Hook of a Book - podcast cover

Hook of a Book

15-year-old Ellie Mano hasn't stopped reading since she picked up her first chapter book at the age of 5. In 2021, she decided to share her love of reading with other kids through a podcast, and lo and behold, this show was born! Each week, Ellie reviews a book she's enjoyed -- from high-stakes fantasy stories to edge-of-your-seat thrillers. The Hook of a Book podcast has gained national recognition for promoting books for kids and teens. Listen to the show to hear fun book reviews, interviews, and more! Instagram: @hookofabook GoodReads: @elliemano Email: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com
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Episodes

The Hate U Give

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas! This is a profound, deeply moving story that will stick with you. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

May 18, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 174

Rules for Rule Breaking

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review an incredible YA romcom! Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a complementary copy. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

May 11, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 173

The Cheerleaders

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Cheerleaders, by Kara Thomas! This is a phenomenal YA thriller with lots of surprising plot twists! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

May 04, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 172

All-American Muslim Girl

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review All-American Muslim Girl, by Nadine Jolie Courtney! This is a phenomenal YA story about discovering yourself and your beliefs. It’s a must-read! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Apr 27, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 171

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Reappearance of Rachel Price, by Holly Jackson! This is a 5-star thriller book written by the same author as the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy! I couldn’t put it down. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Apr 20, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 170

These Violent Delights

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review These Violent Delights, by Chloe Gong! This is a historical fantasy Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, and I absolutely loved this unique twist on Shakespeare’s classic! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Apr 13, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 169

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, by Ann Liang! This is an incredible YA academic rivals-to-lovers romance. I highly recommend reading it! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Apr 06, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 168

Daughter of the Pirate King

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review a unique fantasy book set on the sea — Daughter of the Pirate King, by Tricia Levenseller! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Mar 30, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 167

The Sun is Also a Star

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Sun is Also a Star, by Nicola Yoon! This is a YA romance that takes place in a single day (mostly)! I couldn’t put it down, and it’s definitely a five-star read. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com

Mar 23, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 166

my favorite book tropes! (+ some book recs)

For today’s bonus episode, I’ll be telling you all about my favorite book tropes and giving you some book recommendations that include these tropes! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Mar 16, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 165

Parachutes

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Parachutes, by Kelly Yang! This is a YA realistic fiction book that absolutely blew me away. It explores heavy topics and spreads incredible messages. It’s absolutely phenomenal! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Mar 16, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 165

This Woven Kingdom

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review This Woven Kingdom, by Tahereh Mafi! This is a YA enemies-to-lovers romance with tons of action, worldbuilding, and tension! I couldn’t put it down! Goodreads username: Ellie Mano Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com

Mar 09, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 164

The Naturals

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Naturals, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes! This is an incredible thriller book that had me guessing until the very last pages. Goodreads account: Ellie Mano Email: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Mar 02, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 163

Serpent & Dove

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review a historical fantasy book set in 17th century France — Serpent & Dove, by Shelby Mahurin! I absolutely loved this book, and you will too! Goodreads username: Ellie Mano Email: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com

Feb 24, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 162

Symptoms of a Heartbreak

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Symptoms of a Heartbreak, by Sona Charaipotra! This is a sweet, moving romcom that I absolutely loved! Goodreads username: Ellie Mano Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com

Feb 17, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 161

We Were Liars

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review a haunting thriller book, We Were Liars. This story will stick with you long after you read it! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Feb 10, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 160

The Prison Healer

Hey everyone! Today, I’ll be reviewing The Prison Healer, by Lynette Noni! This YA fantasy is engaging, entertaining, and such a fun read! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Goodreads username: Ellie Mano

Feb 03, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 159

My Life with the Walter Boys

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review My Life with the Walter Boys, by Ali Novak! This book is the inspiration behind the popular TV show that everyone is watching right now! It’s a fantastic read that you don’t want to miss. Follow my Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/166634789-ellie-mano Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Jan 27, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 158

Powerless

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Powerless, by Lauren Roberts! This is a YA fantasy enemies-to-lovers with a unique premise. I devoured this book, and you will too! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Jan 20, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 157

Divine Rivals

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Divine Rivals, by Rebecca Ross! This is a fantasy book that is unlike any other I’ve ever read, and it’s the first book in a duology! The second book, Ruthless Vows, was recently released. Listen to this week’s episode of Hook of a Book to hear more! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Jan 13, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 156

Betting on You

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Betting on You, by Lynn Painter! This is a super-cute YA romcom that only took me a day and a half to read. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Jan 06, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 155

a basic guide to the fantasy genre!! (book recs, trope analysis, + more!)

Fantasy can seem like an intimidating genre, but if you’re interested in reading YA fantasy books, you may find this intro to the genre helpful! Let me know in Spotify comments or emails if you’d like more guides like this in the future. Email: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Dec 30, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 155

If He Had Been With Me (+ some updates!)

Today, on Hook of a Book, I’ll be reviewing If He Had Been With Me, by Laura Nowlin! This is a heartbreaking book that was a recommendation from one of my friends! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Dec 30, 202310 minSeason 1Ep. 154

Caraval

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review a whimsical YA fantasy book — Caraval, by Stephanie Garber! Happy Holidays! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Dec 23, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 153

Moxie

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Moxie, by Jennifer Mathieu! This is an incredible YA realistic fiction book about standing up for your beliefs. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com

Dec 16, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 152

The Paper Girl of Paris

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Paper Girl of Paris, by Jordyn Taylor! This YA historical fiction book will transport you to France, and it’s such an incredible read! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Dec 09, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 151

Shadow and Bone

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review Shadow and Bone, by Leigh Bardugo! This is an incredible YA fantasy book that has been adapted into an amazing TV show. (Here’s the link for the Save the Shadow and Bone Show petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-shadow-and-bone-5ff54b93-d127-44a9-9f77-dfc410bdc2ba) Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Dec 02, 202310 minSeason 1Ep. 150

The Queens of New York

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Queens of New York, by E.L. Shen! This YA realistic fiction book is one that I read in one day. It’s so immersing! I couldn’t put it down. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Nov 25, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 149

The Cruel Prince

Today, on Hook of a Book, I review The Cruel Prince, by Holly Black! This whimsical YA fantasy has one of my favorite settings ever in a book, and it’s one of the best romantasy books I’ve ever read. Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Nov 18, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 148

The Fault in Our Stars

Today, on Hook of a Book, I’ll be reviewing an incredible YA romance — The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green! Email me: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com.

Nov 11, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 147
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