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In this episode, bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega discusses the final book in her successful Witchlings series, her writing process, and her plans for future projects, including graphic novels and a darker series. She shares insights on character development, series planning, and the importance of community and authenticity for young readers.  Key  Topics: The origin of the Witchlings series and its themes of friendship and heroismCharacter development and growth across five booksThe process of planning and outlining a series from the startThe potential for graphic novels and future projectsThe importance of community and authenticity in children's literatureInsights into her writing routine and managing multiple projectsThe impact of her books on young readers' identity and confidenceAdvice for new writersFor bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

I don't know about you, but I love when classic stories are told from a fresh perspective. In this episode, we dive into Mary Roach's newest book, "Little Monsters", a captivating middle grade reimagining of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel "Little Women".  Mary, a former teacher and prolific writer, brings a unique twist to this timeless tale by infusing it with elements of fantasy and the struggles of growing up. Join us as we discuss this imaginative book as well as Mary's writing career which spans genres and age categories.  For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In the world of children's literature, the path to creativity often begins in unexpected places. For Perin Gurel, it was her daughter’s whimsical story idea that sparked the creation of her own middle grade novel, Laleh and the Language of the Birds. In this episode, we explore fascinating insights from Perin about her writing journey, the cultural significance behind her characters, and how she weaves scientific and academic research into her stories. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode we dive into the world of writing mysteries for middle grade readers with Fleur Bradley, an author known for her engaging middle grade novels including Midnight at the Barclay Hotel and Daybreak on Raven Island. Fleur has now published her method for writing stories in a succinct yet comprehensive craft book titled Get a Clue: How to Plot, Write, and Sell Your MG Or YA Mystery, and in this interview you’ll discover insights from her journey as a writer, tips on crafting compelling mysteries, and the approach she takes to plotting and storytelling. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and growth. Many aspiring authors often wonder what it truly takes to publish a book. In this episode, author Nancy Tandon shares her journey and the ups and downs of writing for middle grade. Join us as we explore her experiences, insights, and the lessons learned along the way. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In a world often divided by beliefs, finding common ground can be a challenge. When I sat down with Huda Al-Mirashi, author of the new middle grade Hail Mariam, we delved into the intersection of faith and identity and the profound themes of understanding and respect that transcend religious boundaries. We also talk about Huda's writing journey, the challenges of pursuing traditional publishing, and finding your writing people. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode, NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff talks about her first middle grade novel, "The Aftermyth," where Penelope, a determined new student at Anaximander’s Academy, faces a whirlwind of challenges right from the start. With a doughnut hole mishap leading to unexpected chaos, she learns that sometimes, not fitting in is the first step to finding yourself.  For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

On this episode Katherine Applegate, author of the acclaimed The One and Only Ivan and her latest Wombat Waiting, takes us through her unconventional journey from ghostwriter to winning the Newbery Medal—sharing candid insights about the ups and downs, the long nights, and the moments of serendipity that shaped her career. You'll discover how her early career as a reluctant reader and her love for animals deeply influence her storytelling. She unpacks her unique process: balancing plotting with improvisation, rewriting obsessively, and navigating deadlines with a mix of discipline and daring. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

Join us as Philip Stead, acclaimed author and illustrator, discusses his innovative approach to writing and illustrating his first middle grade book, 'A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic.' Discover his creative process, storytelling techniques, and insights into engaging young readers with quirky, whimsical stories. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode I chat with Christina Chatell and Marcia Kochel, two passionate librarians advocating for a new category in publishing. They’ve been on a mission to bridge the gap for middle schoolers who crave more relatable, edgy content that speaks directly to their experiences.   They share their journey, from writing impactful articles to launching a campaign for Young Teen Lit – a category that addresses the needs of 12-15-year-olds.   Why does this matter? Because every kid deserves books that reflect their lives and challenges.   For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode, Aaron Starmer shares his unique journey from the travel industry to becoming a successful children's author. He discusses the evolution of his writing career, the creative process behind his new book You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This, and the quirky elements that make his stories captivating. Starmer reflects on the challenges of writing for children, the importance of editorial feedback, and his experiences as a full-time writer balancing multiple projects. He also shares insights into his future aspirations and the influence of travel on his storytelling. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

Writing for children can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to middle grade novels. As a writer, you want to create stories that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with young readers. In this episode, we delve into the creative journey of bestselling author Jasmine Warga, who shares her insights on what it takes to craft engaging stories for this age group. If you're an aspiring author or a dedicated reader, this episode is for you! For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode, author N. West Moss shares her journey to becoming a children's author, the inspiration behind her debut middle grade novel Birdie, and her writing process - including working with her editor. Discover insights on writing for young readers, late-blooming careers, and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in storytelling. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode, author Beth Ferry shares her journey from writing picture books to her first middle grade novel, 'Growing Home.' She discusses its themes of home and belonging, the challenges of writing both picture books and middle grade, and the importance of loving one's own story. Beth also offers insights into her writing process, future projects, and the joy of reading, while providing valuable advice for new writers. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series IS OUT TODAY!, so it's a great time to re-listen to our interview. Last week we heard part 1 and today it's part 2. In this part  we discuss his journey from screenwriting to becoming a successful author of middle-grade fiction. He shares insights into his writing process, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the joy of storytelling. James also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the significance of writing daily and focusing on completion rather than perfection. For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).