Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors

Picture books have a special place in my reading heart for many reasons and today, we explore the power of picture books to help kids feel seen and explore important topics with their family.  Pamela Morgan is the author of Simply Skye, a book about a non-binary child exploring gender expression and identity through a childhood doll and conversations with her family. As the mother of a non-binary...

Have you ever wanted to bottle someone’s energy, passion and enthusiasm so you could have it for yourself?! That’s exactly how I felt after talking with today’s podcast guest. We had such a spirited, enthusiastic conversation around middle grade books and could have talked for hours. Today, I’m talking with Elly Swartz. She has written multiple well-loved middle grade novels including Finding Perf...

Stories are healing. They can help us feel seen, they can help us see a new perspective and they can help us grow through what we go through, too.  Today, I’m talking with Andrew Eliopulos. He’s the author of Will on the Inside, a heartfelt account of one boy’s struggle to figure out who he is on the inside as he battles a health condition that changes everything. Listen as I talk with Andrew abou...

I have added another name to my ‘Favorite Middle Grade Authors’ list in my book journal: Jessica Vitalis. She’s written The Wolf’s Curse, The Rabbit’s Curse and Coyote Queen.  Today, we talk about the power of middle grade novels, the appeal of a bit of magic and how books can help us learn so many life lessons. Plus, I learned a new word that describes her writing life: she’s a plantser. You’ll h...

I have a special list in my book journal: Books I’ve Hugged. Yes, I hug my books and I bet many of you do too. Today, I’m talking to Colleen Nelson , author of The Undercover Book List, the latest middle grade book I hugged because it was that delightful. If you love books and the power they have to help you discover who you really are and to connect with others, then this book is for you. You’ll...

We all have a go-to author: someone who we know will deliver a book we will love each and every time.  Today, I am talking to one of my go-to middle grade authors: Leslie Connor.  Leslie first won my heart with her book Waiting for Normal and then captured it again with Anybody Here Seen Frenchie and A Home for Goddesses and Dogs. Her books are approachable, powerful and delightful, too.  Come lis...

Sometimes, we all need a little whimsy in the books we are reading, especially when we are reading middle grade novels.  Today’s guest gives us that whimsy and much, much more. Arianne Costner is here to talk about her two middle grade novels: My Life as a Potato and Confessions of a Class Clown.  Both have lightness and fun along with relatable scenarios and life lessons that can be taken from th...

Picture books can be powerful tools for learning. They’re beautiful, hint at powerful life lessons and offer opportunities for conversation and sharing.  Today, I am talking with Meghan Wilson Duff. Their debut picture book is titled How Are You, Verity and is a delightful mix of underwater facts, bright illustrations and an exploration into social norms. You’ll find the show notes for the episode...

Today’s guest knows a thing or two about children’s literature. He’s written over 80 books across multiple topics and formats from The Jigsaw Jones series and Scary Tales to The Courage Test and the Exit 13 series.  James Preller is here to talk about all things children’s literature: the journey he’s taken, the books he’s written, the things he’s now teaching and a sneak peek into his soon-to-be-...

If I could only choose one book as my personal, all-time-favorite middle grade novel, it would be written by the author I’m talking with today: Ann Braden.  Today, I am talking with Ann Braden about all things middle grade: how she started writing, where her ideas come from and what she hopes readers will walk away with, too. We’ll take a deeper dive into her latest book, Opinions and Opossums, a...

I am thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural episode of Kidlit Love!  Today, I am talking with Padma Venkatraman, author of multiple young adult and middle grade novels and novels in verse. We’re talking specifically about her books The Bridge Home and Born Behind Bars, two incredibly powerful novels that stole my heart. We’ll also talk about the other books she’s written, how and why her stories...

Welcome to the Kidlit Love podcast!  In today’s episode, I’m giving you all the details behind the podcast starting with who I am and why I created the podcast. I’ll give you the backstory behind it all, let you know what to expect and offer ways we can connect, too.  Come listen! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this wit...

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