Skip to main content
Amongst the Books

Amongst the Books

By Emily Skrezec

A podcast hosted by middle school librarian Emily Skrezec, featuring student lead recommendations, and interviews with author and illustrators as well as other teachers and students.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 40: The Public Library Speaks

Amongst the BooksMay 19, 2021

00:00
13:40
Inspiration Everywhere - Wendy Mass Interview
Feb 23, 202437:32
Encore Episode - Interview with A.S. King
Jan 24, 202429:32
Peter Brown author of The Wild Robot
Dec 17, 202329:50
Summer Reading Recommendations

Summer Reading Recommendations

Summer is officially upon us and while you are relaxing and taking the sun and lovely weather don't forget to find some time to dive into great summer reading books, and we have some recommendations for you.

Jul 18, 202306:18
Trying Out and Fitting in with Christina Soontornvat
May 10, 202323:16
Kayla Miller takes us to Camp
Mar 07, 202332:55
Gale Galligan talks Freestyle and Babysitters Club
Feb 03, 202327:30
Encore Episode - Interview with Newbery Winner Jerry Craft

Encore Episode - Interview with Newbery Winner Jerry Craft

As we get ready for the Newbery winner award to be announced we wanted to revisit an episode we did with 2020 Newbery Winner for the book The New Kid author and illustrator Jerry Craft. 

Jan 17, 202358:22
Terri Libenson - Invisible Emmie and Friends
Jan 05, 202322:14
A.S. King - Attack of the Black Rectangles - Episode 52
Dec 09, 202228:37
Thanksgiving 2022

Thanksgiving 2022

From our tables to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love and stories
Nov 25, 202201:59
Some Spooky Recommendations

Some Spooky Recommendations

It's Halloween and time to dive into a bag of candy and curl up with spooky read.  And our hosts have some truly eerie and scary stories to tell you about.  Whether a mystery or horror these reads are sure to send some chills down your spine. 


Oct 31, 202207:04
New Season...New Hosts...New Book Recommendations

New Season...New Hosts...New Book Recommendations

Welcome to a new season of Amongst the Books! We are happy to have you join us. We have some new hosts this season and they are excited to recommend some books they read over the summer. 

Be sure to follow us to get all of the latest episodes. And be sure to share us with your friends. 

Stay Happy. Stay Healthy. And Keep Reading

Oct 27, 202205:15
Episode 48: Summer Reading

Episode 48: Summer Reading

We took some time off but we are back - with some new co-hosts.  We sat down with some language arts teachers to get their summer reading book recommendations, how to find that just right book, how to help motivate others to read, and which is better - the book or the movie.

You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram. And you can find us where ever you get your podcasts.

Our theme music was written produced and recorded by Jake Thistle.

Thank you for joining and you will be seeing us in your feed soon!

Jul 18, 202201:00:38
Episode 46: Marie D'Abreo
Apr 26, 202230:08
Episode 47: George O'Connor
Jan 14, 202246:02
Episode 45: Lauren Tarshis
Aug 24, 202146:48
Episode 44: Girl Haven creative team Lilah Sturges and Meaghan Carter
Jul 19, 202146:45
Episode 43: Summer Reading 2021

Episode 43: Summer Reading 2021

It's the official start of summer! And we at Amongst the Books want to make sure that while you are enjoying your time in the sun that you remember how important it is to keep reading.  Books can take you on some amazing adventures, introduce you to unique voices and viewpoints, and even open your eyes to new worlds both real and imaginative.  

So to help we reached out to some friends to offer their summer reading books that we are certain you will enjoy. 

Follow us on Twitter@amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

And be sure to share us with all of your friends and fellow readers.

Our theme music is written, produced, and recorded by Jake Thistle you can find Jake on Instagram at @jakethistlemusic and on his website at jakethistle.com

Jul 04, 202114:30
Episode 42: Marissa Meyer

Episode 42: Marissa Meyer

Never give up on yourself, and never stop writing. Author Marissa Meyer sat down with us to talk about her best-selling series, building new worlds, creating strong female characters, and how listening to each other can make a difference.  

