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Beyond the Stars: Writing Science Fiction for Young Readers

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Release Date: 06/15/2025

The Advenure Of You! show art The Advenure Of You!

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

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Exclusive Deals For Reading With Your Kids Listeners! Visit and use the promo code READ to get 20% off the most delicious pork snacks ever. Visit and use the promo code READ to get an incredible 41% off their ultra cozy and comfy bedding. Protecting Kids Online and Teaching Financial Literacy: A Parent's Guide to Tech and Money In today's digital world, parents face unprecedented challenges in keeping their children safe online while preparing them for financial success. Our latest podcast episode dives deep into two critical areas of modern parenting: kid-friendly technology and financial...

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Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Exclusive Deals For Reading With Your Kids Listeners! Visit and use the promo code READ to get 20% off the most delicious pork snacks ever. Visit and use the promo code READ to get an incredible 41% off their ultra cozy and comfy bedding. Get ready for a fun-filled episode that celebrates the magic of storytelling and children's books! This episode brings together three incredible authors who prove that creativity knows no bounds. First up, Carolyn Fraiser shares her heartwarming picture book "M is for Mason Jar," a delightful alphabet journey into homesteading. Inspired by her own...

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Reading With Your Kids Exclusive - Visit and use the promo code READ to receive an incredible 41% discount off your purchase. The most comfortable, softest, temperature regulating bedding, robes and pj's, and a 41% savings when you use the promo code READ. In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into three incredible children's books that prove literature can be a powerful tool for understanding complex emotions and important social issues. First, we meet Sarah McLean, author of "Leah is a Dragonfly," a touching story inspired by her real-life friend's journey through...

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Reading With Your Kids Exclusive! Visit & use the promo code READ to get a 41% discount on any purchase! In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on a fascinating journey through two incredible children's books that spark curiosity and ignite young imaginations. First up is Emily Kate Moon, the creative mind behind "Ray: How Light Works," a captivating non-fiction picture book that transforms complex scientific concepts into an engaging story. Following the adventures of Ray, a single ray of light, the book explores how light powers life on...

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Please help support the show by visiting our sponsor's website - . Receive a an incredible 41% discount on any product by using our promo code - READ Ever wonder how to truly connect with your children and help them navigate life's challenges? In this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive deep into the world of parenting with two incredible guests who are changing the game. First up, Richard Ramos, founder of Parents on a Mission, breaks down the myths about modern parenting. Forget the old "it takes a village" saying - Ramos argues that parents are the real architects of...

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Check out CozyEarth.com to discover the most luxurios bamboo sheets and pajamas. Use the promo code READ to support the show and save 41%! Ever wondered how to talk to your children about loss in a way that's both gentle and meaningful? In this powerful episode of Reading with Your Kids, author Hannah van Campen shares her incredible journey of creating "Believe," a children's picture book that tackles grief in the most beautiful way possible. Inspired by her personal experience of losing her father, Hannah crafted a touching story about a child and a caterpillar that transforms into a...

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Get ready for a wild ride with "Princess Battle Royale" - the most hilarious and action-packed children's book you'll want to read this summer! Author Phaea Crede & Illustrator Jen Hill join host Jed Doherty to discuss their uproarious new picture book that mashes up fairy tale princesses with professional wrestling. Imagine Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel throwing down in a wrestling ring - that's exactly what this creative duo has cooked up. The book features a cast of classic and lesser-known princesses battling it out, with the Swan Princess serving as the ultimate villain....

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More Episodes

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 Garden" on a moon-based boarding school, blending magic and technology in a way that will captivate young imaginations.
Both authors share a passionate mission: filling the gap in children's literature for science fiction that speaks directly to middle grade readers. They've noticed that while kids are obsessed with sci-fi movies, video games, and TV shows, there's a serious shortage of books that match their interests.
The conversation dives deep into world-building, discussing how these authors create complex, believable universes that feel both fantastic and grounded. They also explore the broader appeal of science fiction - it's not just about aliens and spaceships, but about exploring human potential, technology, and imagination. 
Parents will love hearing about the educational potential of these books. From encouraging STEM interest to exploring complex themes of personal discovery, these sci-fi stories do more than entertain - they inspire. We also spoke with Bonnie Swinehart about her Benji series of stories based in and aroubd the Pennsylvania Amish Community.
Whether your young reader is dreaming of space exploration, magical abilities, or just loves a good adventure, these books offer something special. They prove that science fiction isn't just for adults - it's a gateway to wonder, creativity, and endless possibilities for kids.
Get ready to blast off into a new reading adventure!

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