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PODCAST

Reading in The Middle

Annisha Jeffries

Welcome to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the captivating world of middle-grade books, hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager and literary enthusiast. Each episode dives into stories that inspire and entertain readers ages 8 to 12. Join Annisha as she discusses the latest and greatest in middle-grade literature, shares insights on character development, themes, and writing styles, and reads exciting excerpts to bring these books to life. Whether you"re a young

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All Episodes

00:26:52

Changing How Kids Read: A Conversation with Sarah K....

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/11/02

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

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00:37:17

Escaping the Drawer with Sammy and Annisha

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/10/21

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

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00:34:04

Growing Up Beth with Beth York

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/10/18

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 familyHow Beth navigated identity,

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00:40:10

Karina Yan Glaser on The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/10/05

Beloved author Karina Yan Glaser (The Vanderbeekers, A Duet for Home) returns with a breathtaking new story: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli. Set across ancient China and Depression-era New York’s Chinatown, the novel blends history and fantasy in a moving tale about family, survival, and the courage to face the unknown.Host Annisha Jeffries talks to Karina about her creative process, her first experience writing historical fiction, and why middle grade remains a space where magic, history, and

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00:24:42

Walking in Paws: Ellen Phinney on A Dog and His Boy:...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/10/05

Imagine if you and your dog could swap places just for a day! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries has a lovely chat with Ellen Phinney about her newest middle-grade novel, A Dog and His Boy: The Switch. They explore what sparked the story, how Ellen captures heartfelt emotion through humor and imagination, and what she hopes young readers will take away from Jax and Scout’s amazing exchange.Find your comfy cozy corner, get ready to listen, and after you're done, be sure to

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00:25:48

👽📱 Press 1 for Invasion with J.A. Dauber

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/09/11

What happens when a simple photo on a found phone reveals the school crossing guard as… a monster? In his debut middle grade novel, Press 1 for Invasion (out now), J.A. Dauber blends laugh-out-loud humor, fast-paced action, and just the right amount of cosmic chaos.In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with Dauber about the inspiration behind his hilarious alien adventure, creating characters that feel real in the midst of wild situations, and how middle-grade books

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00:49:21

Detectives, Spies & Storms: James Ponti’s Middle...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/09/03

Join host Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle as she explores the exciting worlds created by James Ponti—from the globe-trotting adventures of City Spies and the clever mysteries of Framed! to the chilling underworld of Dead City and the detective tales of The Sherlock Society. His newest book, Hurricane Heist, was released on September 2, 2025, and promises a thrilling experience. When a category-three hurricane hits Miami Beach, revealing a body linked to a long-forgotten jewel theft, the

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00:18:11

Standing Up and Speaking Out: Darlene P. Campos on...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/28

In this powerful episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Darlene P. Campos to discuss her latest middle-grade novel, The Center of the Earth. Set in 1930s Ecuador, the story follows Dahlia, a young girl whose life changes when she meets Werner, a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany. Together, they form an unforgettable friendship in a world on the edge of war.Darlene shares how she wove her Ecuadorian heritage and real Holocaust survivor stories into the fabric of this

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00:48:48

The Table: Art, Family & Food with Winsome Bingham &...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/27

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries welcomes celebrated author Winsome Bingham and Caldecott Honor recipient Jason Griffin to discuss "The Table," a poetic picture book that traces the life of a single table through generations. Discover how food traditions, visual storytelling, and creative collaboration enrich children's literature and family memories.Winsome Bingham brings warmth and heritage to her work—from her debut, Soul Food Sunday (New York Times Best Children's

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00:41:42

C.G. Esperanza: Art in Motion

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/25

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews C.G. Esperanza, an illustrator, author, and teaching artist whose vibrant artwork has transformed the look and feel of children’s books. This year, Esperanza received the 2025 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for My Daddy Is a Cowboy and a Caldecott Honor. He has previously been recognized with the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Soul Food Sunday and the Pura Belpré Honor for Boogie, Boogie, Y’all. We discuss how his

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00:37:41

The Art of Becoming: A Sisterhood Story with...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/21

In this heartwarming episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries is joined by award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich to talk about Operation Sisterhood and its brand-new sequel, Stealing the Show!Set in a Harlem brownstone filled with music, creativity, and the chaos of a blended family, these two novels follow Bo and Sunday as they navigate friendship, change, community, and what it means to belong trulyOlugbemisola shares the inspiration behind Bo’s quiet strength, Sunday’s

