in book promotion (00:39:12) Discussion of the impact of social media and conflicts in the book industry. Overcoming writers' fears (00:40:15) Addressing common fears of writers and dispelling misconceptions about the publishing process. Tips for querying agents (00:44:01) Advice for writers on targeting junior agents and personalizing query letters. Making queries compelling (00:46:03) Insight into what agents can do to make their queries stand out and be more likely to be read by editors.

Welcome to the Shelf Care Interview, an occasional conversation series where Booklist talks to book people. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS. In this episode of the Shelf Care Interview, Maggie Reagan talks to author Sajni Patel, author of MY SISTER'S BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING Sajni Patel is an award-winning author of women's fiction and young adult books, drawing on her experiences growing up in Texas, an inexplicable knack for romance and comedy, and the recently resurfaced dark side of fantastical things. Her works have appeared on numerous Best of the Year and Must Read lists from Cosmo, Oprah Magazine, Teen Vogue, Apple Books, Audiofile, Tribeza, Austin Woman's Magazine, NBC, The Insider, PopSugar, Buzzfeed, and many others.

While running a spy network from their elementary school, five unpopular misfits combine their talents and use cutting-edge gadgetry to fight evil around the world. This title is intended for tweens and is suitable for most audiences. Recorded with permission of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS. Click here to see this title in the Houston Public Library catalog.

Fifth-grade best friends Kenzie "Kenzilla" and Shelly "Bombshell" dream of becoming roller derby superstars one day, but when a junior league forms and they must recruit teammates, will their friendship survive? This title is intended for tweens and is suitable for most audiences. Recorded with permission of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS. Click here to see this title in the Houston Public Library catalog.

In nineteenth-century Norway, fourteen-year-old Astri, whose aunt has sold her to a mean goatherder, dreams of joining her father in America. This title is intended for tweens and is suitable for most audiences. Recorded with permission of Amulet Books, an imprint for ABRAMS. Click here to see this title in the Houston Public Library catalog.

Enjoy our presentation of Devil and the Buebird, written by Jennifer Mason-Black and published by Amulet Books.Blue Riley has wrestled with her own demons ever since the loss of her mother to cancer. But when she encounters a beautiful devil at her town crossroads, it's her runaway sister's soul she fights to save. The devil steals Blue's voice-inherited from her musically gifted mother-in exchange for a single shot at finding Cass.Armed with her mother's guitar, a knapsack of cherished mementos, and a pair of magical boots, Blue journeys west in search of her sister. When the devil changes the terms of their deal, Blue must reevaluate her understanding of good and evil and open herself up to finding family in unexpected places.This title is recommended for ages 14+.  Please visit Goodreads for more information and reviews: https://bit.ly/DevilReviewsThis title is available as a Hoopla Ebook: https://bit.ly/DevilHooplaEbookPlease visit www.calvertlibrary.info for more information.Music: Sad Clown (excerpt) by Orquesta Arrecife. Licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0 http://www.opsound.org/artist/orquestaarrecife/  

This Own Voices coming of age novel follows a young Lakota boy, Jimmy, on a summer journey with his grandfather - a journey that will change his life. This title is intended for tweens and is suitable for most audiences. Recorded with permission of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS. Click here to see this title in the Houston Public Library catalog.

Action-packed and full of laughs, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANGER! (ALIEN SUPERSTAR #2) (Amulet Books; on-sale October 6, 2020) is the second book in the New York Times bestselling, highly illustrated middle grade series from beloved writing team Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. After escaping his oppressive red dwarf planet and landing a role on a popular Hollywood sitcom, Buddy Burger seems destined for high-flying success. His legions of fans love his six eyes, his suction cup feet, and even his excessive need for avocados. It seems nothing can stop his rise to super-stardom-until the arrival of Citizen Cruel, a shape-shifting Squadron member sent from Buddy's home planet to bring him back by any means necessary. Will Buddy conquer this clever and unpredictable enemy? How long can he continue to keep his alien identity secret from his friends and fans? Is there enough guacamole on Earth to sustain him? And chips to go with it?

