Reading in The Middle

When a single garden party splits into two, everyone faces the choice of where to belong.On this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries discusses with author Judith Jacques her children’s book, Gardenland: The Peas' and Carrots' Party Shake-Up, illustrated by Trevor Pacelli. The story captures Gardenland's excitement for its annual celebration, which is disrupted when Peas and Carrots decide to host separate parties. This turn of events challenges the community's tradition and prompts Betty Beet to find a solution. With ingenuity and her friends' help, she works to reunite Gardenland. Judith explains the inspiration for Gardenland, the creation of Betty Beet and her quirky friends, her collaboration with Trevor Pacelli, and how she uses humor to explore children’s real feelings: friendship, exclusion, belonging, empathy, conflict resolution, and inclusivity. She also shares her personal connection through her grandmother, Bubbie Rose, the first gardener she knew, whose influence inspired Gardenland’s world. The conversation highlights a vibrant story with a meaningful message: everyone deserves to belong. Connect with Judith Jacques:🌱 Gardenland Books: GardenlandBooks.com📸 Instagram: @JudithJacques𝕏 X/Twitter: @JudithJacques💼 LinkedIn: Judith JacquesLearn more about Gardenland: The Peas' and Carrots' Party Shake-Up, meet the Gardenland characters, and discover more from the series at GardenlandBooks.com.

What if the March sisters were hiding more than just family secrets? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews author Máire Roche about her new middle-grade novel, Little Monsters, a spooky, humorous reinterpretation of Little Women. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are sisters with a very unusual secret: they are monsters. While Meg strives to protect her family and keep their secret, she also faces questions about belonging, identity, fear, and being accepted for who she really is. Máire discusses why she chose Meg as the story's focal point, how each March sister corresponds with her own monstrous alter ego, the significance of setting the story near Salem, and the enjoyment and challenges of reimagining beloved characters with supernatural elements. We also explore themes of sisterhood, family, anxiety, secrecy, and the idea that our hidden parts often define us. Additionally, Máire participates in a lively rapid-fire round about monsters, March sisters, spooky environments, and more. Little Monsters by Máire Roche is available now, perfect for fans of middle-grade fantasy, supernatural mysteries, spooky tales, family narratives, Little Women retellings, and stories about finding your place.

What if the ghost you’re searching for isn’t the only story waiting to be uncovered? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries chats with award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson about her new middle-grade novel, Ghost in the Night. Twelve-year-old Harmony Roundtree enjoys photography, ghost tours, and the idea that those we've lost might still linger. After her beloved grandmother's passing, Harmony travels with her father and his blues band, taking ghost tours in each city and hoping her camera will prove ghosts exist. In Savannah, Georgia, Harmony becomes entangled in a mystery where history, memory, grief, and the supernatural intertwine. Tiffany and Annisha discuss creating Harmony’s memorable voice, the emotional connection between Harmony and her grandmother, photography as a tool for memory, Savannah’s haunted history, Gullah Geechee traditions, and the role of storytellers in shaping narratives about real people and painful pasts. They also ponder one of the novel’s key questions: Who has the right to tell history, and what if the most entertaining story isn’t the factual one? This is a conversation about ghosts, grief, family, history, and discovering that sometimes what we seek isn’t quite what we expect.

What would you risk for a chance at a better future? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews Irish author Kieran Fanning about his middle-grade science fiction novel, Ticket to Mars. They discuss the inspiration for the story, Veon Windbourne's unforgettable journey from a flooded Earth to the Martian city of Harmonia, and explore themes like justice, inequality, hope, and belonging woven into the narrative. Kieran also talks about his writing process, research on life on Mars, and why stories of courage and resilience resonate with young readers. The episode also highlights his diverse works, including the Codecrackers series, The Black Lotus, The Arrival, Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends, Haunted Ireland, and Enchanted Ireland. Whether you're a middle-grade reader, teacher, librarian, parent, or sci-fi enthusiast, this discussion offers an engaging look into the mind of a creative storyteller.In this episode:The inspiration behind Ticket to MarsCreating the world of HarmoniaWriting believable middle-grade heroesScience fiction and social justiceKieran Fanning's writing processHis favorite moments from the novelA fun lightning roundAbout Reading in the MiddleHosted by Annisha Jeffries, Reading in the Middle features thoughtful conversations with today's leading middle-grade authors, celebrating the stories that inspire young readers to think, imagine, and discover the joy of reading.

