Middle Grade Matters

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Middle Grade Matters

Shannon Balloon

92 episodes

2 days ago

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author J.E. Thomas about her latest book, The AI Incident. They discuss the themes of loneliness and connection, the role of AI in education, and how humor can engage young readers. J.E. shares insights from her interactions with kids during school visits and reflects on her writing process, challenges, and future projects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity and the human experience in s...

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In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author J.E. Thomas about her latest book, The AI Incident. They discuss the themes of loneliness and connection, the role of AI in education, and how humor can engage young readers. J.E. shares insights from her interactions with kids during school visits and reflects on her writing process, challenges, and future projects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity and the human experience in s...

Show more...

Episodes (20/92)

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 91: J.E. Thomas (The AI Incident) on Engaging Children in Conversations about Artificial Intelligence

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author J.E. Thomas about her latest book, The AI Incident. They discuss the themes of loneliness and connection, the role of AI in education, and how humor can engage young readers. J.E. shares insights from her interactions with kids during school visits and reflects on her writing process, challenges, and future projects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity and the human experience in s...

2 days ago

49 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 90: Amanda Zieba (WordNerd) on Hybrid Publishing and Creating Resources for Teachers

In this episode, Amanda Zieba shares her journey from being a middle school teacher to an author and content creator for teachers. She discusses her experiences with self-publishing and hybrid publishing, the challenges and successes she faced along the way, and her latest book, Life in the Passenger Seat. Amanda also provides insights into her marketing strategies and offers advice for writers considering different publishing routes. Finally, she shares insights on her First Chapter Fr...

1 week ago

50 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 89: Shannon Balloon and Karen Reeder (BookHuddle Podcast) On Our Favorite MG Books of the Year (So Far)

On this episode, I'm playing an episode of the BookHuddle with Readgab Podcast in which host Karen Reeder and I discuss our favorite middle grade books of 2025 (so far). Karen and I each have our own favorite genres, which makes this discussion perfect for readers of all types of middle grade books. Listen and find your next favorite middle grade read. Find Karen Reeder at https://readgab.com/ and find her podcast on all platforms as well as on YouTube. For bonus content and info on upcomin...

2 weeks ago

44 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 88: Meg Medina (Graciela in the Abyss) on Diving into a Fantasy World

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Meg Medina discusses her latest book, Graciela in the Abyss, and shares insights into her writing process, the themes of her work, and the importance of community and culture in literature. She reflects on the challenges of writing, the role of illustrations, and her experiences as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Meg emphasizes the significance of storytelling and encourages aspiring writers to focus on their c...

3 weeks ago

49 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 34: Joel Brigham on Query Letters and First Pages

On this episode, writing expert Joel Brigham breaks down the components of a Query Letter as well as your First Pages - - the two most important things a writer seeking an agent needs (other than a completed manuscript, of course!). Joel provides examples of what to do and what not to do, the ideal word count of a query letter, and what first pages must have to hook the potential agent (and future readers). Joel Brigham is a freelance editor who helps writers and authors at all stages ...

1 month ago

59 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 87: Katherine Marsh (the Medusa series) on Monsters, Myths, and a Girl Protagonist

In this episode, author Katherine Marsh discusses her Medusa series, focusing on themes of empowerment and representation for young girls in literature. She shares insights into her writing process, the importance of world-building, and her research into Greek mythology. Katherine also reflects on her journey as a writer, the evolution of middle grade literature, and offers advice for aspiring writers. From the Publisher: From National Book Award finalist Katherine Marsh: Percy Jackson meets ...

1 month ago

41 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 86: Erin Entrada Kelly (At Last She Stood) on Her Foray into Nonfiction

In this episode, Erin Entrada Kelly discusses her journey as a children's author, her transition into nonfiction writing, and the remarkable life of Joey Guerrero, the subject of her latest book, At Last She Stood. She shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of researching a historical figure, and her hope that young readers recognize marginalized voices in history. Erin also reflects on the impact winning a Newbery Honor and two Newbery Medals has had on her writing, her tea...

1 month ago

35 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 85: Kate O'Shaughnessy (The Wrong Way Home) on Community and Belonging

In this conversation, author Kate O'Shaughnessy shares her journey as a middle grade fiction writer, including her experience of receiving a Newbery Honor for her book 'The Wrong Way Home.' She discusses the inspiration behind her writing and the themes of community and belonging. Kate also reflects on her writing process, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, and her advice for aspiring writers. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade ...

2 months ago

52 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 84: Dianne K. Salerni (The Tontine Caper) on Writing Humor and an Omniscient Narrator

In this interview, Dianne K. Salerni shares her journey as an author, discussing her latest middle grade novel, The Tontine Caper. The discussion delves into the humorous elements of her work, the role of the omniscient narrator, and the importance of character development. Dianne also addresses the challenges of writing shorter novels for middle grade readers and the evolving landscape of children's literature. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importan...

2 months ago

50 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 83: Lauren Wolk (Candle Island) on the Importance of Setting in Her Novels

In this conversation, Newbery Honor winner Lauren Wolk discusses her latest middle grade novel, Candle Island, and shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the importance of setting in her stories. She emphasizes the maturity and resilience of her characters, the role of art in her work, and her creative journey as a children's writer. Wolk also shares her journey as a writer, discussing her transition from adult fiction to middle grade literature, the impact of aw...

