Back to School, Back to Books: Comfort Reads for Kids (and their grown-ups) | Book Lounge by Libby Season 2 Episode 2

It’s back-to-school season, which means new routines, new books, and maybe even a little extra stress for kids (and the adults who love them). To help ease the transition, we’re diving into comfort reads for Middle Grade and YA readers.

In this episode, Joe is joined by the incredible Rex Ogle, author of heartfelt and vulnerable stories for young readers. Rex opens up about his writing process, how books can help kids navigate tough times, the importance of watching for signs of bullying, and what’s next for both him and his alter ego, Rey Terciero.

Then, in segment two, Joe and Meara share their latest Middle Grade and YA favorites—full of witches, hauntings, and just the right amount of spooky fun.

From meaningful conversations to magical book picks, this episode has something for everyone: whether you have kids in your life or you’re a kid at heart.

Guest host recommendations:

Meara:

• The Flicker – H.E. Edgmon

• Lovely Dark and Deep – Elisa A. Bonnin

• The Witch Boy – Molly Knox Ostertag

Joe:

• Making Friends, Volume 1 – Kristen Gudsnuk

• The Supernatural Society – Rex Ogle

• The Okay Witch – Emma Steinkellner

Follow the guests & guest hosts:

Segment 1:

• Rex Ogle – Website

Segment 2:

• Meara (mearaisreading) - Links

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:22 Intro

00:02:25 Segment 1 – Back to School with Rex Ogle

00:52:54 Break – Check out our Book Lounge Merch!

00:54:38 Segment 2 Middle Grade & YA Recs with Meara

01:31:46 Outro

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!

Book List for the Episode:

Books by Rex Ogle:

Four Eyes – Rex Ogle

Pizza Face – Rex Ogle

Fruitcake – Rex Ogle (coming April 2026!)

Abuela, Don’t Forget Me – Rex Ogle

Free Lunch – Rex Ogle

Punching Bag – Rex Ogle

Road Home – Rex Ogle

When We Ride – Rex Ogle

The Supernatural Society – Rex Ogle

Curse of the Werewolves – Rex Ogle

Rise of the Undead – Rex Ogle

Dan in Green Gables – Rey Terciero

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy: Little Women – Rey Terciero

Swan Lake: Quest for the Kingdoms – Rey Terciero

Northranger – Rey Terciero

Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight – Rey Terciero

Doña Quixote: Flight of the Witch – Rey Terciero

Our recommendations and Beyond:

Making Friends, Volume 1 – Kristen Gudsnuk

Making Friends, Volume 2 – Kristen Gudsnuk

Making Friends, Volume 3 – Kristen Gudsnuk

Making Friends, Volume 4 – Kristen Gudsnuk

The Okay Witch – Emma Steinkellner

The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow - Emma Steinkellner

The Witch Boy – Molly Knox Ostertag

The Hidden Witch – Molly Knox Ostertag

The Midwinter Witch – Molly Knox Ostertag

The Skull – Jon Klassen

The Flicker – H.E. Edgmon

Lovely Dark and Deep – Elisa A. Bonnin

The Changelings – Christina Soontornvat

In a Dark Land – Christina Soontornvat

Finders Keepers – Jeff Strand