Best Karen Reeder Podcasts (2025)

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38: Dhonielle Clayton on the Future of Magic Schools Where Every Person Is Seen - Middle Grade Author Interview 35:20

3d ago35:20

35:20

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 ad…

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37: Scary Books Get Kids Interested in Reading - Wendy Parris Middle Grade Author Interview 29:20

11d ago29:20

29:20

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/rLeZPIxyl…

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36: Teach Kids How to Talk to Someone They Disagree With - Interview with Stuart Gibbs 29:50

22d ago29:50

29:50

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://stuartgibb…

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35: Memories Make Us Who We Are - Middle Grade Author of The Abandoned Theater - Interview with Dana Robertson 20:26

28d ago20:26

20:26

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…

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34: Depression Through the Eyes of a Child - Interview with Middle Grade Author Bobbie Pyron 31:46

1M ago31:46

31:46

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…

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33: What Happens When Characters Step Into Their Creativity - Interview With Middle Grade Author Lauren Wolk 34:00

1M ago34:00

34:00

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 cr…

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32: Forgiveness, Family, and Healing - Interview with Children's Book Author Sydney Dunlap 34:46

2M ago34:46

34:46

Considering the other side of a story and why that is important in healthy relationships. How do we walk in someone else's shoes? And why? Why is forgiveness important? Why is family important? How can we go about healing broken relationships through forgiveness? In this episode of Book Huddle you get to hear how middle grade author, Sydney Dunlap,…

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31: Being a Good Friend While Being Yourself - Interview with Author Kevin Garone 25:16

2M ago25:16

25:16

Two of the major themes of Kevin Garone's I Know What UFO Did Last Summer are friendship and being true to who you are. Sometimes it can feel difficult to accomplish both, but his main characters show us that this is possible. Find middle grade author, Kevin Garone https://www.kevingarone.com/ www.facebook.com/kevingaroneauthor www.instagram.com/ke…

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30: On Being Bullied and Finding Someone to Talk To - Interview with Middle Grade Author Carolyn Mackler 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

What if you wrote a letter to the past and the past wrote back? In this episode middle grade author, Carolyn Mackler, talks about using letters for two kids who are getting bullied to make connections and help each other through their challenges. Bullying is such a hard topic and there are powerful children's books for adults to help kids understan…

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29: You Choose Your Own Destiny - Finding the Couarge to Be Yourself - Interview with Philippa Leathley Middle Grade Book Author 24:23

2M ago24:23

24:23

Philippa Leathley's astounding new middle grade fantasy challenges readers to be the ones to discover their own personalities and futures. When kids are 10 years old they are given a tattoo that helps determine their fate. But is your destiny really something that is determined by magic or can you create your own path? This episode will present som…

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28: The Problem with Forever - Interview with Middle Grade Author Stacy McAnulty 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

What if you could live forever? Would there be any problems with that? In this episode Stacy discusses themes from her middle grade series, The Evers: Forever Twelve and Never Thirteen. Find more great author interviews https://youtu.be/4O1-rLzWXRo?si=2o6PwgZII7hWLHJC Find Stacy McAnulty https://www.stacymcanulty.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stac…

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27: Why Adults Should Read Children's Books - Middle Grade March, Interview with the Creators 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

In today's throwback we hear from the hosts of the original Middle Grade March readathon. Eight years ago two bookish gals decided to start a month long reading challenge to encourage adults to read more middle grade books. In the interview we find out why the three hosts love middle grade books, why adults should read more children's books, and ho…

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26: Weaving Religion into a Magic System - Interview with Middle Grade Author RM Romero 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

R.M. Romero is an international bestselling author of mulitple books for children. In the Tale of the Flying Forest she composes a beautiful fantastical world where the magic system is based in Jewish songs and prayers. Find R.M. Romero Website: http://rmromero.com Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/rmromeroauthor.bsky.social Instagram: @rmromeroau…

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25: How To Bring Up Hard Discussion Topics with Children - Interview with Middle Grade Author, Christina Wyman 38:40

4M ago38:40

38:40

It is often hard to figure out how to bring up heavy topics with kids. In this episode of BookHuddle bestselling middle grade author, Christina Wyman, and I discuss how we can use children's literature to discuss hard topics. Find Christina Wyman https://christinawymanbooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christina.wyman.books…

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24: Throwback Creating Books That Teach Social/Emotional Skills - Author Interview Sheree Elaine 20:11

4M ago20:11

20:11

Social/Emotional Learning is such an important topic in homes and schools so I am excited to share this throwback episode that was previously only available on my YouTube channel, Readgab. Find Author Sheree Elaine https://youtube.com/@shereeelaineauthor?si=hfbqm-nHLsv_jgfW https://www.instagram.com/shereeelaineauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/prof…

