Reading in The Middle

Hope, Climate Science, and Storytelling with Danica Novgorodoff & Meera Subramanian

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 storytelling, and why graphic nonfiction can be such an impactful format for young readers. The conversation also explores the experiences of four young climate activists featured in the book, the importance of centering youth voices, and how storytelling can help readers move from fear toward action and community. This thoughtful discussion highlights the power of books to inspire conversation, empathy, and imagination while reminding readers that meaningful change begins with people willing to care, speak up, and work together toward a better future. Links and Resources: https://www.instagram.com/ABetterWorldTheBook/ [https://www.instagram.com/ABetterWorldTheBook/] https://abetterworldthebook.org/ [https://abetterworldthebook.org/] https://abetterworldthebook.org/#resources-learn [https://abetterworldthebook.org/#resources-learn] https://danicanovgorodoff.com/ [https://danicanovgorodoff.com/] https://meerasub.org/ [https://meerasub.org/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ghosts, Friendship & Finding Your Voice with Megan Wynne | The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey | Reading in the Middle

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 help her family heal, Gwen encounters a spirit who may hold the answers to secrets buried deep within Loughmoe Abbey. Annisha and Megan discuss: • Writing neurodivergent representation in historical fiction • Why this ghost story is more hopeful than frightening • Boarding school dynamics, friendship, and belonging • Grief, mental health, and emotional resilience in middle grade • Creating atmospheric settings filled with mystery and heart If you love middle-grade books with emotional depth, ghostly mysteries, and unforgettable characters, this episode is for you. 📚 Featured Book: The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey by Megan Wynne 🎙️ Hosted by Annisha Jeffries #MiddleGradeBooks #ReadingintheMiddle #MeganWynne #GhostStory #ChildrensBooks #BookPodcast #MiddleGradeMystery #NeurodivergentRepresentation ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Christopher Bodmann on the *Kid Comet* Books, Writing Superheroes, and Middle Grade Storytelling

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. Christopher shares insights into building the Kid Comet universe while creating action-packed adventures that readers can emotionally connect with. From epic battles to relatable middle school moments, the Kid Comet series blends heart, courage, and adventure in ways that keep readers turning the page. Whether you love superhero stories, graphic novels, or conversations about the power of storytelling, this episode is full of inspiration for readers, educators, librarians, and aspiring writers alike. 🎧 Tune in and step into the world of Kid Comet. #ReadingInTheMiddle #KidComet #ChristopherBodmann #MiddleGradeBooks #KidLit #SuperheroStories #BookPodcast ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Philip Stead Interview: A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic | Reading in the Middle

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 middle, plays with structure, and invites readers to embrace uncertainty. In this thoughtful, Fresh Air–style conversation, Annisha and Philip discuss: * Writing a story “out of order.” * The meaning behind the book’s 24 morals * Bernadette, perseverance, and quiet bravery * Humor, wordplay, and trusting young readers * How picture book storytelling shaped this novel A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is available now—perfect for middle-grade readers, educators, and anyone who loves inventive, heartfelt storytelling. 🎧 Subscribe to Reading in the Middle for more author interviews, book discussions, and insights into children’s and middle-grade literature. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Adventures of Toby Baxter Series Explained | Tim Wright Interview | Middle Grade Fantasy Books

Step into the world of The Adventures of Toby Baxter In this episode of Reading in the Middle, I’m joined by author @timwrightbooks [https://www.instagram.com/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, including the latest installment, and why stories like Toby’s matter so much for middle-grade readers navigating their own journeys. If you’re looking for a series that blends adventure, humor, and suspense, this is one to add to your shelves. Tim's website: [https://www.timwrightbooks.com/] 🎧 Listen now 🔗 Link in bio #ReadingInTheMiddle [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/readinginthemiddle/] #TobyBaxter [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/tobybaxter/] #MiddleGradeBooks [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/middlegradebooks/] #KidLit [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/kidlit/] #LibrariansOfInstagram [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/librariansofinstagram/] #TimWright [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/timwright/] #TeachersOfInstagram [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/teachersofinstagram/] #ChildrensBooks [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/childrensbooks/] #FantasyBooks [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/fantasybooks/] #BookPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bookpodcast/] #YouthServices [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/youthservices/] #GrowingReaders [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/growingreaders/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.