Best Karen Reeder Podcasts (2026)

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67: Our Favorite Middle Grade Books of 2025 with Melissa Taylor and Karen Reeder 51:52

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9h ago51:52

51:52

There were so many wonderful middle grade books released in 2025, and in this episode Melissa Taylor and I discuss just some of the best books of 2025 from our lists. Want to hear more of my favorite books from 2025 then check out this episode next https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/42-the-best-books-of-2025-so-far-shannon-balloon/id1752315662?i…

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66: The Importance of Community in Life and Death, on Land and Sea - Meg Medina Author Interview 39:46

12h ago39:46

39:46

Meg Medina's newest middle grade book is a beautiful fantasy adventure about the relationship between a sea spirit and a unique living boy with a common goal. They may be from different worlds with completely different views, but this book has a treasure trove of themes, like the importance of community. Find Meg Medina https://megmedina.com/ https…

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How AI Is Shifting the Telecom Landscape (with Roger Entner) 32:41

16h ago32:41

32:41

As the increased use of artificial intelligence necessitates connectivity, it will continue to become inextricably linked to the digital network landscape. When people talk about artificial intelligence, they usually focus on algorithms, chips, or data centers. But there’s a less visible piece that determines whether any of it works in the real wor…

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65: Christmas Reindeer Bring Hope, Magic and Joy - Matt Tavares Dasher Picture Book Author Interview 24:36

6d ago24:36

24:36

Have you ever wondered why reindeer pull Santa's sleigh? The picture book Dasher provides a beautiful origin story families and schools will love to add to the seasonal readings. Matt Tavares has added a new Dasher book this year with Dasher and the Polar Bear and it is my favorite one of the series! In this episode we talk about his creation of th…

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64: The Beauty of Novels in Verse Enhance the Way We Connect to Stories - Interview with Marcella Pixley 39:09

20d ago39:09

39:09

A captivating ghost story evolves into an intense family drama with strong themes of forgiveness, self-identity, and family. Neshama, this powerful novel in verse, brings all the feels of a middle grade adventure amid beautiful verses of poetry. In this episode Marcella Pixley and I discuss not only the beauty of this novel in verse but also questi…

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CISA vs. CISA: How Cybersecurity Legislation Is Being Held Hostage by Politics (with Caitlin Clarke, Cristin Flynn Goodwin, and Jim Lewis) 55:40

14d ago55:40

55:40

One of the most important cybersecurity laws in the country quietly expired last October with no sign of reauthorization on the horizon. Instead, the conflation between the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has led to a political standstill that will only have negative impacts on Ame…

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63: Graphic Novels Make the Best Gifts - Tom Angleberger Author Interview BookHuddle 37:36

1M ago37:36

37:36

Don't take life too seriously, have some fun too! If you could spend all day doing what you loved most, what would it be? Would you write silly stories that get published into graphic novels? Middle grade author Tom Angleberger shares with us about the creation of his graphic novel series, The Two-Headed Chicken, and why graphic novels make such gr…

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Digital Currency as a Network (with Milton Mueller, Karim Farhat, Vagisha Srivastava, and Nicoletta Kolpakov) 48:37

1M ago48:37

48:37

How should we address the governance gap between central banks controlling money and the oversight of cryptocurrency? How can decentralized crypto networks and centralized monetary authorities collaborate? And what’s next for digital finance? To explore these questions, Shane Tews is joined by Milton Mueller, Karim Farhat, and Vagisha Srivastava fr…

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62: The Power of Read Alouds and Why You Should Make Time for Them - Interview with Kate DiCamillo 30:05

1M ago30:05

30:05

Those who have experienced the magic of a read aloud know they are a must in every home and classroom. Reading to children is so important and in this interview Kate shares some of the reasons why we should all find the time to read to children. Find Kate DiCamillo https://www.katedicamillo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KateDiCamillo Lost Evangelin…

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61: YOU Are Worth Embracing Exactly As You Are - Erin Soderberg Downing Middle Grade Author Interview 45:18

2M ago45:18

45:18

What happens when a group of extended family members who barely know each other spend a summer together on an island? Old family secrets arise. Is there a way to bridge old hurts and find ways to communicate? Can everyone learn that they are wonderful individuals just the way they are? Find middle grade author Erin Soderberg Downing https://www.eri…

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Financial Data Upon Request (with Penny Lee) 26:56

1M ago26:56

26:56

Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act is the foundation of open banking in the United States—giving individuals the right to access and share their own financial data with services of their choice. This rule seeks to increase consumer control, encourage competition, and make it easier to switch providers or use financial management tools. However, the…

