How to Write Books Kids Can't Put Down

How to Write Books Kids Can't Put Down

From Christian Publishing Show by Thomas Umstattd Jr.

May 12, 2026 · 1h 5m · Episode 176

About this episode

This episode discusses the changing expectations of middle-grade readers and how to write engaging books for them.

A kid in my fifth-grade Sunday school class recently asked, "What's social media?" She had no idea. And she wasn't the only one. Gen Alpha grew up with less screen time, more parental guardrails, and completely different expectations for the stories they want to read. That means, middle-grade books are going through a shift right now, and the rest of publishing will feel it soon. On this week's episode of the Christian Publishing Show, you’ll hear from award-winning middle grade author J.J. J...

People in this episode

Host: Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Guest: J.J. J

Topics covered

  • middle-grade books
  • Gen Alpha
  • storytelling
  • publishing trends
  • children's literature

Keywords

  • middle-grade
  • Gen Alpha
  • storytelling
  • publishing
  • children's books

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Christian Publishing Show

More episodes of Christian Publishing Show

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Christian Publishing Show podcast page.