Tag Archives: Flashback Summer

by | July 15, 2019 · 12:01 pm

Episode 128 – Pickle Puss (Polk Street School)

Pickle Puss by Patricia Reilly Giff

Flashback Summer continues with a trip to the Polk Street School, where the kids aren’t alright. Becca joined us to read Pickle Puss by Patricia Reilly Giff, an early chapter book about how not to run a summer reading program or care for a pet. Listen to this episode on your way to deceive your local librarian!

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: Endangered Series: The Kids of Polk Street School.

Candy Pairing:  Becca says melted Hershey’s kisses, Kait says sugar free hard candy, Renata says Scandinavian Swimmers.

Coming up next: Rotten Romans (Horrible Histories series) by Terry Deary & Martin Brown.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | July 1, 2019 · 12:01 pm

Episode 127 – Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

 

The next stop on our Flashback Summer vacation is the 30th floor of an elementary school. Literary agent Amy joined us to read Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. Everyone should listen to this episode, unless you’re secretly a dead rat in a raincoat. Dead rats are not allowed. Everyone else, join us on Apple podcasts before Mrs. Gorf turns you into an apple!

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: “The Absurd Joy of ‘Sideways Stories From Wayside School'” by Adrienne LaFrance

Louis Sachar’s FAQs

Ghost Quartet

Candy Pairing:  Amy says candy apples, Kait says Sky Bars, Renata says dinosaur egg oatmeal.

Coming up next: Pickle Puss (Polk Street School Kids series) by Patricia Reilly Giff.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | June 17, 2019 · 12:01 pm

Episode 126 – Bunnicula

Bunnicula by James & Deborah Howe

It’s the return of Flashback Summer and the 40th anniversary of beloved children’s classic Bunnicula by James & Deborah Howe. We were joined by Laura to discuss the story of some irresponsible pet owners. Listen now to hear one weird trick to make your vegetables more Instagrammable!

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: “The Enduring Legacy of Bunnicula, a 40-Year-Old In-Joke That’s Still Hilarious” by Sarah Gailey

Overdue #138 – Bunnicula

Candy Pairing:  Kait says Ecto Cooler, Laura says white chocolate, Renata says white Skittles.

Coming up next: Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | · 12:00 pm

Readers Advisory: Episode 126 – Bunnicula

Here’s what we suggest instead of/in addition to reading Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe. Listen to the podcast to hear us talk about some of these titles in more depth!

Continue reading →

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by | August 27, 2018 · 12:01 pm

Episode 105 – Sunset Island

Sunset Island by Cherie Bennett

As the sun goes down on this year’s Flashback Summer, we pay a visit to Sunset Island by Cherie Bennet. We’re joined by Denise (@DezDono), editor of the Gailsone series and one of the few people who remembers this 90s Sweet Valley High knockoff series. Listen now to hear about the lifestyles of a secretly rich babysitter and her horny middle-class friends!

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: TeenReads bio of Cherie Bennett

Candy Pairing: Denise says Pop Rocks, Kait says OUCH Bubble Gum, Renata says a melting milkshake.

Coming up next: Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | August 13, 2018 · 12:01 pm

Episode 104 – House of Danger

House of Danger by R.A. Montgomery

If you’d like to continue with Flashback Summer, turn to page 2 for Kait, Renata, and Becca’s discussion of House of Danger by R.A. Montgomery. If you’re curious about the Choose Your Own Adventure franchise’s crossover into board game territory, roll a die. If you’re curious about how a single dangerous house can contain aliens, ghosts, carnivorous plants, and counterfeiting chimpanzees, listen to this episode now.

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: North & Henderson Choose Their Own Adventure for Special “Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” Issue

The Seven Most F***ed up Real ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Books

House of Danger on BoardGameGeek.com

Candy Pairing: Becca says banana Runts, Kait says a boardwalk candy store, Renata says a mall candy store.

Coming up next: Sunset Island by Cherie Bennett.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | July 30, 2018 · 12:01 pm

Episode 103 – Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz & Stephen Gammell

Flashback Summer gathered around the campfire to read Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz & Stephen Gammell with our editor Becca. Put your hand in a bowl of peeled grapes and listen to hear how deeply upsetting Renata finds the formative stories of Kait’s childhood. Remember: the best way to make sure your friends know that you’re telling them a scary story is to end it with a scream!

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: The 18 Most Egregious Art Replacements in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

I’m Glad They Changed The Art in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Candy Pairing: Becca says a big toe, Kait says peeled grapes,  Renata says peanut butter taffy.

Coming up next: The House of Danger by R.A. Montgomery.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | July 16, 2018 · 12:01 pm

Episode 102 – Ramona and Her Mother

Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary

Flashback Summer continues as we revisit everyone’s favorite little sister. Becca and Katelyn joined us to discuss Beverly Cleary’s classic Ramona and Her Mother. Relive the thrill of squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste and the tragedy of a bad haircut! Listen to this while making a tasty gelatine salad for your next dinner party.

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: Ramona TV series on YouTube

The Ageless Appeal of Beverly Cleary by Pamela Paul

10 Facts About Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Books

Candy Pairing: Becca says gummy bears, Kait says generic hard candy,  Katelyn says dinner mints, Renata says Jello salad.

Coming up next: Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | July 2, 2018 · 12:01 pm

Episode 101 – The Ghost in The Third Row

The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville

We’re launching our third Flashback Summer with one of Kait’s most formative childhood books. Author Becky Allen (@allreb) joined us to discuss The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville, a middle-grade mystery that’s aged surprisingly well, much like a slightly haunted historic theater. Join us for a tween theatrical drama with a higher body count and more satisfying emotional resolution than the Phantom of the Opera!

Readers advisory: Here.

Footnotes: Ten Books that Terrified Us As Kids (But We Read Them Anyway)

Candy Pairing: Becky says Choward’s violet mints, Kait says yogurt covered raisins,  Renata says Dots.

Coming up next: Ramona and her Mother by Beverly Cleary.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

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by | July 31, 2017 · 12:01 pm

Episode 78 – The Face on the Milk Carton

The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

 

It’s Flashback Summer. Do you know where your daughter is? Have you looked on your beverage container? Jenny (definitely not Janie), Co-Founder of Grinnell College’s Caroline B. Cooney Book Club, joined us to discuss The Face on the Milk Carton. Join us for this wild dive into the world of cults, dairy products, and microfilm!

Readers advisory: Here.

Patreon shout-out: Thanks to Ai for supporting our Patreon! Check out their podcast Decoding Keanu.

Footnotes: ‘Resentments I Have Formed Against Characters From “The Face On The Milk Carton” By Caroline B. Cooney’ by Mallory Ortberg

‘The Face on the Milk Carton’ Grows Up

Frequently Challenged Young Adult Books

The Face on the Milk Carton movie

When Bad News Was Printed on Milk Cartons

99% Invisible – Milk Carton Kids

The Devil’s Elbow: ‘The Stranger’ Recap

Who Killed Lois Duncan’s Daughter?

I Am Feel Uncomfortable When We Are Not About Me?

Candy pairing:  Jenny says something you’re allergic to or chocolate that is not Rainforest Alliance certified, Kait says Oreos, Renata says fruit juice popsicles.

Coming up next: The Dark Archer by John & Carole Barrowman.

 

* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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