Middle Grade Matters

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.  
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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!).

Writing for children can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to middle grade novels. As a writer, you want to create stories that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with young readers. In this episode, we delve into the creative journey of bestselling author Jasmine Warga, who shares her insights on what it takes to craft engaging stories for this age group. If you're an aspiring author or a dedicated reader, this episode is for you!

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, author N. West Moss shares her journey to becoming a children's author, the inspiration behind her debut middle grade novel Birdie, and her writing process - including working with her editor. Discover insights on writing for young readers, late-blooming careers, and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in 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!).

In this episode, author Beth Ferry shares her journey from writing picture books to her first middle grade novel, 'Growing Home.' She discusses its themes of home and belonging, the challenges of writing both picture books and middle grade, and the importance of loving one's own story. Beth also offers insights into her writing process, future projects, and the joy of reading, while providing valuable advice for new writers.
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!).