On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Tiffany D. Jackson about her middle grade debut novel: BLOOD IN THE WATER.

This book is a can’t-put-it-down middle grade murder mystery set on Martha’s Vineyard that blends the beautiful location with rich Black history and the compelling subject matter that Tiffany is known for. 

Come listen as we talk about Tiffany’s journey through children’s literature and how she came to fill a niche in the young adult and middle grade thriller space, her thoughts on rejection and redirection, why she chose Martha’s Vineyard for the setting of the book and her hopes for readers of all ages. 

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/2025/07/28/middle-grade-thrillers-blood-in-the-water-by-tiffany-d-jackson/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Antwan Eady about his newest picture book release: THE GATHERING TABLE.

This absolutely stunning picture book conveys the love that an extended family has for one another as they gather around the familial table to celebrate holidays,  weddings and just being together. 

Come listen as we talk about the real-life gathering table that inspired this book, explore the range of emotions radiating off of the pages and the beautiful, heart-felt invitation that Antwan extends to all readers. 

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/2025/07/24/love-hope-pride-freedom-the-gathering-table-by-antwan-eady/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with G.F. Miller about her newest upper middle grade novel: WHAT IF YOU FALL FOR ME FIRST?

This relatable middle grade rom-com for tweens follows a girl determined to ditch her goody-two-shoes image as she enlists the cool guy classmate to snag her crush’s attention. 

Come listen as we talk about filling the gap of the middle grade rom-com genre, the character driven plot that unfolded over time and the delight G.F. hopes readers will experience as soon as they turn the page.

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/2025/07/21/middle-grade-rom-com-what-if-you-fall-for-me-first-by-g-f-miller/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Michael Wang about his debut picture book: LEIF’S GIFT.

This gorgeous picture book is about a boy named Leif who’s green thumb has turned his bedroom into a jungle. When important things go missing in the overgrowth, Leif must find a way to make his plants a little less and maybe share a little more. 

Come listen as we talk about the personal inspiration behind the book, Michael’s love for plants and what they do for the Earth, the varied themes that will likely emerge from reading the book and some extra bells and whistles available for readers online, 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/2025/07/17/a-passion-for-plants-leifs-gift-with-michael-wang/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with DK Ryland about her newest picture book: Giraffe’s Book is Missing a Story.

It’s the sequel to her debut picture book, Giraffe is Too Tall for This Book and it invites readers into an interactive experience along with 6 furry friends to face the blank page together.  

Come listen as we talk about DK’s journey to illustrating and writing, the interactive nature of the book that is sure to invite students into the page and the fun end pages that made us smile. 

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/2025/07/14/interacting-with-readers-giraffes-book-is-missing-a-story-with-dk-ryland/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Sharon Flake about the third book in the I’m In series: THE FAMILY I’M IN.

This book explores the complex relationships between black boys and their fathers, highlighting the challenges they face while growing up and defining what it means to be a man amidst societal pressures. 

Come listen as we preview the entire I’m In series, take a deeper dive into how Sharon understands young adult hearts and minds so well and the important messages inside the pages of this book.

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/2025/07/10/exploring-complex-relationships-the-family-im-in-with-sharon-flake/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Korena DiRoma Howley about her debut picture book: Sarang Saves the School.

This book was inspired by true events in South Korea and shows readers it’s never too late to fulfil a dream.

Come listen as we talk about Korena’s journey to her first picture book, the beautiful themes of intergenerational relationships and community inside and the gift the book brings to readers. 

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/2025/07/07/reading-community-fulfilling-dreams-sarang-saves-the-school-with-korean-diroma-howley/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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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/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kyle Lukoff about his newest middle grade and picture book releases: A World Worth Saving & Are You a Friend of Dorothy.

A World Worth Saving Is a middle grade novel that intertwines elements of Jewish mythology with an unflinching examination of the impact of transphobia. Are You a Friend of Dorothy Is a story about a famed phrase of queer history. Both stories should be on your upcoming TBR stack.

Come listen as we talk about Kyle’s journey to finding his place in children’s literature, the way he layers elements of a good story with deeper themes to ponder and a sneak peek at what is next for him. 

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/2025/06/30/a-world-worth-saving-are-you-a-friend-of-dorothy-with-kyle-lukoff/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Megan E. Freeman about her companion novels-in-verse: Alone & Away.

The first book, ALONE, tells the story of a young girl who wakes up one day to find herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town. The companion novel, AWAY, follows a group of children after a sudden evacuation from their homes as they come together at a relocation Camp to investigate the threat that put them there. These books can be read apart or together and either way, you will be suction-cupped to the page. 

Come listen as we talk about the inspiration behind both novels, the riveting storyline and insightful themes within and what might be coming next for readers. Oh, I hope so. 

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/2025/06/26/enthralling-dystopian-verse-alone-away-by-megan-e-freeman/

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

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