Read to Write Kidlit Podcast

Jen Calonita writes books that immediately take you away. If you are looking for a whimsical, yet tense at times mystery-fantasy, then you should listen to our latest episode! We read Isle of Ever, which is book one in the latest series by Jen Calonita. It’s short, packs a punch, and is full of a lively cast of characters. We talk about the “secret ingredient” to writing engaging fantasy as well as plotting, reading strategies, and how to just have fun while writing.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Did you like our episode? Please give us a review and share it with your friends! Every little bit helps us grow. You can purchase Jen's books and learn more about her on her website: www.jencalonitaonline.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Sometimes you just have to cry.Sad books are therapeutic. It gives you a place to explore grief, whether you have personally experienced it or not. They help you identify and release emotions you may not understand at the moment. Nicole Miliner’s Trouble With Secrets is a “cozy” place to cry. Did we cry? Yes. Did we feel love and hope? Also, yes.Order your copy of The Trouble with Secrets and join in our conversation! (You don’t have to have read it to enjoy and learn from our podcast, but it may help enrich the experience.)You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Did you like our episode? Please give us a review and share it with your friends! Every little bit helps us grow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

"What is hard for an adult to say is easy for a kid to hear." These were one of many words of wisdom we gained from our interview with James Bird. Our reading of No Place Like Home and the following interview with Bird gave us so much to think about and to practice with in our writing journey. This book is one of those that leave you speechless and wondering “how did he write this?” We hope you will join us in reading and talking about this middle grade novel, No Place Like Home.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.Purchase No Place Like Home by James Bird here! You can also follow him on Instagram and learn more on his website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Have you ever been captivated by a book’s cover? The cover of Tara Dairman’s middle grade novel, The Girl From Earth’s End, is exactly one of those books. The cover is stunning and the more you look, the more you wonder. And then you open the book and the pages are decorated with cute flowers-not only on the chapters but on each page.The vibes are whimsical and we were ready for some whimsy!As we read, did the whimsy continue? You bet it did. Listen to our latest interview with auhor, Tara Dairman, and hear all about the journey of The Girl From Earth’s End and where Tara is headed next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Did you like our episode? Please give us a review and share it with your friends! Every little bit helps us grow. Favorite lines: * Alexis: “these notes were softer, swirlier. In concert, almost, with the waves rolling below, like he was trying to accompany the sea.”* Brittany: “Flowers, her brain said first, because wasn’t she always surrounded by flowers?”We would love to hear your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.Music credits: Will SaulnierMeet Tara DairmanTara Dairman writes middle-grade novels and picture books about kids with strong passions and big questions about the world. Tara’s books include The Girl from Earth’s End, the All Four Stars series, The Great Hibernation, Go, Baby, Go! (illustrated by Olivia Amoah) and Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy (illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan). These titles have been named to best-of-the-year lists by A Mighty Girl, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and more. Tara has traveled to more than 90 countries, and now lives in Colorado.“She/her” or “they/them” are great pronouns to use when referring to Tara. (from Tara’s website)About The Girl From Earth’s Endby Tara Dairmanpublished by Candlewick Press on March 14, 2023ISBN: 978-1536224801cover art by Chantal Horeisages 8 and up☆ A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year☆ A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year☆ A Judy Lopez Memorial Book Award Honor Book☆ A Junior Library Guild selection☆ Starred reviews from School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly☆ An Amazon Best Book of the Month (ages 9-12)☆ Finalist for the Colorado Book Award☆ 2024-25 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award listGifted gardener Henna embarks from her island home to search for the plant that might save her papa’s life in this vibrant story of love, grief, and growth.Twelve-year-old Henna loves living with her two papas and cultivating her beloved plants on the tiny island of Earth’s End—until Papa Niall grows seriously ill. Now Henna is determined to find a legendary, long-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers, even though the search means journeying all the way to St. Basil’s Conservatory, a botanical boarding school rumored to house seeds of every plant ever grown. At St. Basil’s, Henna is surrounded not only by incredible plants, but also, for the first time, by other kids—including her new roommates: wisecracking, genderfluid P, who gleefully bends every rule they come up against, and wealthy, distant Lora, who is tired of servants doing everything for her, from folding her clothes to pushing her wheelchair. But Henna’s search for the fabled healing seed means she doesn’t have time for friends, or so she thinks.This tender tale, blossoming with moments of joy, is a story of hope, grief, and learning to flourish with a little help from those around you.Other editions: Audiobook version by Recorded Books, narrated by Stacy Gonzalez.Description from Tara’s website.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadFebruary is quickly approaching and we are excited to share that we will have James Bird on our show to talk about writing No Place Like Home!February’s read: No Place Like Home by James BirdLooking backYou want to know about another whimsical book we loved?Brittany’s own middle grade novel, Rules to a Legacy, will scratch the whimsy-itch for sure! Are you looking for some more plant love? But maybe with a sci-fi twist? We also loved Moongarden by Michelle Barry! You can listen to our talk with Michelle in a previous episode. Read to Write Kidlit is a free resource for writers. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!Please consider supporting our work by sharing this newsletter with a friend.On Apple Podcasts? Leave us a review so others can find us!Thank you for your continued support. Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Kalyn Josephson is a NYT Bestselling author of both middle grade and young adult novels. Flashback a few years: Shortly after we started reading books together and discussing them as writing critique partners, we read Ravenfall. It’s a book right up both of our alleys and we both really enjoyed talking about the structure and setting of the book.Flash forward to now: This month we wanted to reread the novel because rereading has come up on the podcast many times and we thought we should put it into practice. It was a lot of fun to take annotations anew and then look back at notes we had written from our first read.Here are a few of our favorite lines:* Alexis: I wonder if holding everything in ever really made me strong, or if it just made me hurt all the more.* Also…Embrace the weird.