On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Ann Braden about her newest middle grade novel: Into the Rapids.

Ann writes beautiful books about kids learning to stand up for themselves when things are hard and in this book, readers also learn that even the most self-reliant of us need to be brave enough to ask for help sometimes. This is her third time on the podcast and each conversation is better than the last.

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind the book, her trademark animal reference that appears in the pages and her hopes for the book to engage readers and help them feel big feelings, too. 

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/07/03/big-themes-through-exciting-action-into-the-rapids-with-ann-braden/

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