Reading in The Middle

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...

In this Reading in the Middle episode , Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager at the Cleveland Public Library, speaks with debut author Jennifer Ann Richter about her inspiring middle-grade novel  Bird Nerd. Join us as we explore Nyla's journey—a young girl who finds her passion for birdwatching while facing the trials of middle school, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Jennifer discusses th...

In this Reading in the Middle episode, we explore the debut middle-grade novel Team Canteen 1: Rocky Road. This story weaves together magic, humor, and heartfelt moments, focusing on four unexpected friends during a summer camp adventure involving a potentially magical hot pink feather boa. It is a must-read for fans of The Baby-Sitters Club, XO, Kitty, and Julie and the Phantoms. Hosted on Acast....

 In this year-end episode of Reading in the Middle,  we discuss   Stop the Struggle, Start the Story: Empowering Reluctant Readers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt Reading in the Middle episode , I have an excellent discussion with celebrated middle-grade author Nicole D. Collier, Ph. D., about her latest novel, The Best Friend Bracelet . Together, they explore the story of seventh-grader Zariah Brown, who navigates the complexities of friendship and identity. Nicole shares her inspirations, writing process, and the meaningful themes that c...

This is my conversation with Penny Schneider about her delightful new graphic novel, Arty. The story follows a lonely Betta fish named Arty on his quest for friendship as he navigates the challenges of the underwater world. Blending humor and heart, the novel is a touching and visually captivating tale that perfectly mixes art and storytelling. It’s sure to charm readers of all ages! Hosted on Aca...

Christopher Lincoln, the talented author known for his Billy Bones series and, most recently, The Night Librarian . Christopher’s storytelling is renowned for its unique blend of mystery and adventure, and The Night Librarian is no exception. In this captivating tale, we meet twins Page and Turner Reed, who uncover the hidden wonders of their library under the watchful eye of the mysterious librar...

Ruth Chan is an incredibly talented illustrator and author known for her heartfelt comics and children's books that have captured readers' imaginations everywhere. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Cup of Jo, and with top publishers like HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Disney-Hyperion, and Abrams. But Ruth's journey is even more inspiring. Before she beg...

"Welcome to "Reading in the Middle." Today, we're joined by Tony Weaver, Jr., an award-winning writer, educator, and mental health activist. His debut graphic novel memoir, Weirdo, (MacMillian Publisher) releases on September 17 and has received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. Weirdo is a powerful story about embracing what makes you unique. Join us as we explore Tony's journey,...

Hello, middle-grade book lovers! We're thrilled to announce a special "Reading in the Middle" episode featuring an exclusive interview with Tony Weaver Jr., creator of the upcoming graphic novel memoir "Weirdo." Stay tuned for the release date, and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss this exciting interview. Happy reading! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

Welcome to "Reading in the Middle," the podcast that explores the world of middle-grade graphic novels. I'm Annisha Jeffries, a passionate advocate for young readers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we will discuss "Weirdo," a graphic novel memoir that will be released on September 17th. I will talk about how kindness is important and how being different should be celebrated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.