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Wendy and Amy discuss America's current most banned author, Ellen Hopkins, and her gritty young adult novel, Tricks. We talk about a book so banned, British customs worked to keep it out; the benefits of reading a book with so many difficult topics; Hopkins' brilliant writing style; and a Peachy Prosecco Cocktail. Pop a cork to reads that take you on an emotional roller coaster!

Ingredients for Today's Peachy Prosecco Cocktail:
1/2 fl. oz vodka, 1/2 fl. oz. peach liqueur, 1/2 fl. oz. amaretto, 1 fl. oz. orange juice, squeeze of fresh lemon juice, enough prosecco to fill the glass, basil leaf, and fresh peach slices.

Add all of the ingredients, except the Prosecco and peach slice, to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a tumbler. Top the glass with Prosecco and garnish with the peach slices.

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Ellen Hopkins' website

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Wendy and Amy discuss a much-loved teen classic Forever by Judy Blume. We discuss Ernest Hemingway, teen sex, naming conventions of certain anatomy, and, of course, our Maple Fizz cocktail. Pop a cork to books about first love and first times that stick with you forever.

Ingredients for Today's Maple Fizz Prosecco Cocktail:
2 tsp maple syrup, 1 ¾ oz. chilled cranberry juice, 3 ⅓ oz. chilled prosecco

Shake maple syrup and cranberry juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into tumbler and top with prosecco. Stir quickly before serving.

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Judy Blume's website
6. Penis naming article

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Wendy and Amy discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas while sipping a Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail. We tackle tough topics like police violence, media spin and how difficult stories continue to teach important lessons. Pop a cork to books that make you stop, think, reflect, and grow.

Ingredients for Today's Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail:
1 small watermelon, 6 3/4 fl. oz vodka, 1 chilled bottle of Prosecco, and fresh mint

Peel then chop the watermelon into chunks and pop them into the freezer, along with your bottle of vodka. When you're ready to serve, put about a quarter of the watermelon chunks into a blender along wit the vodka and blitz until smooth. Top with Prosecco and then blend on a low setting to combine. Fill a large pitcher with ice, pour the pink cocktail over it and garnish with plenty of fresh mint leaves.

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Angie Thomas' website.