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

Matthew J. Gilbert on The New Norm, Stranger Things, and Writing for Middle Grade Readers | Reading in the Middle

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-winning television writer at Nickelodeon [https://www.nick.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to an author of more than 40 books for young readers. We also discuss his work writing stories set in the worlds of Stranger Things, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and other beloved franchises, as well as the challenges and rewards of writing for today's middle-grade audience. Whether you're a fan of humorous middle-grade fiction, pop culture adventures, or stories about finding your place in the world, this conversation is packed with insight, laughter, and inspiration. IN THIS EPISODE: * The inspiration behind The New Norm * Writing about social media and middle school life * Creating stories for popular franchises * From television writing to children's books * Why humor matters in middle-grade fiction * Advice for aspiring young writers CONNECT WITH MATTHEW J. GILBERT: * Official Website [https://www.mattgilbertwrites.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] LISTEN TO MORE READING IN THE MIDDLE: Join Annisha Jeffries for conversations with today's most exciting middle-grade authors, illustrators, and creators. Discover new books, behind-the-scenes stories, and reading recommendations for tweens, educators, librarians, and families. #MiddleGradeBooks #MatthewJGilbert #TheNewNorm #ReadingInTheMiddle #ChildrensBooks #MiddleGradeAuthor #StrangerThingsBooks #KidLit #BookPodcast #AnnishaJeffries #BooksForTweens #LibraryPodcast #MGBooks #AuthorInterview #ReadingRecommendation ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Slaying Dragons, Finding Courage: Candace Lee & Eric Newman on George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer

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. Their work spans Disney+, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, feature films, music production, bestselling novels, and collaborations with Bear Grylls. Together, they've created the Order of the Dragon Slayer series to inspire young readers to face life's challenges with courage, resilience, and hope. We discuss the creation of George Goodwin, an unlikely hero determined to clear his father's name and save his struggling Appalachian town. Along the way, we explore scouting culture, friendship, cinematic storytelling, dragon mythology, and why today's readers still need stories about bravery. Plus, stay tuned for our lightning round, where we talk about favorite dragons, adventure movies, campfire snacks, and more. SHOW NOTES IN THIS EPISODE 🐉 Meet New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman 🎬 How careers in Disney+, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and television storytelling influenced their writing process 🏕️ Why scouting became the foundation of the Order of the Dragon Slayer series ⛏️ The inspiration behind Big Mountain, West Virginia, and the mysterious coal mines beneath it 💎 Hidden treasure, dragon lore, and legendary quests 📚 The influence of The Goonies, Jurassic Park, and classic adventure stories on the series ❤️ Creating emotionally authentic middle-grade heroes ⚔️ What it means to "slay life's dragons." 🎙️ A lightning round featuring favorite dragons, campfire snacks, adventure films, and books that inspired them as young readers ABOUT THE BOOK GEORGE GOODWIN, DRAGON SLAYER: A SCOUTING LEGEND Twelve-year-old George Goodwin believes a legendary treasure hidden beneath Big Mountain, West Virginia, could save his struggling town and clear his father's name. When a scouting trip turns into an unexpected quest, George and his friends find themselves facing collapsing tunnels, dangerous thieves, ancient secrets, and a fire-breathing dragon unlike anything they imagined. The first book in the Order of the Dragon Slayer series blends classic adventure storytelling with friendship, courage, humor, and heart. ABOUT THE AUTHORS CANDACE LEE Candace Lee is a writer and producer whose work includes Emmy-winning programming for Disney+, concert films featuring Andrea Bocelli, collaborations with Bear Grylls, and bestselling novels. She studied film and television production at New York University and co-authored the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café. ERIC NEWMAN Eric Newman has written and produced Emmy-winning television, bestselling novels, and feature films for Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and Penguin Random House. He served as a writer and executive producer on Bear Grylls's global adventure series and co-created the Order of the Dragon Slayer series. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE OFFICIAL ORDER OF THE DRAGON SLAYER WEBSITE Order of the Dragon Slayer Series [https://sites.prh.com/order-of-the-dragon-slayer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] OFFICIAL BOOK PAGE George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend [https://sites.prh.com/order-of-the-dragon-slayer/george-goodwin-dragon-slayer-scouting-legend/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] PUBLISHER PAGE Penguin Random House Book Page [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/778165/george-goodwin-dragon-slayer-by-candace-lee-and-eric-newman/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] CONNECT WITH READING IN THE MIDDLE 🎙️ Hosted by Annisha Jeffries 📚 Exploring middle-grade books, authors, and the stories that inspire young readers. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, and wherever you listen to podcasts. #ReadingInTheMiddle #GeorgeGoodwinDragonSlayer #CandaceLee #EricNewman #MiddleGradeBooks #MiddleGradeFantasy #DragonSlayer #BookPodcast #ScoutingAdventure #ChildrensBooks #MGBooks #AuthorInterview #Bookstagram #Libraries #MiddleGradeReaders #FantasyBooks #OrderOfTheDragonSlayer #AnnishaJeffries ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Reading in the Middle: Diane Debrovner & Stacy Cervenka on Roxie in Color, Disability Representation, Art, and Middle School Identity

