FVRL ReadRadio Podcast

In this episode of Kids' ReadRadio, Hoda makes the BIG announcement you’ve all been waiting for: the 2025–2026 Reading Link Challenge book list! She introduces listeners to the main characters of each book and the stories you’re about to fall in love with. Ready, set, read! The books are: 1. The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink by Roy MacGregor 2. Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold 3. Stella Díaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez 4. Willodeen by Katherine Applegate 5. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo 6. The Islands of Elsewhere by Heather Fawcett The Reading Link Challenge competition is a partnership between local schools and public libraries that promotes a lifelong love of reading for children in Grades 4 and 5. In this award-winning program, students work in teams to read books and answer questions in a quiz-show format, earning points and advancing through four levels of friendly competition. www.readinglinkchallenge.ca

Book or movie? Fans of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us have strong opinions on which version they like more. Today, FVRL Reading Adviser Margarita offers her hot take on the issue! It Ends With Us follows Lily Bloom, who falls for the charismatic Ryle Kincaid but soon discovers a darker side to their relationship. When her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, Lily must confront painful memories and make a life-changing choice. Powerful and emotional, the novel explores love, trauma and the courage it takes to break free from the cycle of abuse. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1739768

In today’s podcast, Reading Adviser Sally shares a fantastic first chapter book: Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow by Sita MacMillan. It’s perfect for kids in Grades 2 and up – especially if you’re just starting to read chapter books but still enjoy a few pictures. When Sarah moves to the city, she feels lost and far from home — until a dream about a magical forest powwow helps her discover courage and connection in unexpected ways. This heartwarming story celebrates imagination, friendship and the strength of Cree traditions. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1936736

In today’s podcast, Larissa shares The Lotus Shoes, a book of historical fiction by author Jane Yang. The novel explores the lives of two girls from significantly different social backgrounds in 18th-century China. As a child, Little Flower is sold to Linjing's wealthy family to become a muizai. In a fit of childish jealousy over her new handmaiden's ladylike bound feet and talent for embroidery, Linjing ensures Little Flower can never leave her to ascend in society. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1956175

In this special episode of FVRL ReadRadio, we're joined by R.S. Twells, the award-winning author of The Bennet Saga. This series has captivated YA readers since the release of her first novel, The Field Agent, in 2021. The series currently includes three books, with a fourth set for release in spring 2026. In this interview with FVRL Events Specialist Deanna, Twells discusses her journey toward publication, from the start of an idea to a finished published book, and all the bumps along the way. She takes a deep dive into her creative process and her thoughts on using writing as an outlet to help work through challenging times and emotions. Find R.S. Twells' novels in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Twells%2C%20R.%20S.&searchType=author

Today, Reading Adviser Sally shares a great mystery book for kids in Grades 4 and up. The Case of the Pilfered Pin is part of Michael Hutchinson’s Mighty Muskrat series. This story is full of suspense, adventure and teamwork. The Windy Lake First Nation's lands have been shared with cottagers for 50 years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends. When the Mighty Muskrats hear that the only thing that can prove the boundary is a steel surveyor's pin that was stolen years ago, they make it their mission to find the missing pin and prove that the land belongs to their people. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1916196

In the second of this two-part podcast, the FVRL Reading Advisers explore more not-so-cosy cosy mysteries: Pies Before Guys Mystery series by Misha Popp https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Pies%20before%20guys%20mystery&searchType=series She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1950573

In the first of a two-part podcast, the FVRL Reading Advisers explore some mystery series that offer a bit more diversity, character development and real-life challenge than your typical cosy mystery: The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Veronica%20Speedwell&searchType=series&sort=series Tita Rosie’s Kitchen by Mia P. Manansala https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Tita%20Rosie&searchType=series

In today’s podcast, FVRL Reading Adviser Margarita dives into the TV show 1923, the gripping prequel to the popular Yellowstone series – a show that redefines the western genre for a modern audience. Set in the volatile years after World War I, 1923 follows the Dutton family as they struggle to maintain their Montana ranch against forces beyond their control. Find 1923: A Yellowstone Origin Story, Seasons 1 and 2, in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=1923%20A%20Yellowstone%20Origin%20Story&searchType=title

Today, Laurel shares Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis. If you enjoy fantasy, romance and strong female characters, you'll like this book. Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one thing: to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, she needs to spend more time in her laboratory experimenting with her spells. She definitely doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic. When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot… Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1953867

