Podcasts about middle grade

Babies raising literal babies, it truly is the end. Today we are talking about the last (maybe) book in the Series of Unfortunate Events, The End by Lemony Snicket. In this final adventure, the Baudelaires join a cult, deliver a baby, and finally find people who can tell when someone is wearing a wig. This one gets a little weird and leaves a lot of questions but we do finally learn who stole Beatrice away from our boy Lemony. Was Poe really not being poisoned this whole time????????WARNING: Death, murder, cultsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez joins Tricia to discuss Offside, her new bilingual middle-grade graphic novel about soccer, friendship, ambition, identity, and finding the courage to use your voice. Although soccer brings the characters together, Offside is also a story about young people learning to form their own opinions rather than simply inheriting the assumptions of the adults around them. Christina explains why she wanted her characters to have real agency, including the ability to challenge gender stereotypes, rethink competition, navigate conflict, and sometimes help their parents see the world differently. The conversation also examines how much may be happening beneath a young person's behaviour. A student who appears selfish, overly ambitious, withdrawn, or uncertain may be responding to pressures at home, shifting friendships, injury, loneliness, or the fear of no longer knowing who they are. Christina shares the thinking behind writing a graphic novel in which English and Spanish appear together as part of the characters' lives rather than as separate translations. She also discusses Palmer, a young athlete who must reconsider his identity after an injury keeps him from playing. Through writing and journalism, he discovers another way to participate in the game and another way to create change. Tricia and Christina also talk about the literary complexity of graphic novels, Christina's highly improvisational writing process, her earlier career in law, and the habit that continues to fuel her creativity: asking "What if?" about the people, stories, and possibilities she encounters. In this episode: • Why young people should be trusted to navigate conflict and form their own views • How Offside challenges gender stereotypes and inherited assumptions • The complexity behind students' choices and behaviour • Why bilingual graphic novels can support belonging and language learning • What happens when an athlete can no longer define himself through sport • Writing and journalism as tools for participation and change • Why graphic novels deserve recognition as complex literary works • Christina's "pantser" approach to writing without a traditional outline • How curiosity and "what if" questions generate new stories This conversation will interest educators, librarians, families, coaches, and anyone looking for books that help young people think about identity, friendship, fairness, and the many different ways they can contribute.

In this heartwarming episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two middle grade authors whose stories are perfect for sparking big family conversations. First, singer-songwriter and author Tia McGraff joins us from the shores of Lake Erie to celebrate her new novel In Your Dreams, Jake, part of the Jake the Road Dog series. Tia shares how her rescue dog Jake, once just a day away from being euthanized, became a beloved "road dog" traveling to festivals, bookstores, and schools—and eventually inspired a middle grade story told through his eyes. She and Jed talk about the joy of live family events, the sacred honor of performing for kids, and how music, books, and creativity help families cope with grief, change, and challenging times. Tia also reflects on her journey from country music stages and Johnny Cash appearances to writing children's novels and kid-friendly songs like her "Caterpillar Song." Then, Jed chats with Austin Kairnes, author of The Blind Boy Who Saw the Invisible King. Austin explains how a title that came to him on a COVID-era walk grew into a rich quest story about Joe, a blind boy searching for answers from a mysterious king. They explore themes of bullying, empathy, faith, and seeing the world through non-visual senses. Austin shares how his Catholic faith quietly shapes the story, how reading aloud shaped his own family life, and why he believes nightly reading is one of the best ways to pass on values and build lifelong connections.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bookish Flights, I'm joined by middle grade author and podcaster Becca Wierwille. She is the author of the Road Trip Rescue series and the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries. Becca writes stories that help kids embrace what makes them unique and discover the adventures waiting for them. Together, we discuss the power of children's books, how stories help build empathy, the importance of reading aloud, and why the middle grade years are such a pivotal time in a reader's life. We also chat about her podcast, Ice Cream with Authors, and the books that helped shape her journey from young reader to published author.Episode Highlights:Why “work-life harmony” matters more than work-life balanceThe power of small actions and intentional pausesCareer reinvention and starting over in different seasons of lifeHow burnout often disconnects us from our own needsRecognizing the through-lines in your personal and professional journeyBuilding a life that prioritizes flexibility, family, and fulfillmentConnect with Becca:WebsitePurchase:Road Trip Rescue series (ages 8-12 years old)Scout and Barnaby (ages 6-10 years old), Kickstarter campaign for Book 4InstagramSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Writing Off Social podcastThe Read-Aloud Family by Sarah MackenzieSecrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose JohnsonInto a Golden Era by Gabrielle MeyerTo Love a Lady by Gabrielle MeyerBook FlightBecause of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Contemporary Realistic Fiction, ages 9-12)Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence (Fairy Tale Fantasy, ages 8-12; featured on Ep. 4 of Ice Cream with Authors) The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson (Historical, ages 8-12; featured on Ep. 38 with Ice Cream for Authors)✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

It means second to last. Today we are talking about the 12th book in the Series of Unfortunate Events, The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket. In this one, our orphans take a turn for the dark side. If you like hotels run by the dewey decimal system, more triplets, and babies committing arson then you will love this book.WARNING: murder, arson, kidnappingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Jed Alexander is the author of The Fairy Tale Color Collection, a series of children's books that begins with the wordless 2018 book Red, the follow-up 2022 book, Gold, and the third book in that series, Olive. His clients have included SpongeBob Comics, Cricket Magazine, Writer's Digest and The Children's Book Council. His new book is The Black Market, a Middle Grade book which he wrote and illustrated recently published by Union Square Kids. The QWERTY podcast is brought to you by the book ,The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life. Read it, and begin your own journey to writing what you know. To learn more, join The Memoir Project free newsletter list and keep up to date on all our free webinars, instructive posts and online classes in how to write memoir, as well as our talented, available memoir editors and memoir coaches, podcast guests and more.

Notes from the Field | Transmission #12Hero! Today I learned that laughter might just be the best superpower. In the middle of a rescue mission, I walked straight into a glass door—yep, while helping someone who'd also tripped himself up! I laughed until I couldn't breathe, and realized that humor doesn't just lighten stress—it transforms it into joy.https://EJmissions.com_________________Join Captain EJ on his biggest mission yet...Captain EJ battles The Knucklers, whose reign of terror has just begun

Notes from the Field | Transmission #12Hero! Today I learned that laughter might just be the best superpower. In the middle of a rescue mission, I walked straight into a glass door—yep, while helping someone who'd also tripped himself up! I laughed until I couldn't breathe, and realized that humor doesn't just lighten stress—it transforms it into joy.https://EJmissions.com_________________Join Captain EJ on his biggest mission yet...Captain EJ battles The Knucklers, whose reign of terror has just begun

Notes from the Field | Transmission #12Hero! Today I learned that laughter might just be the best superpower. In the middle of a rescue mission, I walked straight into a glass door—yep, while helping someone who'd also tripped himself up! I laughed until I couldn't breathe, and realized that humor doesn't just lighten stress—it transforms it into joy.https://EJmissions.com_________________Join Captain EJ on his biggest mission yet...Captain EJ battles The Knucklers, whose reign of terror has just begun

Not one for the cluastraphobic. Today we are talking about The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket. This time our orphans are deep in the ocean wearing wet suits with fans of Herman Melville. If you like evil mushrooms, breathing underwater, and backstories for villans then this is the book for you! Bonus if you think triangle glasses are not suspicious and actually super cute.WARNING: child abuse, near death of a childBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Slippery slope? More like cold mountain. Today we are talking about The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket. In this one the Baudelaires encounter some old enemies, some new friends and another large amount of birds. If you like secret fridge messages, forks, and babies who know what lox is then this is the book for you!WARNING: child abuseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Old timey carnivals meet old timey roman entertainment. Today we are talking about The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket. If you like the horrors of 1930s carnivals and the horrors of forcing wild animals into captivity for entertainment then this is the book for you. PT Barnum got nothing on Olivia. WARNING: child abuse, animal abuse, murderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Brenna and Joe check out Sharon Draper's Out Of My Mind (2010) about Melody, a non-verbal girl with Cerebral Palsy who wants to be able to communicate more than anything.Unlike so many other books about disability, however, this isn't a book about how Melody changes the world...and it's better for it!Plus: exceptional Middle Grade fiction; resisting the temptation of a fantasy ending; and garbage children and systemic barriers.Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky @HKHSPod or use the hashtag #HKHSPod:> Brenna: @brennacgray> Joe: @bstolemyremote (Instagram) or @joelipsett (BlueSky)Have a mail bag question? Email us at hkhspod@gmail.com Theme music: Rewind Kid "Rhythm Revolution" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mamas are manifesting summer with two new Middle Grade books that will inspire parents and teachers during break. Whether you're an outdoorsy type or a science geek or both, the Mamas have adventure stories that will keep your kiddos entertained.   Book Chat:Wilderness Hacks by Joslin BrorsenFound Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek www.twolitmamas.com

Does a heart-shaped balloon cure your disease? Maybe. Find out by listening us talk about The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket. In this one we get a half fancy hospital, a procedure that probably won't cure you, and a man with glasses the size of a pea.WARNING: kidnapping, child abuse, attempted murderBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here What does it take to keep believing in a story through rejection, rewrites, and years of uncertainty?Middle grade author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about her debut novel, Zaina: Lost and Found, a historical adventure inspired by the real-life Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1970s. We discuss balancing research with fast-paced storytelling, writing about identity and belonging, and the emotional resilience required to survive the long road to publication.Shafaq also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of querying, revising after difficult feedback, finding community, and learning to trust her voice as a writer.If you're deep in the messy middle of your own writing journey, this conversation is a reminder that persistence matters—and sometimes the long road is part of becoming the writer you're meant to be.Timestamps 00:00 – Grounding Through Story 07:12 – The Premise of Zaina: Lost and Found 11:42 – Research vs. Storytelling 24:07 – Querying and Rejection 30:00 – Tough Feedback and Big Rewrites 35:12 – Learning to Trust Her Voice 41:59 – Advice for WritersLinks Mentioned:Shafaq Khan WebsiteInstagramTiktok SCBWIHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

More like the crow community? corvid crew? fowl family? murder municipality? corvid city?Today we are talking about The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket. This time the kids are working as maintenance for an entire town full of crows (and people). If you like thousands of rules, birds always being in your way, and hot air ballons that never come down, this is the book for you!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

In the third and final episode of this series with Kaela Rivera, Jason Conforto, Chad Morris, and Shelly Brown talk about writing horror for middle grade readers. Kaela and Shelly both have novels in the genre, and they discuss how to balance scares with heart, tension with age-appropriate storytelling, and what makes spooky stories resonate with younger audiences. It's a fun and insightful conversation about crafting chills for young readers.

