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 heartIf 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 for more information.

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 for more information.

I’m your host, Annisha Jeffries, and today’s guest is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary literature. Angie Thomas’s debut novel, The Hate U Give, not only debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list, but also received significant recognition from the American Library Association — including the William C. Morris Award for a standout debut, and honors such as the Michael L. Printz and Coretta Scott King Honors for its literary achievement and cultural impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with poet, mentor, and author Rian N. Jenkins to talk about her debut middle-grade novel Reverse (Book One) — a story that captures friendship, family, and the first sparks of love between two kids who’ve known each other their entire lives.Rian shares how she weaves poetry into fiction, what inspired Monica and Donovan’s story, and how Reverse reflects the courage it takes to grow up, make mistakes, and come home to yourself.And yes, she gives us a hint about Book Two.✨Honest. Funny. Heartfelt. This conversation is for anyone who remembers the moment when friendship started to mean something more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.