Follow Marissa on her website at marissameyer.com on Twitter @marissa_meyer on Instagram @marissameyerauthor and follow her podcast The Happy Writer where ever you get your podcasts.

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast 

You can find us where ever you get your podcasts.

Our theme music was written, produced, and recorded by Jake Thistle and you follow Jake on Instagram @jakethistlemusic and on his website at jakethistle.com

Jun 09, 202148:58
Episode 41: Underfoot Creative Team
Jun 03, 202152:54
Episode 40: The Public Library Speaks
May 19, 202113:40
Episode 39 Jarod Pratt and Jey Odin The Lemonade Code

Episode 39 Jarod Pratt and Jey Odin The Lemonade Code

Jarod Pratt and Jey Odin are the dynamic duo behind the new sci-fi graphic novel The Lemonade Code, and they brought a ton of laughs and amazing insights into the creative process on today's episode.  It was such a pleasure getting to talk to them and my sides will never be the same. 

You can follow Jarod on Twitter @jarodrhyspratt

And you can follow Jey on Twitter and Instagram @JeyOdin

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our music was written, produced, and recorded by Jake Thistle.  You can learn more about Jake at jakethistle.com/

You can listen and subscribe to us where ever you listen to podcasts and be sure to rate and review us.

Thank you to Oni Press for helping to set up the interview

Apr 07, 202145:40
Episode 38: Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter

Episode 38: Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter

Allergic is a new graphic novel from Graphix Books and speaks to all those readers who suffer from allergies.  But the creative team of Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter have created a story that is timely, realistic, and relatable to all readers, both allergy sufferers and non-allergy sufferers as well.  It was an honor to get to talk with them about their touching collaboration and we shared some giggles along the way. Thankfully no one sneezed. 

Follow Megan on Instagram @meganwagnerlloyd and Michelle on Instagram @buttersketch or on Twitter @buttersketch_

You can find their book at your local bookstore or through your Scholastic Book Clubs

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our music was written, produced, and recorded by Jake Thistle.  You can learn more about Jake at jakethistle.com/

You can listen and subscribe to us where ever you listen to podcasts and be sure to rate and review us.


Mar 14, 202151:52
Episode 37 Mark Crilley
Feb 26, 202151:34
Episode 36: Chris Grine
Feb 15, 202144:34
Episode 35: Marta Breen
Feb 04, 202142:32
Episode 34: Blue Delliquanti
Jan 22, 202147:47
Episode 33: Georgia Dunn

Episode 33: Georgia Dunn

Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, and Lupin the Cat. What do these three names have in common?  They are bringing you the news! Georgia Dunn creator of Breaking Cat News is a funny, energetic, and talented author and illustrator and we were lucky to have her share her inspiration and her creative process.  Her latest book Elivs Puffs Out is out now and brings even more newsworthy reporting to the masses.  

You can follow Georgia at georgiadunnstudio.com; gocomics.com and ampkids.com. Follow her on Twitter @GeorgiaDunnBCN and be sure to subscribe her to comic series. 

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast and where listen to us where ever you listen to podcasts.  

Our theme music is written produced and recorded by Jake Thistle. 

Jan 01, 202143:55
Episode 32: Dana Simpson

Episode 32: Dana Simpson

The people in your life are such a great source of inspiration, and Dana Simpson has used her inspiration to create an amazing cast of characters that speak to readers of all ages.  I got to talk with the creator of Pheobe and her Unicorn and learn about her process, how she got started, and her working on the picture book I'm Not a GirlI.  

Learn more about Dana at danasimpson.com, follow her on Twitter @MizDanaClaire and check out her books at ampkids.com 

Instagram @ampkids_

Twitter @amp_kids

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our theme music was written, recorded, and produced by Jake Thistle


Nov 11, 202036:25
Episode 31: Dustin Brady

Episode 31: Dustin Brady

Video game lovers rejoice, author Dustin Brady has created a chapter series that is perfect for you. And even if you aren't a gamer you can still enjoy this adventurous and imaginative series, Trapped in a Video from AMPKids. 

