Reading in The Middle

What happens when compassion and fear collide?In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with Trevor B. Spisto, author of The Tiger and the Crane, a compelling middle-grade novel set in Qing-era China. Together, they explore the story of Mung, a young crane who discovers an orphaned tiger cub just as his village prepares to choose its next leader.Trevor discusses the inspiration behind the novel, the wisdom of Master Guan, writing memorable animal characters, and the themes of leadership, courage, belonging, community, grief, and compassion that drive the story.This thoughtful conversation is perfect for middle-grade readers, teachers, librarians, parents, homeschool educators, and anyone who loves children's literature that sparks meaningful discussion.In This Episode:The inspiration behind The Tiger and the CraneWriting middle-grade historical fantasyLeadership lessons for young readersThe role of compassion and empathy in storytellingCreating memorable animal charactersTrevor B. Spisto's writing journeyAdvice for aspiring young writers

What happens when a family trip to Japan turns into an adventure filled with yokai, samurai, festivals, and magical portals?In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with author and illustrator Matthew Loux about his newest graphic novel, My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain. Together they discuss Japanese folklore, cultural exploration, graphic novel storytelling, drawing by hand, and how books can inspire curiosity about the world around us.Matthew also shares the inspiration behind Penny, Paulie, and Shimesu's unforgettable journey, his love of Japanese culture, and why adventure stories can be powerful tools for learning.Perfect for:📚 Librarians🍎 Educators👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families📖 Graphic Novel Fans🌎 Readers Interested in World CulturesTopics discussed:• Japanese folklore and yokai• Graphic novels for middle-grade readers• Japanese culture, food, and festivals• Travel through storytelling• Creating art by hand• Encouraging curiosity and global awarenessBooks Mentioned:My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai MountainThe Time MuseumPrunella and the Cursed Skull RingThe Spark ExperimentSalt Water Taffy#ReadingInTheMiddle #MatthewLoux #GraphicNovels #MiddleGradeBooks #KidLit #Yokai #Japan #JapaneseCulture #LibraryPodcast #TeacherResources #BookPodcast #ChildrensBooks #GraphicNovelPodcast #ReadingRecommendations

What happens when an ordinary middle school kid suddenly becomes internet famous?In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with bestselling author Matthew J. Gilbert about his new middle-grade novel, The New Norm, a funny and relatable story about viral fame, friendship, identity, and surviving middle school.Matthew shares how his career evolved from an award-winning television writer at Nickelodeon to an author of more than 40 books for young readers. We also discuss his work writing stories set in the worlds of Stranger Things, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and other beloved franchises, as well as the challenges and rewards of writing for today's middle-grade audience.Whether you're a fan of humorous middle-grade fiction, pop culture adventures, or stories about finding your place in the world, this conversation is packed with insight, laughter, and inspiration.In This Episode:The inspiration behind The New NormWriting about social media and middle school lifeCreating stories for popular franchisesFrom television writing to children's booksWhy humor matters in middle-grade fictionAdvice for aspiring young writersConnect with Matthew J. Gilbert:Official WebsiteListen to More Reading in the Middle:Join Annisha Jeffries for conversations with today's most exciting middle-grade authors, illustrators, and creators. Discover new books, behind-the-scenes stories, and reading recommendations for tweens, educators, librarians, and families.#MiddleGradeBooks #MatthewJGilbert #TheNewNorm #ReadingInTheMiddle #ChildrensBooks #MiddleGradeAuthor #StrangerThingsBooks #KidLit #BookPodcast #AnnishaJeffries #BooksForTweens #LibraryPodcast #MGBooks #AuthorInterview #ReadingRecommendation

What do scouting, hidden treasure, coal mines, and dragons have in common?In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries welcomes New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman to discuss their thrilling new middle-grade fantasy adventure, George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend.Candace and Eric bring an impressive storytelling background to the page. Their work spans Disney+, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, feature films, music production, bestselling novels, and collaborations with Bear Grylls. Together, they've created the Order of the Dragon Slayer series to inspire young readers to face life's challenges with courage, resilience, and hope.We discuss the creation of George Goodwin, an unlikely hero determined to clear his father's name and save his struggling Appalachian town. Along the way, we explore scouting culture, friendship, cinematic storytelling, dragon mythology, and why today's readers still need stories about bravery.Plus, stay tuned for our lightning round, where we talk about favorite dragons, adventure movies, campfire snacks, and more.Show NotesIn This Episode🐉 Meet New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman🎬 How careers in Disney+, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and television storytelling influenced their writing process🏕️ Why scouting became the foundation of the Order of the Dragon Slayer series⛏️ The inspiration behind Big Mountain, West Virginia, and the mysterious coal mines beneath it💎 Hidden treasure, dragon lore, and legendary quests📚 The influence of The Goonies, Jurassic Park, and classic adventure stories on the series❤️ Creating emotionally authentic middle-grade heroes⚔️ What it means to "slay life's dragons."🎙️ A lightning round featuring favorite dragons, campfire snacks, adventure films, and books that inspired them as young readersAbout the BookGeorge Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting LegendTwelve-year-old George Goodwin believes a legendary treasure hidden beneath Big Mountain, West Virginia, could save his struggling town and clear his father's name.When a scouting trip turns into an unexpected quest, George and his friends find themselves facing collapsing tunnels, dangerous thieves, ancient secrets, and a fire-breathing dragon unlike anything they imagined.The first book in the Order of the Dragon Slayer series blends classic adventure storytelling with friendship, courage, humor, and heart.About the AuthorsCandace LeeCandace Lee is a writer and producer whose work includes Emmy-winning programming for Disney+, concert films featuring Andrea Bocelli, collaborations with Bear Grylls, and bestselling novels. She studied film and television production at New York University and co-authored the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café.Eric NewmanEric Newman has written and produced Emmy-winning television, bestselling novels, and feature films for Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and Penguin Random House. He served as a writer and executive producer on Bear Grylls's global adventure series and co-created the Order of the Dragon Slayer series.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeOfficial Order of the Dragon Slayer WebsiteOrder of the Dragon Slayer SeriesOfficial Book PageGeorge Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting LegendPublisher PagePenguin Random House Book PageConnect with Reading in the Middle🎙️ Hosted by Annisha Jeffries📚 Exploring middle-grade books, authors, and the stories that inspire young readers.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, and wherever you listen to podcasts.#ReadingInTheMiddle #GeorgeGoodwinDragonSlayer #CandaceLee #EricNewman #MiddleGradeBooks #MiddleGradeFantasy #DragonSlayer #BookPodcast #ScoutingAdventure #ChildrensBooks #MGBooks #AuthorInterview #Bookstagram #Libraries #MiddleGradeReaders #FantasyBooks #OrderOfTheDragonSlayer #AnnishaJeffries

In this heartfelt episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries speaks with co-authors Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka about their touching middle-grade novel, Roxie in Color, launching on June 2. The discussion covers Roxie’s journey through friendship, anxiety, art, and identity as she faces seventh grade while hiding a personal secret: both her parents are blind. Annisha and the authors examine the novel's emotional use of color, Nash the guide dog’s narration, and the delicate balance between visibility, belonging, and self-protection. They also talk about collaboration, disability representation in middle-grade fiction, the importance of depicting systemic barriers realistically, and the choice to typeset the book in Atkinson Hyperlegible a font made for low-vision readers.If you love thoughtful middle-grade books about courage, creativity, friendship, and finding your place in the world, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Diane Debrovner on InstagramStacy Cervenka is the director of the Iowa Department for the Blind and previously led the Blind Parents Group of the National Federation of the Blind.Roxie in Color by Diane Debrovner and Stacy CervenkaPublication Date: June 2, 2026Publisher: Candlewick PressReviews & PraiseSchool Library Journal ReviewConnect with Reading in the Middle📸 Instagram:@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.Show NotesIn this episode, we discuss:Writing Priscilla Cobb as an authentic middle school STEM characterBuilding the futuristic world of Moon VillageScience vs. celebrity cultureFriendship, rivalry, and emotional growthSTEM representation for young readersLunar science and realistic Moon livingNASA’s Artemis Program and the future of Moon explorationWhy librarians, educators, and parents can use this book for STEM conversationsThe emotional heart underneath the science fiction settingCuriosity, perseverance, and teamwork in middle-grade fictionNASA & Artemis Links 🌕🚀NASA Artemis ProgramNASA Artemis ProgramArtemis II MissionNASA Artemis II MissionArtemis II Multimedia & PhotosNASA Artemis II Multimedia ResourcesArtemis ScienceNASA Artemis ScienceNASA Official WebsiteNASA Official WebsiteArtemis Blog & UpdatesNASA Artemis BlogLearn More About Jennifer Ann RichterJennifer Ann Richter Official WebsiteJennifer Ann Richter on InstagramRecommended For Fans Of:A Rover’s StoryThe Lion of MarsThe Miscalculations of Lightning GirlSTEM-centered middle-grade fictionSpace adventures with emotional depthCharacter-driven science fictionBooks about curiosity, friendship, and ambition