Action-packed and full of laughs, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANGER! (ALIEN SUPERSTAR #2) (Amulet Books; on-sale October 6, 2020) is the second book in the New York Times bestselling, highly illustrated middle grade series from beloved writing team Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. After escaping his oppressive red dwarf planet and landing a role on a popular Hollywood sitcom, Buddy Burger seems destined for high-flying success. His legions of fans love his six eyes, his suction cup feet, and even his excessive need for avocados. It seems nothing can stop his rise to super-stardom-until the arrival of Citizen Cruel, a shape-shifting Squadron member sent from Buddy's home planet to bring him back by any means necessary. Will Buddy conquer this clever and unpredictable enemy? How long can he continue to keep his alien identity secret from his friends and fans? Is there enough guacamole on Earth to sustain him? And chips to go with it?

Action-packed and full of laughs, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANGER! (ALIEN SUPERSTAR #2) (Amulet Books; on-sale October 6, 2020) is the second book in the New York Times bestselling, highly illustrated middle grade series from beloved writing team Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. After escaping his oppressive red dwarf planet and landing a role on a popular Hollywood sitcom, Buddy Burger seems destined for high-flying success. His legions of fans love his six eyes, his suction cup feet, and even his excessive need for avocados. It seems nothing can stop his rise to super-stardom-until the arrival of Citizen Cruel, a shape-shifting Squadron member sent from Buddy's home planet to bring him back by any means necessary. Will Buddy conquer this clever and unpredictable enemy? How long can he continue to keep his alien identity secret from his friends and fans? Is there enough guacamole on Earth to sustain him? And chips to go with it?

Filled with danger and intrigue, Iron Cast follows Ada and Corrine, two hemopaths (a type of magic) who use their abilities to perform at gangster Johnny Dervish's infamous Cast Iron Club by night and to con the Boston's wealthy elite by day. Everything is going wonderfully until Ada is arrested, staff at the club start dying, and Johnny Dervish disappears. Can Ada and Corrine stay ahead of the law long enough to figure out what is happening and how to escape? This title is intended for teens; however, it may contain language or themes that some readers may find offensive. Recording made with permission of Amulet Books and imprint of Abrams. Click here to see this title in the Houston Public Library catalog.

Amanda and Jenn discuss pageturners, novels with a strong sense of place, some romance, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by The History of Literature – A Podcast, Amulet Books and Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko, and Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Questions 1. I’m in the mood for a steamy pirate romance, but not one that’s cheesy or over the top ridiculous (which unfortunately is all I’ve been able to find.) My favorite romance authors are Tessa Dare and Sara Maclean, mostly because of the feminist tone and whimsy. Thanks for keeping me company while I commute to work! -Brooke 2. I’m reading Where The Crawdads Sing. Omg! I’m flying through this book. I love that the marsh is a character. Can you recommend a book that has that same feel? I’ve also read Moloka’i and loved it! I live in NC but have spent some time in Hawaii. I would love southern/beach/island. I also wouldn’t mind something set in Europe or Africa but please no middle America. I like something I can spend some time with so please no graphic novels or short stories. Thank you so much! -Jessica 3. I’m 47 and went thru a divorce two years ago. I’m looking for romance novels that involve women that have been married for many years and are rejoining the dating world and finding love. I’ve not been brave  enough to do so yet and need inspiration.  -Lee 4. Hello! I’ve been a chick lit fan since I read the first Bridget Jones book in 2000ish.  I’ve read many of the popular authors from the last 20 years or so.  I mostly like ones set in the United Kingdom, that are contemporary and of the romantic comedy type.  No dukes, lords or highlanders, not too much graphic sex, not too much real high stakes drama.  Just fun, wacky, romantic comedy hijinx!  Some popular authors I’ve read and enjoyed in the past are Helen Fielding, Marian Keyes, Jojo Moyes, Sophie Kinsella, Jill Mansell, Katie Fforde, Jenny Colgan, Jane Green, and Louise Rennison. Pretty much all of the early 2000’s chick lit staples.  I’ve been looking for something light and fun to read this summer,  and would love to discover some new chick lit authors and titles. Hopefully some with a bit more diversity!  I recently read and loved Queenie. Thanks so much! I’m a big fan of the podcast and looking forward to your suggestions.   -Tamara 5. Hey guys! I was really hoping you could help me out of a reading slump I’m in. I’m in college, and reading usually two books for my classes a week (at least) that are pretty heavy and dense, as well as a bunch of academic articles. So, during the school year I find myself not reading as much for fun, save for comic books. Summer just started however, and I’ve been so excited to relax and read, but now I can’t find the motivations or want to read any of the books I have. I think I need lighter, more fun material; a page turner. I read pretty much any genre, but mostly sci-fi and fantasy, and sometimes historical fiction. My two favorite authors are Donna Tartt and N.K. Jemisin. Also, no graphic novel recommendations please, as I find myself still able to read those.   -Scarlett 6. My husband and I are considering adopting/fos-adopting a child. And like the reader I am, it always makes me feel more comfortable to read as much about it as I can before jumping in. I’m looking for books about the adoption process. Can be fiction or nonfiction. Memoir or biography would be great. I just recently read “Instant Mom” by Nia Vardalos and that really fit what I’m looking for. I’m looking for material from the perspective of the people doing the adopting, NOT from the perspective of the person being or having been adopted (which is what I keep finding). Books can be either book or audio format. Fiction is fine if it is something I can read to relate to or get inspiration from. Thank you so much for your help! -Ally 7. I have recently become a romance obsessed reader. I mostly read M/M romance and I love the jock and the “what is sports and who cares” guy trope. What I would like is an F/F version of this trope. I am thinking of something like a member of the US Women’s National Soccer Team and a woman who does not get sports. (Yes, I have a crush on Megan Rapinoe. Who doesn’t?) Although I love YA, I would really love it if these were adults so being an athlete is the job of one of the women. I am totally happy with sexy times on the page. (The hotter, the better.) Thank you so much! -DyAnne Books Discussed The Rogue Pirate’s Bride by Shana Galen Captured by Beverly Jenkins Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique (tw: rape of a child) All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld (tw: violence against women incl. sexual assault, harm to animals) The Switch by Beth O’Leary His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras (cw: family member with cancer) The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory Sofia Khan Is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Rebelwing by Andrea Tang A Big Ship At the Edge of the Universe by Alex White  To the End of June by Cris Beam Motherhood So White by Nefertiti Austin Fire and Ice by Rachel Spangler Roller Girl by Vanessa North