Dustin sits down with us to talk about his writing process, turning is phone off while he works, and how to ignore the negative comments. 

You can find Dustin and learn about his work at dustinbradybooks.com or on Twitter @Dustinbrady

You can follow Amongst The Books on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our theme music was written, recorded, and produced by Jake Thistle

You can write to us at amongstthebooks@gmail.com


Sep 27, 202033:29
Episode 30: Cathy Johnson

Episode 30: Cathy Johnson

Diversity allows us to experience the world through another's eyes and in the graphic novel The Breakaways, author Cathy Johnson introduces us to a lively cast of characters.  I was lucky to get to talk with Cathy and learn where the inspiration came from, how they got started in the art world, and what it is like to pass on these lessons to their students and literary world. 

Visit Cathy at 

Cathygjohn.net
comicarted.com
Drawingadialogue.com and the Drawing a Dialogue Podcast
Twitter and Instagram @cathygjohn

You can visit us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our theme music is written and recorded by Jake Thistle

Sep 14, 202045:54
Episode 29: Kimberli Johnson
Sep 01, 202029:59
Episode 28 Mike Maihack

Episode 28 Mike Maihack

Ancient Egypt? Space travel? Saving the world? If anyone can handle this Cleopatra can. 

In creating a unique world, you have to blaze your own path, and learn alittle about yourself along the way.  Thank you Mike for talking about your process and how you created this magical world.

Learn more about Mike and his work at operationspacecat.com  and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mikemaihack

Check out the Cleopatra in Space television series on the new NBC Peacock streaming channel.

You can follow Amongst the Books where ever you get your podcasts or  on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongsttthebookspodcast and on YouTube at Amongst The Books.

Be sure to rate and review us we would love to hear from you.

Our theme music is written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle

For now we hope you are having fun, staying safe, and always reading!

Aug 14, 202044:17
Episode 27: Nathan Hale

Episode 27: Nathan Hale

Dive into history in a whole new way.  Nathan Hale (not relation to the historical figure) is the author and illustrator the Nathan Hale Hazardous Tale series, and One Trick Pony talks with us about his process, from research to drawing, and how he came to be a graphic novelist.  

Follow Nathan Hale on Twitter at @MrNathanHale or at nathanhaleauthor.com

Follow us on Twitter at @amongstthebooks_podcast, on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast and at our YouTube channel Amongst the Books

Our theme music was written, performed and recorded by Jake Thistle.  

Jul 20, 202001:03:22
Episode 26 : Rob Buyea

Episode 26 : Rob Buyea

Everyone has a writing switch and turning it on helps create your story.  Rob Buyea is the author of The Mr. Terupt series and The Perfect Score series, and introduces readers to memorable characters whose stories are full of love and hope and humanity.

You can find more information about Rob at www.robbuyea.com and on Twitter @RobBuyea

You can follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast  on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast and on YouTube on the Amongst The Books Channel

Be sure to rate and review us where every you listen.

Our theme music is written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle. 

Jun 26, 202039:38
Episode 25: Matthew C. Winner
Jun 17, 202046:06
Episode 24: The Prettiest with Brigit Young

Episode 24: The Prettiest with Brigit Young

Kids have so much inside of them and it takes time to discover that.   Author Brigit Young speaks to every young female reader, and adult, with her newest book The Prettiest.  A story of unlikely friendship, discovering yourself, and learning how to accept others.  This empowering novel is timely and relatable.  

Visit Brigit at https://www.brigityoung.com/ or follow her on Twitter @BrigitYoung. 

Follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast or on YouTube @amongstthebooks you can email us at amongstthebookspodcast@gmail.com

Our music was written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle. 

Jun 05, 202049:13
Episode 23: Lucky Penny with Ananth Hirsch and Yuka Ota

Episode 23: Lucky Penny with Ananth Hirsch and Yuka Ota

Penny is down on her luck...boy is she ever.  But just when everything seems to be going wrong, she meets Walter, and suddenly it doesn't seem too bleak.  Well except for her 12-year-old tyrant of a boss.  Luck Penny is a quirky, and highly engaging graphic novel by Ananth Hirsch and Yuka Ota, full of fun and amusing characters.  Part romance, part coming of age, and definitely hilarious, this story shows how you must always look on the bright side of life.  

