Reading in The Middle

What would happen if middle school students got the chance to travel to the Moon?

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries welcomes Jennifer Ann Richter back to talk about her exciting new middle-grade novel, The Star of Moon Village.

Set in 2079, the story follows twelve-year-old Priscilla Cobb, an aspiring Black scientist selected for the first student research voyage to Moon Village. Priscilla hopes to honor her late mother’s legacy and finally experience the legendary lunar labs she has dreamed about her entire life. But once she arrives, the mission becomes increasingly focused on celebrity culture, media spectacle, and entertainment — especially with the arrival of pop star Starletta.

Jennifer and Annisha discuss STEM representation in middle-grade fiction, realistic lunar science, rivalry and friendship, the future of Moon exploration, and how NASA’s current Artemis missions inspired excitement around returning humans to the Moon.

This episode is perfect for readers who love space adventures, emotionally grounded middle-grade novels, STEM stories, and books that inspire curiosity and wonder.

• Writing Priscilla Cobb as an authentic middle school STEM character
• Building the futuristic world of Moon Village
• Science vs. celebrity culture
• Friendship, rivalry, and emotional growth
• STEM representation for young readers
• Lunar science and realistic Moon living
• NASA’s Artemis Program and the future of Moon exploration
• Why librarians, educators, and parents can use this book for STEM conversations
• The emotional heart underneath the science fiction setting
• Curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork in middle-grade fiction

NASA Artemis Program

NASA Artemis II Mission

NASA Artemis II Multimedia Resources

NASA Artemis Science

NASA Official Website

NASA Artemis Blog

• A Rover’s Story
• The Lion of Mars
• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
• STEM-centered middle-grade fiction
• Space adventures with emotional depth
• Character-driven science fiction
• Books about curiosity, friendship, and ambition

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

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with Danica Novgorodoff and Meera Subramanian to discuss A Better World Is Possible, a powerful nonfiction graphic novel exploring climate change, youth activism, environmental justice, and hope.

Together, they discuss their collaborative creative process, the challenges of balancing climate science with emotional storytelling, and why graphic nonfiction can be such an impactful format for young readers. The conversation also explores the experiences of four young climate activists featured in the book, the importance of centering youth voices, and how storytelling can help readers move from fear toward action and community.

This thoughtful discussion highlights the power of books to inspire conversation, empathy, and imagination while reminding readers that meaningful change begins with people willing to care, speak up, and work together toward a better future.

Links and Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/ABetterWorldTheBook/

https://abetterworldthebook.org/

https://abetterworldthebook.org/#resources-learn

https://danicanovgorodoff.com/

https://meerasub.org/

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

What if the dead could help the living?

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Megan Wynne to discuss her haunting and heartfelt middle-grade novel, The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey. Set in 1980s Ireland, the story follows Gwen, a neurodivergent girl sent to a mysterious boarding school while her mother is hospitalized. Struggling to fit in and desperate to help her family heal, Gwen encounters a spirit who may hold the answers to secrets buried deep within Loughmoe Abbey.

Annisha and Megan discuss:

• Writing neurodivergent representation in historical fiction

• Why this ghost story is more hopeful than frightening

• Boarding school dynamics, friendship, and belonging

• Grief, mental health, and emotional resilience in middle grade

• Creating atmospheric settings filled with mystery and heart

If you love middle-grade books with emotional depth, ghostly mysteries, and unforgettable characters, this episode is for you.

📚 Featured Book: The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey by Megan Wynne

🎙️ Hosted by Annisha Jeffries

#MiddleGradeBooks #ReadingintheMiddle #MeganWynne #GhostStory #ChildrensBooks #BookPodcast #MiddleGradeMystery #NeurodivergentRepresentation

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

What makes a superhero truly memorable? On this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Christopher Bodmann to discuss the creative world behind the Kid Comet books and the art of writing superheroes for middle-grade readers.

Together, they explore storytelling, character development, imagination, humor, and the deeper themes that shape heroic journeys. Christopher shares insights into building the Kid Comet universe while creating action-packed adventures that readers can emotionally connect with.

From epic battles to relatable middle school moments, the Kid Comet series blends heart, courage, and adventure in ways that keep readers turning the page.

Whether you love superhero stories, graphic novels, or conversations about the power of storytelling, this episode is full of inspiration for readers, educators, librarians, and aspiring writers alike.

🎧 Tune in and step into the world of Kid Comet.

#ReadingInTheMiddle #KidComet #ChristopherBodmann #MiddleGradeBooks #KidLit #SuperheroStories #BookPodcast

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

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with award-winning author Philip Stead to discuss his first middle-grade novel, A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic.

Best known for A Sick Day for Amos McGee—illustrated by Erin E. Stead, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal—Philip Stead explores storytelling in a completely new way with a novel that begins in the middle, plays with structure, and invites readers to embrace uncertainty.