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze sits down with award-winning author and illustrator Philip C. Stead to talk about A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm, his uproarious debut middle grade novel from Neal Porter Books.Best known as the Caldecott Medal–honored creator behind the Amos McGee books, Philip shares what it felt like to step into the novelist's chair and why middle grade has always been the genre closest to his heart. He traces his love of books like The Phantom Tollbooth, The Westing Game, and Roald Dahl, and pulls back the curtain on his writing process—200 words a day, carved in stone—and the feedback that led him to tell Bernadette's story out of order.Whether you're a parent hunting for funny middle grade books for kids 9–12, an educator drawn to stories that trust young readers, or a writer curious about how a picture book creator builds his first novel, this episode is a celebration of heart, humor, and why every choice matters.Read the transcript on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).Highlights:From Picture Books to Middle Grade: Why Philip felt like an "imposter" stepping into the novelist's chair—and why middle grade has always been his first love as a readerThe Books That Made Him a Reader: How Roald Dahl, Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth, and Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game shaped his sense of what a book can do200 Words a Day: Philip's deceptively simple writing practice and how he treated each word as if "carved in stone"The Out-of-Order Revelation: How one friend's honest feedback unlocked the book's unusual structure—and why he never looked backA Castle on 24 Goats: Where Bernadette, Adelbert the forgetful magician, and a Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes actually came from24 Chapters, 24 Morals: Why Philip gave himself this arbitrary boundary, and the throwaway phrase that became his favorite of them allHeart Over Cleverness: The guiding principle that kept the book from feeling "cute but dead"The Influence Nobody Knows: The lesser-known Norton Juster book Philip discovered at 19 that became the most important influence of his careerNotable Quotes:"A thing stored in the brain is never as important as a thing stored in the heart." — from A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic"Cleverness belongs mostly to the maker and really can't belong much to the person experiencing the art. But heart really can." — Philip C. Stead"If you're a writer and you're listening to this, just figure out how you write and how you do it. How do you put one word in front of another, in front of another? And whatever that answer is, that's the right way to do it." — Philip C. SteadBooks Mentioned:A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm by Philip C. Stead: Amazon or Bookshop.orgA Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and Erin Stead: Amazon or Bookshop.orgThe Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster: Amazon and Bookshop.orgAlberic the Wise, and Other Journeys by Norton Juster: Amazon and Bookshop.orgThe Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: Amazon and Bookshop.orgA Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears by Jules Feiffer: Amazon and Bookshop.orgSylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig: Amazon and Bookshop.orgSwimmy by Leo Lionni: Amazon and Bookshop.orgThe Twits by Roald Dahl: Amazon and Bookshop.orgThe Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo: Amazon and Bookshop.orgAbout Philip C. Stead: Award-winning author and illustrator of picture books, including the Caldecott Medal–winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee and A Home for Bird. A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is his debut middle grade novel. He lives and works in Michigan. Visit him here: https://www.numberfivebus.com/Credits: Host: Bianca Schulze | Guest: Philip C. Stead | Audio Editor: Kelly Rink | Producer: Bianca SchulzeEpisode Sponsor: https://www.rickwilliamsbooks.com/

The Mamas are bringing the mayhem with ghosts, goddesses and general goofiness in newish Middle Grade and YA books. The Mamas may be in their crone era but they can still vibe with the best. Book Chat:X Marks the Haunt by Lindsay Currie. (ages 8-12)Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno (ages 13 & up)www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas discuss Middle Grade books set in hauntingly realistic dystopian worlds, but don't worry, the kids are okay. In fact, they work together to save themselves and expose the bade guys, a powerful lesson for us all. Middle Grade Book Chat:Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland, translated by Rose HedgerAway by Megan Freeman, a companion to Alonewww.twolitmamas.com    

What is a Vice Principal if not the Vice President? Today we are talking about the fifth book in The Series of Unfortunate Events, The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket. In this one our orphan friends finally get to make some orphan friends of their own! But then Count Olaf shows up :( and makes them run laps :( :( Listen to hear all the wild, crab related details!WARNING: death, kidnappingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Where is OSHA when you need them? Today we are talking about The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket, the fourth book in The Series of Unfortunate Events. And these events do be unfortunate. Listen to find out about eye shaped buildings, lack of labor laws, and a man with a name so hard to pronounce he doesn't even want you to try. Remember, it's not polite to look at a lady's legs.WARNING: child abuse, deathBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

Some kids dream of being a zookeeper when they grow up. Others dream of becoming a writer. Well, author and animal conservationist Tina Strachan ended up doing both! In this episode, she shares her passion for wildlife and how she ended up scoring a book deal for her Wilder Zoo series – with book 3, Neeka and the Great Search out now. She also shares her writing routine and experience working with a professional illustrator. 00:00 Welcome06:45 Writing tip: Carry a tiny book around11:26 WIN!: The Angry Wives Club by Gabbie Stroud12:57 Word of the week: ‘Spicate’13:22 Writer in residence: Tina Strachan15:09 Wilder Zoo series overview17:20 Tina’s favourite koala fun fact18:19 Wildlife career origins21:54 The role of zoos and conservation25:05 Turning point to getting into writing27:02 Building a daily habit27:37 Entering a CYA competition31:22 Connecting with a publisher33:03 From samples to a series35:12 Courses and gaining confidence36:55 Building her author website 38:25 Writing routine and its evolution42:07 School visits and writing festivals42:57 Illustrator collaboration44:52 Next books47:08 Tina shares some writing advice49:11 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, author/illustrator Philip Stead takes us behind the scenes of his first middle grade novel, A POTION, A POWDER, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC.

