Reading in The Middle

In this episode of Reading in the Middle , librarian and kid lit advocate Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Ambreen Butt-Hussain to talk about her laugh-out-loud, refreshingly honest middle grade series featuring the unforgettable Alina Butt . From being the new kid (again) to missing out on a class trip to Paris, Alina’s adventures in The Unlovable Alina Butt and You’re Out of Luck, Alina Bu...

What occurs when a chaotic flight inspires a fun picture book? In this episode of  Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries interviews author, poet, and educator  K.E. Lewis  about his latest book,  Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane , illustrated by Isabel Roxas. They discuss how a frustrating travel moment turned into a rhyming cautionary story, the role of rhythm and representation in K.E.’s...

Guest: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi Book Featured: Malcolm Lives (2025, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) Host: Annisha Jeffries, Kidlit Advocate & creator of Reading in the Middle Topics Covered: ​Why Malcolm Lives was written for middle-grade readers in Malcolm X’s centennial year ​How Dr. Kendi balances biography with imaginative storytelling ​The importance of introducing complex, courageous figures t...

​In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kidlit enthusiast Annisha Jeffries chats with author Elissa Brent Weissman about her latest middle grade novel, So Over Sharing. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, what it’s like to write for today’s tech-savvy tweens, and how Elissa strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. From awkward school moments to the pressure o...

What do fairy houses, mossy trails, and bug pooters share? They’re all ways to connect with nature—and today’s guest knows how to make the wild feel wonderfully magical. In this episode, Annisha Jeffries chats with Susie Spikol , naturalist, educator, and author of two inspiring books for middle-grade readers: The Animal Adventurer’s Guide and her newest, Forest Magic for Kids . Whether helping ki...

Today on Reading in the Middle , Annisha speaks with New York Times Bestselling author Ben Guterson , the creative force behind the acclaimed. Winterhouse Trilogy, The Einsteins of Vista Point, and the captivating World-Famous Nine series. As a former educator, Ben discusses how his teaching experience influences his storytelling, how he weaves intricate mysteries packed with puzzles and emotion,...

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha sits down with acclaimed cartoonist and author Liz Montague to discuss her new graphic novel,  Camp Frienemies . This  summer camp story is full of humor, heart, and the beautifully messy journey of tween friendship. Best known for her groundbreaking memoir Maybe an Artist , Liz shares how she crafted three unforgettable characters—Bea, Roxy, and V...

What do skateboards, octopuses, and poetry have in common? In Bobbie Pyron’s newest novel-in-verse, Octopus Moon , they all play a role in one young girl’s emotional survival. In this heartfelt conversation, Bobbie Pyron — author of beloved middle-grade novels Stay , The Dogs of Winter , Lucky Strike , and more — joins host Annisha Jeffries to talk about: The real-life ocean memories that shaped O...

Award-winning author and illustrator @ Grace Lin joins Reading in the Middle to discuss her newest middle-grade novel, The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon — a sweeping fantasy filled with Chinese folklore, stone lions, and a possibly-not-a-worm dragon. In this episode, Grace reflects on her journey from aspiring ice skater to literary icon, shares behind-the-scenes stories about illustrating her wo...

Authors Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson join Reading in the Middle to discuss The Crow’s Tales , their bright and funny mystery series starring a ten-year-old boy, a loyal crew of friends, and one unforgettable crow named Ralph. From bake sales and bullies to ruby rings and remote-control car races, we explore how their books blend real-life feelings with big adventure — and why writing a...

Rosie, a 12-year-old musical prodigy with synesthesia, perceives music in color. After enduring years of her mother’s pressure to become a concert violinist, she yearns for a respite. However, an unexpected summer spent with her grandparents and a time glitch altered her life completely. Rosie suddenly encounters her mother as a child. In this episode, author Emily Barth Isler speaks with host Ann...

On today’s episode of Reading in the Middle , Newbery Medalist and Coretta Scott King Award winner Jerry Craft joins me for a lively conversation about creativity, competition, and the power of storytelling. Jerry shares the behind-the-scenes story of his new book J vs. K , a dynamic collaboration with fellow Newbery winner Kwame Alexander . This fast-paced illustrated novel follows two fifth grad...

📚 Bigfoot Is a Jerk by Julie Ditchburn Patton is a laugh-out-loud middle-grade adventure that blends summer camp chaos with cryptid-sized attitude. When new kid Zander signs up for Camp Bear Paw, he expects bug bites, bonfires, and bad cabin food—not a run-in with the most obnoxious Bigfoot in the forest. But something (or someone ) is determined to make camp unforgettable, for all the wrong reas...

