What if changing the way words look on the page could change the way kids feel about reading?
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with Sarah K. Blodgett, founder and CEO of Noah Text, an innovative reading format designed to make reading easier, more accessible, and more joyful, especially for those who struggle with dyslexia or reading fluency.
Sarah shares the story behind Noah Text, the inspiration that sparked her idea, and how she’s helping readers everywhere discover that reading doesn’t have to be painful; it can be empowering.
Listen in for a conversation about literacy, innovation, and hope for the next generation of readers.
Learn more: noahtext.com
🎧 Reading in the Middle — hosted by Annisha Jeffries
#ReadingInTheMiddle #NoahText #LiteracyInnovation #AnnishaJeffries #DyslexiaAwareness #MiddleGradeReaders #PodcastForEducators #InclusiveReading
Page Count Podcast is celebrating its 100th episode!
In this Bonus Episode!
I had the pleasure of being a special guest—alongside one very opinionated and charming toucan named Sammy—for a lively conversation about puppets, children’s literature, libraries, and (of course) the eternal cat vs. dog debate.
In this milestone episode, Page Count partnered with the Indiana Center for the Book to feature Sammy, a corduroy puppet and veteran interviewer who has spent more than a decade chatting with Indiana authors. Sammy is sassy, smart, and surprisingly philosophical about the nature of puppets—and I was thrilled to join the discussion from the Cleveland Public Library to talk about my love of cats, why puppets are powerful tools for young readers, and how picture books like Bill Cotter’s Don’t Push the Button! can spark joy and curiosity.
It’s a celebration of storytelling, reading, and a little bird who refuses to stay in his drawer!
🎧 Listen to “Escaping the Drawer with Sammy and Annisha” here:
👉 https://cpl.org/podcast-episode/escaping-the-drawer-with-sammy-and-annisha/
Congratulations to Laura Maylene Walter and the Page Count team for reaching this incredible milestone of 100 episodes of sharing Ohio’s literary voices with the world!
What is it like growing up as the only girl in a house full of five brothers? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, I sit down with Beth York to talk about her new memoir, Growing Up Beth (illustrated by Ana Latese), launching October 21, 2025. We dive into stories of sibling chaos, finding your own voice in the noise, and the moments — big and small — that shape us.
In This Episode You’ll Hear:
A hilarious and heartfelt portrait of childhood in a loud, loving family
How Beth navigated identity, confidence, and belonging
The adults and moments that offered unexpected encouragement
Why telling your own story can be an act of courage
Links & Resources:
🎯 Preorder Growing Up Beth (ill. Ana Latese) — releasing October 21, 2025
🎙️ More from Reading in the Middle — @reading_in_the_middle
💬 Stay in touch:
Press play, share with someone who’s ever felt lost in the shuffle, and join us in celebrating the messy, vibrant journey of growing up.
Beloved author Karina Yan Glaser (The Vanderbeekers, A Duet for Home) returns with a breathtaking new story: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli. Set across ancient China and Depression-era New York’s Chinatown, the novel blends history and fantasy in a moving tale about family, survival, and the courage to face the unknown.
Host Annisha Jeffries talks to Karina about her creative process, her first experience writing historical fiction, and why middle grade remains a space where magic, history, and heart collide.
Shownotes
A conversation with Karina Yan Glaser about her newest novel
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli at the crossroads of history and fantasy
How Karina balances cultural depth with kid-friendly storytelling
The themes of resilience, belonging, and imagination that drive her work
Imagine if you and your dog could swap places just for a day! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries has a lovely chat with Ellen Phinney about her newest middle-grade novel, A Dog and His Boy: The Switch. They explore what sparked the story, how Ellen captures heartfelt emotion through humor and imagination, and what she hopes young readers will take away from Jax and Scout’s amazing exchange.
Find your comfy cozy corner, get ready to listen, and after you're done, be sure to pick up A Dog and His Boy: The Switch. It’s a warm story about finding identity, practicing empathy, and the unexpected journeys that bring us back home.
What happens when a simple photo on a found phone reveals the school crossing guard as… a monster? In his debut middle grade novel, Press 1 for Invasion (out now), J.A. Dauber blends laugh-out-loud humor, fast-paced action, and just the right amount of cosmic chaos.
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with Dauber about the inspiration behind his hilarious alien adventure, creating characters that feel real in the midst of wild situations, and how middle-grade books can spark both laughter and courage.
Tune in for an out-of-this-world conversation perfect for readers, families, and anyone who’s ever suspected their cafeteria might hide more than just lunch.