To learn more about Lucky Penny visit onipress.com

Follow Ananth Hirsch on Twitter and Instagram @ananthhirsch and follow Yuka Ota on Twitter and Instagram @aidosaur

You can also find more of their amazing work at www.johnnywander.com

Follow Amongst the Books on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast and on YouTube or you can email us at amongstthebookspodcast@gmail.com

Our music is written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle

May 29, 202058:29
Episode 22 - Natalie Riess

Episode 22 - Natalie Riess

Hungry for a good space adventure, with a dash of humor and wit?  Than Spacebattle Lunchtime is the series for you. We got to sit down with Natalie and learn all about her inspirations, her process and her favorite dessert.  

Learn more about Natalie at natalieriess.com and follow her on Twitter @SnarlBear

You can learn about the Spacebattle Lunchtime series at onipress.com

Follow Amongst The Books where ever you listen to podcasts.  And follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast And check out our YouTube channel at Amongst The Books. And you can email us at amongstthebookspodcast@gmail.com

Our music was written, performed and produced by Jake Thistle.

May 21, 202039:07
Episode 21 - Haphaven with Norm Harper and Louie Joyce

Episode 21 - Haphaven with Norm Harper and Louie Joyce

Did you ever have a lucky rabbit foot? Did you avoid walking under a ladder?  Did a you cross the street when you saw a black cat?  Well if you did than you believe in superstitions.  And Haphaven by Norm Harper and Louie Joyce is the graphic novel for you.  Featuring a a cast of characters sure to delight especially the main character Alex, a spunky 13-year-old tasked with destroying The Jinx, this graphic novel is a beautifully crafted and illustrated graphic novel. 

To learn more about Haphaven visit oniepress.com

Follow Norm Harper on Twitter @ThatNormDude

Follow Louie Joyce on Twitter @LouieJoyce or Instagram @louiejoyce

Follow amongst the books wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to rate and review us.  Follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast

Our music was written, performed and produced by Jake Thistle

amongstthebookspodcast@gmail.com

May 14, 202054:42
Episode 20 - Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snicket
May 08, 202048:46
Thank You a very special episode
May 04, 202003:56
Episode 19: Newbery Winner Jerry Craft
Apr 27, 202058:08
Episode 18: Hazel Newlevant

Episode 18: Hazel Newlevant

Ms. Skrezec got to speak to two time Ignatz Award winner Hazel Newlevant about their graphic novel No Ivy League, were we get to hear about her life one summer and how it really inspired her.  

To learn about Hazel and their writing visit http://newlevant.com/ you can also follow them on Twitter @HNewlevant or on Instagram @newlevant

You can follow Amongst The Books where ever you get you podcasts or on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast and on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast.  You can even find us at our new YouTube Channel by looking for Amongst The Books.  For questions or comments write to us at amongstthebookspodcast@gmail.com

Our theme music was written, recorded and produced by Jake Thistle



Apr 20, 202056:00
Episode 17: Come Meet Us
Apr 09, 202006:41
Episode 17: Come Meet Us
Apr 09, 202006:38
Episode 16: Get To Know Your Podcasters
Mar 30, 202026:59
Special Episode - From Us to You

Special Episode - From Us to You

We wanted take a moment to touch base and let you know the status of the show. Stay safe and wash your hands.
Mar 17, 202001:39
Episode 15 Read Across America

Episode 15 Read Across America

We are celebrating Read Across America with some stellar book recommendations!  Please take a listen to some books you will want to add to your shelves. 

Follow us on Twitter @amongstthebooks_podcast or on Instagram @amongstthebookspodcast 

You've been listening to us, and we would love to hear from you. So please rate and review us, and be sure to share us with all of your friends. 

Thanks and keep reading!

Mar 02, 202010:29