Reading in The Middle

What happens when a family story becomes an award-winning graphic novel? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries talks with Ringo Award-winning author and educator Jason Douglas about Jane American , a powerful coming-of-age graphic novel inspired by his grandmother's life in Southeast Michigan during and after World War II. Together they discuss family history, identity,...

What happens when compassion and fear collide? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with Trevor B. Spisto, author of The Tiger and the Crane , a compelling middle-grade novel set in Qing-era China. Together, they explore the story of Mung, a young crane who discovers an orphaned tiger cub just as his village prepares to choose its next leader. Trevor discusses...

What happens when a family trip to Japan turns into an adventure filled with yokai, samurai, festivals, and magical portals? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries talks with author and illustrator Matthew Loux about his newest graphic novel, My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain . Together they discuss Japanese folklore, cultural exploration, graphic novel storyt...

What happens when an ordinary middle school kid suddenly becomes internet famous? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries talks with bestselling author Matthew J. Gilbert about his new middle-grade novel, The New Norm , a funny and relatable story about viral fame, friendship, identity, and surviving middle school. Matthew shares how his career evolved from an award-winnin...

What do scouting, hidden treasure, coal mines, and dragons have in common? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries welcomes New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman to discuss their thrilling new middle-grade fantasy adventure, George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend . Candace and Eric bring an impressive storytelling background to the page....

In this heartfelt episode of  Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries speaks with co-authors Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka about their touching middle-grade novel,  Roxie in Color , launching on June 2. The discussion covers Roxie’s journey through friendship, anxiety, art, and identity as she faces seventh grade while hiding a personal secret: both her parents are blind. Anni...

What would happen if middle school students got the chance to travel to the Moon? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha Jeffries welcomes Jennifer Ann Richter back to talk about her exciting new middle-grade novel, The Star of Moon Village. Set in 2079, the story follows twelve-year-old Priscilla Cobb, an aspiring Black scientist selected for the first student research voyage to Moon...

In this episode of  Reading in the Middle , Annisha Jeffries sits down with Danica Novgorodoff and Meera Subramanian to discuss A Better World Is Possible, a powerful nonfiction graphic novel exploring climate change, youth activism, environmental justice, and hope. Together, they discuss their collaborative creative process, the challenges of balancing climate science with emotional storytel...

What if the dead could help the living? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Megan Wynne to discuss her haunting and heartfelt middle-grade novel, The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey . Set in 1980s Ireland, the story follows Gwen, a neurodivergent girl sent to a mysterious boarding school while her mother is hospitalized. Struggling to fit in and desperate to...

What makes a superhero truly memorable? On this episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Christopher Bodmann to discuss the creative world behind the Kid Comet books and the art of writing superheroes for middle-grade readers. Together, they explore storytelling, character development, imagination, humor, and the deeper themes that shape heroic journeys. Christophe...

In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries sits down with award-winning author Philip Stead to discuss his first middle-grade novel, A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic . Best known for A Sick Day for Amos McGee —illustrated by Erin E. Stead, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal—Philip Stead explores storytelling in a completely new way with a novel that begins in the mid...

Step into the world of The Adventures of Toby Baxter In this episode of Reading in the Middle, I’m joined by author  @timwrightbooks  to talk about his fantasy series that takes readers from an ordinary life into the magical world of RiverHome, filled with trolls, giants, prophecy, and big questions about courage and growing up. We explore how the series evolves across all the books, inc...

In this episode of  Reading in the Middle , Annisha chats with debut indie author Chip Reeves about his middle-grade fantasy novel,  The Authentic Imaginings of Oscar White . Oscar White is an ordinary-sized boy with a vivid imagination. When he falls into a forest pond while avoiding bullies, he emerges in a strange new world ruled by the foolish and ruthless King Jester. After a memora...

In this engaging episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries speaks with middle-grade author KG Mach about her heartfelt historical novel, Present, Still Missing. Set just after World War II, the story follows twelve-year-old Irene Bracken as she waits for her father to return from war. Upon his return, she finds that he has changed in ways she didn't expect. Through Irene’s perspectiv...

In Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews Sue Marasciulo about making reading accessible for children, especially those with dyslexia. Sue, a former special ed teacher and creator of decodable graphic novels, explains how her Pat & Pals series builds confidence and joy in reading through visual storytelling and structured literacy. The episode covers decodable texts, graphic novels...

Today on  Reading in the Middle , I’m joined by USA Today–bestselling author Christina Wyman to celebrate the release of her latest middle-grade novel, *Breakout*. In this touching and funny story, we meet Ellis Starr — an eighth grader who loves studying active volcanoes but dislikes that her acne looks like one. As Ellis handles breakouts, changing friendships, complex family issues, and a...

What happens when kids who feel overlooked finally discover their power? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha sits down with Donna Galanti to discuss her middle-grade novel, The Secret Winners Club, a story about belonging, visible differences, bullying, and the true cost of winning. At the heart of the novel is Sunny, a girl with alopecia who joins a group of kids determined to rise...

Annisha Jeffries interviews author Tulip Moody about her fantasy novel The Spell That Named Her , featuring a princess navigating rejection, hidden magic, mysterious dreams, and powerful forces shaping her destiny. A compelling conversation about courage, identity, and belonging for middle-grade readers, educators, and fantasy lovers. In this episode, We Discuss: The inspiration behind The Spell T...

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha talks with Bridgette Hickman, author of The HBCU Crew, about introducing young readers to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. They explore HBCU history, culture, and pride, discuss the characters Monet, Keni, and CJ, and examine why representation and empowerment matter in middle-grade books. A must-listen for librarians, educators,...

New York Times bestselling author James Ponti joins Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle to discuss his latest City Spies novel, EUROPA . They explore puzzles, teamwork, leadership, and close reading, as well as how characters like Kat, Sydney, and Paris solve high-stakes mysteries. James also shares writing insights and takes on a fun lightning round. Learn more at www.jamesponti.com. Hosted...

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews middle-grade author Taryn Souders about her latest book, Secrets of the Broken House, as well as mysteries, memorable characters, and her creative process. Taryn discusses how she developed Tucker Stephens and the quirky town of Everson, where goats can run for mayor, and how a suspicious death draws three friends into a we...

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews New York Times bestselling author Judd Winick about his latest graphic novel, Hilo Presents: The Mighty. They discuss Miranda Luna’s adventure, superhero tales, humor blended with heartfelt moments, and how books assist children in managing intense emotions. The episode also includes a lively lightning round and some enthus...

Join host Annisha Jeffries for an engaging and lively interview with bestselling author Megan McDonald, known for creating the beloved Judy Moody series, the Stink spin-off, and the early-chapter-book Fairy Door Diaries. We explore: how Megan’s librarian background influences her storytelling, the enchantment behind Judy Moody’s moods and Stink’s adventures, and the inspiration and creation proces...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Tracy Wolff, the #1 New York Times, USA Today, International, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and creator of the Crave series. We discuss her brand-new middle-grade fantasy, The Aftermyth* (Book One), published by Simon and Schuster. Penelope Weaver believed she knew who she was meant to be, but a surprise sorting at Anaximander’s Academy turn...

Award-winning author Derrick Barnes joins  Reading in the Middle  to discuss his compelling new middle-grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze. In this interview, we discuss themes such as Black boyhood, identity, family, community expectations, and the emotional toll of being defined by talent. Barnes offers insights into writing for middle-grade audiences, developing authentic...