Reading in The Middle

Join host Annisha Jeffries talks with author-musician Garrett Ryan Oyama about his beautifully crafted picture book, Rumi and the Ocean of Awe. In this episode, we explore how wonder and awe find their way into stories, why an underwater fable can speak to middle-grade readers and adults alike, and how

Garrett’s background in music and language shapes his creative voice.
Plus: Garrett is also a musician; his companion album “Rumi” brings an auditory dimension to this story and pairs perfectly with the book.
► Listen to the album here: Rumi – Garrett Ryan Oyama
Whether you’re a librarian planning a storytime, a teacher searching for an engaging read-aloud, or a reader who loves to dive into meaning, this episode will leave you thinking about what awe really means and how we rediscover it in our busy world.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share with your fellow book-lovers, and join us for more in the middle.

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Join your host Annisha Jeffries for a lively, fun-filled interview with bestselling author Megan McDonald—creator of the iconic Judy Moody series and the Stink spin-off, and author of the early-chapter-book Fairy Door Diaries.
We dive into:

• How Megan’s librarian past fuels her storytelling for kids.

• The magic behind Judy Moody’s moods and Stink’s wild adventures.

• The inspiration and process behind her newest caper-style series, Bunny and Clyde On the Lam (Book 2 of the Bunny & Clyde series, releasing February 3, 2026!). Candlewick Press+1

• Tips for librarians, teachers, and parents on engaging young readers and using Megan’s books in programs.
  Plus, we wrap things up with a rapid-fire lightning round—snacks, moods, characters to be for a day, and more!

Perfect for middle-grade lovers, educators, librarians, and anyone curious about how to craft stories that make kids laugh, think, and keep turning pages.

🎬 When to listen: Tune in now and get an early peek into what to expect for next year’s Book 2 adventure!

Get ready to go into a world of mayhem, imagination, and unapologetic weirdness with New York Times Bestselling author Michael Buckley (yes, the mind behind The Sisters Grimm and N.E.R.D.S.). His newest middle-grade novel, The Weirdies, introduces ten-year-old triplets Barnacle, Melancholy, and Garlic, whose eccentric lives take a wild turn when they’re accidentally abandoned by their parents and sent to an orphanage that’s nothing like you’ve ever seen, especially when the kids themselves are very weird.

In this episode, we talk with Michael about:
• Where those wonderfully odd ideas come from
• How he builds characters & worlds kids can’t resist
• Why weird-and-wonderful stories matter in middle-grade
And how The Weirdies pushes the edge of his storytelling

This is a must-listen for librarians, teachers, story-lovers, and any middle-grader who’s ever felt like the odd one out (or gloriously so). So press play, grab your favorite reading nook, and let’s jump into the wonderfully weird.

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When aliens invade and toilet paper starts to move on its own, you know it’s going to be a wild read! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with author Kevin Garone about his laugh-out-loud and delightfully spooky Alien Survival Guide series, including I Know What UFO Did Last Summer and Night of the Living Toilet Paper.

Kevin shares how he turns everyday objects into out-of-this-world adventures, what makes middle-grade humor work, and why a little weirdness can get kids reading.

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Tune into Reading in the Middle as I chat with Kate DiCamillo, a New York Times bestselling author, two-time Newbery Medal winner, and Newbery Honor recipient, whose classic Because of Winn-Dixie marks its 25th anniversary. We discuss her latest novel, The Lost Evangeline (Book Three of the “Norendy Tales” trilogy), beautifully illustrated by Sophie Blackall, a two-time Caldecott Medalist.

🎧 Now available. Subscribe now to listen and share!

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Get ready to fold, flap, and roar! 📚 Join host Annisha Jeffries for a lively chat with Tom Angleberger — creator of the iconic Origami Yoda series, the wildly imaginative Two-Headed Chicken: Chaos in the Cosmic Library, and the poetic dinosaur debut Dino Poet.
Tom has sent middle-grade readers on insane multiverse adventures, unexpected poetry journeys, and laugh-out-loud creative breaks — and this episode uncovers his process, humor, and heart.

Also featured: his collaboration with award-winning graphic novelist and illustrator Cece Bell (El Deafo) and how two powerhouse creators join forces to make magic for readers of all ages.

If you're a student, teacher, librarian—or just someone who loves a fantastic middle-grade story—this episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and inspiration. There’s always room in the middle for another story.

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Newbery Medalist Meg Medina joins Reading in the Middle to talk about courage, culture, and her latest novel, Graciela in the Abyss. From Merci Suárez Changes Gears to sea-deep fantasy, Meg shares how stories help readers find their light and build empathy.

Hear Meg reflect on balancing humor and heart, writing girls who speak their truth, and why she believes every reader carries their own light even in the deepest waters.

Listen if you love: stories that celebrate identity, family, and friendship; interviews that feel like coffee with your favorite librarian; and conversations that meet you right in the middle.

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What if changing the way words look on the page could change the way kids feel about reading?

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with Sarah K. Blodgett, founder and CEO of Noah Text, an innovative reading format designed to make reading easier, more accessible, and more joyful, especially for those who struggle with dyslexia or reading fluency.

Sarah shares the story behind Noah Text, the inspiration that sparked her idea, and how she’s helping readers everywhere discover that reading doesn’t have to be painful; it can be empowering.

Listen in for a conversation about literacy, innovation, and hope for the next generation of readers.

Learn more: noahtext.com
🎧 Reading in the Middle — hosted by Annisha Jeffries

#ReadingInTheMiddle #NoahText #LiteracyInnovation #AnnishaJeffries #DyslexiaAwareness #MiddleGradeReaders #PodcastForEducators #InclusiveReading

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Page Count Podcast is celebrating its 100th episode!

In this Bonus Episode!

I had the pleasure of being a special guest—alongside one very opinionated and charming toucan named Sammy—for a lively conversation about puppets, children’s literature, libraries, and (of course) the eternal cat vs. dog debate.

In this milestone episode, Page Count partnered with the Indiana Center for the Book to feature Sammy, a corduroy puppet and veteran interviewer who has spent more than a decade chatting with Indiana authors. Sammy is sassy, smart, and surprisingly philosophical about the nature of puppets—and I was thrilled to join the discussion from the Cleveland Public Library to talk about my love of cats, why puppets are powerful tools for young readers, and how picture books like Bill Cotter’s Don’t Push the Button! can spark joy and curiosity.

It’s a celebration of storytelling, reading, and a little bird who refuses to stay in his drawer!

🎧 Listen to “Escaping the Drawer with Sammy and Annisha” here:
👉 https://cpl.org/podcast-episode/escaping-the-drawer-with-sammy-and-annisha/

Congratulations to Laura Maylene Walter and the Page Count team for reaching this incredible milestone of 100 episodes of sharing Ohio’s literary voices with the world!

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What is it like growing up as the only girl in a house full of five brothers? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, I sit down with Beth York to talk about her new memoir, Growing Up Beth (illustrated by Ana Latese), launching October 21, 2025. We dive into stories of sibling chaos, finding your own voice in the noise, and the moments — big and small — that shape us.

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

• A hilarious and heartfelt portrait of childhood in a loud, loving family

• How Beth navigated identity, confidence, and belonging

• The adults and moments that offered unexpected encouragement

• Why telling your own story can be an act of courage

Links & Resources:

• 🎯 Preorder Growing Up Beth (ill. Ana Latese) — releasing October 21, 2025

• 🎙️ More from Reading in the Middle — @reading_in_the_middle

• 💬 Stay in touch:

Press play, share with someone who’s ever felt lost in the shuffle, and join us in celebrating the messy, vibrant journey of growing up.

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