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.
Podcasting since 2023 • 90 episodes
Middle Grade Matters
Latest Episodes
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...
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44:21
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 litera...
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49:39
[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 ...
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59:09
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 res...
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41:39
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 ...
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35:28