Middle Grade Matters
On the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon talks to to authors and publishing professionals about all things middle grade. The show explores topics like the craft of writing, the journey to getting an agent and publishing a book, and why middle grade books should matter to everyone.
Middle Grade Matters
Latest Episodes
Ep. 115: Máire Roche / Mary E. Roach (Little Monsters) on Reimagining Little Women for Young Readers Who Love Spooky Stories
I don't know about you, but I love when classic stories are told from a fresh perspective. In this episode, we dive into Mary Roach's newest book, "Little Monsters", a captivating middle grade reimagining of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel "L...
Ep. 114: Perin Gurel (Laleh and the Language of the Birds) on Indie Publishing and Writing for Kids versus Academia
In the world of children's literature, the path to creativity often begins in unexpected places. For Perin Gurel, it was her daughter’s whimsical story idea that sparked the creation of her own middle grade novel, Laleh and the Language of the ...
Ep. 113: Fleur Bradley on Writing Mysteries (and Other Stories) for Kids and Teens
In this episode we dive into the world of writing mysteries for middle grade readers with Fleur Bradley, an author known for her engaging middle grade novels including Midnight at the Barclay Hotel and Daybreak on Raven Island. Fleur has now pu...
Ep. 112: Nancy Tandon (The Haunting of Walker Pond) on Selling - and then Writing - a Novel on Proposal
Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and growth. Many aspiring authors often wonder what it truly takes to publish a book. In this episode, author Nancy Tandon shares her journey...
Ep. 111: Huda Al-Mirashi (Hail Mariam) on Faith and the Challenges of a Writing Life
In a world often divided by beliefs, finding common ground can be a challenge. When I sat down with Huda Al-Mirashi, author of the new middle grade Hail Mariam, we delved into the intersection of faith and identity and the profound themes of un...