Join hosts Sam and Sarah on this episode of "Not Your Average Book Report" as they dive into Judy Blume's timeless classic "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Discover how this beloved coming-of-age tale resonates with readers and explore its enduring themes of identity, friendship, and faith. Power Rank These Three from Worst to Least Worst: 1…

In this episode we're reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. Sam and Sarah share laughter-inducing excerpts (You can do it, Brucie!) and reminisce about their favorite teachers who inspired them. Immerse yourself in a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and genuine moments as we discuss this classic.By Not Your Average Book Report

Ah, the sweet nostalgic halls of the Mountain View Inn where you'll find loud dogs, plenty of crumbs and perhaps a MOUSE bbbbbbbbbbddddd-ing by on a motorcycle. We loved this discussion of Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle and think you will too! Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Got comments or book suggestions? You can n…

Let's journey to Yorkshire in England to the wild and wonderful moor where Mistress Mary Quite Contrary is discovering some things about the world and herself! It's the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett!By Not Your Average Book Report

Today we are joined by S.D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series, who tells us about things like writing being a job you do with an apron on, telling stories to your kids and we find a way to talk about Narnia. You can find Sam on the web at sdsmith.com. There you can find info about his newest book: Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key.…

We are back from our little fall break and we've got a doozy. We read Wonder by R.J. Palacio based on a recommendation from our friend (who you might just be hearing from later on in the show!). Wonder is a heart-warming book in the truest sense and we hope you enjoy it and this episode as much as we did.…

It all ends here. "One will die at the hands of the other, for neither shall live while the other survives." Join us as we conclude our Summer of Potter (in October, it's fine, it's fine).By Not Your Average Book Report

Just when we think things can't get worse, they do. And I'm afraid for poor Harry, this is far from the end of his troubles but we're here every step of the way as we continue our journey through the Harry Potter series in our SUMMER OF POTTER.By Not Your Average Book Report

Ah, being 15 again: being angry all the time, feeling misunderstood and of course girls bursting into tears when you kiss and the evil wizard invading your dreams. Wait what? Yep, things are getting wild for Harry Potter and we're here to discuss as we dive into the fifth book in the Harry Potter series!…

Today we are joined by our friend Raychel McKelvy! Within minutes, Raychel blows my mind with some of the symbolism in the books and the conversation only gets better from there. Rachel is an actress, a writer as well as an assistant professor of communications at Moody Bible Institute. She also happens to a be a Ravenclaw! Be sure to follow Rayche…

We rejoin Harry Potter as he faces new dangers like dragons, merpeople and talking to girls! It's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as we continue our Summer of Potter.By Not Your Average Book Report

The worst thing about prison was the dementors! But for Harry Potter, those dementors are now swirling around Hogwarts looking for the murderer Sirius Black who apparently wants nothing more than to murder Harry! Join us as we continue our Summer of Potter with the third book in the series, the Prisoner of Azkaban.…

It's the Summer of Potter! We're going to read the entire series by September and you should join us! The weather is heating up and so are things at Hogwarts as Harry faces new perils like Dobby trying to save his life, giant snakes and Ernie McMillan's accusations! It's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.…

It's the Summer of Potter! We're going to read the entire series by September and you should join us! Today we're kicking it off with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (or Philosopher's) Stone! Here's the article where Rowling discusses where the K. came from. Here's Rowling's diagram for Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince.…

The 2013 Newberry Award winning The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a precious story about a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall with his friends Bob the stray dog and Stella the elephant. Join us as we discuss this fun book and themes like belonging, caring for animals and more.…

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Giver falls more in the young adult category and deals with some heavier themes which young ears may not be ready for. So if you’re listening with youngsters around, we advise discretion. We're diving into the classic The Giver by Lois Lowry. Did you know this 1993 classic was the #11 most challenged book (a challenge is an atte…

Eulalia! We're jumping into the first of Brian Jaques Redwall series, the eponymous story that started it all. And to make it even more special, we're joined by Nat Scott (Sarah's husband, Sam's brother), an english teacher who loves this series!By Not Your Average Book Report

This week we are reading the 1999 Newberry Medal winner, Holes by Louis Sachar. Join us as we journey with Stanley Yelnats to Camp Green Lake as he digs some holes (and learns so much more).By Not Your Average Book Report

Get ready for all the feels because we're jumping into Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.By Not Your Average Book Report

Today we are reading My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Join us as we discuss lions getting their hair done, the beauty of imagination and have our very first guest join the show!By Not Your Average Book Report

On today's episode, we're discussing the 1967 Newberry Award winner, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basel E. Frankweiler. We discuss running away, the desire in kids to be "seen" and how we all have secrets!By Not Your Average Book Report

Oh yes, it's time to dive into C. S. Lewis's classic story about lampposts, fauns carrying parcels in the snow and Aslan. Specifically we want to discuss how relevant this story is to the Christmas season.By Not Your Average Book Report

Today we're reading the James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl For more on Roald Dahl's life story and World War 2 experiences.By Not Your Average Book Report

It's our first episode! Today we're reading the 1952 classic Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Show Notes: Here's the full C.S. Lewis quote Sam references: “No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty – except, of course, books of information. The only imaginative works w…