The Best Middle Grade Podcasts Part 2

Once You Find a Podcast You Love, You Want More Like It

I think this is true for most everyone out there. My husband loves to listen to podcasts about history and politics and he doesn’t just want one, he wants multiple podcasts on each subject. For those of us who love children’s books we are so lucky to have so many wonderful podcasts out there (like my own, wink, wink). If you have not read Part 1 then don’t forget to check out this first list of podcasts for those who love children’s literature.

StoryKind Podcast

Two very well known authors, Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang, started a brand new podcast this year. They are the story telling kind so they call their podcast, StoryKind. Episodes are reasonably short so easy to consume and are created not only to be enjoyed by adults, but also by kids who love stories! Kate and Kelly share writing tips, answer writing related questions and also aim to bring attention to all of the time and work that teachers, librarians and others trying so hard to improve the world in children’s literacy. If you don’t know whether you are a planner or a panster, you will want to check out their first episode, Are You a Planner or a Panster?

Kidlit Love Podcast

Kidlit Love is hosted by Stephanie Affinito, a bookologist and a restorative reading and writing coach. Stephanie interviews authors of children’s books to discuss their backstory, their writing journey, their books, and their hopes for readers. With 197 episodes out you are sure to find one that interests you. The latest episode with author Nadine Presley is about her newest picture book Ramadan Night. If you’re ready for an ‘immersive and emotional’ episode then give this one a listen.

The Literacy Teacher’s Life Podcast

The Literacy Teacher’s Life is geared specifically to teachers and parents of young readers and writers. The goal is to help listeners help the youth learn to love or expand on their love of reading and writing. Host Elizabeth Morphis hope to help listeners, “design and implement literacy instruction that will inspire enthusiasm in young readers and writers.” Her most recent episode includes tips for the new year that support readers: Don’t Make Reading a Fight. That is a topic that I am 100% percent behind!

Middle Grade Matters Podcast

Middle Grade Matters is hosted by my wonderful friend, Shannon Balloon. Shannon is a writer herself and on each episode she interviews other authors about their own writing journey. Shannon believes that middle grade books should matter to everyone and she is on a quest to help us all find out why. Her most recent guest was Simon Stephenson who wrote The Snowman Code. He shares a unique journey from medicine to storytelling. I always love the interesting to the conversations I hear on her show.

Meg’s Reading Room Podcast

Meg’s Reading Room is hosted by Meg Cranshaw. Listen in as Meg and her guests, who are writers or other bookish friends, share conversations about the reading sides of their lives. They share ‘the stories we’re loving and the stories we’re living.’ In her most recent episode she is joined by middle grade author Cordelia Jensen of Lilac and The Switchback to discuss novels in verse and voice.

Reading in the Middle Podcast

Reading in the Middle is hosted by another friend of mine, Annisha Jeffries. Annisha is a librarian with a passion for middle grade books. “Whether you’re a young reader discovering new adventures, a parent looking to inspire a love of reading, or an educator seeking the best books for your students, ‘Reading in the Middle’ is here for you. Join us on this literary journey and ignite a lifelong love of reading.” Annisha’s latest interview features author Derrick Barnes and his newest book, The Incredibly Human Henson Blaze.

Read to Write Kidlit Podcast

Read to Write KidLit is not only a podcast, but also a book club. How cool is that?! The show is hosted by writers Alexis and Brittany who “believe reading and discussing great books with the kidlit community is the best path forward to growth in writing.” On the show you will find interviews with both middle grade and young adult authors. They ask questions to find out why writers ended up making the choices they did and how they overcome challenges when they come up. Their most recent episode with Kalyn Josephson discuss “instinct from practice” and other wise words.

The Reading Culture Podcast

The Reading Culture is hosted by Jordan Lloyd Bookey. In each episode Jordan interviews an author or other reading enthusiast to talk about building stronger reading cultures in our communities. They also “share inspiration behind their greates stories.” The most recent episode is the show’s yearly yearbook celebrating their most memorable moments on the podcast throughout 2025.

I hope this list gives you a new podcast or two to check out. I have a few more podcasts on my list so I think I will make a part 3 for my next post here. If you didn’t find one that appeals to you then there are of course other articles to read on From the Mixed Up Files

• The Best Middle Grade Podcasts and What You Get From Them
• Perfect Podcasts for Middle Grade Fans
• More Podcasts for Middle Grade Fans!
• When Writers Talk: Podcasts with Middle Grade Authors

Karen Reeder

What middle child hasn’t thought of running away to show how much she would be missed? Karen is pretty sure it can’t be just her and Claudia who have dreamed of this as a child. As much as she does enjoy a good museum, Karen would have picked a library instead for her hiding place. Ever since she was a child, Karen has loved to spend time in libraries and bookstores. It was her obsession for children’s literature that led Karen to start her YouTube channel and podcast. Besides reading kids books, she also loves to hike, play games with her 4 children, and travel.