Eric and Kelly talk YA romance you may have missed this year and take a deep dive into what IP work is and why it’s likely you love it. This episode is sponsored by  TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering reading recommendations personalized to your reading life; Amulet Books and Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko; and Skyhunter by Marie Lu. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. To get even more YA news and recommendations, sign up for our What’s Up in YA newsletter! SHOW NOTES Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy edited by Kelly Jensen Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams Love Creekwood by Becky Albertalli I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch I’ll Be The One by Lyla Lee The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally Late To The Party by Kelly Quindlin Now That I’ve Found You by Kristina Forest A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey Salty, Bitter, Sweet by Mayra Cuevas The Geek’s Guide to Dating by Eric Smith by Eric Smith Geekerella by Ashley Poston Avatar: Kyoshi by FC Yee Sarah Enni’s “First Draft” podcast episode on her IP work.

This week, Jenn discusses two favorite evil queen retellings. This episode is sponsored by Amulet Books and Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS here, Apple Podcasts here, Spotify here. The show can also be found on Stitcher here. To get even more SF/F news and recs, sign up for our Swords and Spaceships newsletter! Books Discussed Julie C. Dao’s Rise of the Empress series Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Angie Manfredi (@misskubelik) is the editor of THE (OTHER) F WORD: A CELEBRATION OF THE FAT & FIERCE. The book releases in late September from Amulet Books an imprint of Abrams. Angie and I met only briefly before heading into the “Live at 25” Podcast Booth at the American Library Association’s annual conference in June, but we fell into this conversation quickly. Angie has assembled an impressive team of contributors to THE (OTHER) F WORD, using this opportunity to center numerous authors of color, Indigenous authors, and queer authors. It's a book about being seen as much as it is a book about seeing the reader.  Thank you to this week's sponsors: Highlights Foundation Abrams And to the generous support from our Patrons.

