Stacy McAnulty Is one of my all-time favorite middle-grade writers! Even before I started my podcast, or began reviewing books, I devoured her novels! From fantasy, to realistic fiction, to mystery, and everything in between, Stacy's writing covers it all, and I was fortunate enough to get the chance to sit down virtually with this kidlit writing legend! This is my chat with the creator of over 40 books written for children and young people, the award-winning author Stacy McAnulty!

AND THEN, BOOM! Author Lisa Fipps' newest middle-grade novel-in-verse is a must read! I am the biggest STARFISH fan, and when I heard the wonderful Lisa Fipps had a new story coming out I was so excited! And THEN, when I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC (advanced readers copy) by the amazing author herself, I immediately sat down and read AND THEN, BOOM! from cover to cover in one sitting! And all I can say, is that Lisa's second novel-in-verse is a home run! A 10/10! A compelling & moving story that will warm your heart. AND THEN, BOOM is a heart wrenching & heartwarming powerful tale that will stay with you always. Available May 7, 2024.

THE MONA LISA VANISHES: A LEGENDARY PAINTER, A SHOCKING HEIST, AND THE BIRTH OF A GLOBAL CELEBRITY (that’s a mouthful) by author Nicholas Day is a remarkably entertaining & highly informative read! Told like a page-turning mystery fiction read, yet packed with perplexing & interesting historical facts. THE MONA LISA VANISHES is perfect for curious middle-grade readers intrigued by historical events, as well as for those who are drawn to action & excitement! Finding a story perfect for all kinds of book lovers is like searching for a needle in a haystack, but author Nicholas Day & illustrator Brett Helquist did a truly brilliant job at crafting a book to fit all reading sizes! Hats off to you!

Once in a while a book comes out that opens minds and helps readers look at the world in a whole new way! That’s exactly what the incredible author and Editor Sandra Proudman has done with Relit! A collection of sixteen creative and unique stories by award-winning and bestselling YA Latinx authors, including some of my all-time favorite storytellers. Relit is powerful anthology of 16 re-told tales that puts futuristic and current twists on classic tales! Out on February 6th, RELIT is sure to keep upper middle-grade and YA readers enchanted and entertained. An absolute must-read!

It was an incredible honor and great fun interviewing storytelling legend, Dan Santat! Dan is a New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator, a Caldecott Medal Winner and (drum roll please) the 2023 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature. Dan writes and illustrates highly entertaining stories for kids of all ages and has even illustrated for celebrities like Jake Gyllenhaal & Henry Winkler! I can't wait for you to watch our talk!

I’m excited to share my talk with picture book author Gabrielle Balkan! As a fan of all things history & trivia, I’ve always devoured non-fiction and fact driven stories, and Gabrielle is a master of the art of writing fascinating, informational, and highly entertaining stoires!

Thanks for watching my interview with Author Gabrielle Balkan.

Award-winning Author Ruth Behar has given the world yet another deeply moving and heartwarming historical fiction middle-grade novel, ACROSS SO MANY SEAS, a beloved Jewish-themed book that shares the message of hope. While the present maybe scary, Ruth’s story reminds us that when we band together, stand together, and speak up together, we can make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. There is always hope in the rubble, we just have to find it. Thank you for writing such important and meaningful stories Ruth! I was fortunate enough to review an advanced readers copy of ACROSSS SO MANY SEAS, but you can grab your own copy of this 10/10 read in early February 2024.

I'm the biggest trivia buff when it comes to all things American history so interviewing former white house speech writer turned middle-grade author Sean O'Brien was such a huge treat!

I had the absolute best time talking with Newbery Honoree and New York Times Best-Selling author Shannon Hale! Shannon is the incredible mastermind behind dozens and dozens of captivating and entertaining books! She's an award winning and critically acclaimed writer for all ages who adds charm, wit, silliness and relatability to her stories. It was such fun hearing how Shannon's writing journey has unfolded and I know you'll love learning about Shannon as much as I did. Enjoy!

Wow! What a fantastic interview, I learned so much for the wonderful middle-grade author Christina Soontornvat! From writing techniques, to deep dives into hot kid lit topics & so much more! Did you know Christina set out to be a scientist before becoming an author, and it was science which sparked a love of writing? You'll learn about that and a whole lot more in my chat with THREE-time Newbery Honoree, the writer behind THE LAST MAPMAKER, THE TRYOUT & ALL THIRTEEN, Christina Soontornvat!!