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. Annisha and the authors examine the novel's emotional use of color, Nash the guide dog’s narration, and the delicate balance between visibility, belonging, and self-protection. They also talk about collaboration, disability representation in middle-grade fiction, the importance of depicting systemic barriers realistically, and the choice to typeset the book in Atkinson Hyperlegible a font made for low-vision readers. If you love thoughtful middle-grade books about courage, creativity, friendship, and finding your place in the world, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Diane Debrovner on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/p/DF0vM1Oyb7v/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Stacy Cervenka is the director of the Iowa Department for the Blind and previously led the Blind Parents Group of the National Federation of the Blind. Roxie in Color by Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka Publication Date: June 2, 2026 Publisher: Candlewick Press REVIEWS & PRAISE School Library Journal Review [https://www.slj.com/review/roxie-in-color-100010990?utm_source=chatgpt.com] CONNECT WITH READING IN THE MIDDLE 📸 Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle [https://www.instagram.com/reading_in_the_middle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Star of Moon Village Author Jennifer Ann Richter on STEM, Space Travel, Friendship & Fame | Reading in the Middle Podcast

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 Village. Priscilla hopes to honor her late mother’s legacy and finally experience the legendary lunar labs she has dreamed about her entire life. But once she arrives, the mission becomes increasingly focused on celebrity culture, media spectacle, and entertainment — especially with the arrival of pop star Starletta. Jennifer and Annisha discuss STEM representation in middle-grade fiction, realistic lunar science, rivalry and friendship, the future of Moon exploration, and how NASA’s current Artemis missions inspired excitement around returning humans to the Moon. This episode is perfect for readers who love space adventures, emotionally grounded middle-grade novels, STEM stories, and books that inspire curiosity and wonder. SHOW NOTES IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: * Writing Priscilla Cobb as an authentic middle school STEM character * Building the futuristic world of Moon Village * Science vs. celebrity culture * Friendship, rivalry, and emotional growth * STEM representation for young readers * Lunar science and realistic Moon living * NASA’s Artemis Program and the future of Moon exploration * Why librarians, educators, and parents can use this book for STEM conversations * The emotional heart underneath the science fiction setting * Curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork in middle-grade fiction NASA & ARTEMIS LINKS 🌕🚀 NASA ARTEMIS PROGRAM NASA Artemis Program [https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ARTEMIS II MISSION NASA Artemis II Mission [https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis-ii/arow/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ARTEMIS II MULTIMEDIA & PHOTOS NASA Artemis II Multimedia Resources [https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii-multimedia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ARTEMIS SCIENCE NASA Artemis Science [https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis-science/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] NASA OFFICIAL WEBSITE NASA Official Website [https://www.nasa.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ARTEMIS BLOG & UPDATES NASA Artemis Blog [https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/artemis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNIFER ANN RICHTER JENNIFER ANN RICHTER OFFICIAL WEBSITE [https://www.jenniferannrichter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] JENNIFER ANN RICHTER ON INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/jenniferrichterbooks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] RECOMMENDED FOR FANS OF: * A Rover’s Story * The Lion of Mars * The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl * STEM-centered middle-grade fiction * Space adventures with emotional depth * Character-driven science fiction * Books about curiosity, friendship, and ambition ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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.