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
Ep. 107: Filling the Gap: Why We Need More Young Teen Lit
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In this episode I chat with Christina Chatell and Marcia Kochel, two passionate librarians advocating for a new category in publishing. They’ve been on a mission to bridge the gap for middle schoolers who crave more relatable, edgy content that speaks directly to their experiences.
They share their journey, from writing impactful articles to launching a campaign for Young Teen Lit – a category that addresses the needs of 12-15-year-olds.
Why does this matter? Because every kid deserves books that reflect their lives and challenges.
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