YA Cafe
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz
21 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re chatting about Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz, a heartwarming #ownvoices tale of two chronically ill teens who don’t die at...
A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our friend Courtney joins us to chat about A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy. It’s perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone or Three Dark C...
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus feat. L. Sam Smith
27 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Writer & teacher L. Samantha Smith joins us to chat about The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus, a lush, split perspective YA...
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi feat. H.D. Hunter
12 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re chatting about Pet by Akwaeke Emezi. Our guest is author H.D. Hunter who has some great insight into this totally unique YA new rele...
The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert feat. Nikea JaLynn
22 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
BookTuber, Nikea JaLynn (cohost of the series #BlackGirlLit), joins us to chat about The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert. (Transcript)...
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
08 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Stacey Lee does it again! The Downstairs Girl is exactly the kind of historical fiction we need right now. We loved it, and your students will too. (T...
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim feat. Maura Milan
25 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Project Runway meets Mulan in the new YA fantasy novel Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim. Joining us to chat is author and filmmaker, Maura Milan. (Trans...
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
27 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by Zshavette, a Pinay bookstagrammer to chat about Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay. It’s one of our favorite reads of 2019! (T...
Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi feat. Justina Chen
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with author Justina Chen about Gilmore Girls, Firefly, and of course our featured title, Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae S...
These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling feat. Jessica Spotswood
30 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Author/editor Jessica Spotswood joins us to chat about the blood witches and bad breakups in These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling, a fun YA m...
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
09 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are joined once again by our friend Anna aka @never_withouta_book to discuss Elizabeth Acevedo’s newest book, With the Fire on High....
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
02 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss an indigenous #ownvoices novel, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, and how we as teachers can assist with Truth and Reconcili...
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala feat. Natasha Deen
25 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t miss this lively chat with author Natasha Deen! She shares about her life and we discuss the new YA fantasy, The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Te...
In the Key of Nira Ghani by Natasha Deen
18 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Join us this week as we chat about In the Key of Nira Ghani, the story of a Guyanese-Canadian teen who longs to pursue her passion of playing jazz tru...
Pilu of the Woods (and Trauma-Informed Teaching)
11 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Author H.D. Hunter joins Danielle for a discussion of Trauma-Informed Teaching and YA books that touch on grief, like Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguy...
Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson
04 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A typical Muslim-American teen saves the world (with the help of her teleporting dog), in our 50th episode, Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow ...
Internment by Samira Ahmed
28 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Join us this week as we discuss Internment by Samira Ahmed, a gripping book with a dark vision of a future that is too close for comfort. (Transcript)...
Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young feat. Amanda K. Morgan
21 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Author Amanda K. Morgan joins us to chat about Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young, a new YA thriller that kept us guessing all the way through! ...
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
07 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for another #throwbackthursday, and this week we are arguing, I mean talking, about Liar by Justine Larbalestier. (Transcript) In today’...
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon feat. Somaiya Daud
28 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Beware: dragons ahead! Join us as we dive into the epic fantasy world of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, with our guest Somaiya Dau...
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia feat. Erin Callahan
21 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Love, lies, and revolution! All of that and more in this week’s featured title, We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia, with guest Erin Callaha...
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
07 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Can Bri be true to herself and still make her voice heard? On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is a love song to rap and radical, brave young women. (Trans...
Death Prefers Blondes by Caleb Roehrig
31 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teens, drag queens, heists, and hijinks? All of this and more in this week’s title, Death Prefers Blondes by Caleb Roehrig. (Transcript) In today’...
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
24 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week it’s a #throwbackthursday as we chat about a book that came out in 2016. The Stonewall Book Award winning, If I Was Your Girl by Meredith ...
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
17 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are joined by our teacher friend Carissa Peck as we chat about The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe. (Transcrip...
In An Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire feat. Betsy Cornwell
10 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
New year, new books! This week we devoured the novella In An Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire, and had a lovely time chatting with YA author Betsy Cornw...
2018 Recommendation Round-Up Pt. 2
27 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is part 2 of our 2018 round-up with recommendations from 15 guests. Today we hear from Lamar Giles, Amanda K. Morgan, Hannah Moskowitz, and more!...
2018 Recommendation Round-Up Pt. 1
20 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We have something very special for y’all to finish off 2018! In a two-part episode our guests bring 15 recommendations of books that you don’t wan...
The Disasters by MK England
13 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In The Disasters by MK England we follow four teens on the run. Can they evade the government long enough to stop the terrorists from striking again? ...
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful by Arwen Elys Dayton
06 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is perfect for cyberpunk and Sci-Fi fans – join us as we discuss Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful by Arwen Elys Dayton. (Trans...
The Resolutions by Mia Garcia
29 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us today is friend and writer Samantha Leidig. You may remember her from our first season, and she’s back to discuss The Resolutions by Mia ...
Pulp by Robin Talley
15 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Pulp by Robin Talley is a moving split perspective window into the lives of two women – 60 years apart – who both seek refuge in their writing. (T...
Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean
08 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are journeying into a rich fantasy world inspired by Japanese folkore. Join us as we chat about Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean. (Tr...