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23: Throwback - Brandon Mull Middle Grade Author Interview 35:28

4M ago35:28

35:28

In this throwback episode from March 2023, New York Times Bestselling middle grade author Brandon Mull shares about his books Candy Shop War, Beyonders, and Fablehaven. I thought this was the perfect time to pull an episode that was previously only available on my YouTube channel because in just over a month from now Brandon Mull will be releasing …

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22: Mystery and Other Elements Kids Love in Books - Middle Grade Author Interview Janet Sumner Johnson 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

What makes a kid want to read a book? An enticing cover? A great title? A good mystery? Something else? In this episode we discuss with middle grade author, Janet Sumner Johnson, some of the things that kids love about her high stakes mystery books, Winterton Deception. Find Janet Sumner Johnson here Website: http://janetsumnerjohnson.com/ Twitter:…

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21: Kids Love to Read Novels in Verse! Interview with Jessica Vitalis 24:07

5M ago24:07

24:07

Novels in verse have taken the children's literary world by storm these last few years and is it any wonder with how captivating and consumable they are?!? In today's episode I am joined by middle grade author, Jessica Vitalis, to discuss crafting a compelling novel in verse with powerful themes. Where to find Jessica Website: http://jessicavitalis…

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20: Our Favorite Middle Grade Books of the Year - A Conversation with Colby Sharp 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

Content creator and author Mr. Colby Sharp joins me today to discuss some of our favorite children's books released in the 2024 year. While it was impossible to pick the top 10 middle grade books published this year, we both choose some of our very favorites and had a fantastic time discussing them. The books we talk about in this video are just SO…

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19: Genre Smash! Historical Fiction and Fantasy in One Amazing Book - Interview with Sam Subity 21:55

6M ago21:55

21:55

Dragons and WWII?? Ummm, yes please! In today's episode you get to hear all about this Sam Subity's amazing new book, Valor Wings. Find more about middle grade author Sam Subity https://www.samsubity.com/ Socials: https://www.facebook.com/SamSubityAuthor https://bsky.app/profile/subity.bsky.social https://x.com/sjsubity https://www.instagram.com/sj…

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18: Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in One Book - Interview with Authors Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy 26:44

6M ago26:44

26:44

Accomplished authors, Joanne Levy and Marissa Meyer, teamed up to bring the world a heartwarming story reminiscent of the parent trap where twins swap places to discover each other's holidays. Find Joanne and Marissa https://www.instagram.com/marissameyerauthor/ https://www.instagram.com/joanne_levy_/ https://www.joannelevy.com/ https://www.marissa…

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17: What are the Children's and Young Adult Book Lovers' Literary Awards? Interview with Cybils Chair Terry Doherty 29:02

6M ago29:02

29:02

Have you ever heard of Cybils? The Children's and Young Adult Book Lovers' Literary Awards. Have you ever wondered how which books win which awards? In this interview you can find out how the Cybils Awards process works. Find out more about the Cybils Awards https://www.cybils.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CybilsAwards https://www.instagram.com/cyb…

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16: We Are More Than Our Mistakes - Interview with Middle Grade Author Laura Stegman 35:09

7M ago35:09

35:09

Today we are joined by middle grade author Laura Segal Stegman to hear about the conclusion of her debut middle grade series Summer of L.U.C.K. There are so many fabulous themes within the pages of these three books and one of them is about how we matter more than our mistakes (or weaknesses). If you want more awesome author interviews check out th…

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15: Even Fantasy Heroines Experience Social Emotional Learning Moments - Interview with author Polly Holyoke 37:41

8M ago37:41

37:41

Skyriders is the ulimate fantasy series when it comes to moments of excitement and intense danger. But even a young developing heroine has moments where she must grow her social and emotional strengths. Author Polly Holyoke does an incredible job composing this story of constant peril, while also artfully weaving in very real things that all people…

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14: ADHD, Body Farms, Forensic Science, and Zombies! 33:27

8M ago33:27

33:27

Spooky middle grade books are some of the most fun to read because of the creepy elements, but mix it with some ridiculously fun zombies? And you have a book filled with humor and creepy. I love this book, No Brainer's Guide to Decomposition, by Adrianna Cuevas and I hope you will enjoy this awesome interview with her. Find Adrianna Cuevas Author T…

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13: Why You Should Read Middle Grade Horror with author M.R. Fournet 27:47

8M ago27:47

27:47

Spooky books are so much fun whether it be during the Halloween season, summer, or any other time of year. In this episode of Book Huddle middle grade author, M.R. Fournet, talks about creating her Marius Grey horror series for kids. We get to hear about her drawing from cultures for the monsters she uses, how spooky books appeal to reluctant reade…

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12: The Power of a Good Picture Book with Author David LaRochelle 29:52

