I Am Not Alone: Helping Teens Navigate Parents' Mental Health Challenges
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Release Date: 04/11/2025
Exploring the Outdoors and Healing Through Play
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In a captivating podcast episode, author Susie Spikol shares her passionate approach to reconnecting children with the natural world through her innovative book, Forest Magic for Kids. This non-fiction nature activity guide offers families a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors, spark imagination, and rediscover the joy of unstructured play. Spikol, a naturalist with over 30 years of experience, challenges traditional nature education by focusing on exploration and wonder rather than strict scientific identification. Her book provides families with over 50 activities that encourage...
info_outline
Music, Miracles & Meteorology
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this captivating episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an extraordinary adventure with two incredible authors who are redefining storytelling for young readers. First up is Rayne Lacko, whose young adult novel "The Secret Song of Shelby Ray" introduces readers to a fascinating protagonist with an extraordinary gift: the ability to hear people's inner music when she touches them. This unique premise explores complex themes of mental health, personal growth, and the power of understanding one's authentic self. Lacko brilliantly weaves a narrative that speaks...
info_outline
Connecting Generations Through Literature With Pablo Cartaya
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with author Pablo Cartaya to explore the magic of middle-grade literature and the power of authentic storytelling. Cartaya's latest book, "A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation," promises to be a heartwarming journey that will resonate with young readers and their families. The conversation delves deep into the art of writing for middle-grade audiences, a demographic Cartaya describes as a "sweet spot" of incredible potential. With humor and insight, he explains how sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are at a unique...
info_outline
Celebrating Diversity: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month With Ha Dinh
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this heartwarming episode, we explore the power of children's literature in bridging cultural understanding through conversations with two incredible Asian American authors, Ha Dinh and Yobe Qiu. Ha Dinh takes us on a personal journey with her touching picture book, "The Jade Bracelet," which delves into the complex emotions of a young immigrant navigating cultural identity. Drawing from her own experiences of coming to America at seven years old, Ha shares how a simple jade bracelet from her mother became a powerful symbol of heritage and belonging. Her story resonates with anyone who has...
info_outline
The Power of Narrative: Connecting Through Stories
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of storytelling with our latest episode of Reading with Your Kids! We've got not one, but two incredible authors who are passionate about creating magical worlds that captivate young readers. We begin with an inspiring conversation with Jonathan Stroud, the brilliant mind behind "The Legendary Scarlet and Brown" series. Stroud takes us on a wild ride through a post-apocalyptic world where teenage outlaws become unexpected heroes. His passion for storytelling shines through as he shares how authors can truly impact young readers' lives. But wait,...
info_outline
Cats, Construction & Creativity
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two incredible creative projects. First, he dives into the magical world of children's book creation with authors Sudipta Bardhan-Quillin and Leeza Hernandez, creators of the delightful "Cats and Construction Hats." This isn't just another children's book - it's a vibrant celebration of teamwork, creativity, and the power of collaboration. Sudipta and Leeza share their unique journey of bringing this colorful story to life, revealing how a simple conversation about cats in construction hats transformed into a...
info_outline
Creating Books That Spark Joy & Imagination
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an inspiring episode that dives deep into the world of children's literature! Host Jed Doherty sits down with two incredible authors who are transforming how kids experience reading: Jacqueline Davies and Yesenia Moises. First up, Jacqueline Davies shares the fascinating story behind "The Lemonade War," a beloved middle-grade novel that's been captivating readers for over 15 years. The book's recent transformation into a graphic novel opens up exciting new possibilities for young readers. Davies reveals the intricate process of adapting a traditional novel into a graphic...
info_outline
Closing The Literacy Gap
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with Deb Mallin, the passionate founder of Mighty Doodle. What makes this platform unique? It's not just another educational app – it's a comprehensive learning experience designed to meet each child exactly where they are. Mighty Doodle uses cutting-edge AI technology to create a personalized, engaging learning environment for first through fourth-grade students. The platform incorporates the science of reading with a whole-child approach, meaning kids aren't just memorizing – they're truly understanding and...
info_outline
The Power Of Radical Love
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids Jed Doherty dives into the transformative power of storytelling, self-love, and acceptance through conversations with two incredible authors who are changing children's lives. First up is Bobbi Chegwyn, creator of the Radical Ray series, who shares her inspiring journey from school bus driver to children's author. Drawing from her experience driving the "Kind Bus," Bobbi developed a unique approach to teaching emotional intelligence to kids. Her books follow Ray, a young protagonist who learns about "radical love" - a powerful concept of seeing the...
info_outline
Moms On A Mission: Inspiring Young Readers Through Science and Service
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Looking for powerful children's books that spark curiosity, empathy, and environmental awareness? Our latest podcast episode dives into the incredible world of children's literature with two passionate authors who are changing how kids understand science, nature, and community. Meet Carolyn Armstrong, the creative mind behind the "Climate Kid Adventures" series. Her middle-grade novels, like "Echo Warriors," take readers on thrilling environmental journeys. From exploring the polar bear habitats of Svalbard to uncovering the mysteries of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Armstrong transforms...
info_outlineIn a heartwarming and insightful episode, Reading With Your Kids host Jed Doherty explores the incredible ways books can heal, support, and strengthen family bonds. The conversation dives deep into two groundbreaking resources that are changing how families approach reading and mental health.
First up is Michelle Sherman's powerful book "I Am Not Alone," a game-changing guide for teens navigating the challenges of having a parent struggling with mental health. Sherman reveals a shocking statistic: about 20% of young people live with a parent experiencing mental health issues. Her book fills a critical gap, offering support, understanding, and practical strategies for teens who often feel invisible and alone.
The episode then shifts to the Mother Daughter Book Club Guide, created by sisters Stefanie Hohl and Meghan Voss. This innovative resource transforms reading from a solitary activity into a dynamic, fun family experience. With 12 carefully curated books and interactive discussion guides, the book helps parents and children connect on a deeper level, making reading an adventure rather than a chore.
Meghan Voss, an education expert, highlights the incredible benefits of reading together. Beyond just literacy, shared reading builds critical thinking skills, creates lasting memories, and helps children develop emotional intelligence. The guide offers flexible options for families, from intimate home book clubs to neighborhood reading groups.
The conversation also touches on the ABC See Here Do reading program, which uses creative movement to teach reading skills, addressing the sobering fact that 70% of kids struggle with reading by fourth grade.
Whether you're a parent looking to strengthen family bonds, a teacher seeking innovative literacy tools, or someone interested in mental health support for teens, this episode offers practical, heartwarming insights. It's a powerful reminder that books are more than just words on a page – they're bridges that connect us, heal us, and help us understand each other.
Ready to transform your family's reading experience? This episode is your roadmap to connection, understanding, and joy.
Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com
Follow Us On Social Media
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/
Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!