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Artwork for Middle Grade Matters

Middle Grade Matters

Shannon Balloon
Middle Grade
Publishing Industry
Greta Ever After
Forever Ripley
Verse Novel
Young Teen Lit
JR. Silver Writes Her World
Middle Grade Literature
Artificial Intelligence
Louder Than Hunger
City Spies
Theodora Hendrix
Aaron Starmer
Writing
Friendship
James Ponti
Fairy Tales
Musical Theater
Publishing
Growing Home

On the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon talks to to authors and publishing professionals about all things middle grade. The show explores topics like the craft of writing, the journey to getting an agent and publishing a book, and why middle grade books should matter to everyone.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes116Founded3 years ago
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Artwork for Middle Grade Matters

Latest Episodes

In this episode we dive into the world of writing mysteries for middle grade readers with Fleur Bradley, an author known for her engaging middle grade novels including Midnight at the Barclay Hotel and Daybreak on Raven Island. Fleur has now publishe... more

Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and growth. Many aspiring authors often wonder what it truly takes to publish a book. In this episode, author Nancy Tandon shares her journey and t... more

In a world often divided by beliefs, finding common ground can be a challenge. When I sat down with Huda Al-Mirashi, author of the new middle grade Hail Mariam, we delved into the intersection of faith and identity and the profound themes of understa... more

In this episode, NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff talks about her first middle grade novel, "The Aftermyth," where Penelope, a determined new student at Anaximander’s Academy, faces a whirlwind of challenges right from the start. With a doughnut ho... more

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Recent Guests

Nancy Tandon
Author of The Way I Say It; writer of middle-grade mysteries and companion novels
Author, The Way I Say It; The Ghost of Spruce Point; The Haunting of Walker Pond
Episode: Ep. 112: Nancy Tandon (The Haunting of Walker Pond) on Selling - and then Writing - a Novel on Proposal
Huda Al-Mirashi
Author of Hail Mariam; co-author of Grounded; memoirist
Author
Episode: Ep. 111: Huda Al-Mirashi (Hail Mariam) on Faith and the Challenges of a Writing Life
Tracy Wolff
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author; writer of The Aftermyth
Simon & Schuster
Episode: Ep. 110: Tracy Wolff (The Aftermyth) on Creating Stories that Spark Imagination
Katherine Applegate
Newbery Medal-winning and number one New York Times best-selling author
Author of The One and Only Ivan, Wombat Waiting, etc.
Episode: Ep. 109: Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) on writing and her latest book, Wombat Waiting
Philip Stead
Author-illustrator of middle grade and picture books, writer/illustrator of the featured novel
Author, Illustrator
Episode: Ep. 108: Philip Stead (A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic) on Writing and Illustrating Whimsical Stories
Christina Chatell
Librarian with 13th-year experience, focused on Young Teen Lit
School librarians, Michigan
Episode: Ep. 107: Filling the Gap: Why We Need More Young Teen Lit
Marcia Kochel
Librarian with 28 years experience focusing on advocating for Young Teen Lit
Georgia, USA
Episode: Ep. 107: Filling the Gap: Why We Need More Young Teen Lit
Aaron Starmer
Author of middle grade and young adult novels; former travel book editor
Author (You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This)
Episode: Ep. 106: Aaron Starmer (You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This) On Writing a Book That's Weird In a Good Way
Jasmine Warga
Number one New York Times bestselling author of middle grade novels
Author (Middle Grade)
Episode: Ep. 105: Jasmine Warga (The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan) on Zero Drafts and Writing From an Animal's Perspective

Host

Shannon Balloon
Host of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, guiding conversations with MG authors and publishing professionals.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 70 ratings
  • Refreshing and encouraging

    As a new author navigating the world of Middle grade fiction, this podcast is such a refreshing and encouraging breath of fresh air. I started listening to the podcast this morning and have been binge listening for the rest of the. 😊 My TBR list has grown enormously, and my appreciation for the authors and their craft has grown enormously. For anyone looking for new books to read, working on writing their own books, or just book lovers in general, this podcast is delightful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joyfulmama56
    United States6 months ago
  • Thanks for the Encouragement

    It’s so interesting to hear middle grade writers tell their stories about themselves and their craft. Shannon does a lovely job of eliciting these stories and encouraging all of us aspiring writers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Liz Lyle
    United States8 months ago
  • I wouldn’t miss an episode!

