What makes a good mystery? We talk to writer Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance. Kitty Felde, who writes her own mystery series THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES is host.

Do you love a mystery? Do you love playing detective, looking for clues on every page? This week’s novel is about a lot of things – segregation, bullying, and most of all, a family mystery.  This week's episode is "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson. Our readers are from Washington DC’s AIM Academy. Actress Sheila Collins is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. FAVORITE BOOKS FROM AIM ACADEMY: The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds VARIAN JOHNSON’S FAVORITE BOOKS: Holes - Louis Sachar When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin Raina Telgemeier One Crazy Summer - Rita Williams-Garcia SHEILA COLLINS’ FAVORITE BOOK: The House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros

Newbery Award-winning author Lois Lowry talks about book bans, balancing serious and silly topics, and gives a sneak preview of her newest book. Kitty Felde is host.

Looking for an "old fashioned" book...with a twist? We discuss Lois Lowry's tale The Willoughbys with readers from Taylor Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. Our celebrity reader is the host of the daily news podcast The Gist Mike Pesca. Kitty Felde is host. Favorite Books from Taylor Elementary School: Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate DiCamillo Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger Front Desk - Kelly Yang Number the Stars - Lois Lowry Lois Lowry's Favorite Books: Sarah, Plain and Tall - Sarah MacLachlan Indian Captive - Lois Lensky Mike Pesca's Favorite Book:  The Progress Paradox - Greg Easterbrook

We've got a group of fantasy lovers this week from Maryland. Readers at Newport Mill Middle School share their favorites and explain why fantasy is such a favorite among their peers. Kitty Felde is host. Favorite Books: Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan I Lived on Butterfly Hill - Marjorie Agosin A Magic Steeped in Poison - Judy I. Lin Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger