Kidlit Anonymous

When two kids, Huggs and Tuckie, discover a time machine, they embark on a crazy adventure, running into historical figures, cavemen, disco parties, futuristic theme parks, and even themselves. Start in the middle of the book, then turn the pages to travel forwards and backwards in time. But can a book that starts in the middle really be good? See what KLA thinks in this super honest review.

Undoubtedly a staple in children's literature, the Little House series has inspired daydreams of living a simpler life, and as a first-person account, there are few better ways to learn what life was truly like back in the late 1800's.  So grab a peppermint stick or pig's tail, sit back, and listen as Pa plays his fiddle and tells us a story by the warm fire. It's cold outside, but we have nowhere to be...

Who knew that Suzanne Collins wrote another series??? Ok we knew...but it isn't nearly as popular as The Hunger Games. Does that mean it isn't as good? Or that the age groups who love The Hunger Games just think this book is too childish?  This time we discuss war, Suzanne Collins' influence on Nickelodeon, discrimination, the limits of using 'a chosen one' and 'a prophecy', and whether this book deserves a place at the renowned KitLit table (like the Round Table, but even better.)

Anna Sewell's book, Black Beauty, was one of the very first novels to introduce a story from the point of view of an animal. It's inspired hundreds of authors including some of our very favorites- but how does it stack up against more modern interpretations? Is a book meant to promote animal welfare, despite depicting downright brutal treatment of horses, meant for children? Is this more book or bible parable? Let us know what you think!

Finally, a book Brandon read when he was little! But how does it hold up to the nostalgia-tinted glasses? We have animals, aliens, and teenagers so there's bound to be action and plenty of drama, but is this one of the darkest kidlit books we've ever read? Plus: how the reprint turned out, what animals Molly and Brandon would turn into if they had to fight the Yeerk army, and just how much does nostalgia affect one's opinion of a book?

How does one fit in when they only stand out?  This week we're discussing Wonder, one of the most renowned, most reviewed, and highest rated books we've ever seen. There are multiple spin-off books, calendars, a movie... but does it deserve it for simply featuring an underrepresented protagonist? Or is there something truly special about this book? The answer isn't necessarily obvious...

Love fairytales? Well this one has them all! The best part, they're all based just after the events of all the stories you're familiar with. But did Chris Colfer being famous influence the popularity of this book? Or does it deserve the limelight? This week we discuss the importance of good writing, description, and plot in a Middle Grade novel as well as Froggy and the 4 Prince Charmings, a surprisingly great villain backstory, and how seemingly smart characters can do really dumb things.

Our second world-renowned globally loved classic; but how does it compare to Secret Garden? And who enjoyed had more to say about this book? Molly or Brandon? Join us as we discuss the importance of a good protagonist, who the actual main character of this book is, anime?! (yes, Brandon was very excited...), the death of a loved character, Anne based theme parks and...potatoes? Looking for more fun Anne facts? Check this out! https://www.cbc.ca/books/75-facts-you-might-not-know-about-anne-of-green-gables-and-author-lucy-maud-montgomery-1.4084431  

Molly read this 10 times as a kid? But how does it stack up against adult sensibilities? What does Brandon think about reading yet another girly princess book?  This week we discuss the correlation between Ella Enchanted and Cinderella, what worked and didn't work, adorable romances, driven female characters, fairy tales and fairy curses, and some hilarious reviews. 

This book is all about memories, so it's funny that, if you're anything like Molly and Brandon (and most young readers), you may only remember one specific twist. But as adults (or just really big kids...) we've discovered that the book holds other joys we've long forgotten. Join us as we discuss one of the most beloved and most hated dystopian novels ever written.

Sorry for the delay! We've finally fixed our recording/editing issues and decided to try a shorter format, so let us know what you think in the comments! What if animals could talk? What if plants were magic? Would we use plants and animals for war or just talking companions and miracle cures? This week we discuss the highs and lows (along with funny reviews) of Wing and Claw, by Linda Sue Park.  Thank you to Care of Magical Creatures for leaving a sweet review! You rock like Echo.