Join host Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle as she explores the exciting worlds created by James Ponti—from the globe-trotting adventures of City Spies and the clever mysteries of Framed! to the chilling underworld of Dead City and the detective tales of The Sherlock Society. His newest book, Hurricane Heist, was released on September 2, 2025, and promises a thrilling experience. When a category-three hurricane hits Miami Beach, revealing a body linked to a long-forgotten jewel theft, the Society works quickly to solve the case before the secrets are lost forever. Listen for insights, humor, and the charm of middle-grade stories.
In this powerful episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Darlene P. Campos to discuss her latest middle-grade novel, The Center of the Earth. Set in 1930s Ecuador, the story follows Dahlia, a young girl whose life changes when she meets Werner, a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany. Together, they form an unforgettable friendship in a world on the edge of war.
Darlene shares how she wove her Ecuadorian heritage and real Holocaust survivor stories into the fabric of this historical novel. You'll hear about the research behind the book, the importance of writing truthfully for young readers, and why she believes kids are capable of incredible courage.
If you’re a teacher, librarian, or reader looking for a book that centers empathy, identity, and bravery—this conversation is for you.
📚 Book Featured:
The Center of the Earth by Darlene P. Campos
Buy the Book via Bookshop.org (supports indie bookstores)
🌍 Topics Covered:
– Writing historical fiction for middle grade readers
– The power of cross-cultural friendship
– Researching Holocaust survivor stories
– Ecuador as a literary setting
– What Dahlia teaches us about courage
– Writing through rejection
– Advice for young writers
🎙️ About the Guest:
Darlene P. Campos is a Latinx author whose work explores culture, compassion, and identity. She is based in Houston, Texas, and has published multiple books for young readers. The Center of the Earth is her latest middle grade novel.
📍 Where to Find Darlene:
Website: darlenepcampos.com
Instagram: @darlenepcampos
Twitter/X: @DarlenePCampos
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📘 Episode Description:🔗 Show Notes:
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries welcomes celebrated author Winsome Bingham and Caldecott Honor recipient Jason Griffin to discuss "The Table," a poetic picture book that traces the life of a single table through generations. Discover how food traditions, visual storytelling, and creative collaboration enrich children's literature and family memories.
Winsome Bingham brings warmth and heritage to her work—from her debut, Soul Food Sunday (New York Times Best Children's Book), to The Walk, and most recently, Fish Fry Friday—a lively and loving celebration of family and flavors.
Jason Griffin is renowned for his emotionally layered art, earning a Caldecott Honor for Ain’t Burned All the Bright, and bringing depth to My Name Is Jason. Mine Too, and now The Table.
We unpack the power of art to process grief and joy, how picture books let children see themselves, and why a dinner table can hold generations of stories. Whether you're an educator, creator, or curious reader, this episode invites you to pull up a chair.
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries interviews C.G. Esperanza, an illustrator, author, and teaching artist whose vibrant artwork has transformed the look and feel of children’s books. This year, Esperanza received the 2025 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for My Daddy Is a Cowboy and a Caldecott Honor. He has previously been recognized with the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Soul Food Sunday and the Pura Belpré Honor for Boogie, Boogie, Y’all. We discuss how his books, from the joyful kitchens of Soul Food Sunday to the neighborhood celebrations of Fish Fry Friday and the rhythm of Boogie, Boogie, Y’all, vividly portray community, culture, and everyday life. Esperanza’s art goes beyond illustration, it's music on the page, a love letter to family and place, and a call for children everywhere to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
In this heartwarming episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries is joined by award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich to talk about Operation Sisterhood and its brand-new sequel, Stealing the Show!
Set in a Harlem brownstone filled with music, creativity, and the chaos of a blended family, these two novels follow Bo and Sunday as they navigate friendship, change, community, and what it means to belong truly.
Olugbemisola shares the inspiration behind Bo’s quiet strength, Sunday’s creative voice, and why joy, family, and sisterhood are at the heart of both books.
Whether you’re a reader, a teacher, or a parent, this episode is a love letter to growing up, stepping into the spotlight, and becoming exactly who you’re meant to be.
What occurs when role-playing games blend with middle-grade storytelling? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with debut author Raj Sidhu about his new book, Thrash Force—a fast-paced multiverse adventure filled with dice rolls, high stakes, and memorable characters. Raj discusses what inspired his action-packed debut, how gaming influenced his storytelling, and why middle-grade readers are ideal adventurers. From tips on world-building to the story's heartfelt core, this talk is excellent for teachers, librarians, parents, and anyone looking for a book that appeals to even the most hesitant readers. If you enjoy epic quests, humor, teamwork, and stories encouraging kids to become heroes, Thrash Force is a book you won’t want to miss.
