For Teachers

The Best Middle Grade Podcasts Part 2

By Karen Reeder on January 23, 2026 / Articles, For Librarians, For Teachers, For Writers

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

From the Classroom – It’s Mock Award Season!

By Ben Boche on December 22, 2025 / books, For Teachers, From the Classroom

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I’m not talking about the holiday season. It’s almost time for the American Library Association’s (ALA) annual youth media awards! Held on Monday, January 26th, 2026, the youth media awards include the most prestigious awards for children’s literature, including the John Newbery Medal for excellence in American Children’s Literature, the Randolph Caldecott Medal for excellence in children’s literature illustration, the Coretta Scott King Award for excellence in African-American literature and illustration, and a slew of other awards. You might already have this on your radar, and when you get back in the classroom in January, there is plenty of time to partake in mock award activities before the big event!

MOCK CALDECOTT AWARD

Image of Caldecott Medal from ALA Youth Media Awards

Feeling short on time in January? Then the Mock Caldecott Award is for you! You’ll have plenty of time to read one-two picture books a week and judge them based on pre-existing criteria. Not sure where to begin? Check out Mr. Schu’s list of picture books to consider. He and Colby Sharp also have short videos attached to the list that discuss each book and also feature some chats with the illustrators and authors. Principal Brain Samson also created a unit packet that’s ready to go! It includes the official Caldecott criteria for you and your students to discuss in class as you make your final selection. Then, watch the live event to see if you picked the winner! Don’t forget – middle graders love picture books too!

MOCK NEWBERY AWARD

Working with older students or want to dive into longer texts? Then look no further than the mock newbery award. The Heavy Medal blog, sponsored by School Library Journal, has already selected fifteen possible contenders. What’s even better is that a panel of librarians, students, and other experts will be discussing each of the fifteen books all January! There is also a discussion guide you can use, and ALA also provides a mock Newbery toolkit that’s classroom friendly. Feeling like it’s not possible to read multiple novels with your students in January? Have every kid pick a different book to read for the month and then do a report-out on their individual book using the criteria in the discussion guide to try and persuade their classmates that their book will win! It’s a great way to cover lots of ground in a short amount of time.

The New York Times just wrote an article (note: behind paywall) about how kids don’t read whole novels anymore in school, especially in English class. These mock award activities are a great way to get kids reading with a payoff they can get invested in at the end of January. Celebrate with the winners on January 26th, and celebrate books all the time! Who do you think is going to win the Caldecott and Newbery award? Leave a comment below!

Inspiring Quotes for Writers or How to Avoid Writer’s Block

By Hillary Homzie on December 18, 2025 / For Writers, Teacher Tips, Writing

Don’t wait for a writing community to show up. Create one. Invite, seek and you will find.

Turn off your phone.

Read. Read. Read. Did I say read?

Live in gratitude

If you are not where you want to be that’s okay. It means you know what you want.

Even if you don’t have time, write for two minutes. You can even write—I don’t know what to write

Be kind to librarians.

Read. Read. Read. Did I say read?

Tell someone you love them.

Write what intrigues you, what you obsess over.

Don’t worry, work instead.

Don’t work, play.

Stop thinking. Feel.

Buy books, borrow books. And give books away.

Don’t fall in love with your words, fall in love with ideas…with feelings with people.

You will always need to change your words, but your feelings are yours.

Learn from everything.

Trust yourself.

See the world and feel the world.

Have faith in yourself.

No excuses.

Laugh.

Drink water.

Exercise to keep mind, body and spirit strong.

For the first draft, feel your writing; heart not brain.

Second draft, use your mind, and your heart.

Write what you like to read.

Take trips.

Journal.

Write down your dreams.

Meditate. Breathe more deeply.

Eat more veggies.

Take a walk.

Take a shower.

Don’t be afraid.

Write through to the end.

Revise, revise, revise.

Read, read, read. Did I say read?

Love to love critiques.

Be honest with yourself so you can be honest on the page.

Cut corn syrup out of your diet; it slows down your brain.

Take an acting or improv comedy class.

You are a beacon of light. Shine brightly.

Art takes time.

Spend time in nature every day.

Befriend someone who needs to be friended.

You are here for a reason.

Revision makes all the difference. Revise.

You are loved.

Your beauty shines out of you, always.

Observe your envy. It will tell you what you want. Then tell it bye bye!

Learn to say no to the world but yes to the universe.

First drafts are supposed to be ugly, mushy and mad.

Revise. Revise. Revise.

Never stop learning.

Commit.

Believe you are worth it.

You already know everything. Learning is opening up and allowing yourself to remember.

Expect success.

Write thank you letters.

Create your own inner best friend.

Remember you are amazing!

See with your heart.

Love your antagonists.

Ask questions.

Write your own inspiring quotes…

Hillary Homzie is the author of the Ellie May chapter book series (Charlesbridge, 2018), Apple Pie Promises (Sky Pony/Swirl, 2018), Pumpkin Spice Secrets (Sky Pony/Swirl, 2017), Queen of Likes (Simon & Schuster MIX 2016), The Hot List (Simon & Schuster MIX 2011) and Things Are Gonna Be Ugly (Simon & Schuster, 2009) as well as the Alien Clones From Outer Space (Simon & Schuster Aladdin 2002) chapter book series. She’s also a contributor to the Kate the Chemist middle grade series (Philomel Books/Penguin Random House). And her nonfiction picture book, If You Were a Princess: True Stories of Brave Leaders From Around the World is a look at historical and current princesses from many diverse lands who have made their mark (Simon & Schuster, August 2022). During the year, Hillary teaches at Sonoma State University. In the summer, she teaches in the graduate program in children’s literature, writing and illustration at Hollins University. She can be found at hillaryhomzie.com and on Instagram, and her Facebook page

For Teachers

The Best Middle Grade Podcasts Part 2

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

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