Hey there, book lovers! This episode of Reading with Your Kids was a total blast, packed with two incredible authors who are changing the game in children's literature.
First up, we met Lauren Magaziner, the brilliant mind behind "The Incorruptibles," a middle-grade novel that turns the typical magic story on its head. Imagine a world where magic isn't all sparkly and wonderful, but actually a tool for oppression. Lauren's main character, Fiora, is a resistance fighter who's learning to fight magic with technology. It's like a superhero origin story, but with a twist that teaches kids about power, corruption, and the importance of looking beyond black and white thinking.
Then we switched gears to Ryan Kiscaden, who's doing something totally different with his "Next Up" book series. Ryan's on a mission to make skilled trades look cool to kids. His book "The Air Came to a Stop" isn't just about HVAC and plumbing - it's about showing children that trades are heroic, important work. He's challenging the old narrative that college is the only path to success and showing kids that being a plumber or HVAC technician can be an awesome, fulfilling career.
Both authors share a similar passion: helping kids understand the world is complex, nuanced, and full of opportunities. Lauren does it through a magical adventure that challenges moral absolutes, while Ryan does it by celebrating the everyday heroes who keep our world running.
The conversation was full of laughs, insights, and those magical moments that make reading with kids so special. Whether you're interested in magical resistance fighters or the heroes who fix our water heaters, this episode had something for everyone.
The big takeaway? Reading isn't just about entertainment - it's about opening minds, challenging assumptions, and showing kids that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
So grab a book, cuddle up with your kids, and get ready to explore some incredible stories!
Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com
Follow Us On Social Media
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/
Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
As Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, Dr. Jesse Mills has spent his career helping men understand their bodies, their hormones, and their health. Now he’s bringing that expertise to The Male Room — a podcast where data-driven medicine meets common sense. Each episode separates fact from hype, science from snake oil, and gives men the tools to live longer, stronger, and happier lives. With candor, humor, and real-world experience from the exam room and the operating room, Dr. Mills breaks down the latest health headlines, dissects trends, and explains what actually works — and what doesn’t. Smart, straightforward, and entertaining, The Male Room is the show that helps men take charge of their health without the jargon.