PODCAST · arts
Reading in The Middle
by Annisha Jeffries
Welcome to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the captivating world of middle-grade books, hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Librarian and literary enthusiast. Each episode dives into stories that inspire and entertain readers ages 8 to 12. Join Annisha as she discusses the latest and greatest in middle-grade literature, shares insights on character development, themes, and writing styles, and reads exciting excerpts to bring these books to life. Whether you're a parent or an educator, "Reading in the Middle" is your gateway to discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Bunns Rabbit Returns! A Conversation with Oscar-Winning Storyteller Alan Barillaro
What happens when a little rabbit discovers that being different might just be her greatest strength? Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Pixar animator, and author Alan Barillaro returns to Reading in the Middle to talk about the next chapter in Bunns Rabbit's extraordinary journey. Best known for...
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Sunny Gets to Work: Big Dreams, Hard Work & Finding Your Way
Author Zanni Louise and illustrator Susie Oh discuss Sunny Gets to Work on Reading in the Middle, exploring its themes of big ideas, determination, creativity, and adapting when plans change. They share insights on illustrating Sunny’s world, the harmony between text and images, and the inspiring...
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Shifa Saltagi Safadi on Sisters Alone, Kareem Between & Winning the National Book Award
National Book Award-winning author Shifa Saltagi Safadi joins Reading in the Middle to discuss her new middle-grade novel in verse, *Sisters Alone*, as well as her book *Kareem Between*. Shifa explores themes of grief, anxiety, faith, sisterhood, and survival, emphasizing the importance of...
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Robin Easter on Middle School Monsters and Finding Your Pack
In Robin Easter’s new graphic novel, Middle School Monsters, that feeling becomes wonderfully literal. Jamie is beginning seventh grade in a new town and wants nothing more than a normal year. That means hiding her hairy legs, keeping her emotions under control, and making sure no one discovers…
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Once a Wasteland: Diane Muldrow and Amy Jindra Hodgson on Healing Cuyahoga Valley
A polluted industrial dumping ground. Nearly 400,000 tons of contaminated soil. And, after decades of restoration, a thriving national park. In this special episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries guest-hosts the Ohio Center for the Book’s Page Count podcast for a conversation with...
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Judith Jacques on Gardenland: Friendship, Inclusion & Belonging
When a single garden party splits into two, everyone faces the choice of where to belong. On this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries discusses with author Judith Jacques her children’s book, Gardenland: The Peas' and Carrots' Party Shake-Up, illustrated by Trevor Pacelli. The…
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Little Monsters with Máire Roche | A Spooky Little Women Reimagining
What if the March sisters were hiding more than just family secrets? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews author Máire Roche about her new middle-grade novel, Little Monsters, a spooky, humorous reinterpretation of Little Women. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are sisters...
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Ghost in the Night with Tiffany D. Jackson
What if the ghost you’re searching for isn’t the only story waiting to be uncovered? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries chats with award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson about her new middle-grade novel, Ghost in the Night. Twelve-year-old Harmony Roundtree enjoys...
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Ticket to Mars Author Kieran Fanning | Reading in the Middle Podcast
What would you risk for a chance at a better future? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews Irish author Kieran Fanning about his middle-grade science fiction novel, Ticket to Mars. They discuss the inspiration for the story, Veon Windbourne's unforgettable...
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T. C. Kemper on The Ginghams | A Spooky Middle Grade Mystery About Friendship & Conformity
What occurs when an entire town becomes eerily perfect? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews debut middle-grade author T. C. Kemper about her haunting new mystery, The Ginghams. When twelve-year-old Joni Bird returns from summer camp, Olive Springs no longer feels...
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Christina Diaz Gonzalez on Offside: Soccer, Friendship, and Gender Equity
Award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez joins Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle to talk about her new bilingual middle-grade graphic novel, Offside, illustrated by Mari Costa. The story features the Jackson Middle School boys’ soccer team going co-ed for the first time, though not...
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Emma Otheguy on Adventure in the City of Stories, Pura Belpré, and the Power of Books
Award-winning author Emma Otheguy returns to Reading in the Middle to discuss her new middle-grade novel, Adventure in the City of Stories, illustrated by Poly Bernatene. Camila, Jorge, and Siggy are back for another journey through time. After valuable artifacts connected to pioneering librarian...
