Common Sense Media Review
By Claire Crossman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A showcase of new and diverse young adult books.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
What's It About?
This podcast explores literature that is written specifically for teens. Focusing on a different category in each episode, HEY YA compiles a collection of books for the listener, letting them know the best books for teens in any given genre. Episodes have an emphasis on diversity and inclusion for various demographics. Examples of these topics include queer relationships, indigenous fiction, and a focus on Latine authors. The two hosts are "real life" friends and always have a fun, casual, and meaningful discussion around literature and media in general. Each host picks a few books to focus on in each episode, describing the author, the plot, and how it connects to the episode's theme. Plot explanations are quick, don't drag in pace, and are analyzed right after. Episodes are roughly 45 minutes in length. Hey YA is produced by Book Riot, the largest literary independent site in North America.
Is It Any Good?
With a focus on making diversity and literature well-known, this podcast will draw teen listeners in without a problem. Hey YA absolutely accomplishes its goal of analyzing young adult literature with an inclusive lens. The two hosts chat about personal experiences surrounding the episode's topic before getting into specific titles, making each episode feel more like you're listening in on a couple of very funny friends laughing it up instead of a lecture on literature. The hosts are adult women, but their humor and dialogue doesn't verge into adult-only territory, making this one an easy "yes" for parents of teens. Overall, Hey YA is an educational podcast without the dry information-dump that teens dread. Plus, it comes with the advocacy and inclusivity that will excite parents who are looking to widen their teen's view of the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hey YA looks at several different under-represented groups in literature. Do you feel that who you are as a person is commonly displayed in the books you read?
This podcast promotes inclusivity and diversity. Do you have a favorite book that you consider to be inclusive? What makes it inclusive to you?
Podcast Details
- Release date : September 1, 2017
- Genre : Storytelling
- Run time : 45 minutes
- Website : https://bookriot.com/listen/shows/heyya/
- Hosts : Tirzah Price , Erica Ezeifedi
- Production Company and Network : Book Riot
- Pricing structure : Free
- Topics : Activism , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Curiosity , Empathy
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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