BookHuddle with Readgab

What if you wrote a letter to the past and the past wrote back? In this episode middle grade author, Carolyn Mackler, talks about using letters for two kids who are getting bullied to make connections and help each other through their challenges. Bullying is such a hard topic and there are powerful children's books for adults to help kids understand what they can do about bullies.  BookHuddle...

Philippa Leathley's astounding new middle grade fantasy challenges readers to be the ones to discover their own personalities and futures. When kids are 10 years old they are given a tattoo that helps determine their fate. But is your destiny really something that is determined by magic or can you create your own path? This episode will present some wonderful themes and thoughts that you can...

What if you could live forever? Would there be any problems with that? In this episode Stacy discusses themes from her middle grade series, The Evers: Forever Twelve and Never Thirteen. Find more great author interviews https://youtu.be/4O1-rLzWXRo?si=2o6PwgZII7hWLHJC Find Stacy McAnulty https://www.stacymcanulty.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stacymcanulty https://www.threads.net/@UCNDKD7l2KuSE2d...

In today's throwback we hear from the hosts of the original Middle Grade March readathon. Eight years ago two bookish gals decided to start a month long reading challenge to encourage adults to read more middle grade books. In the interview we find out why the three hosts love middle grade books, why adults should read more children's books, and how you can use the readathon to help fost...

R.M. Romero is an international bestselling author of mulitple books for children. In the Tale of the Flying Forest she composes a beautiful fantastical world where the magic system is based in Jewish songs and prayers.  Find R.M. Romero  Website: http://rmromero.com Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/rmromeroauthor.bsky.social Instagram: @rmromeroauthor  The Tale of the Flying Forest by R.M. Rome...

It is often hard to figure out how to bring up heavy topics with kids. In this episode of BookHuddle bestselling middle grade author, Christina Wyman, and I discuss how we can use children's literature to discuss hard topics.  Find Christina Wyman https://christinawymanbooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christina.wyman.books

Social/Emotional Learning is such an important topic in homes and schools so I am excited to share this throwback episode that was previously only available on my YouTube channel, Readgab. Find Author Sheree Elaine  https://youtube.com/@shereeelaineauthor?si=hfbqm-nHLsv_jgfW https://www.instagram.com/shereeelaineauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086506064842&paipv=0&eav=Af...

In this throwback episode from March 2023, New York Times Bestselling middle grade author Brandon Mull shares about his books Candy Shop War , Beyonders , and Fablehaven . I thought this was the perfect time to pull an episode that was previously only available on my YouTube channel because in just over a month from now Brandon Mull will be releasing a new story featuring Newel and Doren who are s...

What makes a kid want to read a book? An enticing cover? A great title? A good mystery? Something else? In this episode we discuss with middle grade author, Janet Sumner Johnson, some of the things that kids love about her high stakes mystery books, Winterton Deception.  Find Janet Sumner Johnson here  Website: http://janetsumnerjohnson.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsVerbose Instagram: https:...

Novels in verse have taken the children's literary world by storm these last few years and is it any wonder with how captivating and consumable they are?!? In today's episode I am joined by middle grade author, Jessica Vitalis, to discuss crafting a compelling novel in verse with powerful themes. Where to find Jessica Website: http://jessicavitalis.com Instagram: @jessicavauthor https://...

Content creator and author Mr. Colby Sharp joins me today to discuss some of our favorite children's books released in the 2024 year. While it was impossible to pick the top 10 middle grade books published this year, we both choose some of our very favorites and had a fantastic time discussing them. The books we talk about in this video are just SOME of the best books for kids in 2024. If you...

Dragons and WWII?? Ummm, yes please! In today's episode you get to hear all about this Sam Subity's amazing new book, Valor Wings.  Find more about middle grade author Sam Subity https://www.samsubity.com/ Socials:  https://www.facebook.com/SamSubityAuthor https://bsky.app/profile/subity.bsky.social  https://x.com/sjsubity https://www.instagram.com/sjsubity Discover the Valor Wings educa...

