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 105 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Annisha Jeffries hosts Reading in The Middle, a arts show with 105 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #8

  Saida J. Bulhan on A Song of Her Own, Somali Storytelling & Finding Your Voice | Reading in the Middle

  Sep 22, 20261h 2mS4

  What does it mean to discover that your own story is worth telling? On this episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha welcomes author Saida J. Bulhan to discuss A Song of Her Own , the first book in the Rain Chaser series. Set in a Somali nomadic community, the story introduces readers to Kiin, a young girl eager to prove she can take on greater responsibilities. But as Kiin’s journey unfolds, she discovers something even more important: the power of listening, storytelling, family, tradition, and finding confidence in her own voice. Saida joins Annisha for a thoughtful conversation about creating Kiin and her world; Somali culture and oral storytelling traditions; sibling and family relationships; and belonging; and why young readers need stories that remind them their experiences matter. It’s a conversation about finding your center, discovering the storyteller within, and realizing that sometimes the story you’ve been searching for has been yours all along. So find a comfortable spot, settle in, and keep reading in the middle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #7

  Shifa Saltagi Safadi on Sisters Alone, Kareem Between & Winning the National Book Award

  Sep 8, 202648 minS4

  National Book Award-winning author Shifa Saltagi Safadi joins Reading in the Middle to discuss her new middle-grade novel in verse, *Sisters Alone*, as well as her book *Kareem Between*. Shifa explores themes of grief, anxiety, faith, sisterhood, and survival, emphasizing the importance of providing young readers with stories that are both honest and hopeful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #6

  Robin Easter on Middle School Monsters and Finding Your Pack

  Aug 31, 202629 minS4

  In Robin Easter’s new graphic novel, Middle School Monsters , that feeling becomes wonderfully literal. Jamie is beginning seventh grade in a new town and wants nothing more than a normal year. That means hiding her hairy legs, keeping her emotions under control, and making sure no one discovers the werewolf she believes is lurking inside her. Then Jamie meets Vee, the school’s so-called vampire. Vee already has a reputation, much of it connected to what happened with her former best friend, Kennedy. Jamie is warned to stay away, but the more time she spends with Vee, the more she recognizes another person who understands what it feels like to be judged, misunderstood, and placed outside the group. On this episode of Reading in the Middle , Robin joins me to talk about creating Jamie, Vee, and Kennedy; turning the emotions of middle school into a monster story; and showing the difference between changing yourself to fit in and finding people who accept you as you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #5

  Once a Wasteland: Diane Muldrow and Amy Jindra Hodgson on Healing Cuyahoga Valley

  Aug 22, 202637 minS4

  A polluted industrial dumping ground. Nearly 400,000 tons of contaminated soil. And, after decades of restoration, a thriving national park. In this special episode of Reading in the Middle , Annisha Jeffries guest-hosts the Ohio Center for the Book’s Page Count podcast for a conversation with author Diane Muldrow and illustrator Amy Jindra Hodgson about their nonfiction picture book, Once a Wasteland: From Toxic Dump to National Park . The book tells the remarkable true story of the Krejci salvage yard in Northeast Ohio’s Cuyahoga River Valley. Once so contaminated that wildlife could not survive there, the land underwent an extensive environmental cleanup and was eventually restored as part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Diane and Amy discuss how they transformed a complex environmental history into an accessible story for young readers, researched the land’s recovery, illustrated the movement from pollution to renewal, and helped children understand that damaged environments can heal when people take responsibility and work together. Selected as Ohio’s 2026 Great Reads from Great Places title for young readers and recognized as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, Once a Wasteland is a hopeful story about conservation, community action, environmental restoration, and the power of giving the natural world a fresh start. Special thanks to Don Boozer and the Ohio Center for the Book for inviting Annisha to guest-host this meaningful conversation. Listen to discover how one of Ohio’s most contaminated landscapes became a place filled with plants, wildlife, visitors, and possibility.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  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.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Reading in The Middle. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.