9M ago29:52

29:52

There are so many ways that one can use picture books in teaching children. David LaRochelle's picture books captivate and entertain children and I am so thrilled to have him as a guest on today's episode of Book Huddle.By Karen Reeder

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11: Julian Randall on Pilar Ramirez Series Throwback Plus Hearing Him Talk About His Newest, Chainbreakers 34:51

9M ago34:51

34:51

Today's episode is really fun because we get to hear from Julian Randall in this throwback from last year. What makes it fun is that he talks about his newest series, The Chainbreakers that just came out September 2024, but we hear him talking about it from his persepective in 2023! I hope you enjoy hearing about all of Julian's amazing books! Musi…

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10: Cats, RV Life, and Picture Books with Tiffany Moore 14:35

9M ago14:35

14:35

When your RV cats make friends with a street cat what else are you going to do besides make a picture book about it? In today's episode of Book Huddle we discuss Tiffany's Moore's picture book, The Magical Tales of Emmylou and Oliver: Street Cat for a Day Find Emmylou and Oliver https://www.instagram.com/emmylouandoliver/ https://www.tiktok.com/@em…

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9: Weaving Culture Into Children's Literature 27:53

10M ago27:53

27:53

In today's author interview we are joined by American Colombian children's book author, Alexandra Alessandri. Alexandra writes across all the age levels and mulitple genres in children's literature. Each of her books brings an aspect of her own Colombian heritage into the story. So many kids and teens love books about fantasy and realistic fiction,…

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8: Connecting with Children Through Picture Books with Author Sasha Saidman 24:08

10M ago24:08

24:08

Picture books are more than pretty drawings and nice words. They can be a beautiful way to connect with and bond with your children. Sasha Saidman is a cherished voice in children's literature, weaving tales of wonder and wisdom from her home in the vibrant heart of the Washington, D.C. area. Alongside her devoted husband and their two delightful t…

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7: Teach Kids to Read Through Play with The Fidget Game Creator Brandi Dugal 17:31

10M ago17:31

17:31

In today's episode we revisit an episode that aired on the video podcast back in January where Brandi Dugal shares her experience gamifying teaching reading and her success with this new method that also uses the science of reading. Brandi was featured on Shark Tank last November and has a passion for teaching reading that is wonderfully contagious…

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6: Dive into a Discussion With the Author and Illustrator of the Beautiful Picture Book Mermaid Day 18:23

11M ago18:23

18:23

In today's episode I am joined by the brilliant creative team behind the fun picture book, Mermaid Day. Children's book author, Diana Murray, and illustrator, Luke Flowers, share what it is like working on this series together. Other books in this picture book series: Unicorn Day, Unicorn Night Sleep Tight, Unicorn Christmas, Dinosaur Day, Mermaid …

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5: Jennifer Swanson Interview About Nonfiction Children's Books and Why Kids Love Them 17:16

11M ago17:16

17:16

In today's episode I am joined by Jennifer Swanson from the Solve It For Kids podcast from Little Listeners Lounge. Jennifer is an incredible scientist and author of nonfiction children's books. Discover more about her books and how they can be used to engage children in science. Where to find Jennifer Swanson Science Rocks https://jenniferswansonb…

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4: Wait! What? Dan Gutman Didn't Like to Read!?! 22:01

11M ago22:01

22:01

So many people know Dan Gutman as the incredible author of the fun My Weird School series, but did you know that there was once a time that Dan Gutman didn't like to read. In today's episode we talk with Dan about his Wait! What? nonfiction series, specifically his newest about The Beatles and how The Beatles were such an inspiration for him. Purch…

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3: Matthew Landis on Weaving History into Middle Grade Adventure Books 27:28

11M ago27:28

27:28

In this episode of Book Huddle I am joined by the middle school teacher/history lover/writer extraordinaire Matthew Landis. He shares his love of history through this exciting National Treasure like adventure National Archive Hunters. Hear all about how he is able to capture middle schoolers attention through adventure and history. Thank you Upbeat…

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2: Jenni L Walsh on Finding Happiness During Trials 22:36

12M ago22:36

22:36

In this episode of Book Huddle I am joined by talented middle grade author, Jenni L Walsh, to discuss her newest book, Operation Happy. Main characters Jody (a 12 year old girl experiencing the horrors of the attack on Pearl Harbor) and Happy (Jody's faithful dog companion) created Operation Happy to try to find the best things they can about life.…

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1: Abby Cooper on True Colors and Kids and Emotions 37:31

12M ago37:31

37:31

In this episdoe of Book Huddle I am joined by amazing middle grade author, Abby Cooper, to discuss her newest book, True Colors. We talk all about emotions and how to better communicate these feelings inside us. Thank you Upbeat for the intro/outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b L…

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