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00:25:00

Roll the Dice on adventure with author Raj Sidhu

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/19

What occurs when role-playing games blend with middle-grade storytelling? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with debut author Raj Sidhu about his new book, Thrash Force—a fast-paced multiverse adventure filled with dice rolls, high stakes, and memorable characters. Raj discusses what inspired his action-packed debut, how gaming influenced his storytelling, and why middle-grade readers are ideal adventurers. From tips on world-building to the story's heartfelt

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00:16:21

ALA Rewind: Kitty Felde on Mysteries, Civics, and...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/11

Recorded live at the ALA Annual Conference, Annisha interviews award-winning public radio journalist and author Kitty Felde about her middle-grade series The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, including Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza, and State of the Union. They discuss how Kitty combines engaging mysteries with real-world civics, the Capitol Hill legends that inspire her plots, and how her journalism experience influences her writing. Kitty also provides behind-the-scenes insights from The Fina Mendoza

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00:39:51

The Unraveling: Courage Takes Flight in the Woodland...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/09

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, we’re taking flight into a world where the smallest hero faces the biggest challenge.Meet Twig—a young chickadee whose peaceful life shatters when the ruthless Fortress Crows attack his village. Hunted by a powerful sorceress and her winged army, Twig is thrust into an epic quest filled with magical powers, fierce battles, and a ragtag team of allies—including a cunning bard, a fearless warrior, and two tumblers who cause almost as much trouble as they

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00:17:44

Loons, Lakes & Big Feelings with Donna Galanti

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/07

Summer is calling! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Donna Galanti to talk about her heartfelt new middle-grade novel, Loon Cove Summer—a story of bravery, grief, friendship, and finding your way in the wild.We chat about:The real-life inspiration behind Sarah’s lakeside adventureWhy loons make the perfect emotional soundtrackHow nature can help us healWriting big feelings with heart and humorAnd the joys (and fails) of summer camp life!Whether

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00:16:44

Episode 34: A Conversation with Ambreen Butt-Hussain

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/08/03

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kid lit advocate Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Ambreen Butt-Hussain to talk about her laugh-out-loud, refreshingly honest middle grade series featuring the unforgettable Alina Butt.From being the new kid (again) to missing out on a class trip to Paris, Alina’s adventures in The Unlovable Alina Butt and You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt explore what it’s like to grow up between cultures, wrestle with identity, and embrace all the messy,

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00:25:48

Episode 33: Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane with...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/07/30

What occurs when a chaotic flight inspires a fun picture book? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews author, poet, and educator K.E. Lewis about his latest book, Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane, illustrated by Isabel Roxas. They discuss how a frustrating travel moment turned into a rhyming cautionary story, the role of rhythm and representation in K.E.’s work, and why picture books remain important even on a podcast focused on middle-grade literature. Prepare

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00:20:59

Episode 32: Malcolm Lives with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/07/28

Guest: Dr. Ibram X. KendiBook Featured: Malcolm Lives (2025, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)Host: Annisha Jeffries, Kidlit Advocate & creator of Reading in the MiddleTopics Covered:Why Malcolm Lives was written for middle-grade readers in Malcolm X’s centennial yearHow Dr. Kendi balances biography with imaginative storytellingThe importance of introducing complex, courageous figures to young readersWhat young people today can learn from Malcolm’s legacy of transformationHow educators and

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00:39:06

Episode 31: So Over Sharing with Elissa Brent Weissman

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/07/20

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kidlit enthusiast Annisha Jeffries chats with author Elissa Brent Weissman about her latest middle grade novel, So Over Sharing.They discuss the inspiration behind the book, what it’s like to write for today’s tech-savvy tweens, and how Elissa strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. From awkward school moments to the pressure of social media, this book captures it all, and Elissa gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop.Highlights

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00:48:30

Episode 30: Forest Magic & Bug Pooters: A...

Reading in The Middle ·

2025/05/31

What do fairy houses, mossy trails, and bug pooters share? They’re all ways to connect with nature—and today’s guest knows how to make the wild feel wonderfully magical.In this episode, Annisha Jeffries chats with Susie Spikol, naturalist, educator, and author of two inspiring books for middle-grade readers: The Animal Adventurer’s Guide and her newest, Forest Magic for Kids. Whether helping kids find salamanders or stir up a bit of phoenix tea, Susie brings her signature blend of science,

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