Accomplished authors, Joanne Levy and Marissa Meyer, teamed up to bring the world a heartwarming story reminiscent of the parent trap where twins swap places to discover each other's holidays. Find Joanne and Marissa  https://www.instagram.com/marissameyerauthor/ https://www.instagram.com/joanne_levy_/ https://www.joannelevy.com/ https://www.marissameyer.com/ Buy the book! https://www.amazon....

Have you ever heard of Cybils? The Children's and Young Adult Book Lovers' Literary Awards.  Have you ever wondered how which books win which awards? In this interview you can find out how the Cybils Awards process works.  Find out more about the Cybils Awards https://www.cybils.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CybilsAwards https://www.instagram.com/cybilsawards/ https://x.com/CybilsAwards...

Today we are joined by middle grade author Laura Segal Stegman to hear about the conclusion of her debut middle grade series Summer of L.U.C.K. There are so many fabulous themes within the pages of these three books and one of them is about how we matter more than our mistakes (or weaknesses). If you want more awesome author interviews check out this video next https://youtu.be/zNXBnxtZwTk?si=Skcw...

Skyriders is the ulimate fantasy series when it comes to moments of excitement and intense danger. But even a young developing heroine has moments where she must grow her social and emotional strengths. Author Polly Holyoke does an incredible job composing this story of constant peril, while also artfully weaving in very real things that all people go through. Feelings of aloneness and uncertainty...

Spooky middle grade books are some of the most fun to read because of the creepy elements, but mix it with some ridiculously fun zombies? And you have a book filled with humor and creepy. I love this book, No Brainer's Guide to Decomposition, by Adrianna Cuevas and I hope you will enjoy this awesome interview with her.  Find Adrianna Cuevas Author The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez (Pura Belpr...

Spooky books are so much fun whether it be during the Halloween season, summer, or any other time of year. In this episode of Book Huddle middle grade author, M.R. Fournet, talks about creating her Marius Grey horror series for kids. We get to hear about her drawing from cultures for the monsters she uses, how spooky books appeal to reluctant readers, world building, neurodiverse characters and so...

There are so many ways that one can use picture books in teaching children. David LaRochelle's picture books captivate and entertain children and I am so thrilled to have him as a guest on today's episode of Book Huddle. 

Today's episode is really fun because we get to hear from Julian Randall in this throwback from last year. What makes it fun is that he talks about his newest series, The Chainbreakers that just came out September 2024, but we hear him talking about it from his persepective in 2023! I hope you enjoy hearing about all of Julian's amazing books! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ht...

When your RV cats make friends with a street cat what else are you going to do besides make a picture book about it? In today's episode of Book Huddle we discuss Tiffany's Moore's picture book, The Magical Tales of Emmylou and Oliver: Street Cat for a Day Find Emmylou and Oliver https://www.instagram.com/emmylouandoliver/ https://www.tiktok.com/@emmylouandoliver https://www.emmyloua...

In today's author interview we are joined by American Colombian children's book author, Alexandra Alessandri. Alexandra writes across all the age levels and mulitple genres in children's literature. Each of her books brings an aspect of her own Colombian heritage into the story. So many kids and teens love books about fantasy and realistic fiction, but they don't generally want...

Picture books are more than pretty drawings and nice words. They can be a beautiful way to connect with and bond with your children.  Sasha Saidman is a cherished voice in children's literature, weaving tales of wonder and wisdom from her home in the vibrant heart of the Washington, D.C. area. Alongside her devoted husband and their two delightful toddlers, Sasha crafts stories that celebrate...

In today's episode we revisit an episode that aired on the video podcast back in January where Brandi Dugal shares her experience gamifying teaching reading and her success with this new method that also uses the science of reading. Brandi was featured on Shark Tank last November and has a passion for teaching reading that is wonderfully contagious. With this easy game parents and teachers ca...

In today's episode I am joined by the brilliant creative team behind the fun picture book, Mermaid Day. Children's book author, Diana Murray, and illustrator, Luke Flowers, share what it is like working on this series together.  Other books in this picture book series: Unicorn Day, Unicorn Night Sleep Tight, Unicorn Christmas,  Dinosaur Day, Mermaid Day To see the images talked about in...