Beloved author Karina Yan Glaser (The Vanderbeekers, A Duet for Home) returns with a breathtaking new story: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli. Set across ancient China and Depression-era New York’s Chinatown, the novel blends history and fantasy in a moving tale about family, survival, and the courage to face the unknown.

Host Annisha Jeffries talks to Karina about her creative process, her first experience writing historical fiction, and why middle grade remains a space where magic, history, and heart collide.

Shownotes

• A conversation with Karina Yan Glaser about her newest novel

• The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli at the crossroads of history and fantasy

• How Karina balances cultural depth with kid-friendly storytelling

• The themes of resilience, belonging, and imagination that drive her work

Imagine if you and your dog could swap places just for a day! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries has a lovely chat with Ellen Phinney about her newest middle-grade novel, A Dog and His Boy: The Switch. They explore what sparked the story, how Ellen captures heartfelt emotion through humor and imagination, and what she hopes young readers will take away from Jax and Scout’s amazing exchange.

Find your comfy cozy corner, get ready to listen, and after you're done, be sure to pick up A Dog and His Boy: The Switch. It’s a warm story about finding identity, practicing empathy, and the unexpected journeys that bring us back home.

What happens when a simple photo on a found phone reveals the school crossing guard as… a monster? In his debut middle grade novel, Press 1 for Invasion (out now), J.A. Dauber blends laugh-out-loud humor, fast-paced action, and just the right amount of cosmic chaos.

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with Dauber about the inspiration behind his hilarious alien adventure, creating characters that feel real in the midst of wild situations, and how middle-grade books can spark both laughter and courage.

Tune in for an out-of-this-world conversation perfect for readers, families, and anyone who’s ever suspected their cafeteria might hide more than just lunch.

Join host Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle as she explores the exciting worlds created by James Ponti—from the globe-trotting adventures of City Spies and the clever mysteries of Framed! to the chilling underworld of Dead City and the detective tales of The Sherlock Society. His newest book, Hurricane Heist, was released on September 2, 2025, and promises a thrilling experience. When a category-three hurricane hits Miami Beach, revealing a body linked to a long-forgotten jewel theft, the Society works quickly to solve the case before the secrets are lost forever. Listen for insights, humor, and the charm of middle-grade stories.

In this powerful episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Darlene P. Campos to discuss her latest middle-grade novel, The Center of the Earth. Set in 1930s Ecuador, the story follows Dahlia, a young girl whose life changes when she meets Werner, a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany. Together, they form an unforgettable friendship in a world on the edge of war.

Darlene shares how she wove her Ecuadorian heritage and real Holocaust survivor stories into the fabric of this historical novel. You'll hear about the research behind the book, the importance of writing truthfully for young readers, and why she believes kids are capable of incredible courage.

If you’re a teacher, librarian, or reader looking for a book that centers empathy, identity, and bravery—this conversation is for you.

📚 Book Featured:
The Center of the Earth by Darlene P. Campos
Buy the Book via Bookshop.org (supports indie bookstores)

🌍 Topics Covered:
– Writing historical fiction for middle grade readers
– The power of cross-cultural friendship
– Researching Holocaust survivor stories
– Ecuador as a literary setting
– What Dahlia teaches us about courage
– Writing through rejection
– Advice for young writers

🎙️ About the Guest:
Darlene P. Campos is a Latinx author whose work explores culture, compassion, and identity. She is based in Houston, Texas, and has published multiple books for young readers. The Center of the Earth is her latest middle grade novel.

📍 Where to Find Darlene:
Website: darlenepcampos.com
Instagram: @darlenepcampos
Twitter/X: @DarlenePCampos

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📘 Episode Description:🔗 Show Notes:

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries welcomes celebrated author Winsome Bingham and Caldecott Honor recipient Jason Griffin to discuss "The Table," a poetic picture book that traces the life of a single table through generations. Discover how food traditions, visual storytelling, and creative collaboration enrich children's literature and family memories.

Winsome Bingham brings warmth and heritage to her work—from her debut, Soul Food Sunday (New York Times Best Children's Book), to The Walk, and most recently, Fish Fry Friday—a lively and loving celebration of family and flavors.

Jason Griffin is renowned for his emotionally layered art, earning a Caldecott Honor for Ain’t Burned All the Bright, and bringing depth to My Name Is Jason. Mine Too, and now The Table.

We unpack the power of art to process grief and joy, how picture books let children see themselves, and why a dinner table can hold generations of stories. Whether you're an educator, creator, or curious reader, this episode invites you to pull up a chair.

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews C.G. Esperanza, an illustrator, author, and teaching artist whose vibrant artwork has transformed the look and feel of children’s books. This year, Esperanza received the 2025 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for My Daddy Is a Cowboy and a Caldecott Honor. He has previously been recognized with the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Soul Food Sunday and the Pura Belpré Honor for Boogie, Boogie, Y’all. We discuss how his books, from the joyful kitchens of Soul Food Sunday to the neighborhood celebrations of Fish Fry Friday and the rhythm of Boogie, Boogie, Y’all, vividly portray community, culture, and everyday life. Esperanza’s art goes beyond illustration, it's music on the page, a love letter to family and place, and a call for children everywhere to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

In this heartwarming episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries is joined by award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich to talk about Operation Sisterhood and its brand-new sequel, Stealing the Show!

Set in a Harlem brownstone filled with music, creativity, and the chaos of a blended family, these two novels follow Bo and Sunday as they navigate friendship, change, community, and what it means to belong truly

Olugbemisola shares the inspiration behind Bo’s quiet strength, Sunday’s creative voice, and why joy, family, and sisterhood are at the heart of both books.

Whether you’re a reader, a teacher, or a parent, this episode is a love letter to growing up, stepping into the spotlight, and becoming exactly who you’re meant to be.

What occurs when role-playing games blend with middle-grade storytelling? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with debut author Raj Sidhu about his new book, Thrash Force—a fast-paced multiverse adventure filled with dice rolls, high stakes, and memorable characters. Raj discusses what inspired his action-packed debut, how gaming influenced his storytelling, and why middle-grade readers are ideal adventurers. From tips on world-building to the story's heartfelt core, this talk is excellent for teachers, librarians, parents, and anyone looking for a book that appeals to even the most hesitant readers. If you enjoy epic quests, humor, teamwork, and stories encouraging kids to become heroes, Thrash Force is a book you won’t want to miss.

Recorded live at the ALA Annual Conference, Annisha interviews award-winning public radio journalist and author Kitty Felde about her middle-grade series The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, including Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza, and State of the Union. They discuss how Kitty combines engaging mysteries with real-world civics, the Capitol Hill legends that inspire her plots, and how her journalism experience influences her writing. Kitty also provides behind-the-scenes insights from The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast and her longstanding Book Club for Kids.

🎧 Ideal for librarians, educators, and readers who enjoy intelligent, compelling stories that bring civics to life.