Middle Grade Matters

In this episode we dive into the world of writing mysteries for middle grade readers with Fleur Bradley, an author known for her engaging middle grade novels including Midnight at the Barclay Hotel and Daybreak on Raven Island. Fleur has now published her method for writing stories in a succinct yet comprehensive craft book titled Get a Clue: How to Plot, Write, and Sell Your MG Or YA Mystery, and...

Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and growth. Many aspiring authors often wonder what it truly takes to publish a book. In this episode, author Nancy Tandon shares her journey and the ups and downs of writing for middle grade. Join us as we explore her experiences, insights, and the lessons learned along the way. For bonus conten...

In a world often divided by beliefs, finding common ground can be a challenge. When I sat down with Huda Al-Mirashi, author of the new middle grade Hail Mariam, we delved into the intersection of faith and identity and the profound themes of understanding and respect that transcend religious boundaries. We also talk about Huda's writing journey, the challenges of pursuing traditional publishi...

In this episode, NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff talks about her first middle grade novel, "The Aftermyth," where Penelope, a determined new student at Anaximander’s Academy, faces a whirlwind of challenges right from the start. With a doughnut hole mishap leading to unexpected chaos, she learns that sometimes, not fitting in is the first step to finding yourself.  For bonus content a...

On this episode Katherine Applegate, author of the acclaimed The One and Only Ivan and her latest  Wombat Waiting, takes us through her unconventional journey from ghostwriter to winning the Newbery Medal—sharing candid insights about the ups and downs, the long nights, and the moments of serendipity that shaped her career. You'll discover how her early career as a reluctant reader and her lo...

Join us as Philip Stead, acclaimed author and illustrator, discusses his innovative approach to writing and illustrating his first middle grade book, 'A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic.' Discover his creative process, storytelling techniques, and insights into engaging young readers with quirky, whimsical stories. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the...

In this episode I chat with Christina Chatell and Marcia Kochel, two passionate librarians advocating for a new category in publishing. They’ve been on a mission to bridge the gap for middle schoolers who crave more relatable, edgy content that speaks directly to their experiences.   They share their journey, from writing impactful articles to launching a campaign for Young Teen Lit – a category t...

In this episode, Aaron Starmer shares his unique journey from the travel industry to becoming a successful children's author. He discusses the evolution of his writing career, the creative process behind his new book You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This, and the quirky elements that make his stories captivating. Starmer reflects on the challenges of writing for children, the importance of edit...

Writing for children can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to middle grade novels. As a writer, you want to create stories that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with young readers. In this episode, we delve into the creative journey of bestselling author Jasmine Warga, who shares her insights on what it takes to craft engaging stories for this age group. If you're an asp...

In this episode, author N. West Moss shares her journey to becoming a children's author, the inspiration behind her debut middle grade novel Birdie, and her writing process - including working with her editor. Discover insights on writing for young readers, late-blooming careers, and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in storytelling. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episo...

In this episode, author Beth Ferry shares her journey from writing picture books to her first middle grade novel, 'Growing Home.' She discusses its themes of home and belonging, the challenges of writing both picture books and middle grade, and the importance of loving one's own story. Beth also offers insights into her writing process, future projects, and the joy of reading, while...

Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series IS OUT TODAY!, so it's a great time to re-listen to our interview. Last week we heard part 1 and today it's part 2. In this part  we discuss his journey from screenwriting to becoming a successful author of middle-grade fiction. He shares insights into his writing process, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the joy of story...

Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series comes out February 10th, so it's a great time to re-air part 1 of our interview. James shares heartfelt stories about his teachers, particularly Mrs. White, who inspired him to become a writer. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and the impact of family on his path to success. James also discusses his journey as a writer...

In this conversation, Simon Stephenson, a former physician turned screenwriter and author, shares his unique journey from medicine to storytelling. He discusses his early experiences in writing, which paved the way for his screenwriting career. Simon's latest work, The Snowman Code, is a middle-grade book that combines his love for storytelling with his background in medicine, focusing on a y...

In this conversation, John Schu, a children's librarian and author, shares his journey as a reader and writer, emphasizing the importance of connection in storytelling. He discusses his latest book, Louder Than Hunger, which tackles themes of mental health and the healing power of art and music. Schu reflects on his influences, including Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Applegate, and broadway actor...

In this conversation, author Michelle Knudsen emphasizes the critical role of persistence in the writing industry, highlighting that success is often not immediate and can be influenced by many external factors. She encourages writers to find joy in the writing process itself, as it is the only aspect they can truly control amidst the uncertainties of publishing and reception. We also discuss her...

On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast,  Jordan Kopy discusses her Theodora Hendrix series, which follows a 10-year-old girl raised by a family of monster superheroes. Jordan shares her inspiration for the series, her creative process, and the unique characters that populate her books. She discusses the illustrations, the challenges of writing while working in finance, and her journey...

It's my first solo episode and I'm bringing you a glimpse of what it's been like launching a podcast and helping it grow over the past two years. I talk about the ups and downs, the big moments, the challenges, and what's to come. And I give a big thank you to you, the listeners, for being with me every step of the way. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscrib...

In this episode, Melissa Dassori discusses her journey as a middle grade author, focusing on her sophomore book, 'Greta Ever After.' She shares insights into the emotional roller coaster of publishing and emphasizes the importance of confidence, risk-taking, and the collaborative nature of the writing process. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grad...

In this episode, McCall Hoyle, an award-winning author and former teacher and librarian, discusses her latest book, 'Forever Ripley,' which explores the deep bond between dogs and humans through the eyes of a dog. The conversation delves into themes of grief, love, and the importance of emotional depth in storytelling. McCall shares her writing process, the challenges of writing from a d...

In this episode, Jamie Sumner discusses her latest middle grade novel, 'Schooled,' exploring its themes, characters, and the inspiration behind the story. She shares insights into her writing process, the balance of humor and grief in children's literature, and the importance of voice in storytelling. Jamie also reflects on her experiences as a teacher and how they influence her wri...

On this episode, Cordelia Jensen discusses her latest middle grade verse novel, 'Lilac and the Switchback', exploring themes of friendship, grief, and change. She shares insights into the writing process, the emotional depth of verse novels, and the collaborative nature of editing. Cordelia reflects on her journey as a writer and the unique aspects of writing for a middle grade audience....

At the start of this episode, Alyssa Colman discusses her book 'Gilded Girl' with a special guest, my 14-year-old daughter Ella who loved this book when it came out several years ago.  Alyssa and I then discuss her new book 'Where Only Storms Grow,' exploring themes of survival during the Dust Bowl through the eyes of twins Joanna and Howe. She shares insights into her writing...

In this episode, NYT bestselling author Pablo Cartaya shares with us his latest book, A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation. We discuss the importance of cultural heritage in storytelling and challenges faced during the creative process. Pablo shares insights into his research methods, his unique writing style, and the emotional journey of bringing his characters to life. The conversation highlig...

In this episode, Tiffany D. Jackson discusses her transition from writing young adult thrillers to her first middle grade novel, Blood in the Water. She shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of creating age-appropriate content, and the significance of Martha's Vineyard in her story. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of understanding child development in writing for younger...