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Winsome Bingham on On Fridays, Honoring Elders, Grief, and Giving People Their Flowers
Show Notes Reading in the Middle with Annisha Jeffries In this heartfelt episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries welcomes author Winsome Bingham to talk about her upcoming picture book, On Fridays, illustrated by Jason Griffin and published by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House. On…
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The Spark Experiment: Matt Manning & Matt Loux on Friendship, STEM, Creativity & Middle Grade Adventure | Reading in the Middle
What happens when science, imagination, and friendship collide? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries talks with Matt Manning and Matt Loux, the creative team behind The Spark Experiment, to delve into the engaging world they’ve built for middle-grade readers. Together, they...
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Jason Douglas on Jane American: Family History, Courage, and a Ringo Award-Winning Graphic Novel
What happens when a family story becomes an award-winning graphic novel? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with Ringo Award-winning author and educator Jason Douglas about Jane American, a powerful coming-of-age graphic novel inspired by his grandmother's life…
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What Makes a Good Leader? Trevor B. Spisto on The Tiger and the Crane | Reading in the Middle
What happens when compassion and fear collide? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with Trevor B. Spisto, author of The Tiger and the Crane, a compelling middle-grade novel set in Qing-era China. Together, they explore the story of Mung, a young crane who...
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Exploring Japan Through Graphic Novels with Matthew Loux | My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain | Reading in the Middle
What happens when a family trip to Japan turns into an adventure filled with yokai, samurai, festivals, and magical portals? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with author and illustrator Matthew Loux about his newest graphic novel, My Journey to Japan: Escape…
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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,...
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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...
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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 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…
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Middle Grade Fantasy Author Interview: Chip Reeves on The Authentic Imaginings of Oscar White
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha chats with debut indie author Chip Reeves about his middle-grade fantasy novel, The Authentic Imaginings of Oscar White. Oscar White is an ordinary-sized boy with a vivid imagination. When he falls into a forest pond while avoiding bullies, he...
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Healing After War: KG Mach on Present, Still Missing | Middle Grade Historical Fiction
In this engaging episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries speaks with middle-grade author KG Mach about her heartfelt historical novel, Present, Still Missing. Set just after World War II, the story follows twelve-year-old Irene Bracken as she waits for her father to return from…
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Decodable Texts, Dyslexia, and Access: A Conversation with Sue Marasciulo
In Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews Sue Marasciulo about making reading accessible for children, especially those with dyslexia. Sue, a former special ed teacher and creator of decodable graphic novels, explains how her Pat & Pals series builds confidence and joy in reading...
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Breakout Author Christina Wyman Interview | Middle Grade Book Release 2026
Today on Reading in the Middle, I’m joined by USA Today–bestselling author Christina Wyman to celebrate the release of her latest middle-grade novel, *Breakout*. In this touching and funny story, we meet Ellis Starr — an eighth grader who loves studying active volcanoes but dislikes that her acne...
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What Does It Mean to Win? | Donna Galanti on The Secret Winners Club
What happens when kids who feel overlooked finally discover their power? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha sits down with Donna Galanti to discuss her middle-grade novel, The Secret Winners Club, a story about belonging, visible differences, bullying, and the true cost of winning....
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A Princess, A Heart Witch, and Destiny: Tulip Moody on The Spell That Named Her
Annisha Jeffries interviews author Tulip Moody about her fantasy novel The Spell That Named Her, featuring a princess navigating rejection, hidden magic, mysterious dreams, and powerful forces shaping her destiny. A compelling conversation about courage, identity, and belonging for middle-grade...
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Why HBCUs Matter: A Conversation with The HBCU Crew Author Bridgette Hickman
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha talks with Bridgette Hickman, author of The HBCU Crew, about introducing young readers to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. They explore HBCU history, culture, and pride, discuss the characters Monet, Keni, and CJ, and examine why...
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Cracking Codes and Crossing Borders: James Ponti Takes the City Spies to EUROPA
New York Times bestselling author James Ponti joins Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle to discuss his latest City Spies novel, EUROPA. They explore puzzles, teamwork, leadership, and close reading, as well as how characters like Kat, Sydney, and Paris solve high-stakes mysteries. James…
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Mystery, Mayhem, and Middle Grade with author, Taryn Souders
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews middle-grade author Taryn Souders about her latest book, Secrets of the Broken House, as well as mysteries, memorable characters, and her creative process. Taryn discusses how she developed Tucker Stephens and the quirky...
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Finding Your Power with Judd Winick | Hilo Presents: The Mighty
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews New York Times bestselling author Judd Winick about his latest graphic novel, Hilo Presents: The Mighty. They discuss Miranda Luna’s adventure, superhero tales, humor blended with heartfelt moments, and how books assist...
