From The Mixed Up Files

Something strange is in the air today and we couldn’t be more excited! Author Ally Russell is here to chat about her new book, MYSTERY JAMES DIGS HER OWN GRAVE. With spooky twists and a hero who’s not afraid to face the unknown, this mystery is sure to give readers plenty of chills and thrills.  Lisa: Welcome to the Mixed Up Files! Please tell us about your new book. Ally: MYSTERY JAMES DIGS HER OWN GRAVE is the story of a 13-year-old girl who was abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home...

Exciting news on the education front! A brand-new low-residency MFA program geared towards building the careers of children’s and YA authors has been announced, and they’re already taking applications for its inaugural 2026 entering class. The MFA for Young Readers program,  headquartered at the University of San Francisco, is the brainchild of kidlit authors Martha Brockenbrough, A.S. King, and David Macinnis Gill, reports Publishers Weekly, and other faculty include Tracey Baptiste, Ann Dávila Cardinal, Erin Entrada Kelly, An Na, and Dashka Slater. Students will gather twice a year at the University of San Francisco campus, and otherwise will work remotely....

Raise your hand if you grew up learning the scientific method. Me too. In fact, for thousands of years, all the way back to Aristotle in Ancient Greece (and possibly earlier), the scientific method has been the way science is done. And it still is. Sort of. When the Next...

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! Today we’re interviewing Nancy Castaldo, author of The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale. The book discusses how restoring the balance between the primary predator and prey was instrumental in restoring a...

Something strange is in the air today and we couldn’t be more excited! Author Ally Russell is here to chat about her new book, MYSTERY JAMES DIGS HER OWN GRAVE. With spooky twists and a hero who’s not afraid to face the unknown, this mystery is sure to give readers...

Raise your hand if you grew up learning the scientific method. Me too. In fact, for thousands of years, all the way back to Aristotle in Ancient Greece (and possibly earlier), the scientific method has been the way science is done. And it still is. Sort of. When the Next...

Craving action? Mystery? An international jewel heist across multiple countries? Look no further than the newly-released Zeyna Lost and Found, the debut middle grade novel by Shafaq Khan. Twelve-year old Zeyna is itching for a real case, worthy of her detective skills. So far, the most exciting mystery of 1970...

Why we love podcasts about kids books? Podcasts are the perfect way to consume quality material while running errands, cleaning, driving, getting ready for work, etc. We build connections, learn, are entertained, expand our thoughts and opinions, and get inspired to be and do better. With so many great hosts...