* Brittany: The plants whisper, sliding closer together and sealing off the alcove. A moment later I hear a crunch of gravel, and Colin’s worried voice calling, “Ann’s? Anna, are you up here?” “It’s okay,” I tell the house. “He can come in.”Read her book and share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierMeet Kalyn JosephsonKalyn Josephson is a NYT Bestselling author, sometimes-baker, and full-time consumer of too much tea. She lives on the California coast with two tiny black cats in a house in constant need of repair. She is the author of the Ravenfall series, The Storm Crow duology, and the This Dark Descent duology.About RavenfallNew York Times bestsellerGoodreads Best MG Book of 2022 NomineeBarnes and Noble book club pick for October 2023Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay has never been normal, even by her psychic family’s standards. Every generation uses their abilities to help run the Ravenfall Inn, a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. But it’s hard to contribute when your only power is foreseeing death.So when fourteen-year-old Colin Pierce arrives at Ravenfall searching for his missing older brother and the supernatural creature who killed their parents, Anna jumps at the chance to help. But the mysteries tied to Colin go much deeper than either of them expects. . . .As the two team up to find answers, they unearth Colin’s family’s secret past and discover that Colin has powers beyond his imagination. And now the supernatural creature, one with eerie origins in Celtic mythology, is coming after him. If Anna and Colin can’t stop the creature by Halloween night, the veil to the Otherworld could be ripped open—which would spell destruction for their world as they know it.Out now from Penguin Random House.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadWe will be taking December off for the holidays, but we will be back in January! January’s read: The Girl from Earth’s End by Tara DairmanWe would love to hear what you thought about our show-so leave us a comment or DM. Thank you for your continued support. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!On Apple Podcasts? Leave us a review so others can find us!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Lindsay Currie is an award-winning middle grade author widely known for her spooky stories, but she is also making her way into the mystery realm! In Season 2, we spoke with Lindsay on her middle grade mystery, The Mystery of Locked Rooms. You can listen to it here. In that episode we learned that there would be a sequel (and potentially even more books) and we knew we had to have her back. Lindsay Currie shares her knowledge of writing craft, series construction, as well as tips on sharing work with critique partners.Here are a few of our favorite lines from her book that really illustrate why we love Lindsay’s books.* Alexis: (minor foreshadowing/spoiler) “But now it’s open, and don’t worry, if there’s anything really cool, I’ll remember it and tell you.” “Hey!” William says, acting offended. “I do not need Escape City’s ideas. When I do expand the Delta Game, I’ll be using my own ideas thank you very much.” “Honorable,” West says.* Brittany: whenever West calls Hanna “Hanna Bananna”Read her book and share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierMeet Lindsay CurrieLindsay Currie is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of mysteries for young readers, including the Delta Games series and It’s Watching. She grew up on Nancy Drew and loves a good twisty tale. When she’s not writing, Lindsay can generally be found looking for an adventure of her own. She loves researching forgotten history and recently relocated from Chicago to a 220 acre farm in downstate Illinois where she finally gets to see stars every night, and take hikes every day.About The House With No KeysNOW A USA TODAY BESTSELLER! ​This sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling book The Mystery of Locked Rooms follows the beloved Deltas as they race to complete the most challenging escape room they’ve ever faced...and confront their fears in order to save their friendship.When a strange invitation shows up in Sarah’s backpack, the Delta’s learn that their favorite funhouse, The Delta Game, is about to get some serious competition. The “Mystery Mansion” is opening just miles away and the ominous and cryptic owner has invited Sarah, West, and Hannah to come test it on opening day. It claims to be the biggest and best escape house ever, and based on the photos of gleaming rooms filled with high-tech puzzles, it just might be.What’s more, the kids have been offered a ten-thousand-dollar prize if they escape the house. For some reason, West and Hannah seem very interested in the cash prize, but the three friends are torn because they really don’t want to be a walking advertisement for a competitor to The Delta Game. After all, that funhouse changed their lives, Sarah’s life especially.But maybe the only way to keep the funhouse, and their friend William Taters in business, is to accept the invite to this new Mystery Mansion, escape it in record time, and show just how lame and easy it is by comparison. The trio arrive at the mansion on opening day, armed with their “fortune favors the bold” attitude. But they quickly learn that nothing is as it seems . . . and unfortunately this time, not everyone plays fair.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadA blast from the past! Join us for a talk with Kalyn Josephson, the author of the Ravenfall series and one of the first books we read as “writers” together! We are so excited to talk with Kalyn about this book that has stuck with us for a couple years. It’s also perfect for the fall! We would love to hear what you thought about our show-so leave us a comment or DM. Thank you for your continued support. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!On Apple Podcasts? Leave us a review so others can find us!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

How much do you know about the Dust Bowl? Maybe you’ve seen some powerful photographs illustrating the struggles of the Great Depression or the power of Black Sunday? As we read Alyssa Colman’s Where Only Storms Grow we discovered that we really experienced and “felt” history more than we could in photographs from the time.We talked with Alyssa Colman and discussed writing historical fiction and how she developed her novel in our latest episode. We discussed how she really brings history to life through powerful characters, strong figurative language, and engaging scenes. Here are a few of our favorite lines from her book that really illustrate her use of language:* Alexis: “I thought how the dominoes were like twins. On one side they were the same, on the other, completely different.”* Brittany: “It goes to show, if you bury your troubles in the ground, they tend to grow.”Read her book and share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierMeet Alyssa ColmanAlyssa Colman is the author of Where Only Storms Grow, which has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, the Writer’s Digest All Ages Read of 2025, and was featured in Time for Kids. Her other books include The Tarnished Garden and The Gilded Girl, which won the 2021 Northern Lights Book Award for middle grade fantasy and was a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. Alyssa is a graduate of Wake Forest University and resides in Virginia. When she’s not writing, she enjoys making messes in the kitchen with her kids and scaring her husband with DIY home improvements. About Where Only Storms GrowFor Fans of the I Survived series and The War That Saved My Life, this gripping middle grade novel is set during one of the most dangerous storms in American history.It’s been four years since rain fell on the Oklahoma panhandle and the closeness between the Stanton twins has dried up as much as the land. Howe has been practicing running away and longs for the family to quit this land of dust where only troubles grow. Despite the scoliosis that causes Joanna near-constant pain, she isn’t ready to give up like her brother. But when Daddy leaves the family behind to find work in California, saving the farm from ruin falls on Howe’s unwilling and Joanna’s uneven shoulders.To pay the family’s debts, Joanna takes a job at the local hospital and discovers purpose in helping others. Meanwhile, Howe finds unexpected joy in caring for his father’s horse and escapes in a borrowed book.But then a tragedy in town reveals the dust’s deadly dangers. With the worst storm of the Dust Bowl bearing down on their home, Howe and Joanna must put aside their differences and work together, or everyone and everything they love will be lost to the dust.