Reading in The Middle

What happens when a family story becomes an award-winning graphic novel?In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with Ringo Award-winning author and educator Jason Douglas about Jane American, a powerful coming-of-age graphic novel inspired by his grandmother's life in Southeast Michigan during and after World War II.Together they discuss family history, identity, belonging, resilience, and why the struggles young people face today aren't so different from those faced generations ago. Jason also shares how 26 years as a public-school teacher shaped his storytelling and why graphic novels can be such powerful tools for literacy and learning.Perfect for middle-grade readers, educators, librarians, graphic novel fans, and anyone who has ever wondered about the stories hidden within their own family tree.READING IN THE MIDDLEShow Notes📚 About Jane AmericanSet in historic Southeast Michigan during the aftermath of World War II, Jane American follows Betty Jane Johnson as she navigates family, loss, friendship, identity, and the difficult choices that shape who she becomes.Inspired by the life of Jason Douglas's grandmother, Jane American explores:• Identity and belonging• Self-worth and self-determination• Family and friendship• WWII homefront history• Women in wartime factories• The Great Migration• Social-emotional growth and resilience🏆 Awards & Recognition• Winner, Ringo Award for Best Original Graphic Novel• First fully self-published graphic novel to win a Ringo Award• Published by Papercutz• Distributed by Simon & Schuster📖 Preorder Jane AmericanSimon & Schuster:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Jane-American/Jason-Douglas/9781545836217📚 Educator ResourcesEducator Pitch Deck:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sYBjbJGRkbNSFzWW9Ri-kzZxqHgYHfBYwjbCbgsfLXA/edit?usp=drivesdk🎓 Special Educator DiscountPapercutz is offering a 50% educator discount for classroom sets, school libraries, public libraries, literacy initiatives, and educational organizations.Order Here:https://papercutz.com/product/jane-american-vol-1/?wdr_coupon=janeamerican50&v=0b3b97fa6688🏫 Educational Features Included in the Book• Historical Endnotes & Easter Eggs• Common Core Alignment• Discussion Questions• Four Corners Activities• See / Think / Wonder Activities• Socratic Seminar Frameworks• Writing Prompts• Persuasive Writing Activities• Cross-Curricular Teaching Ideas• Social-Emotional Learning ConnectionsIdeal for:• Grades 4–12• English Language Arts• U.S. History• Social Studies• Historical Fiction Units• Graphic Novel Studies• Literature Circles• Independent Reading Programs👤 About Jason DouglasJason Douglas is a Michigan-based author, playwright, and public-school teacher. After more than 25 years in education, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of creating graphic novels.His debut graphic novel, Parallel, earned two Ringo Award nominations. His second graphic novel, Jane American, became the first fully self-published graphic novel to win the Ringo Award for Best Original Graphic Novel.Jason's newest graphic novel, No Man's Land, explores friendship, trauma, and survival through the lens of World War I horror.🔗 Connect with Jason Douglashttps://linktr.ee/jdouglaswrites🎧 About Reading in the MiddleReading in the Middle is a podcast hosted by Annisha Jeffries featuring conversations with authors, illustrators, and creators whose work inspires middle-grade readers.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher, librarian, parent, or reader in your life. 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.