Middle Grade Matters

In this episode, NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff talks about her first middle grade novel, "The Aftermyth," where Penelope, a determined new student at Anaximander’s Academy, faces a whirlwind of challenges right from the start. With a doughnut hole mishap leading to unexpected chaos, she learns that sometimes, not fitting in is the first step to finding yourself. 
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On this episode Katherine Applegate, author of the acclaimed The One and Only Ivan and her latest Wombat Waiting, takes us through her unconventional journey from ghostwriter to winning the Newbery Medal—sharing candid insights about the ups and downs, the long nights, and the moments of serendipity that shaped her career. You'll discover how her early career as a reluctant reader and her love for animals deeply influence her storytelling. She unpacks her unique process: balancing plotting with improvisation, rewriting obsessively, and navigating deadlines with a mix of discipline and daring.

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Join us as Philip Stead, acclaimed author and illustrator, discusses his innovative approach to writing and illustrating his first middle grade book, 'A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic.' Discover his creative process, storytelling techniques, and insights into engaging young readers with quirky, whimsical stories.
For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

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In this episode I chat with Christina Chatell and Marcia Kochel, two passionate librarians advocating for a new category in publishing. They’ve been on a mission to bridge the gap for middle schoolers who crave more relatable, edgy content that speaks directly to their experiences.  

They share their journey, from writing impactful articles to launching a campaign for Young Teen Lit – a category that addresses the needs of 12-15-year-olds.  

Why does this matter? Because every kid deserves books that reflect their lives and challenges.  
For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode, Aaron Starmer shares his unique journey from the travel industry to becoming a successful children's author. He discusses the evolution of his writing career, the creative process behind his new book You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This, and the quirky elements that make his stories captivating. Starmer reflects on the challenges of writing for children, the importance of editorial feedback, and his experiences as a full-time writer balancing multiple projects. He also shares insights into his future aspirations and the influence of travel on his storytelling.
For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).