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
90 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
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
Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 1) (Spy Kids) on Crafting Spy Novels and the Inspiration Behind His Work
In part 1 of my interview with bestselling author James Ponti, James shares heartfelt stories about his teachers, particularly Mrs. White, who inspired him to become a writer. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and the...
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42:00
Ep. 73: Kimberly Newton Fusco (The Secret of Honeycake) on Finding Your Voice
In this episode, I interview Kimberly Newton Fusco, an accomplished author of children's literature, about her latest book, The Secret of Honeycake. We discuss the excitement of releasing a new book, the importance of character development, and...
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42:56
Ep. 72: Meera Trehan (Snow) on Writing a Story where a Fantasy World and the Real World Collide
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Meera Trehan discusses her latest book Snow, a fantasy set in a magical kingdom. She shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of world-building, and the significance of...
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44:30
Ep 71: Gloria L. Huang (Kaya of the Ocean) on the Beauty of Imperfection in Life and Storytelling
In this conversation, debut author Gloria L. Huang discusses her middle grade novel Kaya of the Ocean, exploring themes of anxiety, self-acceptance, and cultural representation. She shares her journey as a writer, the impact of the pandemic on ...
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29:35
[Listen Again] Ep. 8: Joel Brigham on Six Things Every Story Needs to Succeed
On this episode, which originally aired in October, 2023, I talk with Joel Brigham of Brigham Editorial on the craft of writing. Together we dive deep into six things every story needs to succeed and answer the following questions:W...
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59:30
[Listen Again] Ep. 30: Becca Wierwille (Road Trip Rescue) on Independently Publishing a Middle Grade Novel
On this episode, which originally aired in January 2024, I talk with author Becca Wierwille about her debut middle grade novel, Road Trip Rescue, which she independently published with support from a Kickstarter campaign. We talk about...
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49:19