Send us Fan MailDebut middle-grade novelist N. West Moss says revision is the whole game. She talks about discovery drafts, middle drafts where she tries to accomplish goals, and then polishing drafts. She also talks about winning at writing every day not by putting a certain number of words on the page but by doing anything related to writing such as reading books, editing a section, or simply thinking about her characters. Finally, we talk about how compassion is key in the classroom and gratitude is the key to life.Support the show

Kirkus young readers' editor Laura Simeon suggests three middle-grade audiobooks that invite listening across generations, beginning with Anna James's Alice With a Why, where Kristin Atherton's graceful, finely tuned narration captures both the whimsy and emotional intelligence of this return to Wonderland. Jodi Meadows' Confessions From the Group Chat offers a sharply observed look at middle-school dynamics, with Eevin Hartsough delivering a natural, conversational performance that makes Virginia's missteps feel immediate and deeply human. And in Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter, British author and former Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho narrates his own fast-moving, imaginative adventure with energy and warmth, anchoring its time travel and mythmaking in a voice that feels personal and inviting. These are three engaging middle-grade stories, elevated by narrators who bring clarity, nuance, and a strong sense of voice to every moment.    Audiobooks Discussed: Alice With a Why by Anna James, read by Kristin Atherton (Listening Library) Confessions From the Group Chat by Jodi Meadows, read by Eevin Hartsough (Recorded Books) Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho, read by Joseph Coelho (Dreamscape)   Support for Behind the Mic comes from HarperCollinsFocus and HarperCollinsChristianPublishing, publishers of some of your favorite audiobooks and authors, including Colleen Coble, Mark Harmon, Jennie Allen, Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mamas are a little cranky but they pull it together to bring you one fantastic Middle Grade series, one middle of the road cozy murder mystery, and one skip-it fantasy series in honor of Middle Grade March. They were slightly disappointed with some of their picks but you won't be disappointed with the delivery. As usual, the episode is a rollicking coffee talk with your besties.Middle Grade Book Chat:Last Resort, the Claiming by Jasmine WargaLiar's Society series by Alyson GerberSecrets of the Broken House by Taryn Sounderswww.twolitmamas.com    

Send us Fan MailFull Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blogIn this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews author Lara d'Entremont about her YA fantasy novel, The Painted Fairy Tale. The story follows 17-year-old Wren, who discovers her paintings can open portals to other worlds, leading her on an adventurous journey. Lara shares her inspiration, writing journey, and the message she hopes young readers take away from her book.The Painted Fairytale Book (affiliate link)Lara d'EntremontDon't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTubeTakeawaysArt can open portals to new worlds.Creativity is a powerful tool for self-discovery.YA novels can tackle complex themes.Fantasy allows exploration of real-world issues.Writing can be a therapeutic practice.Art serves a purpose beyond practicality.Stories are formative and impactful.Fiction can provide a creative escape.Persistence is key in writing.Artistic expression is valuable.Chapters00:00:01 Introduction to The Painted Fairy Tale00:01:48 Lara's Writing Journey00:03:50 Inspiration Behind the Story00:06:45 The Message for Young Readers00:10:02 Lara's Favorite Books and Influences00:17:13 What's Next for Lara d'EntremontLet's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

Curbside recycling in New Orleans may soon disappear. Mayor Helena Moreno floated the possibility of eliminating it as a potential cost-saving measure to help deal with a massive budget deficit. This is despite the fact that New Orleans was poised to participate in a universal recycling initiative, which would have been fully funded. Katie Jane Fernelius has been reporting this story for Verite News. She joins us with more. Louisiana author Rachel Marsh is coming out with her second middle grade novel. Titled, “Grandpere's Ghost Swamp,” the story follows a 12-year-old girl who explores the bayou as a way to reconnect with her Cajun roots. The novel also focuses on coastal restoration, which continues to be a major issue in the state.Marsh tells us now more about her novel, and reconnecting to her Cajun heritage through her writing. The Gulf South has some of the strictest laws when it comes to losing one's right to vote and getting that right back. Some Mississippi lawmakers have been trying to change that for several years now in the state, but measures continue to fall through.The Gulf States Newsroom's Elise Gregg takes a look at how that affects Mississippians and what could be next.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Send a textFull Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blogIn this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie speaks with author Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young about her journey as a children's book author, focusing on her latest work, 'Kailani's Gift.' They discuss themes of perseverance, family, and cultural diversity in literature, and the importance of storytelling in teaching children values. Dorina shares her experiences in writing and her passion for promoting multicultural stories, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding through literature. The conversation also touches on Dorina's upcoming projects, including a journal on grief and collaborative efforts by authors to celebrate diversity. Home - Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young Kailani's Gift (affiliate link)Don't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTubeTakeawaysDorina's book 'Kailani's Gift' emphasizes perseverance and family values.The journey of writing 'Kailani's Gift' took over 10 years.Children can learn important values through storytelling.Multicultural stories help children appreciate diversity.Collaboration among authors can enhance the literary community.Cultural traditions can be integrated into family life.Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching empathy.Grief can be addressed through writing and journaling.Diversity in literature reflects God's creation.Children's literature should represent various cultures.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young01:20 The Journey of Writing Kailani's Gift03:23 Themes of Perseverance and Family in Kailani's Gift07:33 The Importance of Multicultural Stories11:23 Celebrating Diversity in Literature14:35 Cultural Traditions and Family Connections17:40 The Power of Storytelling19:04 Upcoming Projects and Grief Journey20:43 Conclusion and ResourcesLet's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

https://melaniehill.au/Listen to Melanie on the Story Nerd Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VpT4dT2aev91ri2zylSv1?si=5584f2280cc244b4Melanie Hill, author of the middle grade novel Jet Cooper, shares her journey from an Air Force career to becoming an author of children's literature. Inspired by her aviation background, she explores themes like grief, perseverance, and the thrill of flying in her book. Hear about her insights into self-publishing and how she connects with young readers through her storytelling. This episode is perfect for librarians, educators, and anyone interested in middle grade and children's literature, offering valuable perspectives on nurturing young readers and the importance of diverse stories in the face of challenges such as book bans.