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadSeason 3 is in full swing! Coming in October…Lindsay Currie! Yes, a repeat author to talk about the sequel to her mystery middle grade. We spoke with Lindsay about book one of the Delta Games series, Mystery of Locked Rooms, and are excited to get to talk with her about the sequel, The House with No Keys!Take a look at our podcast from last October and make sure to read the sequel! We would love to hear what you thought about our show-so leave us a comment or DM. Thank you for your continued support. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!On Apple Podcasts? Leave us a review so others can find us!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Messages about caring for the world we live in cannot come at more important time in our lives-and this is book is a great way to discuss environmentalism.We met with Kali Wallace and discussed writing in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and environmental fantasy, as well as pacing, plotting, and maybe…not plotting. (Really, finding what works for you!)Here are a few of our favorite lines from her book. You’ll see that we chose two very different quotes, yet they illustrate Kali’s talents as a writer in the way she can beautifully (and succinctly) describe this world. * Alexis: page 13 “As they stared down at it, the plum blossomed into a five-petaled flower. It resembled a plum blossom, except that in its center, where a cluster of stamens would normally sur- round the pistil, there was a tight yellow knot of something that looked soft, almost feathery. That little yellow shape trembled and elongated, as though waking up from a nap with a lazy stretch. With one short, en- ergetic shake, it spread open to reveal butterfly wings. It wasn’t a proper butterfly, as it had no body or legs, but the wings fluttered and it rose a few inches into the air, its bright yellow color seeming to glow. Nick gasped in delight. Her surprise turned to dismay when the butterfly wobbled and tumbled to the ground. Its wings were uneven and crin-kled; it tried again but could not lift more than an inch off the ground. After the second try, it collapsed into the mud, the gleaming yellow now muted.”* Brittany: Page 128 “The whole hillside of giants had a hushed, reverent feel to it.” Share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Kali WallaceKali Wallace studied geology and earned a PhD in geophysics before she realized she enjoyed inventing imaginary worlds more than she liked researching the real one. She is the author of science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels for adults, teens, and children, as well as a number of short stories and essays. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. - Bio from Kali’s websiteAbout The Secrets of UnderhillAn eleven-year-old apprentice fights to save an ancient grove of magical trees that hold the key to her community's survival in this page-turning fantasy adventure. Perfect for middle grade fans of Kelly Barnhill and Jessica Townsend.Nick Sixsmith has spent her whole life on the road. The daughter of a traveling arborist, she moves with her mother from town to town, caring for the ironwood groves the communities rely upon. When a dangerous blight takes hold of these magical trees, they must journey to the city of Mistwood--her mother's hometown--for answers.Nick can't wait to explore the prosperous city of Mistwood and all it has to offer: bustling markets and workshops, neighborhoods built under a roaring waterfall, and the vast ancestral grove of ironwood trees. But dark secrets simmer beneath the surface as people start to disappear and tensions rise in the city.As the mystery grows, Nick and her new friends from Mistwood must follow the trail where it leads them: underground, to a strange, enchanting world called Underhill. Only there, among the roots of the ancestral grove, will Nick find a way to save her new home and the ironwood trees.This immersive fantasy adventure combines vivid world-building with timely themes of environmentalism, and young readers will be riveted until the final page. -Summary from Kali’s websiteThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadWe have wrapped up Season 2! Thank you for being here with us-keep an eye on your inbox for a quick survey as well as when Season 3 kicks off! We would love to hear what you thought about our show-so leave us a comment or DM. Thank you for your continued support. Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Looking for an entertaining read full of awkward teen love and friendships? Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend is that book.Join us as we talked with Brandon Hoàng about writing strong characters, choosing an audience for your story, and more on writing and creating. Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:* Alexis: Her fingers touching mine. Her warmth cut through the cold dough. Her fingertips trickled over my knuckles as if in slow-motion. This wasn’t a graze or a brushing. This was a full-on touch. The kind of touch that sucked all the oxygen out of the room. The kind that made you promise to God that you’d never indulge in another sin if it meant getting ten more seconds. I had to keep reminding myself that it would be rude for me to race out of the kitchen and call Preston. No one would be believe me anyway. I know I wouldn't.  “I’m doing the masa mash. Ha.” God. I hated myself. What was I doing? There she was opening up to me about her parents’ crumbling marriage, and here I was making dorky jokes like some sitcom dad. Was this all it took to stop my neurons from firing?* Brittany: There were many lines that I highlighted because they resonated with me for one reason or another but one section had me thinking well past closing the back cover.  (pg.219-22) The section begins …“I know her.” His spittle sprayed across my cheek. I didn’t dare to wipe it off. “I know her type. They’re all alike…” This was a tough moment with one of the side characters that really illustrates Brandon’s character techniques.Share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Brandon HoàngBrandon Hoàng grew up reading Babysitter’s Club books, among other classics, and fans of BSC will love his Young Adult debut, Gloria Buenrostro is Not My Girlfriend. Brandon has also other books released and coming soon! Make sure to check out his website to stay in the know.About Gloria Buenrostro is Not My GirlfriendGary Võ is one of the few Vietnamese kids in his school and has been shy for as long as he can remember--being ignored and excluded by his classmates comes with the territory. So when the most popular guy in his grade offers Gary the opportunity to break into his inner circle, Gary jumps at the chance. All he needs to do is steal the prized possession of the most beautiful and untouchable girl they know--Gloria Buenrostro.But as Gary gets to know Gloria, he's taken in by her authenticity and genuine interest in who he really is. Soon, they're best friends. Being part of the "in crowd" has always been Gary's dream, but as he comes closer to achieving infamy, he risks losing the first person who recognizes his true self. Gary must consider if any amount of popularity is worth losing a true friend.There’s also a playlist! Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadWe have one more read and interview to wrap up season 2! Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Secret Garden + Divergent = Moongarden.Join us as we talked with Michelle A Barry about writing her science fiction series, Moongarden. We touched on plotting, planning, magic systems, and tying middle school life into it all in our latest podcast. Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:* Brittany: “The public will never accept a garden.”