If you're a fan of thought-provoking young adult fiction that tackles big themes, you'll want to check out our latest episode of Reading with Your Kids. We had the pleasure of chatting with author Andrea Torrey Balsara about her urban fantasy novel "The Great and the Small," which blends elements of dystopia and features some fascinating animal characters. Andrea shared the fascinating backstory behind her decision to center the story around rats - she was intrigued by the historical impact of the bubonic plague and saw rats as a formidable "opponent" for humanity. But beyond the unique premise, the book delves into powerful themes like trauma, blind obedience, and the dangers of authoritarianism. We also got to hear from Monica Berg, who co-wrote a children's book series called "On Being" with her daughter. Their latest release, "The Tale of the Other Glove," explores the importance of kindness and empathy in a relatable way. Monica spoke about the joy of collaborating with her child and the strategies she's used to foster open communication. Whether you're a fan of thought-provoking YA fiction or you're looking for great kids' books that teach valuable lessons, this episode has something for everyone. Andrea and Monica both shared insights that will inspire you to have meaningful conversations with the young readers in your life. So why not give this episode a listen? You can find it on all your favorite podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. And be sure to check out "The Great and the Small," "The Tale of the Other Glove," and the rest of the amazing books featured on Reading with Your Kids.

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