Send a textIn this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews Mark Wainwright, an author and editor with over 18 years of experience in Christian publishing. They discuss Mark's latest book, "Awesome Facts About Space," which combines science and faith to engage young readers. The conversation covers fascinating space facts, the integration of faith and science, and Mark's personal writing journey.Mark Wainwright | Your Writing & Editing MentorDon't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTubeTakeawaysMark Wainwright has over 18 years of experience in Christian publishing.His book 'Awesome Facts About Space' combines science and faith for children.The book is divided into five sections covering various space topics.Pulsars are city-sized stars that spin incredibly fast, up to 700 times per second.Mark emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding the universe.He shares a personal story about feeling God's love while stargazing.Mark believes that creation draws us closer to our Savior.He discusses interesting space facts that didn't make it into the book.Mark's writing journey began with journaling during his family's missionary work.He aims to provide engaging books that point readers to the Savior.Chapters:00:00:01 - Introduction to Mark Wainwright00:00:45 - Awesome Facts About Space00:02:07 - Faith and Science in Harmony00:03:39 - Mark's Writing Journey00:09:33 - The Power of StorytellingLet's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

Send a textIn this episode of Bookworthy, hosts Valerie, Shaun Stevenson, and Brock Eastman discuss the Parable Port series, a middle-grade book that brings biblical parables to life through engaging storytelling. They explore the creative process behind the book, the importance of collaboration, and the relatable characters that resonate with young readers. The authors share their journey of writing together, their passion for creating quality content for children, and their plans for the series.Parable Port: The Sower's Secret (affiliate link) Welcome to Brock Eastman shaunstevensonbooks.comDon't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTubeTakeaways Parable Port is a unique blend of mystery and biblical parables.The target audience for the book is middle-grade readers aged 8 to 12.The authors emphasize collaboration and teamwork in their writing process.They aim to create relatable characters that resonate with children.The series started as a picture book and evolved into a middle-grade novel.The authors enjoy a fun and humorous writing dynamic together.They focus on making biblical teachings organic to the story.The inclusion of Silky Chickens was a humorous suggestion from their editor.The authors believe in the importance of quality Christian literature for kids.They have plans for future books beyond the current series.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parable Port and Its Authors03:25 The Concept and Themes of Parable Port09:38 The Collaborative Writing Process14:27 The Impact of Teamwork in Writing17:08 Personal Influences and Impactful Books18:35 Future Plans and Upcoming Projects Let's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes acclaimed children's book author and retired philosophy professor Claudia Mills to discuss her hilarious, heartfelt new middle grade novel, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom.Claudia shares how her decades of teaching philosophy finally collided with her lifelong passion for children's literature—and how a girl with a very big name, a very big personality, and a very beloved dog became the perfect vessel for bringing Socrates, Plato, and Epictetus to young readers.From writing one hour a day with an hourglass to championing the humanities at a time when they're under siege, Claudia reveals why wisdom truly belongs to everybody, how she crafted a character who genuinely needs philosophy rather than just stumbling upon it, and why Epictetus—a formerly enslaved Stoic philosopher—might be the most relevant thinker for an eleven-year-old living today. Whether you're a parent of a kid who's been called "too much," an educator looking to bring critical thinking into the classroom through story, or a reader who has ever felt like they're living their own Greek tragedy, this conversation is a warm and wise celebration of seekers everywhere.Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠.Highlights:Dinner with a Philosopher: Why Claudia would invite Epictetus over Socrates or Plato—and what that reveals about the heart of the bookThe Hourglass Method: How writing exactly one hour a day—timed with an actual hourglass—has powered 60+ books over decades, and why stopping is just as important as startingA Character Who Really Needs the Wisdom: Why Callie's high emotional stakes—lose the philosophy, lose the dog—made her the ideal guide through big philosophical questionsAncient Ideas, Modern Kids: How the Ring of Gyges, Socratic ignorance, and Epictetus's two-bucket theory of control translate naturally into an eleven-year-old's very real problemsThe Philosophy Club: Why Claudia designed an adult mediator into the story—and how even the most reluctant seekers end up finding their way inSTEAMH, Not STEAM: Claudia's passionate case for putting the humanities back at the center of education—and why philosophy is the original critical thinking courseA Love Letter to Seekers: What a Kirkus review got exactly right, and why the community of people asking hard questions might be the most powerful community of allNotable Quotes:"True wisdom is learning how to live well." —Claudia Mills"Philosophers are the grownups who keep on asking the questions the other grownups have stopped asking." —Claudia MillsBooks Mentioned:Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom by Claudia Mills: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠The Lost Language by Claudia Mills: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠The Last Apple Tree by Claudia Mills: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠About Claudia Mills:Claudia Mills is the author of more than 60 books for young readers, including the After-School Superstars chapter book series and the middle grade novels The Lost Language and The Last Apple Tree. A professor emerita of philosophy at the University of Colorado Boulder, she brings a philosopher's love of big questions and a lifelong reader's ear for language to every book she writes. Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Visit https://www.claudiamillsauthor.com/Download the Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom Discussion Guide here.Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Claudia MillsAudio Editor: Kelly RinkProducer: Bianca Schulze

