Reading in The Middle

Hello, Readers! Welcome again to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the finest middle-grade literature and engaging in conversations with the talented creators behind these stories. I’m excited to introduce Jonathan Todd, the author and illustrator of Timid!

Jonathan calls Boston, Massachusetts, home, where he lives with his wife, two kids, and their lovable lemon beagle, Cariño. And today, he’s joining us to discuss his incredible debut graphic novel.

Timid is the story of Cecil Hall, a shy and artistic sixth grader who loves to draw but struggles to speak up. Middle school is a new world, and Cecil finds himself caught between new friendships, old loyalties, and the pressure to fit in. As he navigates self-doubt, social anxiety, and his changing friendships, Cecil must find the confidence to let his voice be heard both on paper and in real life. It’s a heartfelt and relatable story about self-acceptance, creativity, and learning that even the quietest voices deserve to be heard.

In today’s episode, Jonathan and I will talk about the inspiration behind Timid, how he brings emotions to life through his illustrations, and what it was like to go from a shy kid to a published graphic novelist. Plus, I have a fun rapid-fire round and a sneak peek at what he’s working on next!

So grab a comfy seat, maybe even a sketchbook, and let’s jump in!

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Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes is a New York Times bestselling author and respected educator, renowned for her engaging stories that connect with audiences of all ages. Her notable works, including Ghost Boys, Black Brother, Black Brother, and Paradise on Fire, confront crucial social topics with care and insight. In her newest novel, Will’s Race for Home, Dr. Rhodes takes readers to the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, exploring resilience, hope, and the quest for belonging.

In addition to her writing, Dr. Rhodes holds the Virginia G. Piper Endowed Chair at Arizona State University and is the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Her literary and educational projects show her commitment to promoting social justice, equity, and environmental awareness.

Join us as we explore Dr. Rhodes's inspirations, her methods for addressing complex subjects with young readers, and the influence she hopes her narratives will create.

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Tricia Springstubb is an acclaimed author who is celebrated for her ability to convey the heart, wonder, and complexities of growing up. Her works, including Moonpenny Island, Every Single Second, and the Cody series, have garnered affection from teachers, librarians, and youthful readers alike. This time, however, we are venturing into new territory with her debut YA novel, How to Tell a True Story, set to be released on April 1st! This impactful coming-of-age narrative explores themes of truth, storytelling, and the burden of secrets. When seventh-grader Amber Price’s brother is labeled a hero following a tragic fire, she starts questioning everything she thought she understood. As Amber uncovers the truth, she faces a pivotal choice: will she safeguard the narrative everyone wants to embrace or risk everything to reveal what transpired? Here’s a unique tidbit: Tricia and I share Cleveland, Ohi, as our home! We’ll discuss how our city has influenced her storytelling, the inspiration behind her shift to YA, and the enduring impact of books on the lives of young readers.

So, whether you’re an educator, librarian, or simply a fan of exceptional literature, get comfortable this conversation is not to be missed!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m thrilled to welcome Tanita S. Davis to the show!

Tanita is an award-winning author whose books explore the complexities of friendship, identity, and family. Her novel Mare’s War earned a Coretta Scott King Honor for its powerful depiction of two teens going on a road trip with their WWII veteran grandmother, who tells them about her rebellious past. She’s also written Partly Cloudy, Serena Says, and Figure it Out Henri Weldon, each offering unique and thoughtful perspectives on growing up and finding one’s place in the world.

Her latest book, The Science of Friendship, follows eighth-grader Rylee Swanson, who embarks on a school project to understand what makes a friendship work after a falling out with her best friend. Blending storytelling with actual scientific research, Tanita crafts a relatable and insightful journey about connection, self-discovery, and the challenges of middle school relationships.

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In this Reading in the Middle episode, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with award-winning author Jessica Vitalis to discuss her latest novel-in-verse, Unsinkable Cayenne! Set in 1985 Montana, this heartfelt story follows Cayenne, a girl who’s spent her life on the move, as she navigates new friendships, family struggles, and a Titanic-themed school project that forces her to rethink everything.

Jessica shares insights into her writing process, the real-life inspiration behind Unsinkable Cayenne, and the themes of resilience, identity, and belonging woven throughout her work. Plus, we explore how middle school can sometimes feel like a sinking ship! 🚢

Tune in for a conversation full of heart, creativity, and middle-grade magic. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review the podcast, and follow Jessica at jessicavitalis.com!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

#MiddleGradeBooks #Podcast #JessicaVitalis #UnsinkableCayenne #ReadingInTheMiddle #BookLovers #AuthorInterview

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Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with the one and only Johnnie Christmas! 📚✨

Johnnie is the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novelist behind Swim Team and Gamerville. In Swim Team, we meet Bree, a middle schooler navigating life in a new town. Though she’s initially afraid of swimming, Bree discovers her courage and hidden talent, diving into the world of competitive swimming and uncovering a story of community, resilience, and self-belief. 🌊

In Gamerville, Johnnie takes us on a thrilling adventure into a virtual reality game with high stakes, where the lines between the real world and the virtual one blur, challenging its young characters to think fast, act courageously, and work together to overcome obstacles. 🎮

In this episode, we’ll explore the creative process behind these incredible stories, the themes that resonate with middle-grade readers, and what’s next for Johnnie.

Let’s dive into this exciting conversation!

#MiddleGradeBooks #JohnnieChristmas #ReadingInTheMiddle #PodcastInterview #GraphicNovels

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In this Reading in the Middle episode, Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager at the Cleveland Public Library, speaks with debut author Jennifer Ann Richter about her inspiring middle-grade novel Bird Nerd.

Join us as we explore Nyla's journey—a young girl who finds her passion for birdwatching while facing the trials of middle school, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Jennifer discusses the creative process behind her story, her inspiration drawn from nature, and her intriguing career trajectory from Foreign Service Officer to writer.

Whether you're a bird enthusiast, a middle-grade literature fan, or love hearing about the writing process, this episode is packed with inspiration, heartfelt conversation,

Don't miss this exciting conversation about pursuing your passions, finding your voice, and the magic of storytelling!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.