Connecting Generations Through Literature With Pablo Cartaya
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Release Date: 05/06/2025
Exploring AI, Foster Care, and Friendship in Middle Grade Fiction
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this dynamic episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a fascinating journey through two remarkable middle-grade novels that push the boundaries of storytelling. First up is J E Thomas and her groundbreaking middle grade novel "The AI Incident," which explores the complex world of artificial intelligence through the eyes of Malcolm Montgomery, a 12-year-old foster kid. Thomas reveals how her book tackles themes of technology, friendship, and personal growth, offering a nuanced look at how AI might impact education and human connections. The episode then shifts...
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Bear & The Three Goldilocks
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this delightful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an inspiring literary adventure with two incredible children's book authors who prove that creativity knows no bounds. First up is Patrick Horne, an athletic director and picture book author who discovered his storytelling magic during morning runs. His latest book, "Bear and the Three Goldilocks," flips the classic fairy tale on its head with a hilarious camping adventure. Patrick shares how his experience working at a trilingual school and running inspire his creative process, demonstrating that great...
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Imagination Unleashed: Podcasts, Myths, and Magical Moments
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Dive into a Magical World of Storytelling: Podcasts, Greek Myths, and Family Connections In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two incredible storytelling experiences that bring families closer together through audio and books. First up, Julie Burstein and Dr. Michael Cohen introduce "Live from Mount Olympus," a captivating podcast series bringing Greek myths to life for kids aged 8-12. The podcast transforms ancient stories into immersive audio adventures, featuring professional actors and rich sound design. Their latest season follows the hero Theseus...
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Hurricanes, Heroes, and Humanity
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, we explore two remarkable books that go far beyond traditional storytelling. First, we meet Mason Stokes, author of "All the Truth I Can Stand," a powerful young adult novel that reimagines the story of Matthew Shepard. Stokes courageously delves into the complexity of human experiences, challenging readers to see beyond simple narratives and embrace nuanced understanding. The book follows Ash, a young gay teen navigating grief and loss, whose world is transformed by a relationship that ends tragically. Stokes brilliantly weaves historical...
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Voices Unheard: Children's Books That Make a Difference
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into two incredible children's books that prove storytelling is about so much more than just entertainment. Meet Ruby Renee, the spirited protagonist who's learning the art of sharing the spotlight, and Maddie, a resilient young girl finding her place in the world. Ashley Iman, a passionate math teacher turned author, brings Ruby Renee to life in her latest book. Ruby's journey is all about learning to share her voice - quite literally! As the star of morning announcements, she discovers the challenge of making space for others...
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Beyond Words: The Transformative Power of Reading Together
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this inspiring episode, host Jed Doherty explores two powerful approaches to child development through reading and connection. First, Michal Berg, CEO of Spirituality for Kids (SFK), shares her heartwarming children's book "LB: Discovering the Inner Light". Berg explains how the book helps children understand their inherent worth and inner potential. She emphasizes that every child has an "inner light" - a core of wisdom, goodness, and resilience that never dims, even when life feels challenging. Berg's approach goes beyond traditional emotional learning, focusing on spiritual intelligence....
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Sparking Imagination: The Art of Creating Books Kids Can't Put Down
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of children's literature with two incredible authors who are revolutionizing how kids experience reading! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive deep into the creative minds of Jon Agee and Robert Gould, who are transforming storytelling in ways you've never imagined. First up, meet Jon Agee and his delightful characters George and Lenny - a bear and a rabbit who explore the meaning of friendship and independence. This charming story isn't just cute; it's a nuanced exploration of how children understand relationships and...
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Science, Ethics, and Faith: Exploring Books That Inspire Young Minds
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an incredible journey through groundbreaking children's books that do more than just entertain - they educate, inspire, and challenge young minds. First up, we explore the remarkable story of J. Robert Oppenheimer through the lens of a middle-grade book that transforms complex historical narratives into accessible learning. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kai Bird and co-author Eric Singer discuss their collaboration on "Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb," a powerful adaptation that introduces young readers...
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Helena Ku Rhee & SJ Engelman: Turning Family Life into Page-Turning Fun
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Summer Reading Adventures: Discovering Family, Culture, and Imagination Through Children's Books Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of children's literature that will inspire parents, kids, and book lovers everywhere! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty dives into two incredible books that prove reading is about so much more than just turning pages. First up, we meet Helena Ku Rhee, author of "Shoes Off, Please," a heartwarming picture book that explores cultural traditions through a child's eyes. Helena shares how her own childhood experiences of removing...
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Beyond the Stars: Writing Science Fiction for Young Readers
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two incredible authors, Samantha van Leer and Michelle Barry, who are revolutionizing science fiction for young readers. These talented writers are breaking ground in a genre that's been surprisingly underserved - middle grade sci-fi. Samantha van Leer's "Extraterrestrial Zoo" takes readers on a wild adventure following 13-year-old Ava, who manages a zoo filled with alien creatures after a hurricane releases them into the woods of Maine. Meanwhile, Michelle Barry's "Plotting the Stars" reimagines "The Secret...
info_outlineIn 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 stage of life - like "having a Ferrari engine but riding a tricycle." His approach to writing is refreshingly honest: speak to kids directly, treat them with respect, and never talk down to them.
"A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation" follows young Gonzalo on an epic road trip with his grumpy grandfather, a famous children's book author. The novel weaves together multiple narratives, exploring themes of family, heritage, and personal discovery. Cartaya's storytelling approach is both playful and profound, creating a book that makes readers laugh on one page and potentially cry on the next.
The author's passion for connecting with young readers shines through, particularly when he discusses his school visits. His goal is simple yet powerful: to be real, to make kids laugh, and to help them feel seen and understood. This approach has earned him high praise, including a memorable compliment from a school principal who said he "speaks middle school."
For parents looking to spark meaningful conversations and introduce their children to rich, layered storytelling, "A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation" appears to be a must-read. Cartaya's book promises to be more than just a summer adventure - it's a journey of understanding, connection, and growth.
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