2 months ago

52 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep: 82: Marie Benedict (The Secrets of Lovelace Academy) on Infusing Historical Fiction with Adventure.

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I interview author Marie Benedict about her new middle grade novel, The Secrets of Lovelace Academy. The conversation explores the collaboration between Marie and co-author Courtney Scheinmel, the historical context of the story, the challenges faced by young girls in education during the early 1900s, and the relatable themes of classism and resilience. Marie shares insights into the writing process, the fun and fast-paced nature of the boo...

3 months ago

44 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 46: Literary Agent Alexander Slater on Publishing in Middle Grade

Literary Agent Alexander Slater discusses his background in children's publishing and his love for middle grade books. He talks about changes in the middle grade publishing industry, including the impact of Barnes and Noble's decision to stock fewer hardback middle grade books. He also addresses the issue of book banning. Slater shares insights into his typical day as a literary agent and offers advice for writers on crafting effective query letters. For bonus content and info on upcomi...

3 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Middle Grade Matters

[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 58: Gayle Forman (Not Nothing) on Seeing Stories From Different Perspectives

In this episode, I talk with award-winning author Gayle Forman about her latest middle grade novel, Not Nothing. Gayle discusses her transition from writing YA to middle grade and the challenges of capturing the voice of young characters. She shares the inspiration behind Not Nothing, a story about a 12-year-old boy named Alex who finds himself in an assisted living facility and forms a bond with a 107-year-old man named Josie. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the...

3 months ago

34 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 81: Debbi Michiko Florence (Last Chance Academy) on Writing a Middle Grade Mystery Series.

In this episode, I interview middle grade author Debbie Michiko Florence. We discuss Debbi's writing process, her new middle grade series 'Last Chance Academy', and the importance of representing Japanese American heritage in her stories. Debbie shares insights into her creative space, the challenges of writing a mystery, and the significance of friendship themes in her work. She reflects on her long path to publication, the significance of finding the right agent, and the collaborative natur...

3 months ago

46 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 80: Lisa Schmid (Hart & Souls) on Non-Scary Ghost Stories and Podcasting

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Lisa Schmid discusses her latest middle grade novel, 'Heart & Souls.' The conversation delves into the themes of anxiety, empathy, and the role of ghosts in storytelling. Lisa shares her personal experiences that inspired her writing, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the challenges of balancing writing with family life and podcasting. Lisa also discuss the podcast 'Writers with Wrinkles', which she co-hosts, a...

4 months ago

43 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 79: Britnee Meiser (All My Bests) on Writing Realistic Middle Grade Romance

In this episode, Britnee Meiser discusses her debut middle grade novel 'All My Bests', reflecting on her journey as a writer, the challenges of publishing, and the importance of realistic representation in middle grade romance. She shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her stories, and the themes she hopes to convey to young readers. Brittany also touches on her experiences working with editors, finding an agent, and balancing her writing career with other jobs, all...

4 months ago

34 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 78: Megan E. Freeman (Alone and Away) on Her Books, Her Inspiration, and the Question Everyone is Asking . . Will There Be a Third?

On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, bestselling author Megan E. Freeman discusses her journey as a writer and the success of her novels 'Alone' and 'Away'. Megan shares insights into her writing process, the unique storytelling formats she employs, and the impact of reader feedback on her work. The conversation delves into the themes of survival, friendship, and the creative challenges of writing companion novels. Megan also talks about her upcoming projects (including whethe...

4 months ago

47 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 77: Kyle Lukoff (A World Worth Saving) on Writing Adventure, Jewish Folklore, and Trans Youth in Middle Grade.

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I talk with Kyle Lukoff about his latest middle grade novel, A World Worth Saving. We discuss the complexities of the story, including the challenges faced by the main character, a trans youth, and the role of parental relationships. Kyle shares insights into the inspiration behind the book, the significance of Jewish folklore, and the research process he undertook. The conversation also touches on the writing process, the intended audience...

4 months ago

41 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

Ep. 76: Wendelin Van Draanen (Flipped) on Writing From the Heart

In this episode, Wendelin Van Draanen discusses her journey as a writer, the evolution of her work from the Sammy Keys mystery series to standalone novels, and the impact of adaptations on her books. She shares insights into the inspiration behind her acclaimed novel, The Running Dream, and emphasizes the importance of writing for young readers with relatable themes. Wendelin also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to embrace the creative process and write from the ...

4 months ago

45 minutes

Middle Grade Matters

[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 31: Megan Reyes (Heroes of Havensong) on Writing a Fantasy with Four Points of View

On this episode, I talk with middle grade fantasy author Megan Reyes about her debut series, Heroes of Havensong. We talk about the challenges of writing a series with four points of view, how she taught herself to write stories, and what she says to students to inspire them to write their own stories. From the publisher: This timeless fantasy debut follows four children—a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a runaway witch, and a young soldier—bound together by the Fates themselv...

5 months ago

53 minutes