Reading in The Middle

Welcome to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the captivating world of middle-grade books, hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Librarian 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 parent or an educator, "Reading in the Middle" is your gateway to discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reading in The Middle is a arts podcast hosted by Annisha Jeffries, with 101 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Annisha Jeffries hosts Reading in The Middle, a arts show with 101 episodes published.

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  Episode #4

  Judith Jacques on Gardenland: Friendship, Inclusion & Belonging

  Aug 18, 202641 minS4

  When a single garden party splits into two, everyone faces the choice of where to belong. On this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries discusses with author Judith Jacques her children’s book, Gardenland: The Peas' and Carrots' Party Shake-Up, illustrated by Trevor Pacelli. The story captures Gardenland's excitement for its annual celebration, which is disrupted when Peas and Carrots decide to host separate parties. This turn of events challenges the community's tradition and prompts Betty Beet to find a solution. With ingenuity and her friends' help, she works to reunite Gardenland. Judith explains the inspiration for Gardenland, the creation of Betty Beet and her quirky friends, her collaboration with Trevor Pacelli, and how she uses humor to explore children’s real feelings: friendship, exclusion, belonging, empathy, conflict resolution, and inclusivity. She also shares her personal connection through her grandmother, Bubbie Rose, the first gardener she knew, whose influence inspired Gardenland’s world. The conversation highlights a vibrant story with a meaningful message: everyone deserves to   belong . Connect with Judith Jacques: Gardenland Books: GardenlandBooks.com Instagram: @JudithJacques X/Twitter: @JudithJacques LinkedIn: Judith Jacques Learn more about Gardenland: The Peas' and Carrots' Party Shake-Up , meet the Gardenland characters, and discover more from the series at GardenlandBooks.com . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #3

  Little Monsters with Máire Roche | A Spooky Little Women Reimagining

  Aug 18, 202624 minS4

  What if the March sisters were hiding more than just family secrets? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews author Máire Roche about her new middle-grade novel, Little Monsters, a spooky, humorous reinterpretation of Little Women. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are sisters with a very unusual secret: they are monsters. While Meg strives to protect her family and keep their secret, she also faces questions about belonging, identity, fear, and being accepted for who she really is. Máire discusses why she chose Meg as the story's focal point, how each March sister corresponds with her own monstrous alter ego, the significance of setting the story near Salem, and the enjoyment and challenges of reimagining beloved characters with supernatural elements. We also explore themes of sisterhood, family, anxiety, secrecy, and the idea that our hidden parts often define us. Additionally, Máire participates in a lively rapid-fire round about monsters, March sisters, spooky environments, and more. Little Monsters by Máire Roche is available now, perfect for fans of middle-grade fantasy, supernatural mysteries, spooky tales, family narratives, Little Women retellings, and stories about finding your place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #2

  Ghost in the Night with Tiffany D. Jackson

  Aug 12, 202624 minS4

  What if the ghost you’re searching for isn’t the only story waiting to be uncovered?  In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries chats with award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson about her new middle-grade novel, Ghost in the Night. Twelve-year-old Harmony Roundtree enjoys photography, ghost tours, and the idea that those we've lost might still linger. After her beloved grandmother's passing, Harmony travels with her father and his blues band, taking ghost tours in each city and hoping her camera will prove ghosts exist. In Savannah, Georgia, Harmony becomes entangled in a mystery where history, memory, grief, and the supernatural intertwine. Tiffany and Annisha discuss creating Harmony’s memorable voice, the emotional connection between Harmony and her grandmother, photography as a tool for memory, Savannah’s haunted history, Gullah Geechee traditions, and the role of storytellers in shaping narratives about real people and painful pasts. They also ponder one of the novel’s key questions: Who has the right to tell history, and what if the most entertaining story isn’t the factual one? This is a conversation about ghosts, grief, family, history, and discovering that sometimes what we seek isn’t quite what we expect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #1

  Ticket to Mars Author Kieran Fanning | Reading in the Middle Podcast

  Aug 3, 202618 minS4

  What would you risk for a chance at a better future? In this episode of  Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries interviews Irish author  Kieran Fanning  about his middle-grade science fiction novel,  Ticket to Mars . They discuss the inspiration for the story, Veon Windbourne's unforgettable journey from a flooded Earth to the Martian city of Harmonia, and explore themes like justice, inequality, hope, and belonging woven into the narrative. Kieran also talks about his writing process, research on life on Mars, and why stories of courage and resilience resonate with young readers. The episode also highlights his diverse works, including the Codecrackers series, The Black Lotus, The Arrival, Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends, Haunted Ireland, and Enchanted Ireland. Whether you're a middle-grade reader, teacher, librarian, parent, or sci-fi enthusiast, this discussion offers an engaging look into the mind of a creative storyteller. In this episode: The inspiration behind Ticket to Mars Creating the world of Harmonia Writing believable middle-grade heroes Science fiction and social justice Kieran Fanning's writing process His favorite moments from the novel A fun lightning round About Reading in the Middle Hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Reading in the Middle features thoughtful conversations with today's leading middle-grade authors, celebrating the stories that inspire young readers to think, imagine, and discover the joy of reading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #30

  T. C. Kemper on The Ginghams | A Spooky Middle Grade Mystery About Friendship & Conformity

  Jul 28, 202631 minS3

  What occurs when an entire town becomes eerily perfect? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews debut middle-grade author T. C. Kemper about her haunting new mystery, The Ginghams. When twelve-year-old Joni Bird returns from summer camp, Olive Springs no longer feels like the town she knew. Her best friend May has swapped her wild curls and drums for a neat bun and believes drumming is “unladylike.” The local ice cream shop now only serves vanilla, neighbors dress alike, and a mysterious new family with unsettling smiles appears to be behind it all. The mystery centers on the Ginghams’ Thursday night book club, where members return as perfectly polished “model citizens." Determined to uncover the truth and save May and Olive Springs, Joni and Tyler start their investigation. T. C. Kemper discusses creating suspense for young readers, crafting memorable friendships, developing the strange world of Olive Springs, and examining the risks of conformity and perfectionism. She also shares her journey to publishing her debut middle-grade novel and her hopes for what readers take away from it. The Ginghams is set to release on July 28, 2026. Subscribe to Reading in the Middle, leave a review, and share this episode with a reader who loves creepy mysteries, strong friendships, and stories about the courage to be oneself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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