Reading in The Middle

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

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-learnhttps://danicanovgorodoff.com/https://meerasub.org/

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 heartIf 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

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 moralsBernadette, perseverance, and quiet braveryHumor, wordplay, and trusting young readersHow picture book storytelling shaped this novelA 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.

Step into the world of The Adventures of Toby BaxterIn 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