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.
Episodes
96 episodes
Cordelia Jensen (Lilac and the Switchback) on Crafting a Novel-In-Verse
On this episode, Cordelia Jensen discusses her latest middle grade verse novel, 'Lilac and the Switchback', exploring themes of friendship, grief, and change. She shares insights into the writing process, the emotional depth of verse novels, an...
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39:42
Ep. 94: Alyssa Colman (Where Only Storms Grow) on Historical Fiction With and Without Magic
At the start of this episode, Alyssa Colman discusses her book 'Gilded Girl' with a special guest, my 14-year-old daughter Ella who loved this book when it came out several years ago. Alyssa and I then discuss her new book 'Where On...
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34:18
Ep. 93: Pablo Cartaya (A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation) on Connecting With Readers Through Shared Experiences
In this episode, NYT bestselling author Pablo Cartaya shares with us his latest book, A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation. We discuss the importance of cultural heritage in storytelling and challenges faced during the creative process. Pablo shar...
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45:31
Ep. 92: Tiffany D. Jackson (Blood in the Water) on Writing MG After Success in YA
In this episode, Tiffany D. Jackson discusses her transition from writing young adult thrillers to her first middle grade novel, Blood in the Water. She shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of creating age-appropriate conten...
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34:05
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...
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49:36
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 ...
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50:00
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
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 t...
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52:14
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 import...
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50:06
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...
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52:06
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...
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44:49
[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 ...
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1:01:09
[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 s...
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34:34
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. Debbi...
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46:24
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 shar...
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43:44
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 insig...
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34:33
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...
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47:13
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 yout...
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41:24
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 beh...
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45:35
[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 s...
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53:26
Ep. 75: James Ponti (Part 2) (The Sherlock Society) on the Joy of Storytelling
In Part 2 of my conversation with James Ponti, we discuss the inspiration behind his new series, The Sherlock Society, and his journey from screenwriting to becoming a successful author of middle-grade fiction. He shares insights into his writi...
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44:39