Send a textIn this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie interviews children's author Bonnie S. Weinhardt about her Bingees series, which follows the adventures of an 11-year-old boy named Benji in the 1930s. They discuss the inspiration behind the series, the character of Benjy, and the themes of humor, faith, and decision-making in the stories. Bonnie shares her journey as a writer, the influence of her journalism background, and her future writing projects, including a young adult novel based on her life experiences.Benjy Book Series (affiliate link)Bonnie Swinehart: HomeDon't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTube Takeaways Bonnie's books aim to instill Christian values in children.The character Benji is relatable and humorous, appealing to young readers.Bonnie's journalism background helps her write concisely and engagingly.Humor is a key element in making stories memorable for children.The importance of community and support is a recurring theme in Bonnie's writing.Bonnie's writing journey began in her youth, fueled by a love for reading.The Benjy's series reflects the simplicity and challenges of childhood.Bonnie's future projects include a young adult novel based on her life.The impact of impactful books can shape a writer's perspective.Stories can provide hope and connection in difficult times.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Benjy's Series02:34 The Character of Benjy and His Adventures05:08 The Influence of Journalism on Writing08:00 Themes and Messages in Benjy's Stories10:27 The Importance of Humor in Writing13:00 Bonnie's Journey as a Writer15:50 Impactful Books and Their Influence18:27 Future Projects and AspirationsLet's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

Send a textEpisode Summary In this Season 5 bonus episode, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid clear out their "insanely long" laundry list of burning topics. The duo discusses the restorative power of community, starting with Lisa's wildly successful brewery book swap on Reading Street. They dive into how simple, low-lift events can be the perfect antidote to a dark news cycle and offer tips on how you can start your own.The conversation moves into the digital space, covering the shift from Twitter to Threads and Blue Sky for monthly Kidlit chats. Finally, Beth and Lisa get serious about industry safety, offering a "buyer beware" guide to writing conferences and professional classes. They share advice on how to vet organizers, protect your investment, and ensure the event aligns with your specific writing goals.Key Topics CoveredThe Magic of the Book Swap: Why gathering "book people" in a local brewery proved to be exactly what the community needed.Low-Lift Event Planning: How to foster connection without the stress of high-stakes organizing.The New Digital Frontier: Navigating the monthly Kidlit community chats on Threads and Blue Sky.Conference Due Diligence: How to research writing events, check their track records, and avoid losing money on canceled "dream" conferences.Defining Your Purpose: Why knowing why you are attending an event (networking vs. craft vs. pitching) is the key to a successful investment.Resources & LinksThreads Kidlit Chat: Join the conversation every first Wednesday of the month.Blue Sky Kidlit Chat: Join the conversation every first Tuesday of the month.Writers With Wrinkles Facebook Group: Join our private community for publishing news and "well-rounded" writing advice. (Note: Please answer the entry questions to join!)Coming Up Next Week Don't miss our conversation with author Fleur Bradley, who returns to the show to discuss her brand-new writing craft book focused on the art of Middle Grade mystery! Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Find the shownotes HERE.Super Hero Fiction for Middle GradeWhat if you found out you could control gravity—during a school vision test?What if your boring life suddenly launched you into a world of secret agents, superpowers, and flying possibilities?What if the only person who could help you master your powers… was also the person you were told to avoid?Guest Author: Meredith DavisBook: The Amazing Adventures of Noah Minor

Send a textIn this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Kayla E. Green, an award-winning YA fantasy author who has ventured into children's literature with her picture book 'Hadley the Hippo.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of conversations about what children consume, both in terms of food and media, and Kayla's journey as a writer and teacher. Kayla shares her favorite books and their impact on her life, as well as what readers can expect from her upcoming projects.Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats (affiliate link) The Unicorn Writer – Faith. Fiction. Fireside Poetry.Don't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTube Takeaways Kayla's journey into writing began in elementary school.'Hadley the Hippo' is inspired by her daughter's love for food.Books can serve as conversation starters for families.It's important for children to understand what they consume mentally and emotionally.Kayla emphasizes the importance of teaching children to guard their hearts.She believes in the power of read-alouds for all ages.Kayla's teaching experience has shaped her storytelling.Different books impact us at different stages of life.Kayla's favorite books include 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' and 'Matilda.'She is working on a young adult pirate fantasy and a sequel to 'The Goodness of Unicorns.'Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kayla E. Green and Hadley the Hippo01:49 The Inspiration Behind Hadley the Hippo04:55 The Message of Hadley and Its Importance09:14 Kayla's Writing Journey and Teaching Background14:48 Favorite Books and Their Impact20:15 What's Next for Kayla E. Green? Let's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

