Reading in The Middle

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews middle-grade author Taryn Souders about her latest book, Secrets of the Broken House, as well as mysteries, memorable characters, and her creative process. Taryn discusses how she developed Tucker Stephens and the quirky town of Everson, where goats can run for mayor, and how a suspicious death draws three friends into a web of secrets. Annisha and Taryn examine how humor, heart, and curiosity blend in her stories and why middle-grade mysteries remain popular among young readers. They also talk about Taryn’s other favorite books, her writing journey, and offer advice for kids aspiring to be authors. This episode is ideal for librarians, educators, parents, and middle-grade fans who enjoy smart, engaging stories.📚 Featured BooksSecrets of the Broken HouseHow to Almost Ruin Your SummerCoop Knows the ScoopThe Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:How Taryn builds kid detectives and small-town mysteriesThe inspiration behind Secrets of the Broken HouseWhy flawed, funny, and curious characters matterHow she balances suspense with emotional depthWriting advice for young storytellers🌐 Author WebsiteLearn more about Taryn and her books at:www.tarynsouders.com🌟 About the AuthorTaryn Souders writes middle-grade novels filled with humor, heart, and clever mysteries. Her books explore friendship, community, and what happens when kids decide to ask big questions—and follow the clues.📢 Connect & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode:Subscribe to Reading in the MiddleLeave a reviewShare with a fellow reader Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Annisha Jeffries for an engaging and lively interview with bestselling author Megan McDonald, known for creating the beloved Judy Moody series, the Stink spin-off, and the early-chapter-book Fairy Door Diaries. We explore: how Megan’s librarian background influences her storytelling, the enchantment behind Judy Moody’s moods and Stink’s adventures, and the inspiration and creation process of her latest caper-style series, Bunny and Clyde On the Lam (Book 2 of the Bunny & Clyde series, scheduled for release on February 3, 2026). Published by Candlewick Press Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Derrick Barnes joins Reading in the Middle to discuss his compelling new middle-grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze. In this interview, we discuss themes such as Black boyhood, identity, family, community expectations, and the emotional toll of being defined by talent. Barnes offers insights into writing for middle-grade audiences, developing authentic characters, and crafting stories that help children recognize their worth beyond just performance. This is ideal for parents, teachers, librarians, and young readers seeking meaningful, relatable fiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m your host, Annisha Jeffries, and today’s guest is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary literature. Angie Thomas’s debut novel, The Hate U Give, not only debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list, but also received significant recognition from the American Library Association — including the William C. Morris Award for a standout debut, and honors such as the Michael L. Printz and Coretta Scott King Honors for its literary achievement and cultural impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A thoughtful conversation with Michelle Knudsen about Into the Wild Magic, published by Candlewick Press, exploring quiet bravery, complicated friendships, and building emotionally grounded fantasy worlds for young readers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with poet, mentor, and author Rian N. Jenkins to talk about her debut middle-grade novel Reverse (Book One) — a story that captures friendship, family, and the first sparks of love between two kids who’ve known each other their entire lives.Rian shares how she weaves poetry into fiction, what inspired Monica and Donovan’s story, and how Reverse reflects the courage it takes to grow up, make mistakes, and come home to yourself.And yes, she gives us a hint about Book Two.✨Honest. Funny. Heartfelt. This conversation is for anyone who remembers the moment when friendship started to mean something more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.