Middle Grade Matters

Mar 04 2025 78 ep. 46 mins 9
Middle Grade Matters Podcast artwork

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. 

  Arts  Kids & Family  Education
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Ep. 77: Kyle Lukoff on Writing Adventure, Jewish Folklore, and Trans Youth in Middle Grade.

Mar 04 2025 41 mins  
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 youth, and the role of parental relationships. Kyle shares insights into the inspiration behind the book, the significance of Jewish folklore, a

Ep. 76: Wendelin Van Draanen on Writing From the Heart

Feb 25 2025 45 mins  
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 behind her acclaimed novel, The Running Dream, and emphasizes the importance of writing for young readers with relatable themes. Wendelin also

[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 31: Megan Reyes on Writing a Fantasy with Four Points of View

Feb 18 2025 53 mins  
On this episode which originally aired in January, 2024, 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 says to students to inspire them to write their own stories. From the publisher: This timeless fantas

Ep. 75: James Ponti (Part 2) on the Joy of Storytelling

Feb 11 2025 44 mins  
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 writing process, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the joy of storytelling. Ponti also offers valuable advice for aspiring wri

Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 1) on Crafting Spy Novels and the Inspiration Behind His Work

Feb 04 2025 42 mins  
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 impact of family on his path to success. James also discusses his journey as a writer, focusing on his experiences with the City Spies and

Ep. 73: Kimberly Newton Fusco on Finding Your Voice

Jan 28 2025 42 mins  
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 the role of animals in storytelling. Kimberly shares her personal inspirations, the historical context of her writing, and her hope for you

Ep. 72: Meera Trehan on Writing a Story where a Fantasy World and the Real World Collide

Jan 21 2025 44 mins  
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 character development. The conversation also touches on the integration of science and magic in her narrative, and the lessons she hopes yo

Ep 71: Gloria L. Huang on the Beauty of Imperfection in Life and Storytelling

Jan 14 2025 29 mins  
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 children's mental health, and the importance of diverse voices in literature. Gloria reflects on her writing process, the challenges of char

[Listen Again] Ep. 8: Joel Brigham on Six Things Every Story Needs to Succeed

Jan 07 2025 59 mins  
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: What makes a great premise?What are stakes and when and how do you raise them?How do you craft interesting characters?What are the basic elements of a g

[Listen Again] Ep. 30: Becca Wierwille on Independently Publishing a Middle Grade Novel

Dec 31 2024 49 mins  
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 the challenges of independently publishing (a/k/a self-publishing) for the middle grade market, Becca's decision to transition from a traditional pa