Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments with Matt Eicheldinger

From Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental by Reading Is Fundamental

May 5, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 30

About this episode

In this episode, Erin Bailey interviews Matt Eicheldinger about his journey as a reluctant reader turned bestselling author and discusses strategies to engage kids in reading.

In this Teacher Appreciation Week episode, host Erin Bailey chats with New York Times bestselling author and educator Matt Eicheldinger about his journey from reluctant reader to published author, how a classroom "story jar" sparked his writing career, and practical strategies for reaching kids who don't love reading — from short chapters and cliffhangers to finding the one book that hooks them. Matt also previews his fast-paced dystopian YA series When the Rain Came and teases a brand-new graphic novel format dropping in 2029. About Matt Eicheldinger: Matt Eicheldinger is an American author, former middle school teacher, and social media personality. He is best known for his Matt Sprouts series of middle-grade novels and his memoir Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments . His debut novel became a The New York Times and USA Today bestseller in its first week of publication. Matt Eicheldinger Instagram and tiktok @matteicheldinger Facebook: @Matt Eicheldinger - Author

People in this episode

Host: Erin Bailey

Guest: Matt Eicheldinger

Topics covered

teacher appreciation
reading strategies
young adult literature
author journey
dystopian fiction

Keywords

teacher appreciation week
reluctant reader
story jar
reading strategies
dystopian YA
graphic novel
Matt Eicheldinger

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times, USA Today

Books & works: When the Rain Came, Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments