Taking Young Readers Seriously with Randy Boyagoda

Taking Young Readers Seriously with Randy Boyagoda

From The Votive Podcast by Haley Stewart

January 30, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

Haley interviews Randy Boyagoda about the importance of taking young readers seriously and the genre of YA literature.

Haley interviews Randy Boyagoda, a writer, critic, and scholar. He teaches English at the University of Toronto and is the author of Dante's Indiana , Original Prin , and Beggar's Feast . They talk about the importance of taking young people seriously as readers and as thinkers. They also discuss the genre of YA literature and Randy's new YA novel titled Little Sanctuary . This episode considers the need to challenge young readers with powerful language and thought-provoking themes and the need for all of us to read more in an age of distraction. Learn more about the children's literature available from Word on Fire Votive . Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

People in this episode

Host: Haley Stewart

Guest: Randy Boyagoda

Topics covered

  • young readers
  • YA literature
  • reading challenges
  • powerful language
  • thought-provoking themes

Keywords

  • young readers
  • YA literature
  • Randy Boyagoda
  • reading
  • children's literature

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Word on Fire

Books & works: Dante's Indiana, Original Prin, Beggar's Feast, Little Sanctuary

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