In this thoughtful, Fresh Air–style conversation, Annisha and Philip discuss:

• Writing a story “out of order.”
• The meaning behind the book’s 24 morals
• Bernadette, perseverance, and quiet bravery
• Humor, wordplay, and trusting young readers
• How picture book storytelling shaped this novel

A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is available now—perfect for middle-grade readers, educators, and anyone who loves inventive, heartfelt storytelling.

🎧 Subscribe to Reading in the Middle for more author interviews, book discussions, and insights into children’s and middle-grade literature.

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

Step into the world of The Adventures of Toby Baxter

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, I’m joined by author @timwrightbooks to talk about his fantasy series that takes readers from an ordinary life into the magical world of RiverHome, filled with trolls, giants, prophecy, and big questions about courage and growing up.

We explore how the series evolves across all the books, including the latest installment, and why stories like Toby’s matter so much for middle-grade readers navigating their own journeys.

If you’re looking for a series that blends adventure, humor, and suspense, this is one to add to your shelves.

Tim's website:

🎧 Listen now

🔗 Link in bio

#ReadingInTheMiddle #TobyBaxter #MiddleGradeBooks #KidLit #LibrariansOfInstagram #TimWright #TeachersOfInstagram #ChildrensBooks #FantasyBooks #BookPodcast #YouthServices #GrowingReaders

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

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha chats with debut indie author Chip Reeves about his middle-grade fantasy novel, The Authentic Imaginings of Oscar White.

Oscar White is an ordinary-sized boy with a vivid imagination. When he falls into a forest pond while avoiding bullies, he emerges in a strange new world ruled by the foolish and ruthless King Jester. After a memorable and somewhat frustrating encounter with a seahorse, Oscar realizes that the world is in danger, and even if this adventure is a dream, it’s one worth having.

Chip and Annisha discuss creating authentic middle-grade protagonists, combining real-life issues like bullying with portal fantasy adventures, and how imagination helps kids handle tough moments. They also cover indie publishing, developing a strong middle-grade voice, and what readers can anticipate from the upcoming sequel.

If you’re interested in:

• Middle-grade fantasy stories

• Portal adventures for children

• Books about bullying and bravery

• Tales that honor imagination

• Author interviews for educators and librarians

This episode is perfect for you.

Ideal for teachers, librarians, parents, and middle-grade fans who enjoy heartfelt, imaginative stories. to Reading in the Middle for more middle-grade book conversations, author interviews, and literacy-centered discussions.

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

In this engaging episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries speaks with middle-grade author KG Mach about her heartfelt historical novel, Present, Still Missing.

Set just after World War II, the story follows twelve-year-old Irene Bracken as she waits for her father to return from war. Upon his return, she finds that he has changed in ways she didn't expect. Through Irene’s perspective, listeners explore the complex emotions of family, the unseen scars of war, and the strength required to love and heal.

During the discussion, KG Mach discusses:

- The inspiration behind Present, Still Missing

- How she wrote about PTSD and trauma for middle-grade audiences

- Her research on the post-World War II era

- Her path to publication and recognition

- Why stories like Irene’s are important for young readers today

This episode is ideal for teachers, librarians, parents, and middle-grade readers looking for meaningful books that address history, empathy, and mental health.

Whether you're expanding your classroom library, organizing a book club, or seeking impactful historical fiction for middle graders, you won’t want to miss this episode.

KG Mach's Website: https://kmachwrites.com/

Project Gutenberg. This is the link.

#MiddleGradeBooks #HistoricalFictionForKids #WWIIBooksForChildren #MiddleGradePodcast #ChildrensBookAuthorInterview #KGMach #PresentStillMissing #BooksAboutPTSD #FamilyStories #MiddleGradeReaders #LiteracyPodcast #ReadingInTheMiddle

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

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

Today on Reading in the Middle, I’m joined by USA Today–bestselling author Christina Wyman to celebrate the release of her latest middle-grade novel, *Breakout*. In this touching and funny story, we meet Ellis Starr — an eighth grader who loves studying active volcanoes but dislikes that her acne looks like one. As Ellis handles breakouts, changing friendships, complex family issues, and a big school project, she starts to question what it really means to feel confident in her own skin. During our chat, Christina discusses:

  • Why she focused on acne in a middle-grade novel

  • How humor and vulnerability work hand in hand on the page

  • Crafting nuanced parent-child relationships

  • The emotional reality of middle school

  • How *Breakout* connects to her previous books, Jawbreaker and Slouch

This episode is perfect for teachers, librarians, caregivers, and anyone who remembers the feelings of being thirteen, erupting inside and out.

✨ Breakout is available now wherever books are sold.

🌐 Learn more about Christina and her works at: christinawymanbooks.com

If you love middle-grade stories that explore the full emotional lives of young readers, you’re in the right place.

Follow, rate, and share Reading in the Middle to help more readers find stories that speak to them.

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