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Reading in The Middle

Reading in The Middle

Written by: Annisha Jeffries
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About this listen

 Welcome to Reading in the Middle, the podcast dedicated to exploring the captivating world of middle-grade books, hosted by Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager and literary enthusiast. Each episode dives into stories that inspire and entertain readers ages 8 to 12. Join Annisha as she discusses the latest and greatest in middle-grade literature, shares insights on character development, themes, and writing styles, and reads exciting excerpts to bring these books to life. Whether you're a young reader, a parent, or an educator, "Reading in the Middle" is your gateway to discovery.

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Annisha Jeffries Art Literature & Fiction
Episodes
  • Inside Derrick Barnes’s New Novel The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze: A Conversation on Worth, Talent, and Belonging

    Inside Derrick Barnes’s New Novel The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze: A Conversation on Worth, Talent, and Belonging
    Jan 15 2026
    Award-winning author Derrick Barnes joins Reading in the Middle to discuss his compelling new middle-grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze. In this interview, we discuss themes such as Black boyhood, identity, family, community expectations, and the emotional toll of being defined by talent. Barnes offers insights into writing for middle-grade audiences, developing authentic characters, and crafting stories that help children recognize their worth beyond just performance. This is ideal for parents, teachers, librarians, and young readers seeking meaningful, relatable fiction.

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    39 mins
  • Most Anticipating Books for 2026 with Karen Reeder

    Most Anticipating Books for 2026 with Karen Reeder
    Jan 9 2026
    In this special bonus episode, Annisha teams up with Educator Karen Reeder from Book Huddle Podcast to showcase some of the most exciting middle-grade and children's books set for 2026. They discuss early highlights, emerging themes, and stories that are likely to resonate with readers in schools, libraries, and homes. This engaging and insightful conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the books already creating excitement, along with reasons why these titles are important for young readers. Whether you’re a librarian, teacher, parent, or avid reader, this episode will make your 2026 TBR list grow.

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    49 mins
  • Talking middle grade books with celebrated author Angie Thomas

    Talking middle grade books with celebrated author Angie Thomas
    Jan 2 2026
    I’m your host, Annisha Jeffries, and today’s guest is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary literature. Angie Thomas’s debut novel, The Hate U Give, not only debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list, but also received significant recognition from the American Library Association — including the William C. Morris Award for a standout debut, and honors such as the Michael L. Printz and Coretta Scott King Honors for its literary achievement and cultural impact.

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    52 mins
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