In today's podcast, Mieke shares two novels of historical fiction by Dutch-Canadian author Ellen Keith: The Dutch Wife and The Dutch Orphan. Both novels take place during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The Dutch Wife Amsterdam, May 1943. As the tulips bloom and the Nazis tighten their grip across the city, the last signs of Dutch resistance are being swept away. Marijke de Graaf and her husband are arrested and deported to different concentration camps in Germany. Marijke is given a terrible choice: to suffer a slow death in the labour camp or — for a chance at survival — to join the camp brothel. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1750415 The Dutch Orphan When the Nazis invade Amsterdam, singer Johanna Vos watches in horror as the vibrant music scene she loves is all but erased, her Jewish friends forbidden from performing with her onstage. Alongside her friend Jakob, Johanna helps organize the Artists' Resistance, an underground network allowing Jews to perform at house concerts hosted by their allies. https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1890468

Today, Sally shares a novel that she’s dying to talk about: Run by Blake Crouch — a gripping apocalyptic thriller about a man and his family running for their lives in an America gone mad. From the publisher: "No time to think. No time to ask why. Only time to run. Five days ago, the epidemic of rage began. Four days ago, the rash of senseless murders swept the nation. Three days ago, the president addressed the country and begged for peace — even as the murders increased tenfold. Two days ago, the killers began to mobilize. One day ago, the power went out. And tonight, the killers are reading the names of those to be killed over the Emergency Broadcast System. Jack Colclough is listening over the battery-powered radio on his kitchen table in Albuquerque, and he just heard his name. People are coming to his house to kill him, his wife, his daughter, and his son. He has no idea what's happening, or why, but the time for questions is long past. His only chance is to run. Following an ordinary family on a desperate race through an America that's destroying itself, Run is a terrifying, brutally stripped-down thriller from master storyteller Blake Crouch." Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1949078

Today, Laurel tells us about the historical fantasy novel What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez. Set in 1884, 19-year-old Inez travels to Egypt after the sudden death of her parents to uncover the truth about their deaths. As she attempts to unravel the mysteries her parents sought, she becomes a pawn in a larger game that threatens to kill her. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1913604

In this week’s podcast, Taylor shares one of her favourite books: Eliot Schrefer’s The Darkness Outside Us. Taylor recommends this YA sci-fi epic for its queer enemies-to-lovers romance, existential dread and pulse-pounding plot twists. “Earth's population is divided between only two existing countries, which cannot manage to cooperate in any way, until a distress signal arrives from Titan's first settler. Neither country can afford to rescue her on their own if they act separately. Ambrose wakes up on board the Coordinated Endeavour under strange circumstances: he doesn't remember the launch, the ship's OS is voiced by his mother, strangers have been aboard, and Kodiak, the only other person on this mission, has barricaded himself away from sight. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making this mission succeed — not when the settler he's rescuing is his sister.” Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1907407

In today’s podcast, Sally shares a strange, unsettling story by Argentinian writer Agustina Maria Bazterrica. Tender Is the Flesh is a dystopian novel set in a society where a virus has made animal meat poisonous, leading to the legalization of human consumption. The story follows Marcos, a worker in a human processing plant, as he grapples with the moral and emotional implications of his job, especially when he is given a live "specimen" to care for. Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1857259

Did you hear the joke about the little mountain? It’s HILL-arious! If you like jokes, Sally has three books for you that are packed with awesome, funny puns: Wee Hee Hee: A Collection of Pretty Funny Jokes and Pictures https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1924117 Max Meow series by John Gallagher https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Max%20Meow&searchType=series The Bunnicula Collection (Books 1–3) by James Howe https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1773016

In today’s podcast, we explore an insightful non-fiction title by author Jessica Baum. Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love is a “road map for building strong and secure relationships for those who struggle with anxiety in their romantic connections.” Find this title in the FVRL collection: https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1869469

In today’s podcast, Linda shares some modern takes on Jane Austen’s beloved novels. These retellings are fun, diverse and offer new perspectives on her timeless works: Good Fortune by C.K. Chau https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1890506 Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1845807 Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1925183

In this week's podcast, Sally shares some fun books and resources to help you start your own art project: Drawing Class — Animals: Learn to Draw With Simple Shapes and Online Tutorials by Keegyum Kim https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1899073 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids: 45 Fun and Creative Projects for Children Aged 5 Years+ by Catherine Woram https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1927077 Creativebug https://www.creativebug.com/lib/fraservalley

April is Poetry Month! In today’s podcast, Sally shares some terrific books of poetry – written especially for kids: Rainbow Shoes by Tiffany Stone https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1629212 Remember by Joy Harjo https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1889826 My Head Has a Bellyache — and More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S21C1900147