This week’s episode, Scott and Katie are straying away from the young adult and middle grade read to discuss an adult book. Yes, you read that correctly: an adult book. They’ll be discussing The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a book released in March that has been gaining traction in parent and school communities because of its research-based theories on the current mental health crisis among adolescents. Join Scott and Katie this week as they dive into their thoughts about the book and discuss their own experiences as educators whose school is phone-free for the first time.

The American Library Association celebrates Banned Book Week at the end of September, but Scott and Katie think it should be celebrated all season long. Join Scott and Katie in this very special Novel Short as they discuss banned books and the impact it has on our schools and communities. This week’s episode also features a sound clip by award winner writer Ashley Hope Pérez, author of Out of Darkness, a book featured in Season 2. Listen in as Ashley Hope Pérez shares her wisdom about banned books and being a banned author!

This week’s episode features a book that Scott and Katie read and loved over the summer: Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. Join Scott and Katie as they discuss some of the most important themes of family and friendship explored in this amazing graphic novel. They also discuss the historical lessons of racism threaded within the story. It's a great quick, but informative read that they recommend to everyone, but especially middle school students!