Send a textIn this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Sarah Philpott, who shares her journey from writing devotionals to creating children's books. They discuss Sarah's latest book, 'Wake Up, Little Seed,' which connects children with the growth process in nature while emphasizing God's role in it. The conversation also explores the creative process behind children's literature, the impact of teacher encouragement, and the importance of reading in family life. Moo, Moo Nap, Nap | Sarah PhilpottWake Up Little Seed (affiliate link)Don't forget to join in the Middle Grade March Madness. Fill out your bracket and follow the fun as you, the reader, help BookWorthy choose the #1 Middle Grade book for ages 8-12.Follow over on YouTubeTakeaways Sarah Philpott emphasizes the importance of God's presence in every detail of life.Her book 'Wake Up, Little Seed' aims to teach children about growth and God's role in it.Transitioning from writing devotionals to children's books has been a delightful journey for Sarah.Writing children's books is challenging due to the need for impactful storytelling in fewer words.Illustrations play a crucial role in children's books, enhancing the storytelling experience.Publishers often have a lot of heart and care about the details in book creation.Encouragement from teachers can significantly impact a writer's journey.Sarah's writing journey has been filled with constant project ideas and learning.Recent reads often leave a lasting impact on readers, shaping their thoughts and reflections.Reading together as a family is a vital activity that fosters connection and learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Philpott and Her Work01:56 Exploring 'Wake Up, Little Seed'05:43 Transitioning from Devotionals to Children's Books09:20 The Creative Process Behind Children's Books12:44 Sarah's Writing Journey and Inspirations16:30 Impactful Books and Their Influence18:18 Connecting with Readers and Future Plans Let's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

In this episode of the Book Faire Podcast, Anthony explores the latest in middle grade and children's literature, highlighting new book releases that delve into themes of cultural identity, grief, and historical narratives. The discussion extends to the critical issues of censorship and book bans in schools, focusing on inspiring student activism and librarian efforts to combat these challenges. Listeners will also learn about the Library of Congress's upcoming interactive learning space designed specifically for young readers. This episode is an essential listen for librarians, educators, and anyone passionate about supporting diverse children's literature and advocating against censorship in schools.New Releases:If This Were the World Stephen Barr, illus. by AG Ford (Ages 4-8)Each and Every Spark by Claire Swinarski (Ages 8-12)Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-rin Yu (Ages 8-12)Birdy by N. West Moss, with illustrations by Carrie Shyrock (Ages 10-14Postscript by Cory McCarthy (Ages 14+)

In this episode of The Book Faire, Greg Howard delves into his latest middle grade novel, 'The Visitors,' discussing key themes relevant to kidlit such as historical trauma and LGBTQ representation. He explores the importance of empathy in storytelling and addresses the challenges faced while writing during the pandemic. Howard reflects on his inspiration for the setting and character dynamics, emphasizing the role of modern technology alongside historical context. This conversation is especially valuable for librarians and educators seeking diverse and meaningful literature for young readers. Tune in for insights that spotlight representation and respect in contemporary children's publishing.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Book Release Context02:59 The Writing Journey of 'The Visitors'05:54 Setting and Inspiration Behind 'The Visitors'08:58 Modern Perspectives: Technology and Historical Context11:53 Character Dynamics and LGBTQ Themes14:50 Exploring Intersectionality and Historical Trauma18:02 The Role of Empathy in Storytelling20:48 The Importance of Representation in Literature23:53 Final Thoughts on Writing and Impact

Send a textWhat happens when a bestselling middle grade author joins you on World Read Aloud Day -- and opens the episode with a live read-aloud from his brand-new release?In this return conversation, James Ponti celebrates the book birthday of City Spies: Europa (Book 7!) and takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to write page-turning mystery-adventure that kids don't just read, they inhabit.We talk about the research rabbit holes that make a story feel real (including the world's most expensive cup of tea!), the craft of writing dialogue that flows, and why the read aloud shouldn't stop in early elementary, especially for books that beg to be heard.You'll also hear why James believes hope lives in the reader community itself: kids who show up dressed as characters, remember details from five books ago, and prove, again and again, that middle grade readers are powerful.Favorite TakeawaysKids don't just read books, they live in them.The best middle grade is never “dumbed down.” Kids notice everything.The read aloud is still one of the strongest tools we have for motivation, stamina, and connection.Hope lives in communities of readers who show up, reread, and care deeply.Timestamps01:46 Special Read Aloud from the first chapter07:43 Behind-the-scenes research and inside jokes that add “richness” to the writing10:46 Middle grade growth: Sydney + Paris, insecurity, and learning to share what we carry12:57 Writing by ear: dialogue, flow, and reading drafts aloud 30+ times15:27 “Kids live in books”: fandom, rereads, deep questions, and catching mistakes28:35 Touring with author friends + building a wider reading life36:39 Hope: readers, community, and stories that model how people solve problems together40:36 What's next: Sherlock Society: Art Attack (graffiti in Miami!) Connect + MoreLearn more about James Ponti and check out his appearances on episodes 69, 98, and 119 of the Adventures in Learning podcastCheck out all of James Ponti's booksSign up for Dr. Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud calendarSupport the showShare this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Brenna and Joe kick off the first of three weeks on Percy Jackson and the Olympians with a look at Rick Riordan's second novel of the series: The Sea of Monsters.Up for discussion: new character Tyson (and what that means for Grover), Middle Grade writing structure, how the book renders Greek mythology accessible, and the very 2006 era inclusion of Confederate soldiers.Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky @HKHSPod or use the hashtag #HKHSPod:> Brenna: @brennacgray> Joe: @bstolemyremote (Instagram) or @joelipsett (BlueSky)Have a mail bag question? Email us at hkhspod@gmail.com Theme music: Letra “Like A Bird” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series IS OUT TODAY!, so it's a great time to re-listen to our interview. Last week we heard part 1 and today it's part 2. In this part  we discuss his journey from screenwriting to becoming a successful author of middle-grade fiction. He shares insights into his writing process, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the joy of storytelling. James also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the significance of writing daily and focusing on completion rather than perfection.For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