What occurs when an entire town becomes eerily perfect? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews debut middle-grade author T. C. Kemper about her haunting new mystery, The Ginghams. When twelve-year-old Joni Bird returns from summer camp, Olive Springs no longer feels like the town she knew. Her best friend May has swapped her wild curls and drums for a neat bun and believes drumming is “unladylike.” The local ice cream shop now only serves vanilla, neighbors dress alike, and a mysterious new family with unsettling smiles appears to be behind it all. The mystery centers on the Ginghams’ Thursday night book club, where members return as perfectly polished “model citizens." Determined to uncover the truth and save May and Olive Springs, Joni and Tyler start their investigation. T. C. Kemper discusses creating suspense for young readers, crafting memorable friendships, developing the strange world of Olive Springs, and examining the risks of conformity and perfectionism. She also shares her journey to publishing her debut middle-grade novel and her hopes for what readers take away from it. The Ginghams is set to release on July 28, 2026. Subscribe to Reading in the Middle, leave a review, and share this episode with a reader who loves creepy mysteries, strong friendships, and stories about the courage to be oneself.

Award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez joins Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle to talk about her new bilingual middle-grade graphic novel, Offside, illustrated by Mari Costa. The story features the Jackson Middle School boys’ soccer team going co-ed for the first time, though not everyone is happy about it. Christina discusses creating characters like Nicky, Fabiola, Palmer, Seba, and AL, five students facing issues such as competition, friendship, family expectations, language challenges, and the fight for equal sports opportunities. The conversation covers how Fabiola’s confidence on the field contrasts with her English learning struggles, Palmer’s new purpose after a torn ACL, Nicky’s refusal to tone down her ambitions, and Al’s questioning of inherited beliefs. Christina also addresses the disparities in resources for girls’ teams, the responsibility of sharing others’ stories, and a humorous animal-filled plan that unites the team. With the energy of a soccer game and the depth of a story about finding your place, Offside shows that belonging is about more than just getting on the field; it’s about respect and being valued afterward. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on bilingual storytelling, teamwork, gender equity, identity, advocacy, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Award-winning author Emma Otheguy returns to Reading in the Middle to discuss her new middle-grade novel, Adventure in the City of Stories, illustrated by Poly Bernatene.Camila, Jorge, and Siggy are back for another journey through time. After valuable artifacts connected to pioneering librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré mysteriously appear in Tía Xía’s closet, the cousins are transported to New York City during the Great Depression. There, they must protect Pura’s legacy, clear their aunt’s name, and help Antonia, a courageous Puerto Rican girl fighting injustice in her community.In this thoughtful and lively conversation, Emma and Annisha explore why Camila’s story begins with Spanish-language books being rejected at school and what happens when children are made to believe that their language, culture, or stories do not belong.They also discuss the remarkable connections among Pura Belpré, Arturo Schomburg, and Gabriela Mistral; how libraries and archives preserve evidence of communities that history has too often ignored; and why reading can become a source of dignity, resistance, and collective power.Emma shares how she balances serious history with humor, magic, and a fast-moving adventure—and why Camila does not need to become fearless in order to become courageous.In This EpisodeAnnisha and Emma discuss:Camila’s anger and the emotional effects of censoring children’s booksWhy sharing a book can be an act of friendship and resistancePura Belpré’s work as a librarian, writer, puppeteer, and storytellerThe magic of the Pérez and Martina puppetsArturo Schomburg, Gabriela Mistral, and preserving Latino historyThe relationship between literacy, labor, and collective actionGiving readers compassion for a character without excusing the harm he causesWriting historical fiction that remains exciting and accessibleWhy every child deserves to recognize that their language and story belongEmma Otheguy’s books for young readers include Silver Meadows Summer, Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene, Cousins in the Time of Magic, The Madre de Aguas of Cuba, Martí’s Song for Freedom, A Sled for Gabo, and Martina Has Too Many Tías. Her work frequently explores family, Latin American history, language, identity, and belonging.Adventure in the City of Stories is the newest companion novel in the Cousins in the Time of Magic series. It was published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers and illustrated by Poly Bernatene.Connect with Emma OtheguySubscribe to Emma’s Substack:Emma Otheguy’s NewsletterEmma’s Substack includes news about her books, reflections on writing and family life, reading recommendations, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes updates about her work.Learn more about the book:Adventure in the City of Stories