* Alexis: “I turn in a circle marveling at what my magic can do even if it don’t know how I’m doing it.”Share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Michelle A Barry Michelle has worn many hats, including working as a newspaper reporter, freelance writer and editor, and marketing professional. Barry currently has three books published, but listen to our podcast for more about her history of writing as well as what is coming!About Moongarden"Moongarden blooms with heart and adventure. A stellar update of The Secret Garden, woven with a little science-fiction, a lot of magic, a vibrant heroine, and a plucky robot sidekick to rival R2D2." —Victoria Aveyard, New York Times bestselling author.The Secret Garden meets The City of Ember. Failed climate change policy, an intergalactic conspiracy, and the magical, unlikely heroine who could unearth it all. An explosive STEAM-inspired series starter perfect for young change makers.Centuries ago, Earth’s plants turned deadly, and humanity took to space to cultivate new homes. Myra Hodger is in her first year at an elite school on the Moon, and she’s crumbling under the pressure. She doesn’t fit in and, worse, the tattoos that signal her Number Whisperer magic aren’t developing. In her heart, she knows she doesn’t have a Creer, and soon everyone else will, too.Wandering the halls while cutting class, she discovers a secret lab hidden behind one of the unused classrooms and, beyond that, a secret garden overflowing with plants. Dangerous toxic plants.As she learns more about the garden, Myra begins to wonder if she does have a Creer after all—one that died out when the Earth did. One that could help solve the food shortages the government doesn’t want anyone to know about.Re-envisioning The Secret Garden for a new generation, Moongarden weaves together STEAM themes and intense social pressures in a stunning series starter, and introduces a dynamic heroine who might just grow a revolution.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Plotting, outlines, multiple points of view, and developing distinct characters are some of the things we talked with Allie Millington about today after reading her latest Middle Grade novel, Once for Yes.Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:* Alexis: “Friendships are like water leaks. Who knows how they start.”* Brittany: “But sometimes it’s the things you lose that are the heaviest to hold.”Share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Allie MillingtonAllie is the author of two middle grade novels and has also released her first book in a picture book series. Allie’s first middle grade book Olivetti received numerous accolades including USA Today Bestseller and Indie Bookstore Bestseller.About Once for YesFrom the author of the national bestseller, Olivetti, praised by Tom Hanks as "a great favor" for readers.This heartfelt novel celebrates the healing power of community and the endurance of love, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Peter Brown.The Odenburgh, an old apartment building made of brick and blunt opinions, is the last of its kind in a swiftly changing neighborhood. After years of putting up with people and their many problems, the Odenburgh knows there’s no point in getting attached. They all just leave eventually. A truth that comes all too soon when the building is sold and slated for demolition, giving tenants a month to move out. No one is more troubled by the news than eleven-year-old Prue, who refuses to leave her family’s apartment. Not when it was the last place she lived with her sister Lina, before she lost Lina forever. When Prue launches a plan to save their home, the Odenburgh joins in—flickering lights, jamming elevators, triggering fire alarms—all to try and bring a building full of bickering residents together. In the process, Prue meets Lewis, an eccentric boy who lives across the street—and the only one who can help her discover the missing elements of her sister’s story. Heartfelt and bursting with a community of unique characters, Once For Yes is a testament to the endurance of love and the people we carry with us, wherever we go.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Tackling tough topics, book banning, current events, prologues, and growth. These are some of the things we talked with Elly Swartz about today after reading her latest Middle Grade novel, Same Page.Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:* Alexis: “Kids can handle more than we’re given credit for. Books are a good way to learn and talk about stuff that’s hard. They’re way better than sitting alone, scrolling for information and answers on our phones.” I pause. “Trust me.”* Brittany: Bess says: “What good is having the courage to speak up for something if nothing changes?”Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Elly SwartzAbout the bookFrom the beloved author of Hidden Truths comes a novel about take-charge sixth grader Bess Stein, who brings together friends and a group of rockstar librarians called the Book Warriors to fight a book ban happening at her middle school.Bess Stein is more than ready to be 6th grade class president. She’s got tons of ideas—including a book vending machine—and her new friend June is beside her as vice-president. Together, they’re unstoppable.But when the books the girls want included in the vending machine come under fire, Bess is stunned. How can one person believe they have the right to decide what other people can read? It turns out that June’s mom is leading the fight, and now everything’s a mess.Bess misses June—but she wants to make sure kids who might like these books get the chance to read them, even if it means she and June can’t be friends. With such different opinions, will they ever be on the same page?A special message and offer from Elly!A New Book ClubDo you love book clubs?Me, too!Do you think school librarians are the best?Me, too!In honor of School Library Month, as a way of celebrating and showing my immense gratitude to all the school librarian Book Warriors, I am starting a new book club!Let’s Talk!A Book Club with Elly Swartz ~ Navigating big, small, and sometimes confusing feelingsThe way it worksYou get:*Free virtual 30 minute Q & A with author Elly Swartz*A Book Club Guide with discussion questions and activitiesAll you need to do is:Purchase a minimum of 25 copies of SAME PAGE, HIDDEN TRUTHS, and/or DEAR STUDENT (you can even mix and match, paperback and hard cover)Then let’s pick a date and dive in!This offer runs until the end of the school year. But you can schedule for the fall! Dm or email me at [email protected] with questions and to get on the calendar!Happy reading, friends!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Writing characters with unique voices, staying in the middle grade voice with dialogue, and using a timeless character such as vampires, but putting your own spin on it, are some of the topics we discussed with Kalynn Bayron.As we read, there were two passages that stood out to us:* Brittany: I toss my phone onto my bed and go find my mom, who tells me she thinks folding laundry is kind of relaxing and I just don’t get why she lies to me like that.* Alexis: I tabbed so many lines that had modern references (midnight/twilight, man talking about aliens and the Great Pyramid) but overall my favorites were quotes from Cedric- “I’m so mad at y’all. You saw the mask up close?” He tilts his head back and closes his eyes. “Y’all don’t even love me at all. I know it.” Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Kalynn Bayron Kalynn Bayron is the New York Times Bestselling author of Young Adult and Middle Grade books. The Vanquishers is book one of a series, the third book of which was just recently released, and has won numerous accolades including Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, Kids Indie Next Selection, Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review, Waterstones Book of the Month and 2024 Lone Star Reading List Pick. About The VanquishersTwelve-year-old Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of masked vampire hunters who wiped out the last hoard of the undead decades ago. For kids today, vampires feel more like fun comic book fodder than real life, and the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews are long gone.But when a new student, Aaron, joins Boog's crew, and goes missing after a school fundraiser, the kids suspect a vampire was involved. Boog is convinced their school counselor, Mr. Rupert, is hiding something and she is determined to save Aaron. No one ever expected The Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, they know who to call.Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Watchmen, this adventure launches readers into an exciting new series. - summary from Kalynn’s website.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Dragon elements with history, character goals, and navigating multiple POVs in a story are some of the writing themes we talked about with Sam Subity.As we read, we noticed two passages that really stood out to us.* Brittany: “Maybe, even, they are miles and miles away beside the same river. I let my fingertips trail into the water and imagine they are doing the same and our fingers touch.” pg. 105 * Alexis: “Would the thaw bring enemy soldiers flooding over their border like a river swollen with melting snow?” pg. 8Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Sam SubitySam Subity is the author of two wonderful middle grade fantasy novels, The Last Shadow Warrior and Valor Wings. His books are full of adventure and fantasy and are always a great escape. You can read more about him and his books as well as author visits and…his data on Middle Grade publishing at his website.Valor WingsEveryone in Iris’s small English village avoids the dragon in the woods. Everyone, that is, except for Iris. She knows Galahad would never hurt her—she’s been caring for the dragon since he lost his mother when he was a baby. When Galahad is accused of stealing military rations, Iris strikes a bargain that will spare Galahad’s life…but send him off to the war brewing in Europe. Soon after, she receives news that her brother is among the troops trapped in France by the advancing German army. Refusing to give up hope, Iris devises a desperate plan that will either save both her brother and her best friend—or end in disaster.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Playing with language, building a town of characters, and blending history and fiction are some of the topics we covered with Taryn Souders. You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout the author Middle school teacher turned author, Taryn Souders currently lives in Florida with her husband and three kids, two cats, and one dog! She has written 4 middle grade mysteries and 1 picture book. Taryn’s writing is full of humor, tension, and great characters! You can read more about her and her books on her website.About the bookWhen Grady and his dad learn the town oddball, Eudora “Kooky” Klinch left something for them in her will, they can only imagine what it might be. When it turns out it’s an old piece of embroidery, they are bitterly disappointed. But it comes with a note saying, “This is no ordinary piece of needlework. It’s a treasure map. Riddles and Clues. To the victor go the riches.” Grady’s dad dismisses it, but Grady thinks this could be the chance of a lifetime.But when someone tries to break into Grady’s house one night, and then the local antiques expert who examined the tapestry later dies, Grady realizes that he’s not the only one who wants the treasure. There’s more at risk than he bargained for, and solving this mystery just got a lot more dangerous.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadWe hope you will read and listen with us! Get your TBR ready-we will be reading Valor Wings by Sam Subity in January, The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron in February, and Same Page by Elly Swartz in March. Look for our future posts to share your thoughts and questions about these books. Now get writing!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Lindsay Currie discusses taking a chance when something captures your attention, being inspired by other writers, and how she wrote The Mystery of Locked Rooms!Twelve-year-old Sarah Greene wants nothing more from her seventh-grade year than to beat the hardest escape room left in her town with her best friends, West, and Hannah. But when a foreclosure notice shows up on Sarah's front door, everything changes. Since her father became ill two years ago, things have been bad, but not lose your house bad...until now. Sarah feels helpless until the day Hannah mentions a treasure rumored to be hidden in the walls of an abandoned funhouse. According to legend, Hans, Stefan, and Karl Stein were orphaned at eight years old and lived with different families until they were able to reunite as adults. Their dream was to build the most epic funhouse in existence. They wanted their experience to be more than mirror mazes and optical illusions, so they not only created elaborate riddles and secret passages, but they also claimed to have hidden a treasure inside the funhouse. ​Once in, Sarah, West, and Hannah realize the house is unlike any escape room they've attempted. There are challenges, yes, but they feel personal. Like the triplets knew who would get in. It seems impossible, but so does everything about the house. As soon as they're in she immediately worries that attempting the funhouse is a bad idea but Sarah has no choice but to continue, since her future is at stake. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

We are so excited to kick off Season 2 with you all. Our first guest this season is Wendy Parris-author of two spooky middle grade novels. Today we focused on her latest release, Stage Fright.Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, a writing challenge, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with Wendy.Stage Fright by Wendy ParrisA new locked room scary story about thirteen-year-old Avery, who plans a séance at a deserted theater to bond with her friends, only to realize they’re locked inside with someone—or something—else. This spine tingling read is perfect for fans of Katherine Arden and Lindsay Currie!When Avery returns to her hometown after moving away a year earlier, she is hoping to jump back into her friend group as if nothing’s changed.Unfortunately, new interests, secret crushes, and changing dynamics get in her way. To reunite her BFFs, she suggests they host a séance at an abandoned theater that was the site of a horrible tragedy.What starts as a fun outing, soon becomes a fight for survival after the group gets locked in…and discovers they’re not alone.Follow UsFollow Alexis in all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today we welcome Joy McCullough. Joy debuted with a young adult novel in verse, Blood Water Paint, which went on to win numerous awards and honors. Since then, she has written picture books, middle grade, and more young adult. She’s also a playwright! Her latest novel is a middle grade novel, Basil and Dahlia: A Tragic Tale of Sinister Sweetness. We discuss how this was her first novel on submission (but not first to publish), writing a loose fairy tale retelling, unique narrators, and the power of trusting your gut. Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, a writing challenge, and what we are doing next. You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Our July read, Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness has an eye catching cover and fun illustrations sprinkled throughout the novel. We decided we had to have Shane Cluskey, the illustrator, on our show. This episode will give you a glimpse into the process of book covers and artwork in books as well as a look at how Shane creates his art.You can listen to our talk with author, Joy McCullough in our previous episode - Season 1 Episode 10.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