Salt by Hannah Moskowitz
01 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Sea monsters, pirates, and lost treasure? All of that (and more) awaits you in this weeks episode. Join us as we chat about Salt by Hannah Moskowitz. ...
The Hate U Give: Book vs. Movie
26 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by our bookstagram friends, Anna & Courtney, for a Book vs Movie breakdown of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. (Transcript) ...
Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore
19 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Anna-Marie McLemore’s Blanca & Roja is a twist on an old tale: two sisters challenge the story they’ve been told, and the roles they’ve been...
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
18 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee, Felicity faces new adventures as she tries to realize her dreams of becoming a doctor....
Toil & Trouble feat. Melissa from @thereaderandthechef
30 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we chat with bookstagrammer Melissa Robles about Toil & Trouble, a new YA anthology of stories about witchy women, written by 15 div...
Seafire by Natalie C. Parker feat. Emily Skrutskie
23 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today we chat about Seafire by Natalie C. Parker, with YA author Emily Skrutskie. Seafire has kick-ass lady pirates, and tons of action. What’s not ...
Fresh Ink feat. Lamar Giles
16 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week we feature the Fresh Ink anthology, a collection of diverse short stories for a YA audience. Joining us is editor and YA author Lamar Giles....
The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell
09 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell isn’t ‘just’ a Robin Hood retelling, it also serves up strong lady friendships, and a sharp look at power ...
Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Lovely, Dark, and Deep by Justina Chen is about one girl’s struggle to find the light, even as her whole world has been plunged into darkness. (Tran...
When Life Gives You Demons by Jennifer Honeybourn feat. Erin Callahan
26 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Reading, writing, and … exorcisms? That’s all before lunch. YA novelist Erin Callahan is here to chat on When Life Gives You Demons by Jennifer Ho...
Hullmetal Girls by Emily Skrutskie
19 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Skrutskie’s new sci-fi novel Hullmetal Girls is a world of economic inequality, a militarized police force, and humanity’s last breath. (tra...
I’m Not Missing by Carrie Fountain
12 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Carrie Fountain’s new book I’m Not Missing is an exploration of friendship, loss, and not repeating the mistakes of the past. (transcript) In t...
Zen and Gone by Emily France
05 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Zen and Gone by Emily France is a story of sisterhood, self-care, and self discovery (with a side of romance), all set in the beautiful Colorado mount...
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
28 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse, Maggie the Monster Slayer fights for her life. Are the gods on her side? Sometimes. But her shotgun always...
The Art of Escaping by Erin Callahan
21 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Erin Callahan’s debut novel The Art of Escaping is a fun and fresh read about escapology, testing your limits, and finding your passion. (transcri...
Mariam Sharma Hits the Road by Sheba Karim
14 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Mariam Sharma Hits the Road by Sheba Karim is a road trip romp about the 3 F’s; friends, family, and fried food. Join us as we chat about this Pakis...
How I Resist edited by Maureen Johnson
07 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Words of empowerment and encouragement from thirty amazing creators? Yes, please! In today’s episode, we discuss How I Resist, an activism anthology...
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
31 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson is a heartbreaking snapshot of children who fall through the cracks. Our Bookstagrammer friends Anna &a...
Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross
24 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross, a gothic classic finds a new home in a shiny research town. Join us as we talk about loyalty, the #metoo movement, and the da...
All of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor
17 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
All of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor gives us a vision of obsession, betrayal, and the blurred line between fiction and reality. Join us as we ch...
Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian
10 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian is a ice cream romp with themes of friendship, feminism, and building a legacy. Join us as we chat about this fun summ...
If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say by Leila Sales
03 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We take a look at online shaming and Leila Sales’ new novel, If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say. Join us this week on the YA Cafe. (transcr...
Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion (and other creative books)
26 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion, Ben and Dominique are drawn together after a movie-magic chance encounter. Join us as we chat music and rom...
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
19 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We’ll be talking about Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi with two ladies from the Bookstagram community, Courtney and Anna. Join us as w...
Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert
12 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert is a dive inside the mind of a young artist, Danny Cheng. Join us today as we talk about secrets, trag...
The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding
05 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We’re chatting with Anne Marie Wells, a fellow reader and foodie friend, about The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding. Check out more on this wee...
The Radical Element edited by Jessica Spotswood
29 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Radical Element is a new anthology of historical YA fiction short stories edited by Jessica Spotswood. This anthology moves chronologically th...
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
22 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the YA Cafe, where you’ll find conversations and reviews about Young Adult books for teachers, readers, and caffeine addicts everywhe...
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
19 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the YA Cafe, where you’ll find conversations and reviews about Young Adult books for teachers, readers, and caffeine addicts everywhe...
Oo, Scandalous: Three YA Thrillers
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the YA Cafe, where you’ll find conversations and reviews about Young Adult books for teachers, readers, and caffeine addicts everywhe...
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the YA Cafe, where you’ll find conversations and reviews about Young Adult books for teachers, readers, and caffeine addicts everywhe...
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our new podcast, The YA Cafe, where you’ll find conversations and reviews about Young Adult books for teachers, readers, and caffeine...