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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.

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

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.

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In this episode of Reading in the Middle, we’re taking flight into a world where the smallest hero faces the biggest challenge.

Meet Twig—a young chickadee whose peaceful life shatters when the ruthless Fortress Crows attack his village. Hunted by a powerful sorceress and her winged army, Twig is thrust into an epic quest filled with magical powers, fierce battles, and a ragtag team of allies—including a cunning bard, a fearless warrior, and two tumblers who cause almost as much trouble as they solve.

I’m joined by authors Keith Ward and Jeremy Mueller—part of the creative team behind The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows, co-written with Karl Buechner—to talk about building the Woodland Realm, blending pulse-pounding action with laugh-out-loud moments, and why Twig’s story will stick with you long after the last page.

If you love Watership Down, Redwall, or The Green Ember, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Press play, and let’s go save the Woodland Realm!

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Summer is calling! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Donna Galanti to talk about her heartfelt new middle-grade novel, Loon Cove Summer—a story of bravery, grief, friendship, and finding your way in the wild.

We chat about:

• The real-life inspiration behind Sarah’s lakeside adventure

• Why loons make the perfect emotional soundtrack

• How nature can help us heal

• Writing big feelings with heart and humor

• And the joys (and fails) of summer camp life!

Whether you're a middle-grade reader looking for your next favorite book or an educator searching for a story that resonates, this episode will leave you smiling—and ready to head into the woods.

🦆 Grab your flashlight and join us at Loon Cove!

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In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kid lit advocate Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Ambreen Butt-Hussain to talk about her laugh-out-loud, refreshingly honest middle grade series featuring the unforgettable Alina Butt.

From being the new kid (again) to missing out on a class trip to Paris, Alina’s adventures in The Unlovable Alina Butt and You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt explore what it’s like to grow up between cultures, wrestle with identity, and embrace all the messy, funny, and unpredictable parts of life. Ambreen shares how humor, cultural nuance, and family chaos come together to create stories that speak to today’s middle-grade readers, especially those who don’t always see themselves in the books around them.

Whether you're a reader, educator, parent, or love a great story, you won't want to miss this one.

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Guest: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Book Featured: Malcolm Lives (2025, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Host: Annisha Jeffries, Kidlit Advocate & creator of Reading in the Middle

Topics Covered:

• ​Why Malcolm Lives was written for middle-grade readers in Malcolm X’s centennial year
• ​How Dr. Kendi balances biography with imaginative storytelling
• ​The importance of introducing complex, courageous figures to young readers
• ​What young people today can learn from Malcolm’s legacy of transformation
• ​How educators and librarians can use this book to foster honest, empowering discussions

Lightning Round Highlights:

• ​Favorite book at age 11
• ​Dream historical conversation
• ​Writing snack of choice
• ​“Middle-grade readers are _____.”

Where to Find the Book:Available wherever books are sold. Request it at your local library or independent bookstore!

Connect with me:📚 Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle🌐 Website: readinginthemiddle.blog📧 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share. Middle-grade stories are essential, and so are the readers who cherish them.

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• ​In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kidlit enthusiast Annisha Jeffries chats with author Elissa Brent Weissman about her latest middle grade novel, So Over Sharing.They discuss the inspiration behind the book, what it’s like to write for today’s tech-savvy tweens, and how Elissa strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. From awkward school moments to the pressure of social media, this book captures it all, and Elissa gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop.Highlights include: What sparked the idea for So Over Sharing How kids navigate oversharing in a digital worldWriting relatable, funny characters.A lively lightning round with Elissa and a few surprises along the way!
• ​📚 Buy the Book:So Over Sharing on Bookshop.org
• ​About the Guest: Elissa Brent Weissman is the award-winning author of middle-grade favorites, including Nerd Camp, The Length of a String, and So Over Sharing. Her work is bright, warm, and laugh-out-loud funny, making it perfect for readers in the middle grade range​
• ​Follow Annisha:
• ​📸 Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle
• ​🌐 Website/Platform: http://readinginthemiddle.blog

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