Zack Kruse pops in to help us with Criminal #5-6 and Too Old to Die Young, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dave Wachter, Wally Wood and Gil Kane, Drawing Blood: Spilled Ink by Kevin Eastman and company, Transformers/Ghostbusters #1 from IDW, Superman's Pal: Jimmy Olsen #1, Metalshark Bro from Scout Comics, Mark Millar, September 12 by Robert Sergel from Kilgore Books, Noah Van Sciver, Steve Ditko, Naomi #6, Young Justice #7, Apocalypse Taco by Nathan Hale from Amulet Books, plus a whole mess more!

That's right folks it's PREVIEWS TIME AGAIN! A little bit of Christmas in the heat of summer. This month Iann kicks off the show by discussing the sudden end of The Walking Dead and he reviews Shazam, which Iann finally got to watch. From there it's the deep dive into what's coming up from the Previews catalog. Titles from Boom, Dynamite, DC, Image, IDW, Gallery 13, Ablaze Publishing, Aftershock Comics, Amulet Books, Birdcage Bottom Books, Archie Comics, Book Palace, Caliber Entertainment, Conundrum Press, Henry Holt Books, Selfmadehero, Storm King Productions, Titan Comics. Apple Users please leave a five star rating and a commentFollow us on InstagramThe Show: @creampodcast513Iann: @iannrobinsonJaimie: jaimie_filer

Eric and Kelly talk about the Goodreads Choice awards in YA (and the lack of nonfiction for young readers), this year’s Best Of lists so far, and highlight funny YA books and what it is that makes for good humor. Sponsored by Book Riot Insiders, Roar and the Magnetic Collection at Lion Forge, and Easy Prey by Catherine Lo from Amulet Books and PiqueBeyond. Hey YA is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, and right here on Book Riot.   Show Notes: Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis Riverland by Fran Wilde Updraft by Fran Wilde Publishers Weekly “Best Of YA” 2018 Goodreads Choice (two rounds after our conversation, natch!) The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka All the Little Lights by Jamie McGuire Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett Life Like by Jay Kristoff’ The Astonishing Color of After by Emily XR Pan Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli All of This is True by Lydia Day Penaflor Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend by Alan Cumyn The Summer of Jordi Perez (And The Best Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding We Regret To Inform You by Ariel Kaplan Learning to Swear in America by Katie Kennedy Here To Stay by Sara Farizan I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo Brooding YA Hero by Carrie Ann DiRisio The Lake Effect by Erin McCahan American Panda by Gloria Chao My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma Noteworthy by Riley Redgate Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton Save The Date by Morgan Matson

Welcome back to Midnight in Karachi, a weekly podcast about writers, publishers, editors, illustrators, their books and the worlds they create, hosted by Mahvesh Murad. Writer Laure Eve joins Mahvesh this week to talk about The Graces—available now from Amulet Books. In discussing the novel, the Laure and Mahvesh touch upon power plays between female […]