    I enjoy Shannon’s conversations so much and particularly enjoyed her taking us behind the scenes in her anniversary episode. Congrats on creating a must-listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DDebrovner
    United States8 months ago
  • Excellent resource for writers of middle grade. Shannon does such a great job with interviews! I listen to every episode.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    afletcher408
    9 months ago
  • Middle Grade Matters is top of its class!

    This is one of the best podcasts - whether you’re interested specifically in middle grade books or in writing in general. Shannon’s gentle voice was made for podcasting (it doesn’t grate!), and she has an enchanting way of guiding her authors through the interviews so they can reveal their best selves. Every episode is a pleasure to listen to. Thank you Shannon!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mara from Australia
    Australiaa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many reviews highlight the show's warmth and kindness as a standout quality.
Fans describe the show as a must-listen for MG writers and readers alike.
Listeners praise the host's thoughtful, gentle interviewing style and engaging guests.
Episodes are noted for offering practical writing and publishing tips that listeners can apply.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#61
Indonesia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#147
Indonesia/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep. 111: Huda Al-Mirashi (Hail Mariam) on Faith and the Challenges of a Writing Life
Q: How do you approach representation so that it feels authentic and not prescriptive for young readers?
She emphasizes drawing from lived experience, acknowledging the gray areas within faith communities, and letting readers see multiple perspectives, including both religious devotion and critical thinking, to foster empathy and nuanced understanding.
Ep. 111: Huda Al-Mirashi (Hail Mariam) on Faith and the Challenges of a Writing Life
Q: What advice do you have for new writers facing rejection and long paths to publication?
Her advice centers on persistence, keeping a clear purpose, and building a supportive writing community; be willing to learn, revise, and seek mentors, because the journey is long but worthwhile when you stay connected to your work.
Ep. 111: Huda Al-Mirashi (Hail Mariam) on Faith and the Challenges of a Writing Life
Q: What inspired you to write Hail Mariam and tackle the intersection of Islam and Catholicism in a middle grade novel?
Huda says the inspiration came from her own experiences as a Muslim American who entered Catholic school, and from wanting to offer a gift of religious literacy and safety to readers by showing that different faiths can coexist and be learned about respectfully.
Ep. 112: Nancy Tandon (The Haunting of Walker Pond) on Selling - and then Writing - a Novel on Proposal
Q: What advice would you give writers just starting out?
Little and often makes much—write a little every day to accumulate a full manuscript, and remember that the worst thing you write can still become something valuable with editing and revision.
Ep. 112: Nancy Tandon (The Haunting of Walker Pond) on Selling - and then Writing - a Novel on Proposal
Q: What was the process like for turning a manuscript into a proposal for a companion novel, and how did that shape the final book?
I had to become very clear about the entire story in outline form, write the first three chapters quickly, and rely on the editor's feedback to guide the mystery elements and pacing, which ultimately strengthened the book.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Middle Grade Matters

What is Middle Grade Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on middle grade storytelling, interviewing authors, librarians, and publishing professionals about craft, publishing journeys, and the kidlit ecosystem. Episodes frequently explore writing processes, world-building for younger readers, and the realities of publishing—from drafting habits and editing to marketing and audience engagement. Noteworthy is the host's warm, guiding interview style and a steady stream of guests who are established MG authors, librarians, and industry professionals, making it a solid resource for aspiring MG writers, educators, and parents seeking book recommendations and insights into the publishing world.

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How many listeners does Middle Grade Matters get?

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What are the audience demographics for Middle Grade Matters?

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How many subscribers and views does Middle Grade Matters have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Middle Grade Matters has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Middle Grade Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Middle Grade Matters:

1. Writers With Wrinkles
2. BookHuddle with Readgab
3. Writer's Routine
4. Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors
5. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

How many episodes of Middle Grade Matters are there?

Middle Grade Matters launched 3 years ago and published 116 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Middle Grade Matters?

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What guests have appeared on Middle Grade Matters?

Recent guests on Middle Grade Matters include:

1. Nancy Tandon
2. Huda Al-Mirashi
3. Tracy Wolff
4. Katherine Applegate
5. Philip Stead
6. Christina Chatell
7. Marcia Kochel
8. Aaron Starmer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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