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Mischief, Mood Swings & Middle Grade Magic with Megan McDonald
Join host Annisha Jeffries for an engaging and lively interview with bestselling author Megan McDonald, known for creating the beloved Judy Moody series, the Stink spin-off, and the early-chapter-book Fairy Door Diaries. We explore: how Megan’s librarian background influences her storytelling…
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Talking The Aftermyth with Tracy Wolff
In this episode, I have a conversation with Tracy Wolff, the #1 New York Times, USA Today, International, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and creator of the Crave series. We discuss her brand-new middle-grade fantasy, The Aftermyth* (Book One), published by Simon and Schuster. Penelope...
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Inside Derrick Barnes’s New Novel The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze: A Conversation on Worth, Talent, and Belonging
Award-winning author Derrick Barnes joins Reading in the Middle to discuss his compelling new middle-grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze. In this interview, we discuss themes such as Black boyhood, identity, family, community expectations, and the emotional toll of being defined by...
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Most Anticipating Books for 2026 with Karen Reeder
In this special bonus episode, Annisha teams up with Educator Karen Reeder from Book Huddle Podcast to showcase some of the most exciting middle-grade and children's books set for 2026. They discuss early highlights, emerging themes, and stories that are likely to resonate with readers in…
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Talking middle grade books with celebrated author Angie Thomas
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…
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Feeling seen with Freddy the Alien authors Jonathan Del Arco & Trisha DiFazio
Welcome to Reading in the Middle, where we explore the stories that help kids understand themselves and the world around them. I’m your host, Annisha Jeffries. Today’s episode centers on a book that speaks directly to children who feel different, unheard, or unsure where they belong. Jonathan Del...
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Talking middle grade books with celebrated author Angie Thomas
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…
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Into the Wild Magic with Michelle Knudsen
A thoughtful conversation with Michelle Knudsen about Into the Wild Magic, published by Candlewick Press, exploring quiet bravery, complicated friendships, and building emotionally grounded fantasy worlds for young readers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Laughing, Friendship, and AI: Lance Rubin on Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with Lance Rubin, author of the brilliant new middle-grade novel Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend, a hilarious, relatable story about a kid who’s terrible at making friends but finds himself knee-deep in high-tech chaos and...
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When Friendship Reverses: Rian N. Jenkins on Middle School, First Love & Finding Your Voice
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...
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When Friendship Reverses: Rian N. Jenkins on Middle School, First Love & Finding Your Voice
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...
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Behind the Curtain: Lindsay Champion on Cast vs. Crew
Step backstage with us on this episode of Reading in the Middle as I welcome Lindsay Champion, lifelong theater geek, NYU Tisch graduate, former Features Editor at Broadway.com, and the author behind the middle-grade series Cast vs. Crew: Setting the Stage and the YA novel Someday, Somewhere....
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Carolyn Leiloglou on Creating The Restorationists & Beyond the Far Horizon
Join host Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle for a candid conversation with Carolyn Leiloglou, award-winning author of the middle-grade fantasy trilogy Beneath the Swirling Sky, Between Flowers and Bones, and the brand-new release Beyond the Far Horizon. In this episode, we cover: 📖 The...
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Alan Barillaro on Bunns Rabbit
Today on Reading in the Middle, we hop into imagination, wonder, and the tiniest big emotions with Oscar-winning filmmaker and author Alan Barillaro, whose newest book Bunns Rabbit is a quiet, luminous triumph. In this conversation, we explore: 🌱 How Bunns Rabbit grew from a spark of curiosity...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the captivating world of middle-grade books, hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Librarian and literary enthusiast. Each episode dives into stories that inspire and entertain readers ages 8 to 12. Join Annisha as she discusses the latest and greatest in middle-grade literature, shares insights on character development, themes, and writing styles, and reads exciting excerpts to bring these books to life. Whether you're a parent or an educator, "Reading in the Middle" is your gateway to discovery.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Annisha Jeffries
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Reading in The Middle have?
Reading in The Middle currently has 106 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Reading in The Middle about?
Welcome to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the captivating world of middle-grade books, hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Librarian and literary enthusiast. Each episode dives into stories that inspire and entertain readers ages 8 to 12. Join Annisha as she discusses the latest...
How often does Reading in The Middle release new episodes?
Reading in The Middle publishes regularly with 106 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Reading in The Middle?
You can listen to Reading in The Middle on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Reading in The Middle?
Reading in The Middle is created and hosted by Annisha Jeffries.
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