This month on The Comics Alternative's Young Readers series, the Two Hep Cats with PhDs Talking about Comics review three new releases that are different in terms of setting and genre, but take on a common theme: the conflict that can occur when the inhabitants of a city or a region are confronted by outsiders who wish to stake their claim on the land itself or to alter the daily lives of the indigenous people who have lived there for a very long time. Andy kicks off the show by introducing readers to another volume in Nathan Hale's popular historical fiction series for middle school readers, Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. The newest installment, Alamo All-Stars, presents a gripping tale of the battles that ensue among a number of groups who vie to take possession of the landmass that would eventually become the US state of Texas. As with other volumes in the series, the text begins as Nathan Hale, the captured Revolutionary War spy, extends his life by entertaining those British soldiers who are ordered to hang him for treason against the king. As Andy points out, even though the Alamo All-Stars focuses most specifically on the events leading up to and just after the battle at the Alamo in 1836, readers are encouraged to compare 19th-century immigration debates that set off conflicts between the Mexican government and the US immigrants, known as Texians, to the debates that continue today in relation to Mexican immigration to the US. In addition to highlighting Hale's ability to put forward a complicated geopolitical conflict in ways that are engaging and even, at times, gently humorous, Andy and Gwen point to the useful resources for young readers, including a bibliography of history texts on Texas and Mexican history, and helpful resources for teachers and parents, including study guides that are available from Amulet Books' website. Next, Gwen introduces Faith Erin Hicks's highly anticipated first volume in a fantasy graphic trilogy, The Nameless City, published by First Second and geared towards a middle-grade and high-school audience. The prologue introduces the reader to Daidu, a bustling city that sits in a strategic stretch of land that links a major river to the ocean. The narrator, a young explorer, notes that while "the City is named over and over" by conquering forces from the neighboring Dao, Laio, and Yisun Empires, no one has been able "to name it for long," so the indigenous people have chosen to call it the Nameless City and to call themselves "the nameless." As the story unfolds, Kai, the son of a prominent general from the Dao Empire, the city's current ruling power, travels to the Nameless City in order to train to become a warrior. However, Kai is more fascinated with books and learning and soon becomes acquainted with Rat, a homeless orphan whose parents were killed during the Dao conquest. Andy notes that while the friendship that grows between the characters might first appear to be right out of a clichéd "different side of the tracks" plot, Hicks's storytelling is far more sophisticated. As the narrative progresses, Rat and Kai learn from each other and join forces to encourage the city's rulers to see beyond their dismissive view of the indigenous culture. Both Andy and Gwen admire Jordie Bellaire's accomplished and effective work as colorist, and they point out Hicks's ability to depict characters in motion in ways that are both visually stunning and effective in moving the narrative along. The show concludes with a review of the first volume of Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang's teen sci-fi series, Paper Girls, a collection of the first five issues of the Image Comics series. Set in 1988 on the day after Halloween, the story follows four twelve-year-old paper carriers who find themselves caught in the midst of what appears to be an alien invasion. Gwen praises the realism of the setting and the convincing portrayal of female adolescence as strengths of the series, and Andy emphasizes how the darker side of the 1980s emerges as the text unfolds. While some of the violence and language marks this as a series for older teens, the two PhDs suggest that these elements add verisimilitude to the text. They also advise parents that while there are other Vaughan texts, such as the Runaways series, that would be a good follow up for teen readers, there are other titles that Vaughan has written that are definitely more appropriate for an adult audience. Both Gwen and Andy highly recommend Paper Girls, Vol. 1 and are eager to see what happens next in the series.

Whoo, we're legal! Well, actually we're 21 weeks but that's legal in podcasting years, so Kristen and Liz have a very funny discussion about what we were actually drinking at 21, versus now. (Uh, Kristen is mixing vodka with WHAT?) Then we have a little...okay, let's call it a vent session about Pinterest Syndrome. What's great about all those recipes and DIY photos and what makes us crazy. Because we can't be the only ones who look at some 32-ingredient "easy" Thanksgiving stuffing recipe and think, are you freaking kidding me? Plus, we share each of our cool picks of the week. You'll find all of the show notes and links for this episode of Spawned at bit.ly/SpawnedCMP. Don't forget to subscribe to our feed so you never miss an episode! And if you have a question, comment, or an awesome drink recipe to share, email us at spawned@coolmompicks.com, or find us on Twitter using hashtag #spawnedshow. Thanks for sharing our 21st birthday with us! We raise a glass to you. This week's episode was sponsored by Amulet Books. Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo is the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots, by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs.