Recorded live at the ALA Annual Conference, Annisha interviews award-winning public radio journalist and author Kitty Felde about her middle-grade series The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, including Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza, and State of the Union. They discuss how Kitty combines engaging mysteries with real-world civics, the Capitol Hill legends that inspire her plots, and how her journalism experience influences her writing. Kitty also provides behind-the-scenes insights from The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast and her longstanding Book Club for Kids.
🎧 Ideal for librarians, educators, and readers who enjoy intelligent, compelling stories that bring civics to life.
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, we’re taking flight into a world where the smallest hero faces the biggest challenge.
Meet Twig—a young chickadee whose peaceful life shatters when the ruthless Fortress Crows attack his village. Hunted by a powerful sorceress and her winged army, Twig is thrust into an epic quest filled with magical powers, fierce battles, and a ragtag team of allies—including a cunning bard, a fearless warrior, and two tumblers who cause almost as much trouble as they solve.
I’m joined by authors Keith Ward and Jeremy Mueller—part of the creative team behind The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows, co-written with Karl Buechner—to talk about building the Woodland Realm, blending pulse-pounding action with laugh-out-loud moments, and why Twig’s story will stick with you long after the last page.
If you love Watership Down, Redwall, or The Green Ember, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
🎧 Press play, and let’s go save the Woodland Realm!
Summer is calling! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Donna Galanti to talk about her heartfelt new middle-grade novel, Loon Cove Summer—a story of bravery, grief, friendship, and finding your way in the wild.
We chat about:
The real-life inspiration behind Sarah’s lakeside adventure
Why loons make the perfect emotional soundtrack
How nature can help us heal
Writing big feelings with heart and humor
And the joys (and fails) of summer camp life!
Whether you're a middle-grade reader looking for your next favorite book or an educator searching for a story that resonates, this episode will leave you smiling—and ready to head into the woods.
🦆 Grab your flashlight and join us at Loon Cove!
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kid lit advocate Annisha Jeffries sits down with author Ambreen Butt-Hussain to talk about her laugh-out-loud, refreshingly honest middle grade series featuring the unforgettable Alina Butt.
From being the new kid (again) to missing out on a class trip to Paris, Alina’s adventures in The Unlovable Alina Butt and You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt explore what it’s like to grow up between cultures, wrestle with identity, and embrace all the messy, funny, and unpredictable parts of life. Ambreen shares how humor, cultural nuance, and family chaos come together to create stories that speak to today’s middle-grade readers, especially those who don’t always see themselves in the books around them.
Whether you're a reader, educator, parent, or love a great story, you won't want to miss this one.
What occurs when a chaotic flight inspires a fun picture book? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews author, poet, and educator K.E. Lewis about his latest book, Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane, illustrated by Isabel Roxas. They discuss how a frustrating travel moment turned into a rhyming cautionary story, the role of rhythm and representation in K.E.’s work, and why picture books remain important even on a podcast focused on middle-grade literature. Prepare for rhino chaos, storytelling insights, and a reminder that books for young readers are for everyone.
Guest: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
Book Featured: Malcolm Lives (2025, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Host: Annisha Jeffries, Kidlit Advocate & creator of Reading in the Middle
Topics Covered:
Lightning Round Highlights:
Where to Find the Book:Available wherever books are sold. Request it at your local library or independent bookstore!
Connect with me:📚 Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle🌐 Website: readinginthemiddle.blog📧 Email: hello@readinginthemiddle.blog
🎙️ If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share. Middle-grade stories are essential, and so are the readers who cherish them.
What do fairy houses, mossy trails, and bug pooters share? They’re all ways to connect with nature—and today’s guest knows how to make the wild feel wonderfully magical.
In this episode, Annisha Jeffries chats with Susie Spikol, naturalist, educator, and author of two inspiring books for middle-grade readers: The Animal Adventurer’s Guide and her newest, Forest Magic for Kids. Whether helping kids find salamanders or stir up a bit of phoenix tea, Susie brings her signature blend of science, storytelling, and sensory wonder to everything she does.
Tune in to learn:
How fairy tales and field guides work together
Why writing in a “Secret Nature Notebook” builds mindfulness
How to bring forest magic to urban environments
What a bug pooter is (and why every kid needs one)
And how educators and librarians can build programs around Susie’s books
Whether you’re a parent, librarian, teacher, or young explorer, this episode will remind you that the world is still full of wonder—you must slow down and look. ✨
Show Notes
Guest: Susie Spikol
Books Discussed:
Hosted by: Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager at Cleveland Public Library
Follow the Podcast: Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle
Subscribe & Review: Your support helps others discover stories that inspire curiosity and creativity.
