Why Kids “Live in Books” -- James Ponti on City Spies: Europa and the Power of Middle Grade Readers

What happens when a bestselling middle grade author joins you on World Read Aloud Day -- and opens the episode with a live read-aloud from his brand-new release?In this return conversation, James Ponti celebrates the book birthday of City Spies: Europa (Book 7!) and takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to write page-turning mystery-adventure that kids don’t just read, they inhabit.We talk about the research rabbit holes that make a story feel real (including the world's most expensive cup of tea!), the craft of writing dialogue that flows, and why the read aloud shouldn’t stop in early elementary, especially for books that beg to be heard.You’ll also hear why James believes hope lives in the reader community itself: kids who show up dressed as characters, remember details from five books ago, and prove, again and again, that middle grade readers are powerful.Favorite TakeawaysKids don’t just read books, they live in them.The best middle grade is never “dumbed down.” Kids notice everything.The read aloud is still one of the strongest tools we have for motivation, stamina, and connection.Hope lives in communities of readers who show up, reread, and care deeply.Timestamps01:46 Special Read Aloud from the first chapter07:43 Behind-the-scenes research and inside jokes that add “richness” to the writing10:46 Middle grade growth: Sydney + Paris, insecurity, and learning to share what we carry12:57 Writing by ear: dialogue, flow, and reading drafts aloud 30+ times15:27 “Kids live in books”: fandom, rereads, deep questions, and catching mistakes28:35 Touring with author friends + building a wider reading life36:39 Hope: readers, community, and stories that model how people solve problems together40:36 What’s next: Sherlock Society: Art Attack (graffiti in Miami!) Connect + MoreLearn more about James Ponti and check out his appearances on episodes 69, 98, and 119 of the Adventures in Learning podcastCheck out all of James Ponti's booksSign up for Dr. Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud calendarSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.