From Washington D.C.'s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Dan Kois and Allison Benedikt talk with Stephen Thompson of NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" about the joys and pitfalls of passing along your pop culture taste to your children, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett about work-life balance, and John Dickerson of Slate's Political Gabfest and CBS's "Face the Nation" about presidential parenting.   Mom and Dad are Fighting is sponsored by Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo—the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots—by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs. That’s Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo, on sale now from Amulet Books. And by Prudential’s 40/40 Vision, a multimedia microsite exploring what life—and the future—looks like to today’s 40-somethings. Hear what inspires real people, the hopes they have for tomorrow, and much more. See yourself in their stories at slate.com/4040vision/family. And by Little Passports. Keep your kids busy this fall with Little Passports, the award-winning subscription for kids. Right now, Mom & Dad Are Fighting listeners can save 40% on their first month with promo code MOMANDDAD40. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Slate's parenting podcast, Allison Benedikt and Dan Kois talk with Meredith Fein Lichtenberg about parenting with cancer, and then discuss the most important holiday of the year, Halloween.   Mom and Dad are Fighting is sponsored by Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo—the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots—by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs. That’s Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo, on sale now from Amulet Books. And by Little Passports. Keep your kids busy this summer with Little Passports, the award-winning subscription for kids. Right now, Mom & Dad Are Fighting listeners can save 40% on their first month with promo code MOMANDDAD40. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad. And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores and boutiques are charging. Order right now and they'll give you $50 off a set of sheets, plus free shipping. Go to BollAndBranch.com and use the promo code MOMANDDAD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Slate's parenting podcast, Allison Benedikt and Dan Kois discuss why it is important to let your kids fail and foster parenting. Mom and Dad are Fighting is sponsored by Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo—the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots—by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs. That’s Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo, on sale now from Amulet Books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Slate's parenting podcast, Allison Benedikt and Dan Kois discuss how to get your kids to enjoy nature and the cost of summer for poor families.   Mom and Dad are Fighting is sponsored by Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo—the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots, by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs. That’s Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo, on sale now from Amulet Books.   And by Little Passports. Keep your kids busy this summer with Little Passports, the award-winning subscription for kids. Right now, Mom & Dad Are Fighting listeners can save 40% on their first month with promo code momanddad40. Learn more at littlepassports.com/momanddad.   And by BollandBranch.com, the company that makes luxury bedding affordable. Get the nicest sheets you've ever owned for about half the price of what stores and boutiques are charging. Order right now and they'll give you $50 off a set of sheets plus free shipping. Go to bollandbranch.com and use the promo code momanddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we answer a listener's question about how not to screw up your kids. We may or may not have given her the advice she was hoping for but hey, it's the truth! We also talk about NFL player James Harrison's controversial move to make his son give back a participation trophy he didn't think was "earned." Should he have done it? Should there even be participation trophies? And guess which trophy Liz really wants for her mantle? Plus be sure to stick around for our cool picks of the week. If you have a question for Kristen and Liz, or just want to say hi (and we can say hi back!), find us on Twitter at @coolmompicks using #SpawnedShow, on Facebook at Facebook.com/coolmompicks, or email us at spawned@coolmompicks.com. Also visit coolmompicks.com for show notes and links to the things you heard about here today. And don’t forget to subscribe to our feed so you don’t miss an episode. Thanks for joining us!  This episode of Spawned is brought to you by Amulet Books. Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo is the third installment in the hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series filled with inventions, science experiments, and baseball playing robots, by former National Ambassador for Young Peoples’ Literature Jon Scieszka and mad scientist illustrator Brian Biggs. That’s Frank Einstein and the BrainTurbo, on sale now from Amulet Books.   

On this episode of The Comics Alternatives Interviews, Andy W. and Derek talk with Nathan Hale, a writer/illustrator and the genius behind the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series from Amulet Books. They begin with Nathan's brand new volume about World War I, Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood, and the meticulous work that went into it. As the Two Guys point out, this is perhaps Nathan's most ambitious book to date, not only in terms of the intricate and detailed art, but also because of its vast sweep of political and military history. They ask the author about his unique narrative frame – the historical figure, Nathan Hale (no relation to the author), about to be hanged as a spy, yet with a complete knowledge of American history due to strange flying history book –  and the way he applies it to all of the books in the NHHT series, including One Dead Spy, Big Bad Ironclad!, and Donner Dinner Party. The guys have a great time talking with Nathan about his work, asking him about his writing habits, his background in children's picture books, his strategies in writing for an adolescent audience, and his responsibilities as a researcher and educator. So put on your historical thinking cap, plug in your podcast-listening device, and enjoy this conversation with Nathan Hale.

Your regular 11 O'Clock Comics programming returns, and with it comes talk of Phil Hester and Eric Powell's Godzilla, a spoiler-free look at Fantastic Four #587, Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose #66 from Broadsword Comics, Emperor Aquaman and Flashpoint, Jason Shiga's Meanwhile from Amulet Books, The Cape from Image, TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) volume four from Peter Laird, Jim Lawson, Eric Talbot, Michael Dooney, and Mirage Comics, Thundarr the Barbarian and other Saturday morning cartoons, The Sword from Image and the Luna Brothers, Avatar's Crossed and Neonomicon #3, Batman: Odyssey and Neal Adams, Taschen's 75 Years of DC Comics, Boundless and Brian Pulido's Lady Death, Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo, Cyclops: the Recruit, Ian Churchill's awesome Marineman from Image, listener voicemail, and a whole mess more!