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.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Reading in The Middle
Claim This Podcastby Annisha Jeffries
Podcast Overview
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.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
8/1/2024
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Recent Episodes
May 28, 2026
Reading in the Middle: Diane Debrovner & Stacy Cervenka on Roxie in Color, Disability Representation, Art, and Middle School Identity
<p>In this heartfelt episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries speaks with co-authors Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka about their touching middle-grade novel, Roxie in Color, launching on June 2. The discussion covers Roxie’s journey through friendship, anxiety, art, and identity as she faces seventh grade while hiding a personal secret: both her parents are blind. Annisha and the authors examine the novel's emotional use of color, Nash the guide dog’s narration, and the delicate balance between visibility, belonging, and self-protection. They also talk about collaboration, disability representation in middle-grade fiction, the importance of depicting systemic barriers realistically, and the choice to typeset the book in Atkinson Hyperlegible a font made for low-vision readers.</p><p>If you love thoughtful middle-grade books about courage, creativity, friendship, and finding your place in the world, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DF0vM1Oyb7v/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Diane Debrovner on Instagram</a></p><p>Stacy Cervenka is the director of the Iowa Department for the Blind and previously led the Blind Parents Group of the National Federation of the Blind.</p><h2><br></h2><p>Roxie in Color by Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka</p><p>Publication Date: June 2, 2026</p><p>Publisher: Candlewick Press</p><p><br></p><h2>Reviews & Praise</h2><p><a href="https://www.slj.com/review/roxie-in-color-100010990?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">School Library Journal Review</a></p><p><br></p><h2>Connect with Reading in the Middle</h2><p>📸 Instagram:</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reading_in_the_middle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@reading_in_the_middle</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
May 26, 2026
The Star of Moon Village Author Jennifer Ann Richter on STEM, Space Travel, Friendship & Fame | Reading in the Middle Podcast
<p><br></p><p>What would happen if middle school students got the chance to travel to the Moon?</p><p>In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries welcomes Jennifer Ann Richter back to talk about her exciting new middle-grade novel, The Star of Moon Village.</p><p>Set in 2079, the story follows twelve-year-old Priscilla Cobb, an aspiring Black scientist selected for the first student research voyage to Moon Village. Priscilla hopes to honor her late mother’s legacy and finally experience the legendary lunar labs she has dreamed about her entire life. But once she arrives, the mission becomes increasingly focused on celebrity culture, media spectacle, and entertainment — especially with the arrival of pop star Starletta.</p><p>Jennifer and Annisha discuss STEM representation in middle-grade fiction, realistic lunar science, rivalry and friendship, the future of Moon exploration, and how NASA’s current Artemis missions inspired excitement around returning humans to the Moon. </p><br><p>This episode is perfect for readers who love space adventures, emotionally grounded middle-grade novels, STEM stories, and books that inspire curiosity and wonder.</p><h2><br></h2><h2>Show Notes</h2><h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3><ul><li>Writing Priscilla Cobb as an authentic middle school STEM character</li><li>Building the futuristic world of Moon Village</li><li>Science vs. celebrity culture</li><li>Friendship, rivalry, and emotional growth</li><li>STEM representation for young readers</li><li>Lunar science and realistic Moon living</li><li>NASA’s Artemis Program and the future of Moon exploration</li><li>Why librarians, educators, and parents can use this book for STEM conversations</li><li>The emotional heart underneath the science fiction setting</li><li>Curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork in middle-grade fiction</li></ul><h2><br></h2><h2>NASA & Artemis Links 🌕🚀</h2><h3>NASA Artemis Program</h3><p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA Artemis Program</a></p><p><br></p><h3>Artemis II Mission</h3><p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis-ii/arow/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA Artemis II Mission</a></p><p><br></p><h3>Artemis II Multimedia & Photos</h3><p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii-multimedia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA Artemis II Multimedia Resources</a></p><p><br></p><h3>Artemis Science</h3><p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis-science/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA Artemis Science</a></p><p><br></p><h3>NASA Official Website</h3><p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA Official Website</a></p><p><br></p><h3>Artemis Blog & Updates</h3><p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/artemis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NASA Artemis Blog</a></p><h3><br></h3><h2>Learn More About Jennifer Ann Richter</h2><h3><a href="https://www.jenniferannrichter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jennifer Ann Richter Official Website</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenniferrichterbooks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jennifer Ann Richter on Instagram</a></h3><h3><br></h3><h2>Recommended For Fans Of:</h2><ul><li>A Rover’s Story</li><li>The Lion of Mars</li><li>The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl</li><li>STEM-centered middle-grade fiction</li><li>Space adventures with emotional depth</li><li>Character-driven science fiction</li><li>Books about curiosity, friendship, and ambition</li></ul><h2><br></h2><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
May 22, 2026
Hope, Climate Science, and Storytelling with Danica Novgorodoff & Meera Subramanian
<h2><br></h2><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries sits down with Danica Novgorodoff and Meera Subramanian to discuss A Better World Is Possible, a powerful nonfiction graphic novel exploring climate change, youth activism, environmental justice, and hope.</p><br><p>Together, they discuss their collaborative creative process, the challenges of balancing climate science with emotional storytelling, and why graphic nonfiction can be such an impactful format for young readers. The conversation also explores the experiences of four young climate activists featured in the book, the importance of centering youth voices, and how storytelling can help readers move from fear toward action and community.</p><p>This thoughtful discussion highlights the power of books to inspire conversation, empathy, and imagination while reminding readers that meaningful change begins with people willing to care, speak up, and work together toward a better future.</p><br><p>Links and Resources: </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ABetterWorldTheBook/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/ABetterWorldTheBook/</a></p><p><a href="https://abetterworldthebook.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://abetterworldthebook.org/</a></p><p><a href="https://abetterworldthebook.org/#resources-learn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://abetterworldthebook.org/#resources-learn</a></p><p><a href="https://danicanovgorodoff.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://danicanovgorodoff.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://meerasub.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://meerasub.org/</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
87 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Reading in The Middle?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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