Send us a textWhat happens when young readers are invited to question the stories they've always been told?In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes bestselling author Tracy Wolff to celebrate the launch of her middle grade fantasy debut, The Aftermyth. Together they explore how mythology, storytelling, empathy, and student identity come together in powerful ways, and why middle grade fiction plays a critical role in helping young readers discover who they are and where they belong.From challenging patriarchal myth narratives to reimagining Aphrodite through compassion and friendship, this conversation highlights how fantasy literature can spark critical thinking, emotional growth, and a love of reading.Perfect for educators, librarians, families, literacy advocates, and middle grade readers.Episode Chapters01:21 Building a New Mythological World at Anaximander's Academy03:12 Questioning History, Power, and Perspective in Stories07:13 Empathy, Friendship, and the Reimagining of Aphrodite10:12 Middle Grade Identity, Belonging, and Finding Your Voice13:29 Read-Alouds, Choice, and Building Reading Motivation18:32 Writing Middle Grade Fantasy and Keeping Kids Engaged19:49 What Brings Hope: Raising Compassionate ReadersWhat You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy The Aftermyth challenges traditional Greek mythology narrativesHow middle grade fantasy supports identity development and belongingThe importance of empathy and compassion in children's literatureWhy read-alouds should continue beyond early elementary gradesHow student choice and format flexibility support reluctant readersHow storytelling builds motivation and reading staminaFeatured Book

Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series comes out February 10th, so it's a great time to re-air part 1 of our interview. James shares heartfelt stories about his teachers, particularly Mrs. White, who inspired him to become a writer. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and the impact of family on his path to success. James also discusses his journey as a writer, focusing on his experiences with the City Spies and The Sherlock Society series. He shares insights into his writing process, the challenges of balancing multiple series, and the inspiration behind his stories. Ponti emphasizes the importance of setting in his books, using real locations to enhance the narrative and engage young readers. He also explores the appeal of thrillers and mysteries, highlighting the interactive nature of these genres and his unique approach to blending different storytelling elements.For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

In this episode of Haunted History Chronicles, I'm joined by authors Andrea Janes and Leanna Renee Hieber, the minds behind America's Most Gothic, to explore the chilling truth behind Gothic tropes — and the real people whose lives were even darker than fiction.Fog-drenched mansions, oppressive family dynasties, forbidden rooms, madness, obsession and death… we tend to associate these with novels and cinema. But Andrea and Leanna reveal how many of the Gothic's most enduring themes are rooted in documented history, lived experience, and genuine tragedy. From vampire panics and cursed landscapes to women silenced, punished or driven to the edge, this conversation uncovers the unsettling overlap between reality, folklore and the supernatural and how these are not imagined horrors — they are echoes of lives shaped by fear, power, repression and loss.Brooding, atmospheric and deeply human, this episode asks why the Gothic continues to haunt us — and what it reveals about the darkness woven into history itself. Settle in… some stories are meant to linger.My Special Guests Are Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes:   Leanna Renee Hieber is an actress, playwright, artist and the award-winning, bestselling author of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels for adults and teens such as the Strangely Beautiful, Eterna Files, Magic Most Foul and the bestselling Spectral City series. She grew up in rural Ohio inventing ghost stories, graduating with a BFA in Theatre and a focus in the Victorian Era from Miami University. Her books have been translated into many languages and have been selected for multiple book club editions. An enthusiastic public speaker about the history of the Gothic novel, she loves nothing more than a good ghost story and a finely tailored corset, wandering graveyards and adventuring around New York City, where she also works as a ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead.Andrea Janes tells ghost stories for a living. She is the co-author of A Haunted History of Invisible Women and the owner and founder of Boroughs of the Dead, a boutique tour company dedicated to dark and unusual walking tours of New York City. She is currently at work on a Middle Grade historical fantasy novel set in New Amsterdam. Her personal obsessions include weird history, slapstick comediennes, witches, ghosts, all things nautical, and beer. She lives in Brooklyn where she can usually be found by the ocean or near a cemetery.If you value this podcast and want to enjoy more episodes please come and find us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Haunted_History_Chronicles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠to ⁠support the podcast, gain a wealth of additional exclusive podcasts, writing and other content.Links to all Haunted History Chronicles Social Media Pages, Published Materials and more:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/hauntedhistorychronicles?fbclid=IwAR15rJF2m9nJ0HTXm27HZ3QQ2Llz46E0UpdWv-zePVn9Oj9Q8rdYaZsR74I⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWPodcast Shop:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teepublic.com/user/haunted-history-chronicles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/hauntedhistorychronicles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest Links⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Websites:⁠ https://www.leannareneehieber.com/ https://boroughsofthedead.com/ Link To Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Americas-Most-Gothic-Haunted-Stranger-ebook/dp/B0DLQYQ8SP?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tfe2CbhauvI79PMeZoax5oJeBLDS6lgWTrfrorAjyYbTnh4LnoaqNYXDS9p3A0D0fSTJq5Xv0AhH5CP8KlAY4NaC5JEfQjb984-V4QxnaFLMNgRzQbjU4YXixVTN7OM7TvNMXpnIYyK6iznTDVCezw.t3aAtxJmgJ0_c4hspGHjj8k3H1dTpO-ERp7y6hiN_eE&dib_tag=AUTHOR