Middle Grade Mavens

By Julie Grasso+Pamela UeckermanArts Books

Middle Grade Mavens episodes

August 30, 2021 Episode 95: The Song Of Lewis Carmichael / Sophie Laguna and Marc McBride Interview
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "The Song of Lewis Carmichael," by Sophie Laguna and Illustrated by Marc McBride, plus Sophie and Marc stop by for a chat. Sites Pamela mentions: www.Littlescribe.com StoryKids | Victoria Together Books Julie mentions: "Anemone is not the Enemy," Honour Book for the 2021 CBCA Awards Book of the Year for Early Childhood by Anna McGregor and "Your Birthday Was the Best!" by Maggie Hutchings and Felicita Sala
Books Pamela reviews: Hamnet, Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction 2020 by Maggie O'Farrell
The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna and Marc McBride https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWOjB5
Anemone Is Not The Enemy https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWOZGn
Your Birthday Was The Best by Maggie Hutchings and Felicita Sala https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/LPZYkV
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/qn2Gdb
Available: 31st August 2021 ISBN: 9781760878573 Number Of Pages: 192 For Ages: 8+ years old Matthew stood on the snowy peak and stared out at the world spread before him. Every picture in his books had been limited by the size of the page, contained within frames. Here, there was no frame. Here, the picture didn't end. Beyond those icy plains, the sea, and beyond the sea, a land that floated on the ice, drifting northwards. Matthew put the binoculars to his eyes and saw valleys and cliffs and rivers all made of snow. Everywhere was white. Matthew has dreamed and read and thought about the North Pole for as long as he can remember. And he has done it secretly. It is a place that cannot be tarnished by the world in which he lives - a world in which he struggles to find answers and make friends, while everything seems to come easily to other children. But one day, a crow called Lewis Carmichael lands at Matthew's window - a crow who believes in Matthew in the most simple and ordinary ways. Soon, the unexpected voyage of a lifetime begins, and it will change everything… To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected] To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Instagram Middle Grade Mavens (@middle_grade_mavens_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos
44 min
August 17, 2021 Episode 94: The Boy Who Stepped Through time / Interview with Maddy Mara of Dragon Girls
We're back!!! Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "The Boy Who Stepped Through Time," by Anna Ciddor, as well as, Renee Treml's "The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea."
Julie has some hot tips about Kidlitvic post conference malaise.
As well as announcing a new Instagram account called RedWritingElf_On_LibraryShelf which will showcase the picture books she finds on her library shelf.
Julie Grasso (@redwritingelf_on_libraryshelf) • Instagram photos and videos
Plus, hop on over to the Hobsons Bay Libraries Youtube to see what Julie's Children's and Youth team have been up to in lockdown. https://youtu.be/hd0jXNIe9UA

Buy the books we chatted about ( Nb. Affiliate links)
Dragon Girls 1 by Maddy Mara https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QO6xgY
Dragon Girls 2 by Maddy Mara https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BX2YQ4
The Boy Who Stepped Through Time by Anna Ciddor https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DVkMrq
It's Owl Good: The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea by Renee Treml https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWOjga
Squeals on Wheels: The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea by Renee Treml https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/15WKxD
Tish by Edwina Wyatt https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/AoEYDD

Plus Julie interviews Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger, Aka Maddy Mara about their new collaborative series, Dragon Girls.

To learn more about Kidlitvic head on over to KidLitVic
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Instagram Middle Grade Mavens (@middle_grade_mavens_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

1 hr 5 min
July 25, 2021 Episode 93: Interview with Samone Amba: Author of The Good Times of Pelican Rise
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Julie chats to Samone Amba, author of The Good Times of Pelican Rise, released on July 27 2021 by Affirm Press, and Illustrated by Lucy Zhang.
The idea for this series came to Samone while she was shelving books in the middle-grade section of Beaumaris Library. Her creative license wants to add that a book fell on her head, like Henny Penny’s acorn or Isaac Newton’s apple, but that is simply untrue.
Samone is now a pre-service early learning and primary school teacher and will one day be teaching middle grade as well as writing it!
About the book: The Good Times of Pelican Rise: Save the Joey's
UGH! After-school care, again?
It's official: they've finally reached grade six, and Sunday Moon and her besties Ockie, Kirra and Lottie are Legends of the School! But no matter how legendary they are, as soon as the end of day bell rings they are MAROONED in after-school care at Club Koala. Day in, day out, with only the karaoke-loving grade twos and nit-infested preppies for company.
After the worst summer of bushfires ever, Sunday is determined to ditch the headstand competitions and use her time at Club Koala to make a difference. Sunday's parents might say NO! to getting a pet, but that won't stop Sunday from saving as many joeys as she can - with the help of her friends, a radio station, a whole bunch of wool from the op shop, and a LOT of animal memes.
Welcome to The Good Times of Pelican Rise ... a fun series that explores growing up, getting involved, hanging out with besties and using your voice to Be the Change.
The Good Times of Pelican Rise
Save the Joeys
By: Samone Amba, Illustrated by Lucy Zhang
Publisher: Affirm Press
Available: 27th July 2021
ISBN: 9781922419217
Number Of Pages: 300