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60: Remembering Our Veterans - Honor Flight by Jeff Gottesfeld Author Interview 31:02

2M ago31:02

31:02

A beautiful way to teach kids about Veterans Day is to use picture books and Jeff Gottesfeld has written some incredible ones with beautiful illustrations by Matt Tavares. In this interview I discuss with Jeff his inspiration for Honor Flight: Celebrating America's Veterans and Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Honor Fligh…

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When Portability and Social Media Meet (with Matt Reeder) 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

Bluesky Social is a social media app that was originally launched in 2019 on Twitter, before becoming an independent company in 2021. Bluesky’s mission is to offer a decentralized experience for users—where algorithms are not imposed on them, but they can choose their content preferences. The platform also highlights the importance of portability, …

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59: Don't Fear the Graphic Novels - Interview with Middle Grade Author Brian Gonsar BookHuddle 29:17

2M ago29:17

29:17

Brian Gonsar's recently published graphic novel for middle grade readers is wonderfully spooky without being scary. In our interview we discuss not only the creation of Dracula's Brunch Club, but also benefits of graphic novels and how you could use them in the classroom or at home with your own children. Find author Brian Gonsar https://www.bgonsa…

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58: Kim and Penn Holderness Author Interview - A Picture Book For Everyone With ADHD and Without It! 40:20

3M ago40:20

40:20

Do you have ADHD? Does someone you love have ADHD? Do you know anyone at all who has ADHD (yes, you do!) Then this picture book, All You Can Be With ADHD, is for you. It is a powerful picture book for kids with ADHD, but everyone who reads it will be better for it. Listen in to hear about how Penn and Kim Holderness created this brilliant book and …

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The Front Door to Your Digital Ecosystem: The Email Inbox (with Cy Khormaee and Ryan Luo) 32:42

2M ago32:42

32:42

Email was created over 50 years ago—so why isn’t it secure? Sixty-eight percent of IT teams report a data breach in their organization caused by phishing in the last year. Even experts trained to spot the telltale signs can be fooled: Nearly 66 percent of IT leaders admit to clicking malicious links, and more than half of employees have done the sa…

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57: Chris Grabenstein Middle Grade Author Interview - New Puzzle Book for Kids 34:44

3M ago34:44

34:44

Many reluctant readers are pulled in by an incredible middle grade puzzle book. In this episode Chris Grabenstein and I discuss his newest book, Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest. Readers who loved the Mr. Lemoncello books are going to want to dive right into this new series. Find author Chris Grabenstein https://chrisgrabenstein.com/ https://www.face…

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56: Memories, Grief, and Magic - Middle Grade Author Interview C.M. Cornwell 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

Memories are an important part of our identities, but what happens when an individual loses some of their foundational memories? Could she get them back with the help of magic? In this episode we explore these and other questions while discussing C.M. Cornwell's debut middle grade book, The Memory Spinner. Find middle grade author C. M. Cornwell ht…

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Privacy and Governmental Surveillance (at the Technology Policy Institute’s Aspen Forum 2025) 50:25

3M ago50:25

50:25

As governments around the world expand their surveillance capabilities, strong encryption remains a cornerstone for protecting personal privacy, securing business data, and preserving digital rights. For consumers, it guards against identity theft and intrusive monitoring; for businesses, it protects intellectual property and builds trust across gl…

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55: Middle Grade Author Interview with Kimberly Newton Fusco - It is OK to be the Quiet Kid 39:41

3M ago39:41

39:41

Quiet kids are often told to speak up. But Kimberly knows that it is ok to be the quiet kid. In The Secret of Honeycake a story unfolds about a quiet girl who grows in her own ways, learning to speak up and yet remembering to love being quiet at times as well. There is so much to this beautiful story and I hope that you will take the opportunity to…

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54: Historical London, Orphans, and Shadow Monsters - Ryan James Black Middle Grade Author Interview 32:06

3M ago32:06

32:06

The London Blitz was scary enough, but combine it with a shadow monster? Middle grade author Ryan James Black has crafted an incredible spooky/historical fiction book that kids are going to eat up, The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham. We discuss his creation of this fantastic story as well as evoking emotion in writing and the need for connections …

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53: Adapting Tuck Everlasting Into a Graphic Novel - Interview with K. Woodman-Maynard 31:30

3M ago31:30

31:30

K. Woodman-Maynard and I discuss what it was like for her to adapt the classic middle grade book Tuck Everlasting into a graphic novel. We also explore the Tuck Everlasting themes of grief and death. Find author, illustrator, graphic novelist, comic coach K. Woodman-Maynard https://www.woodmanmaynard.com/ https://www.instagram.com/woodmanmaynard/ h…

