Middle Grade Matters

On this episode, I talk with Zoe Tokushige, author of the middle grade Airi Sanos series. Zoe introduces us to the world of IP writing, addresses diversity in her books, and shares with us some of the wisdom learned studying writing in grad school. Books mentioned in this episode include: Airi Sanos, Prankmaster General series, by Zoe Tokushige Steering the Craft, by Ursula K. Le Guin On Writing,...

On this episode, I talk with author Elisa Stone Leahy about her debut middle grade book Tethered to Other Stars. We talk about her work with immigrants and how that inspired the book, about the concept of sanctuary, about immigration activism, and about Elisa's plan to write more books inspired by this topic as well as venture into writing fantasy. Books mentioned in this episode include: Tet...

In this episode, I talk with author Tamika Burgess about her debut novel, Sincerely Sicily, and her experience growing up in America as a Black Latina. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Sincerely Sicily, by Tamika Burgess The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master, by Martha Alderson Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever...

On this episode, I talk with Chad Lucas, author of Thanks A Lot Universe, and You Owe Me One, Universe, about writing a sequel and the importance of writing for upper middle grade readers.  Books mentioned in this episode include: Thanks A Lot, Universe , by Chad Lucas ( Audiobook ) You Owe Me One, Universe , by Chad Lucas ( Audiobook ) Let the Monster Out , by Chad Lucas ( Audiobook ) The Inquisi...

On this episode, I talk with debut author Karen S. Chow about  her debut middle grade book, Miracle. It's a book she drafted during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) so we talk about the fun of writing a first draft during NaNoWriMo, as well as addressing grief and death in middle grade, self publishing versus traditional publishing, and marketing for  authors. Books and resources ment...

On this episode, I talk with author Rachel Renée Russell and illustrator Nikki Russell about their #1 NYT Bestselling Dork Diaries series. Rachel and Nikki talk about how the series first came about, their collaborative process, the most exciting things they hear from fans, and the 15th book in the series, Tales from a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure. Books mentioned in this episode include: Dork Diar...

In this episode, I talk with Ally Malinenko, middle grade author of Ghost Girl and This Appearing House ,  about her writing, her favorite horror movies, and her plans for Halloween! Books and resources mentioned in this episode include: Ghost Girl, by Ally Malinenko Ghost Girl (Audiobook) , by Ally Malinenko This Appearing House, by Ally Malinenko This Appearing House (Audiobook) , by Ally Maline...

In this episode, I talk with author Lora Senf about her spooky, middle grade horror novels The Clackity and The Nighthouse Keeper. We also talk about the importance of providing kids with access to children's horror stories, trusting them to put them down when needed, and about her plans for Halloween. Books and resources mentioned in this episode include: The Clackity, by Lora Senf The Clack...

In this episode, I talk with author Suzanne Supplee about writing her MG debut, Sweetness All Around, after publishing three YA novels, about handling rejection and using it for good, and about writing the kinds of books you love to read yourself. Books mentioned in this episode include: Sweetness All Around , by Suzanne Supplee Nothing Else But Miracles , by Kate Albus Nothing Else But Miracles  ...

On this episode, I talk with Margaret Peterson Haddix, NYT Bestselling author of 50 books. We talk about her newest middle grade book, The Ghostly Photos, her extensive writing career, and her love of middle grade fiction.  Books mentioned in this episode include: The Ghostly Photos, by Margaret Peterson Haddix The Secret Letters, by Margaret Peterson Haddix Into the Gauntlet (The 10th book in the...

On this episode, I talk with author Kate Albus about her latest middle grade book, Nothing Else But Miracles, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and recipient of a Publisher's Weekly starred review  We also talk about Kate's method of drafting (she's a pantser), how she incorporates history into her stories, and the importance of finding your people.  Books and resources...

In this episode, I talk with author Alysa Wishingrad about her latest middle grade book, Between Monsters and Marvels.  Together we explore Alysa's approach to editing, her path to publication, and the importance of writing books for upper middle grade readers. Books and resources mentioned in this episode include: Between Monsters and Marvels, by  Alysa Wishingrad The Verdigris Pawn, by Alys...

In this episode, I talk with author Laura Segal Stegman about her middle grade L.U.C.K. series, including the latest book in the series, Ready or Not. We also talk about developing an inner support system, finding critique partners, and getting back up when you get knocked down.  And as promised in our interview, below are fifteen middle grade books recommended by Laura. Enjoy! Fifteen Middle Grad...

In this episode, I talk with author Claire Swinarski about her latest middle grade book, What Happened to Rachel Riley.  We dive deep into topics addressed by the book including sexual harassment and standing up for what's right, and we talk about her writing career from how she got started, to finding an agent, to publishing her first book.  Books and resources mentioned in this episode incl...

In this episode, I talk with author Doan Phuong Nguyen about her debut middle grade book, Mèo and Bé, a story inspired by her family's experience living in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  We discuss the challenges of writing a story set during a time of incredible heartache and turmoil, and the importance of finding hope in these stories.  Books and resources mentioned in this episode includ...

Join Shannon Balloon, middle grade writer and reader, as she talks with authors and publishing professionals about the craft of writing, the process of publishing a book,  the connection young readers have to middle grade stories, and more. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter , and follow us on Instagram , Threads , an...