Link to Buy
The Good Times of Pelican Rise, Save the Joeys by Samone Amba | 9781922419217 | Booktopia

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Instagram Middle Grade Mavens (@middle_grade_mavens_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

25 min
June 27, 2021 Episode 92: In conversation: Annabel Barker and Sally Kim on the US market and International Rights!
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, we have special guests Annabel Barker and Sally Kim, in conversation about the changing trends in the US market and international rights management. We found this chat utterly fascinating and we know you will too! Plus Annabel opens her submission up in July, so get subbing folks!

About Annabel:
Annabel Barker Agency is a small agency with a global vision. With many years experience working in international rights at some of the world’s leading children’s publishing houses, Annabel has a broad, in-house knowledge of publishing and loves to represent Australian writers and artists into both local and international markets. Annabel is interested in writing and illustration that showcases the depth of the Australian experience.
We represent a talented list of writers and artists from Australia, selling rights worldwide.
We also represent rights on a book-by-book basis on behalf of a number of Australian independent children’s publishers. Our clients include Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, Affirm Press, Thames and Hudson Australia, Jacinta Di Mase Agency and others.
Annabel will be open to submission in July 2021 so please check her website for details... Submissions — Annabel Barker Agency

About Sally Kim:
Sally Kim is a children’s book publishing consultant based in San Francisco. She was previously marketing director for Chronicle Books and has extensive experience publishing award-winning authors and bestselling series.

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
29 min
June 16, 2021 Episode 91: Elsewhere Girls / The Right Way To Rock/ Interview Emily Gale and Nova Weetman / Interview Nat Amoore
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "Elsewhere Girls," by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman, and Julie reviews, "The Right Way To Rock," by Nat Amoore.
Plus Pamela chats to Emily and Nova and Julie chat's to Nat.

Author's Website: Emily Gale | Author of Junior & Young Adult Fiction (emilygalebooks.com)

Authors Website: Nova Weetman

Elsewhere Girls By: Emily Gale, Nova Weetman
Published: 4th May 2021
Publisher: Text Publishing ISBN: 9781922330451
Ages 10+ Author

Website: About - Nat Amoore Children's Author and Podcast Host
The Right Way to Rock By: Nat Amoore
Available: 1st June 2021
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 9781760897703
For Ages: 9 - 11 years old
Nat's new podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/project-ari/playlists/project-ari

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Instagram Middle Grade Mavens (@middle_grade_mavens_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos
1 hr 21 min
June 07, 2021 Episode 90: Interview Annabel Barker of Annabel Barker Agency
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Julie chats to Annabel Barker about her new literary agency, international rights and some great new books to give some extra love to.
Annabel Barker Agency is a small agency with a global vision. With many years experience working in international rights at some of the world’s leading children’s publishing houses, Annabel has a broad, in-house knowledge of publishing and loves to represent Australian writers and artists into both local and international markets. Annabel is interested in writing and illustration that showcases the depth of the Australian experience.
We represent a talented list of writers and artists from Australia, selling rights worldwide.
We also represent rights on a book-by-book basis on behalf of a number of Australian independent children’s publishers. Our clients include Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, Affirm Press, Thames and Hudson Australia, Jacinta Di Mase Agency and others.
Annabel will be open to submission in July 2021 so please check her website for details... Submissions — Annabel Barker Agency
Book Annabel mentioned:
This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder | 9781760761110 | Booktopia
Howl by Kat Patrick | 9781925849806 | Booktopia

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
26 min
June 02, 2021 Episode 89: Pawcasso / The Ballad of Melodie Rose / Interview with Remy Lai
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "Pawcasso," by Remy Lai and Julie reviews, "The Ballad of Melodie Rose," by Kate Gordon, illustrated by Rachel Tribout, plus Remy stops by for an interview.