 Jasmine Warga, author and winner of countless awards, including a John Newbery Honor, a Walter Honor for Young Readers, and a Charlotte Huck Honor joined to discuss the writing process behind her acclaimed middle grade novel, A Rover’s Story.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. DiscussionWe would love to hear from our readers! What is your biggest takeaway from the podcast?Writing ChallengeJasmine Warga talks about the limitation of writing a novel with a non-human main character. We challenge our listeners to limit yourself in your writing by choosing a non-human main character. See where your creativity takes you.Thank you for listening and sharing! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierA Rover’s Story THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN MEETS THE WILD ROBOT IN THIS UNIQUE AND DEEPLY MOVING MIDDLE-GRADE NOVEL ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF A FICTIONAL MARS ROVER, FROM THE NEWBERY HONOR-WINNING AUTHOR OF OTHER WORDS FOR HOME.THE TALE OF A SMALL MACHINE WITH A BIG HEART…Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name.Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assemble him, he begins to develop human-like feelings. Maybe there’s a problem with his programming….Human emotions or not, launch day comes, and Res blasts off to Mars, accompanied by a friendly drone helicopter named Fly. But Res quickly discovers that Mars is a dangerous place filled with dust storms and giant cliffs. As he navigates Mars’s difficult landscape, Res is tested in ways that go beyond space exploration.As millions of people back on Earth follow his progress, will Res have the determination, courage -- and resilience -- to succeed…and survive?Looking AheadSeason 1 is almost coming to a close! Can you believe it? We will have Joseph Bruchac to talk about his book, Dawn Land, in July. August will feature a special giveaway contest-make sure you don’t miss out-subscribe right now!You can also join our discussion is we are reading the books on our Discord. Complete this form to join in!Are you an author who would like to be featured in a future episode? Send us a message at [email protected]. Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today we talked with middle grade author Dan Gemeinhart about writing, specifically with his novel, The Midnight Children.Dan Gemeinhart is an award winning and bestselling author known for his heartfelt stories including Some Kind of Courage, The Honest Truth, Scar Island, Good Dog, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and most recently, Coyote Lost and Found. Dan is here with us today to discuss his middle grade novel, The Midnight Children, a tale whose plot and tone are seeped in secrets and mystery and of course, heart! You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. DiscussionWe would love to hear from our readers! What is your biggest takeaway from the podcast?Writing ChallengeWe challenge our listeners to write a dark and humorous poem that really establishes tone. Stretch yourself. Test your limits. See where your creativity takes you.Thank you for listening and sharing! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierThe Midnight ChildrenMacmillan Publishers describe The Midnight Children below:The #1 New York Times and Indie bestseller! From Dan Gemeinhart, the acclaimed author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, comes an extraordinary story about a family of runaways who take up residence in a small town, and the outcast boy who finds his voice and his people—perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Kate DiCamillo."Dan Gemeinhart’s best yet and that’s saying something." —Padma Venkatraman, Walter Award-winning author of The Bridge HomeIn the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a small town curiously named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street, looking over their shoulders to make sure they aren't noticed.But Ravani Foster covertly witnesses their arrival from his bedroom window. Timid and lonely, Ravani is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What secrets are they hiding? And most mysterious of all...where are the adults?Yet amid this shadowy group of children, Ravani finds an unexpected friend in the warm and gutsy Virginia. But with this friendship comes secrets revealed—and danger. When Ravani learns of a threat to his new friends, he must fight to keep them safe, or lose the only person who has ever understood him. Full of wonder, friendship, and mystery, The Midnight Children explores the meaning of "home," what makes a family, and what it takes to find the courage to believe in yourself.* "A story of fierce friendship, bravery, loyalty, and finding—or making—a place to belong." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Equal parts Kate DiCamillo and Shirley Jackson, this book is unlike anything else I've ever read—you will love it." —Jonathan Auxier, New York Times-bestselling author of Night Gardener and Sweep: the Story of a Girl and her MonsterLooking AheadWe have amazing authors coming in future months! Order the books now and join our discussion. You can also join our discussion is we are reading the books on our Discord. Complete this form to join in!Are you an author who would like to be featured in a future episode? Send us a message at [email protected]. Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today we talked with two of the editors for the anthology On All Other Nights, Chris Baron and Naomi Milliner. Joshua S Levy is the third editor, but he was not able to join us.On All Other Nights is a joyful middle-grade anthology centered around Passover—from an exciting array of bestselling and award-winning Jewish creators.Welcome to Passover, a Jewish holiday that has been celebrated for thousands of years. The heart of Passover is the seder—a meal full of rituals, special foods, and songs—where we gather together to retell the story of the Exodus, when the Jewish people achieved freedom from Egypt. And yet this story is about more than the ancient past. The seder’s themes of freedom, joy, tradition, and more, are timeless and universal, for all. In this unprecedented collection of short stories, 14 bestselling and award-winning authors each reimagine a different step of the seder for today’s young readers. Through historical and contemporary fiction, verse and prose, fiction and nonfiction, these gifted writers from different Jewish traditions and backgrounds gather around the seder table and invite everyone to join them.Creators include Chris Baron (The Magical Imperfect), Ruth Behar (Lucky Broken Girl), Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark and Grimm), Veera Hiranandani (The Night Diary), Amy Ignatow (The Popularity Papers, Jedi Academy), Sarah Kapit (Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen, Joshua S. Levy (The Jake Show), Mari Lowe (Aviva vs. the Dybbuk), Naomi Milliner (Super Jake & The King of Chaos), Soifya Pasternack (Black Bird, Blue Road), R. M. Romero (The Dollmaker of Kraków), A. J. Sass (Ana on the Edge), Laura Shovan (The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary), and Laurel Snyder (Orphan Island, Charlie & Mouse).You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. DiscussionWe would love to hear from our readers! Have you written flash fiction or short stories before? How is that experience different from other forms of writing?Writing ChallengeWe challenge our listeners to write a short story in under 500 words! Stretch yourself. Test your limits. See where your creativity takes you.Thank you for listening and sharing! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierOn All Other Nights* "Unusual, entertaining, and deeply moving." — Kirkus* "A strong candidate for strengthening and diversifying school and public library's holiday collections."— School Library Journal* "A festive reflection of Judaism's limitless range."— BooklistLooking AheadWe have amazing authors coming in future months! Order the books now and join our discussion.Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today’s guest writes books that are best described with these words: Award Winning. Real Challenges. Resilience. Humor. Barbara Dee is the author of 14 middle grade novels and is the QUEEN (in our opinion) of capturing that middle grade voice as well as depicting tough topics in an accessible way for kids. Our talk with Barbara Dee was full of strategies on how to write authentic voices, chapter titles, and keeping tension solid throughout the book to keep readers turning pages.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. DiscussionWe would love to hear from our listeners! What other ways can you tap into the mindset of a middle schooler for your writing if you are not a teacher or guardian of a student? Leave us a comment. Thank you for listening and sharing! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Barbara Dee* Awards among her 14 novels include several starred reviews, The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, ALA Notable Children’s Books, ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, School Library Journal’s Best Middle Grade Books, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Her books appear on numerous state awards lists as well.* Graduated magna cum laude from Yale with honors in English.* MA degree from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English and a JD degree from the University of Chicago Law School.* One of the founders and a former board member of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, now the largest children’s book festival in the country.UnstuckLyla is thrilled when her seventh-grade English language arts class begins a daily creative writing project. For the past year, she’s been writing a brilliant fantasy novel in her head, and here’s her chance to get it on paper! The plot to Lyla’s novel is super complicated, with battle scenes and witches and a mysterious one-toed-beast, but at its core, it’s about an overlooked girl who has to rescue her beautiful, highly accomplished older sister.But writing a fantasy novel turns out to be harder than simply imagining one, and pretty soon Lyla finds herself stuck, experiencing a panic she realizes is writer’s block. Part of the problem is that she’s trying to impress certain people—like Rania, her best friend who’s pulling away, and Ms. Bowman, the coolest teacher at school. Plus, there’s the pressure of meeting the deadline for the town writing contest. A few years ago, Lyla’s superstar teen sister Dahlia came in second, and this time, Lyla is determined to win first prize.Finally, Lyla confides about her writing problems to Dahlia, who is dealing with her own academic stress as she applies to college. That’s when she learns Dahlia’s secret, which is causing a very different type of writer’s block. Can Lyla rescue a surprisingly vulnerable big sister, both on the page and in real life?* A Junior Library Guild selection* Colby Sharp’s Awesome 2024 Books* Reading Middle Grade: Realistic Fiction Books for 5th GradersLooking AheadWe have amazing authors coming in future months! Order the books now and join our discussion.Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today’s guest is Black feminist writer and poet, Zetta Elliott. Zetta’s poetry has been published in numerous anthologies and additionally, she has written numerous essays (including the Children’s Literature Association’s Article Award winning 2014 essay, “The Trouble with Magic: Conjuring the Past in New York City Parks.”). Zetta also has published two middle grade novels-one of which we are talking about today! Dragons in a Bag is a middle grade fantasy book that the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) named a Notable Children’s Book and it was selected for the 2021 Global Read Aloud. The fifth and final book in the series, The War of the Witches, will be published in January 2024. Our talk with Zetta Elliott was rich in discussion on plot, characters, fantasy elements and the publication world.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. DiscussionWe would love to hear from our listeners! Leave us a comment. Here are a few prompts to get you going:* Zetta described fantasy as not being about worldbuilding, but rather about community. How do you/could you build community in your works in progress? What does that look like in your writing or other books you have read?* What was your biggest takeaway from this episode?* Have you read any of Zetta’s works? What is your favorite?Thank you for listening and sharing! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Zetta Elliott* Born and raised in Canada, but has lived in America for over 30 years.* Is a poet, essayist, and novelist.* Her works have won numerous awards and nominations.* Zetta’s purpose: “Ultimately, I try to tell stories that give voice to the diverse realities of children. I write as much for parents as I do for their children because sometimes adults need the simple instruction a picture book can provide. I write books my parents never had the chance to read to me. I write the books I wish I had had as a child.”-quote from Zetta’s website.Dragons in a BagWhen his mother goes to court to challenge an eviction notice, she leaves Jaxon with a strange lady called Ma. The miserable old woman clearly doesn’t want Jax around, and she tries to hide a curious package mailed to her from Africa. Jax soon learns that Ma is keeping secrets. She isn’t actually his grandmother—she’s a witch! Ma’s last task before retirement is to transport three dragons from Madagascar to another realm where magic still thrives. Though his mother long ago rejected the chance to apprentice with Ma, Jax decides to help the old woman get the dragons back where they belong. But what does a boy from Brooklyn know about magic?Watch Zetta read aloud the first three chapters here. Find great videos, activities, and other resources here. Download the publisher’s Educators’ Guide here.Looking AheadWe have amazing authors coming in future months! Order the books now and join our discussion.Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today’s episode is with middle grade author, Jennifer A Nielsen. Her newest novel, ICEBERG, is a thrilling middle grade historical fiction about Hazel Rothbury- a young stowaway onboard the Titanic will need all her courage and wits to stay alive. The Read to Write KidLit Book Club read closely to notice what Nielsen did to bring us in to her story and then asked her questions about writing craft. Our goal is to learn more about writing craft through discussions with each other, our reading, and our discussion with the author. We hope you also learn more about writing after this podcast.We are also on Apple Podcasts.Thank you for listening! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Jennifer A Nielsen* Has been a writer since elementary.* She writes fantasy and historical fiction.* Her achievements include the Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award for her historical fiction novel, Resistance, multiple Whitney Awards, and even the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2023. Her books have also won numerous state awards. As disaster looms on the horizon, a young stowaway onboard the Titanic will need all her courage and wits to stay alive. A thrilling tale from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen!Hazel Rothbury is traveling all alone from her home in England aboard the celebrated ship Titanic. Following the untimely death of her father, Hazel’s mother is sending her to the US to work in a factory, so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet.But Hazel harbors a secret dream: She wants to be a journalist, and she just knows that if she can write and sell a story about the Titanic's maiden voyage, she could earn enough money to support her family and not have to go to a sweatshop. When Hazel discovers that mother didn’t send her with enough money for a ticket, she decides she must stow away onboard the storied ship.With the help of a porter named Charlie and a sweet first-class passenger named Sylvia, Hazel explores the opulent ship in secret, but a haunting mystery quickly finds her. The danger only intensifies when calamity strikes, and readers will be caught up in the terror and suspense alongside Hazel as she fights to save her friends and herself.Bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen weaves an extraordinary tapestry of survival and disaster in this magnificent thriller.Looking AheadWe have amazing authors coming in future months! Order the books now and join our discussion.Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today’s episode is with middle grade author, Megan E Freeman. The Read to Write Kidlit book club read Alone this month. We read closely to notice what Megan did to bring us in to her story and then asked her questions about writing craft. Our goal is to learn more about writing craft through discussions with each other, our reading, and our discussion with the author. We hope you also learn more about writing after this podcast.We are also on Apple Podcasts.Thank you for listening! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Megan E Freeman* Has been a writer since forever* Award-winning teacher* Member of SCBWI and other writing organizationsPerfect for fans of Hatchet and the I Survived series, this harrowing middle grade debut novel-in-verse from a Pushcart Prize–nominated poet tells the story of a young girl who wakes up one day to find herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town.When twelve-year-old Maddie hatches a scheme for a secret sleepover with her two best friends, she ends up waking up to a nightmare. She’s alone—left behind in a town that has been mysteriously evacuated and abandoned.With no one to rely on, no power, and no working phone lines or internet access, Maddie slowly learns to survive on her own. Her only companions are a Rottweiler named George and all the books she can read. After a rough start, Maddie learns to trust her own ingenuity and invents clever ways to survive in a place that has been deserted and forgotten.As months pass, she escapes natural disasters, looters, and wild animals. But Maddie’s most formidable enemy is the crushing loneliness she faces every day. Can Maddie’s stubborn will to survive carry her through the most frightening experience of her life?* Colorado Book Award* Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont children’s book awards* NCTE Notable Verse Novel* Included on over two dozen "best of" and state reading lists.Looking AheadWe have an amazing line up in 2024! Order the books now and join our discussion.Follow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today’s episode is with middle grade author, Kate Albus. The Read to Write Kidlit book club read Nothing Else But Miracles this month. We read closely to notice what Kate Albus did to bring us in to her story and then asked her questions about writing craft. Our goal is to learn more about writing craft through discussions with each other, our reading, and our discussion with the author. We hope you also learn more about writing after this podcast.We are also on Apple Podcasts. Thank you for listening! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form. Music credits: Will Saulnier About KateKate Albus is the author of two historical fiction middle grade novels, A Place to Hang the Moon and Nothing Else but Miracles. Visit her website, follow her Twitter and Instagram.Nothing Else But Miracles“Rich in New York City period detail and era-specific colloquialisms, the briskly moving telling succeeds in its well-executed combination of classic plot elements, sympathetic characters and community, and anxiety-provoking uncertainties, while parenthetical asides to readers create a deepening sense of engagement and intimacy with the Byrne family.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review“The story is both grounded in reality and embellished with entertaining exploits, keeping readers excited about Dory’s experiences as she holds her family together and they await their papa. . . . An absorbing tale about urban life on the World War II homefront.”—Kirkus ReviewsMargaret Ferguson Books at Holiday House12-year-old Dory Byrne lives with her brothers on New York City’s Lower East Side, waiting impatiently through the darkest hours of World War II for her pop to come home from fighting Hitler. Legally speaking, Dory’s brother, Fish, isn’t old enough to be in charge of Dory and her younger brother, Pike, but the neighborhood knows the score and, like Pop always says, “the neighborhood will give you what you need.” There’s the lady from the bakery, who saves them leftover crullers. The kind landlord who checks in on them.  And every Thursday night, the Byrnes enjoy a free bowl of seafood stew at Mr. Caputo’s restaurant. Which is where Dory learns about the hand-pulled elevator that is the only way to get to Caputo’s upper floors. The elevator that’s so creaky and ancient, nobody’s been in it for decades. Until now.The Byrnes’ landlord dies unexpectedly and the new one is anything but kind. When he catches on about Pop being gone, he turns the Byrnes in, hoping they’ll be shipped off to an orphanage. Dory and her brothers need a hideout, and suddenly the elevator and the abandoned hotel it leads to provide just the solution they need.  Based on a very real place in old New York and steeped in the history of the last year of World War II, Nothing Else but Miracles shows how, when things get tough, the neighborhood really will give you what you need… and may even offer up a miracle or two in the process.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionLooking AheadFollow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com

Today’s episode is with middle grade author, Mariama J Lockington. The Read to Write Kidlit book club read In the Key of Us this month. We read closely to notice what Mariama did to engage us in her book and then asked her questions about writing craft. Our goal is to learn more about writing craft through discussions with each other, our reading, and our discussion with the author. We hope you also learn more about writing after this podcast.We are also on Apple Podcasts. Thank you for listening! If you are interested in joining our book club, complete this google form. Music credits: Will Saulnier About MariamaMariama J Lockington is the author of 3 novels: For Black Girls Like Me, In the Key of Us, and Forever Is Now. She also wrote for an anthology, This is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories Her, Him, Them, Us. Visit her website, follow her Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.In the Key of UsStonewall Book Awards—Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Honor Book From the author of the critically acclaimed novel For Black Girls Like Me, Mariama J. Lockington, comes a coming-of-age story surrounding the losses that threaten to break us and the friendships that make us whole again. Thirteen-year-old Andi feels stranded after the loss of her mother, the artist who swept color onto Andi’s blank canvas. When she is accepted to a music camp, Andi finds herself struggling to play her trumpet like she used to before her whole world changed. Meanwhile, Zora, a returning camper, is exhausted trying to please her parents, who are determined to make her a flute prodigy, even though she secretly has a dancer’s heart.At Harmony Music Camp, Zora and Andi are the only two Black girls in a sea of mostly white faces. In kayaks and creaky cabins, the two begin to connect, unraveling their loss, insecurities, and hopes for the future. And as they struggle to figure out who they really are, they may just come to realize who they really need: each other.In the Key of Us is a lyrical ode to music camp, the rush of first love, and the power of one life-changing summer.Looking AheadFollow UsFollow Alexis on all the places in her link tree.Follow Brittany on her substack.See you next month!Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com