In this episode, I talk with author Laura Segal Stegman about her middle grade L.U.C.K. series, including the latest book in the series, Ready or Not. We also talk about developing an inner support system, finding critique partners, and getting back up when you get knocked down.  And as promised in our interview, below are fifteen middle grade books recommended by Laura. Enjoy!

Fifteen Middle Grade Books 

Recommended by Laura Segal Stegman 

1. Get A Grip, Vivy Cohen by Sarah Kapit

2. Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

3. The Miraculous by Jess Redman

4. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

5. Are You There God, It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume

6. Tips For Magicians by Celesta Rimington

7. Shannon in the Spotlight by Kalena Miller

8. All of Me by Chris Baron

9. Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen by Niki Lenz

10. The 7th Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

11. Sure Signs of Crazy by Karen Harrington

12. House Swap by Yvette Clark

13. Starfish by Lisa Fipps

14/15. Summer of L.U.C.K. and Ready or Not (sequel) by Laura Segal Stegman

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In this episode, I talk with author Claire Swinarski about her latest middle grade book, What Happened to Rachel Riley.  We dive deep into topics addressed by the book including sexual harassment and standing up for what's right, and we talk about her writing career from how she got started, to finding an agent, to publishing her first book. 

Books and resources mentioned in this episode include:

• What Happened to Rachel Riley, by Claire Swinarski
• Storyfix. https://storyfix.com/
• Read-Aloud-Revival podcast
• Letters from Camp podcast series

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I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

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In this episode, I talk with author Doan Phuong Nguyen about her debut middle grade book, Mèo and Bé, a story inspired by her family's experience living in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  We discuss the challenges of writing a story set during a time of incredible heartache and turmoil, and the importance of finding hope in these stories. 

Books and resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Mèo and Bé by Doan Phyong Nguyen
• Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
• Vermont College of Fine Arts, MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults

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!).

Join Shannon Balloon, middle grade writer and reader, as she talks with authors and publishing professionals about the craft of writing, the process of publishing a book,  the connection young readers have to middle grade stories, and more.

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!).