BookHuddle with Readgab

Raj Sidhu has crafted a brilliant work of fiction about a group of kids that get pulled into their favorite role playing game. If you are looking for a silly laugh out loud adventure then look no further. In addition to talking about the need for these fun books for kids, Raj and I discuss helping kids see their potential and feel unconditional love from those in their lives.

Find middle grade author Raj Sidhu
https://...

Middle Grade Author Meg Eden Kuyatt shares about her newest novel in verse, The Girl In The Walls. Meg is autistic and shares powerful personal reasons for writing neurodiverse characters. This episode will resonate with you if you are neurodiverse or if you have a loved one who is. It can also be a way for you and kids to gain empathy and connect with those who are neurodiverse. 

Find author Meg Eden Kuyatt
https://ww...

Who has not wondered at some point in their lives, where do I belong? In this episode, middle grade author Kaela Rivera and I discuss her fantasy series Cece Rios. We explore how experiencing each other's cultures can foster respect and help us all better understand each other and bring us closer together. In addition to better understanding others, Cece Rios also delves into that age-old question, where do I belong? 

If you've read The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez you may have noticed that this book is full of emotion. That is because the topics and story are personal for middle grade author, Jasminne Paulino. In this episode we discuss the creating of The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez and how to best help neurodiverse children be their best selves.

Find author Jasminne Paulino 
https://jasminnepaulino.com/
ht...

Anxiety comes in many forms. Often it looks different for kids than for adults. Erin Stewart has crafted an incredible story about a couple kids with very different anxieties. Magic is woven into the pages of this incredible story with intense topics. For more books about similar topics check out this author interview next https://youtu.be/wkPbCN21l74?si=c4hGq7tLCB5hvF5T

Find author Erin Stewart 
https://erinstewartboo...

Middle grade author Judith Rossell has a new captivating book out. In this episode we discuss the creating of The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls ("Unwanted Girls" in the Australian Title) and themes like Hope and Confidence. 

Find author and illustrator Judith Rossell
https://judithrossell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JudithRossellBooks/
https://www.instagram.com/JudeRossell

The Midwatch Institu...

J.A. White is a middle grade author of some fantastically spooky books including: Nightbooks (a Netflix film), Gravebooks, Shadow School, The Thickety, and his newest book, Wish Monster. In this episode we focus on his books Wish Monster and Nightbooks, but also talk overall about the need for dark stories for kids. Be sure to watch out for J.A. White's newest book coming next month, Dark and Darker Still Stories. For more int...

Kids will love this amazing fantasy about an usher for deceased animals in an eternally autumn forest. In this episode middle grade author, Aubrey Hartman, and I discuss some of my favorite thoughts from The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest. For more interviews of authors of middle grade fantasy check out another podcast episode about children's books https://youtu.be/QppjLjS1luE?si=x_KF9PkfdUSPyQ6W

Find Aubrey Hartman

There are so many times in life where our fears come to us without our permission. Do we acknowledge them? Face them? Turn away? Caroline and I discuss these questions based on her incredible middle grade novel in verse, The Burning Season. We also talk about things like whether or not to leave home and how both options can be good choices.
For more author interviews check out this episode next https://youtu.be/u1oOhee7B_I?si=I...

What are the best middle grade books that have released in 2025? Shannon Balloon from Middle Grade Matters and Karen Reeder from Book Huddle talk about their favorites of the year so far. There were so many new wonderful books released January through June this year that we didn't have time to talk about them all. Check out our socials and other podcast episodes to hear more about the rest of these amazing new releases!
Bo...

In this episode we discuss themes from the amazing New York Times best seller, The Gate, The Girl And The Dragon by middle grade author Grace Lin. Find more great author interviews https://youtu.be/qUHRchnB8Cw?si=V1yY1LZVd5TKa4TU

Find author Grace Lin
https://gracelin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pacylin/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGraceLin/
https://www.youtube.com/user/gracepacy

#middlegrade...

We are joined by middle grade author Allie Millington to discuss her most recent book, Once for Yes. We talk about how she writes from unique perspectives including those of an old building and a typewriter. We also discuss the importance of community, the need for other people in our lives, why everyone needs to be seen, and the importance of imagination. 

Find author Allie Millington
https://www.alliemillingtonbooks....

Middle grade author, Ben Guterson, joins us to discuss his newest book, The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine. If you love a good mystery and solving puzzles while reading a story, the World-Famous Nine is for you. Like many authors, Ben's main goal with his books is to entertain, but we also find some deeper thoughts within the pages of this magical adventure. We discuss willpower, what it means to be in control of your own min...

What if there was a school where every person was welcome? From all backgrounds. Where diversity in all of its forms is truly seen. Middle grade author, Dhonielle Clayton, joins us to discuss her incredible series, The Conjureverse. The New York Times bestselling series currently has three books out and includes some amazing themes that kids and adults will love. 

Find Dhonielle Clayton
https://www.dhonielleclayton.com...

Summer is the perfect time to read scary stories! Wendy's middle grade spooky story, Stage Fright, is such a great book for older kids and adults alike. Find it anywhere books are sold, including Walmart, as it is one of their Summer Reading 2025 Book Picks this year. Check out this video next for more great books to read https://youtu.be/rLeZPIxylLw?si=wklo_h8O3Sb-cWnG

Find middle grade author Wendy Parris
https:...

Stuart Gibbs newest book, FunJungle: All Ears, just came out and it is not only such a FUN book, it also has some powerful themes. For instance, can you have respect for someone who feels differently on a subject that you are passionate about? Find out Stuart Gibbs thoughts in this interview. 

Find middle grade author Stuart Gibbs
https://stuartgibbs.com/
https://www.instagram.com/stuartgibbs1/

FunJungle: ...

What if you couldn't remember several years of your life? What effect would that have on you? What would happen if you could get those memories back? Dana Robertson takes us on a fantastical adventure that has been compared The Goonies and The Chronicles of Narnia. 

Find author Dana Robertson
Author Website link: www.danarobertsonbooks.com 
Publisher Website link: Abandoned Theater, The from Our Street
Instagra...

Middle Grade author, Bobbie Pyron, absolutely wowed me with her newest book, Octopus Moon. This powerful novel in verse, about a preteen learning to understand and confront her depression, is a book that you will want on your shelves. Mental health book for kids. 
For more powerfully emotional books check out this author interview next https://youtu.be/7G8EtuaYHmc?si=BH7P9aizlIxUVGjr

#middlegradebooks #authorinterview ...

Children make the best artists. Children make the best writers. And singers. And every other type of creators. Partly because they don't worry about the "rules." Partly because they aren't limited by fears. I was so touched by Lauren Wolk's beautiful new middle grade story about three creators who are becoming themselves, stepping into their own creativity, growing as people, and learning to be their best s...