Author Website: REMY LAI - Home
Pawcasso
By: Remy Lai
Published: 25th May 2021
Publisher: Walker Books Australia
ISBN: 9781250774484
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Author Website: https://kategordon.com.au
The Ballad of Melodie Rose
By: Kate Gordon
Available: 1st June 2021
Publisher: University of Queensland Books
ISBN: 9780702263217
Ages: 8-12

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens

42 min
May 27, 2021 Episode 88: Interview with Shirley Marr, author of A Glasshouse of Stars
Today on Middle grade Mavens, Pamela interviews Shirley Marr, author of, "A Glasshouse of Stars."
About Shirley's book: A Glasshouse of Stars
Meixing Lim and her family have arrived at the New House in the New Land, inherited from First Uncle who died tragically and unexpectedly while picking oranges in the backyard. Everything is vast and unknown to Meixing and not in a good way, including the house she has dubbed Big Scary. She is embarrassed by the second-hand shoes given to her by the kind neighbours, has trouble understanding the language at school, and with fitting in and making new friends. Her solace is a glasshouse in the garden that inexplicably holds the sun and the moon and all the secrets of her memory and imagination.
Her fragile universe is rocked when tragedy strikes and Ma Ma refuses to face the world outside. Meixing finds herself trapped within the shrinking walls of Big Scary. Her parents said this would be a better life for them all, but it feels like the worst and most heart-breaking experience of Meixing's entire existence. Surviving will take all the resilience and inner belief of this brave girl to turn their world around.
A Glasshouse of Stars
By: Shirley Marr
Published: 4th May 2021
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9781760899547
For Ages: 9+ years old

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
40 min
May 12, 2021 Episode 87: A Glasshouse of Stars / Middle Grade Graphic Novel Spotlight
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "A Glasshouse of Stars," by Shirley Marr, and Julie goes off book with some Middle Grade graphic Novels we have enjoyed over the last few months....
Want this at your local library, here's what you need.
A Glasshouse of Stars
By: Shirley Marr
Published: 4th May 2021
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9781760899547
Number Of Pages: 288
For Ages: 9+ years old
Middle Grade Book Spotlight: book links below
The Watcher's Test : DeadEndia, Deadendia by Hamish Steele | 9781910620472 | Booktopia 10+
DeadEndia, The Broken Halo by Hamish Steele | 9781910620625 | Booktopia 10+
Target Practice (Cleopatra in Space #1), 1, Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack | 9780545528436 | Booktopia
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-mystery-of-the-moon-tower-francesco-sedita/book/9780425291870.html
To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens
25 min
May 03, 2021 Episode 86: Interview: Jackie French / Interview: Emily Rodda
Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela interviews, Jackie French, author of "The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle," and Emily Rodda, author of "Eliza Vanda's Button box."

About Jackie's book: The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle:
It's 1932, the height of the Depression, and Butter O'Bryan and his friends have another mystery to solve.

The Very Small Castle is home to Butter O'Bryan, his father, three aunts, friends Gil, Olive and Tish, and their dog, Woofer.

But now there's also a monster at the castle!

When glamorous film actress Delilah Divine vanishes in the middle of filming on Howlers Beach, the police suspect her co-star, the war-hero actor behind the movie's villainous monster ...

But soon even more strange disappearances leave the police baffled.

It's up to Butter to solve the mystery of the vanishing film star, but can he crack it before it's too late?

Want this at your local library, here's what you need?

Title: The Vanishing at the Very Small Castle
Published: 7th April 2021
ISBN: 9781460757734
Number Of Pages: 272
For Ages: 10+ years old
Jackie's website: Home | jackie-french (jackiefrench.com)

About Emily's book:
Buttons three, attend to me!

Take me where I want to be!

No one saw Eliza Vanda arrive in Tidgy Bay that rainy winter afternoon. The sign advertising 'Cabins for Rent' was almost hidden by a pile of builder's rubble, but Eliza Vanda didn't seem at all put out by the mess.

'This is a nice little pocket,' she said. 'It should suit us very well.'

Life hasn't been much fun for Milly Dynes lately. There seem to be problems everywhere she looks. She's always loved her home in Tidgy Bay, but at the moment she wishes she was somewhere -anywhere - else.

Then Eliza Vanda turns up-and magic comes with her ...

Want this at your local library, here's what you need?

Title: Eliza Vanda's Button Box
Available: 5th May 2021
ISBN: 9781460759608
Number Of Pages: 288
For Ages: 8+ years old

To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com
Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com
And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net
Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]
To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens

1 hr 31 min

About Middle Grade Mavens

From the publisher's feed

The Middle-Grade Mavens are two Australian authors reviewing middle-grade children's books. We also chat with authors and illustrators about their inspiration, processes and experience and sometimes we interview publishers and agents to find out more about the industry. Whether you're a writer, school librarian, teacher, or just a book fan, this is for you. Julie Anne Grasso is the author of the Frankie Dupont Mystery series, cupcake enthusiast and part-time library book wrangler. Pamela Ueckerman is a dance teacher, writer, book reviewer, editor and home educator.