Author John David Anderson talks his latest middle-grade novel, "One Last Shot," empathizing with middle schoolers, connecting emotionally with characters and more. Anderson is the author of the acclaimed middle-grade novels "Mrs. Bixby's Last Day, "Posted" and more.

Author Padma Venkatraman discusses her most recent middle-grade novel, "The Bridge Home," her path to becoming an author and representation in literature.

Island Readers & Writers Director of School Programs Alison Johnson shares the picture books she recommended for this summer's booklist: "The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family" by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly; "Truman" by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins; graphic novel "Cub" by Cynthia Copeland and "Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou" by Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Tonya Engel.

Alison also talks about how IRW programs are incorporating Visual Thinking Strategies and how to engage kids with picture books using three simple questions.

Maine young adult author Maria Padian talks about her latest book for teens, How to Build a Heart, diversity in storytelling, depicting racism and more. 

Southwest Harbor Public Library's Melissa Haas chats about three books she recommended for Island Readers & Writers' summer booklist: "Pluto Gets the Call" by Adam Rex, with illustrations by Laurie Keller; "My Friend Earth" by Patricia MacLachlan, with illustrations by Francesca Sanna and "Snapdragon" by Kat Leyh. 

Newbery Honor-winning author Lauren Wolk talks about her newest middle-grade novel, Echo Mountain, what inspires her, how she comes up with stories, how she makes time to write and more. Plus, she reads an excerpt from Echo Mountain.

Science writer and children's book author Kimberly Ridley talks to Foreword about how and where to explore vernal pools, a springtime phenomenon in New England that is teeming with all sorts of exciting creatures!