Hey Everyone! Sorry for the hiatus. We have been learning and researching how to improve the quality and content of our podcast! We think this format works way better! (Though sorry for thee strange word clipping, we're looking into that.) This week we attend the Princess Academy. Brandon loved it, Molly, not so much, but why? Following a new format we kick off with our Yays and our Boos, discuss if we want to be princesses, whether songs dd to the setting or just slow down the book, and read our favorite good, bad, and funny reviews. 

Just how different are writing a novel and screenwriting for a movie? From what we know, they're extremely different, but has John August figured out how to do both? Molly and Brandon switch things up a bit this week, leading off with Yay's and Boo's, reading Reviews, and sharing their own personal experiences with camping (or staying inside where it's cozy for one of us).  If you've listened to John August's podcast, Launch, then you know a big topic surrounding Arlo Finch is how it compares to a certain book about everyone's favorite boy wizard. This means only one thing- it's time to play 'Is it Harry Potter?!" https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/  

What makes a classic? Does it have to be an old-timey book that instills written in a nearly outdated syntax, or can it simply be a story that imparts good morals? For once, Molly and Brandon disagree... This week we play 'Is it a Classic?', discuss possibly the most abused and worthless character we've ever come across, consider how much a girl's looks really determine her worthiness as a princess, and ponder how dark a children's book can be before it crosses the line. Oh, and this coming from a book assigned mostly in 4th or 5th grade classes.  Still, could this be a good book? https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/

Think the boy stuck in the well trope is boring and overdone (I'm looking at you Tikki Tikki Tembo...)? Think again. With a unique view on diversity, strong protagonists, and a sense that there are no coincidences in the universe, this book won the Newbery for a reason. Even so, find out why so many of the reviews online are negative?! https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/

Cats! Lots and lots of cats! Clans battling over territory, secret alliances, unlikely heroes, unlikely deaths... If you love Game of Thrones, then you may just love this book. This time we consider themes such as: allegiance to your clan vs sticking to your morals, finding your identity, and the importance of elders in our community. Thank goodness Erin Hunter writes more quickly than George R.R. Martin, but that may be because Erin isn't even a real person... https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/

This week we dive into the wondrous Nevermoor. Just how much like Harry Potter is it? (Answer: quite a bit). Learn how Brandon and Molly would tackle the four Trials of the book as they discuss: their strategies, greatest fears, not so amazing talents, and how they would get killed by zombies, eaten by sharks, and face an existential crisis all in the same day! Finally we examine illegal immigration and how Steve Jobs would have made a great evil villain for the book. https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/

A girl from India forced to live with a hunchback. A hundred room mansion and a mysterious voice that cries out in the night. A garden that's been locked away for ten years, the door hidden and the key buried... It sounds mysterious and exciting! Or so we were lead to believe... Join us as we strive to figure out why this book is one of the most beloved children's books of all time.   Also, let us know your thoughts to win a copy of the book here!  https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/

Another cute and cuddly book about animals? Nope! This week we examine the best and worst of humanity as we dive into our relationship with animals. For such a short children’s book, this one hits hard with themes such as: identity and how we view ourselves, physical and mental cages, how memories shape our present selves, permanent good-byes, hope in dark times, and solving problems your own way.   Also, let us know your thoughts to win a copy of the book here! (aka, what do you think of the length of our episodes?):  https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/

What we thought would be a cute book about a girl and her magical pet turns out to be an anti-religious response to another well-known novel! This time we discuss light and fun topics like: experimentation on children, Original Sin, Free Will versus Destiny, and having your father represent the Devil. Thankgoodness for armored polar bears and magical, shapeshifting animals for adding some depth to this podcast…   https://kidlitanonymous.com/giveaway/