We’re embarking on an adventure filled with friendship and middle school chaos with  Donn Swaby , the author of  Corey Crumbly and the Lost Amulet ! 🏫💥🌀 Join us on  Reading in the Middle  as we discuss Corey’s thrilling quest, his comical best friend Sharod, and what it truly means to be courageous—even when panic sets in. Imagine  Indiana Jones colliding with Star Wars… in the classroom. Don’t...

Today, the incredible  Aubrey Hartman , author of  The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest, joins me . In this episode, we talk about foxes and forests, bookish girls and winged lions, grief, friendship, and why fantasy stories are sometimes the best way to talk about real life. So if you’ve ever needed a little courage, comfort, or magic, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

What do harp seals, poetry, and middle school have in common? They all collide in this heartfelt new episode with award-winning author Padma Venkatraman ! We’re talking about her latest middle grade novel, Safe Harbor —a story of change, courage, and finding peace even when life feels like a storm. 🌧️☀️ Follow Geetha as she navigates a new life in Rhode Island after leaving India—facing bullies, l...

In this touching  episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha talks with  debut author Melanie Baldwin , inspired by her wildlife rehabilitation experiences, leading to her picture book,  Penny Opossum: A Baby Animal Rescue Tale . Also joining is Illustrator Don Mason, who helped visualize Penny's journey. Together, they discuss the power of following one's instincts—whether that's a baby opossum o...

👻 On this episode of Reading in the Middle, I sit down with Adam Rosenbaum, author of The Ghost Rules, a middle-grade novel that’s eerie, heartfelt, and full of mystery. We talk about the rules of the afterlife, crafting ghost stories that resonate, and why middle-grade readers love a little bit of spooky with their storytelling. Plus, hear an exclusive clip from the book that sets the stage for...

Hello, Readers! Welcome again to  Reading in the Middle , the podcast dedicated to exploring the finest middle-grade literature and engaging in conversations with the talented creators behind these stories. I’m excited to introduce Jonathan Todd, the author and illustrator of  Timid ! Jonathan calls Boston, Massachusetts, home, where he lives with his wife, two kids, and their lovable lemon beagle...

Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes is a New York Times bestselling author and respected educator, renowned for her engaging stories that connect with audiences of all ages. Her notable works, including  Ghost Boys ,  Black Brother, Black Brother , and  Paradise on Fire , confront crucial social topics with care and insight. In her newest novel,  Will’s Race for Home , Dr. Rhodes takes readers to the 1889 Ok...

Tricia Springstubb is an acclaimed author who is celebrated for her ability to convey the heart, wonder, and complexities of growing up. Her works, including Moonpenny Island, Every Single Second, and the Cody series, have garnered affection from teachers, librarians, and youthful readers alike. This time, however, we are venturing into new territory with her debut YA novel, How to Tell a True Sto...

I’m excited to introduce  Emily Bowen Cohen , the talented author and illustrator of the impactful graphic novel  Two Tribes . This narrative follows Mia, a middle school student navigating her dual heritage—Jewish and Muscogee Creek—as she seeks to discover her true identity. It’s a story centered on identity, family, and the courage to embrace oneself. Emily, a proud Muscogee (Creek) Nation citi...

I’m thrilled to welcome Tanita S. Davis to the show! Tanita is an award-winning author whose books explore the complexities of friendship, identity, and family. Her novel  Mare’s War  earned a Coretta Scott King Honor for its powerful depiction of two teens going on a road trip with their WWII veteran grandmother, who tells them about her rebellious past. She’s also written  Partly Cloudy ,  Seren...

In this Reading in the Middle episode, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with award-winning author Jessica Vitalis to discuss her latest novel-in-verse, Unsinkable Cayenne! Set in 1985 Montana, this heartfelt story follows Cayenne, a girl who’s spent her life on the move, as she navigates new friendships, family struggles, and a Titanic-themed school project that forces her to rethink everything. Je...

Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with the one and only Johnnie Christmas! 📚✨ Johnnie is the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novelist behind Swim Team and Gamerville . In Swim Team , we meet Bree, a middle schooler navigating life in a new town. Though she’s initially afraid of swimming, Bree discovers her courage and hidden talent, diving into the world of competitive swimmi...