Show NotesReading in the Middle with Annisha JeffriesIn this heartfelt episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries welcomes author Winsome Bingham to talk about her upcoming picture book, On Fridays, illustrated by Jason Griffin and published by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House.On Fridays follows Jamar, a young boy who spends Fridays with his mother at the residential building where she works. What begins as a weekly routine becomes something much deeper: a story about elders, community, caregiving, grief, memory, and learning how to keep loving someone after they are gone.Annisha and Winsome talk about the powerful line at the center of the book: “We amongst family. Treat them as such.” They discuss Jamar’s relationships with Miss Neely, Mr. Dillon, and Mr. Riff; the importance of honoring elders as whole people; and how Miss Neely’s garden becomes a place of memory and healing.This conversation also explores how children understand grief, why picture books can help families talk about loss, and what it means to give people their flowers while they are still here.Winsome also shares more about this exciting season in her career, including recent and upcoming books such as Soul Food Sunday, The Walk, The Table, Life Is Beautiful, Missing Momma, Fish Fry Friday, the Fort Goode books, Together, and Auntie’s Dance.In This EpisodeAnnisha and Winsome discuss:The story behind On FridaysWhy Fridays become such an important ritual for JamarThe meaning of “We amongst family. Treat them as such”How children learn care by watching adultsWriting elders with joy, personality, and dignityMiss Neely’s garden and the power of remembranceHow children process grief when they do not have all the words yetGiving people their flowers while they are still hereWorking with illustrator Jason GriffinThe connection between On Fridays and The TableWinsome’s books about family, food, grief, joy, memory, and communityHer upcoming books Together and Auntie’s DanceHow librarians, teachers, caregivers, and families can use On Fridays with young readersAbout the BookOn Fridays is a tender story about Jamar, a young boy who accompanies his mother to the residential building where she works. Each Friday, he spends time with the elders there, including Miss Neely, Mr. Dillon, and Mr. Riff.Through gardening, music, conversation, and care, Jamar begins to understand that community can become family. When Miss Neely dies unexpectedly, Jamar has to make sense of loss in his own way. With time, love, and the garden Miss Neely cherished, he learns that remembering can also be an act of care.On Fridays is written by Winsome Bingham and illustrated by Jason Griffin.About Winsome BinghamWinsome Bingham is the author of Soul Food Sunday, The Walk, The Table, Life Is Beautiful, Missing Momma, Fish Fry Friday, and the Fort Goode books. Her work often centers family, food, Black joy, grief, memory, community, and the people who help children understand who they are and where they belong.Learn more about Winsome at BinghamWrites.com.Follow her on Instagram at @ArmyVetFive.Books MentionedOn FridaysSoul Food SundayThe WalkThe TableLife Is BeautifulMissing MommaFish Fry FridayFort GoodeTogetherAuntie’s DanceChapter Markers00:00 — Welcome to Reading in the Middle02:00 — Introducing Winsome Bingham and On Fridays05:00 — Winsome’s current season of books09:00 — Where On Fridays began14:00 — Jamar, his mother, and the lesson of care19:00 — Miss Neely, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Riff, and honoring elders25:00 — The garden, the flower, and remembering31:00 — Writing grief honestly for children37:00 — Jason Griffin’s illustrations and working together again41:00 — Winsome’s recent and upcoming books46:00 — Librarian connections and using On Fridays with young readers49:00 — Lightning round and closing thoughts

What happens when science, imagination, and friendship collide?In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries talks with Matt Manning and Matt Loux, the creative team behind The Spark Experiment, to delve into the engaging world they’ve built for middle-grade readers.Together, they discuss:The inspiration behind The Spark ExperimentCreating memorable characters kids will root forWhy STEM and creativity belong togetherThe collaborative process of writing and illustrating a graphic novelHidden details and Easter eggs readers should look forEncouraging curiosity, resilience, and problem-solvingWhether you’re a teacher, librarian, parent, or middle-grade reader, this conversation is packed with laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of inspiration.📚 Book: The Spark Experiment by Matt Manning & Matt Loux🎙️ Hosted by: Annisha JeffriesSubscribe for more conversations with today’s best middle-grade authors.The Spark Experiment, Matt Manning, Matt Loux, Reading in the Middle podcast, middle grade books, graphic novel interview, STEM books for kids, science adventure books, middle grade graphic novels, children’s books podcast, librarians, teachers, book recommendations for kids, friendship books, creativity in education, books for ages 8-12, graphic novels for tweens, middle school readers, Andrews McMeel Kids, Annisha Jeffries#TheSparkExperiment #MattManning #MattLoux #ReadingInTheMiddle #MiddleGradeBooks #GraphicNovel #STEMBooks #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #BookPodcast #Teachers #Librarians #BookTube #MiddleSchoolReads #ReadMore