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The Digital Markets Act Is Undermining the App Economy by Weakening Security and Opening Data Doors (with Graham Dufault) 35:37

3M ago35:37

35:37

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is changing the app economy—and not for the better. This law aims to promote competition for European companies by restricting large online platforms’ dominance, which are mostly American. But how is this working in practice? What are the main DMA-related challenges app developers should be aware of? A…

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52: Misunderstandings Have Higher Stakes With Dragons Involved! Mari Mancusi Middle Grade Author Interview 29:38

4M ago29:38

29:38

Dragon fantasy and dystopian books are right up my alley. So combine the two and BAM! You have an amazing storyline by middle grade author Mari Mancusi. In this interview we discuss not only what inspired writing New Dragon City and Dawn of the Dragons, but also why it is important to 'accept the fact that other people are going to feel different t…

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51: We Need Fun, Ridiculous Books For Kids! Raj Sidhu Middle Grade Author Interview 32:48

4M ago32:48

32:48

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 lov…

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50: Middle Grade Horror Novel in Verse With Autism Themes - Meg Eden Kuyatt Author Interview 37:58

4M ago37:58

37:58

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 …

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DNS Abuse and the Economics of Cybercrime (with Karen Rose) 38:52

4M ago38:52

38:52

The Domain Name System (DNS)—the system that turns numerical IP addresses into easy-to-read website names—has become highly competitive at the registrar level, with potentially harmful consequences when it comes to leasing domain names for criminal activities. Today, the DNS infrastructure is increasingly exploited for cybercrimes, such as phishing…

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49: Sharing Cultural Differences Can Bring Us Closer Together - Author Interview with Kaela Rivera 43:14

5M ago43:14

43:14

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…

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Interoperability, Data Access, and User Freedom (with Matt Boulos) 45:19

4M ago45:19

45:19

As AI systems become central to our digital lives, questions about openness, competition, and user agency are moving to the forefront, and discussions surrounding AI agents have placed system interoperability in the spotlight. Ensuring AI system interoperability isn’t simply a technical challenge; it will determine how innovation unfolds in the AI …

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48: Powerful Novel in Verse On Neurodivergent Struggles and Success - Author Interview Jasminne Paulino 33:47

5M ago33:47

33:47

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…

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Inside the World of Domains (with Ram Mohan) 41:41

5M ago41:41

41:41

As the domain name system expands, how can the industry ensure that this growth supports a multilingual and inclusive internet? What responsibilities come with managing such a critical layer of the internet’s infrastructure in an era of rapid digital transformation? Shane Tews is joined by Ram Mohan, Chief Strategy Officer of Identity Digital, on t…

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47: Who is in Charge of Your Story? A MG Realistic Magical Tale About Anxiety - Erin Stewart Author Interview 36:21

5M ago36:21

36:21

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/wkPbCN21…

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46: Empowering Others With Hope and Confidence Judith Rossell Middle Grade Author Interview 37:10

5M ago37:10

37:10

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/ http…

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Reclaiming the Airwaves (with Harold Furchtgott-Roth) 34:26

5M ago34:26

34:26

Spectrum is a vital asset to America’s digital infrastructure, but who decides how this resource is distributed? As wireless demand accelerates, what is causing the United States to lag in spectrum policy and oversight? With the recent change in the Big Beautiful Bill to renew auction authority, how can we ensure that spectrum doesn’t become a road…

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45: Why Write Spooky Middle Grade Books? Interview with J.A. White Middle Grade Author 28:02

5M ago28:02

28:02

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. Wh…

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44: Love, Grief, and Death All Wrapped Up In One Of The Best Books I've Read- Aubrey Hartman Middle Grade Author Interview 32:41

6M ago32:41

32:41

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…

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Adapting to the AI Era (with Bojan Tunguz and Brent Orrell) 30:33

6M ago30:33

30:33

What does the rise of generative AI mean for how we educate, train, and prepare for the future of work? And despite AI’s growing capabilities, why have institutions been so slow to respond to these changes and what will help them catch up with the growth of AI in new industries and educational forums? On this episode of Explain to Shane, Shane Tews…

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43: Caroline Starr Rose - Acknowledging and Facing Our Fears - Middle Grade Author Interview 34:09

6M ago34:09

34:09

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 mor…

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42: The Best Books of 2025 So Far... Shannon Balloon and Karen Reeder chat about some new favorites 43:01

6M ago43:01

43:01

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 po…

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41: Grace Lin Author Interview - Chinese Folklore Mixed with the Modern 35:26

6M ago35:26

35:26

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/ …

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AI, Governments, and God (with Father Paolo Benanti) 35:56

6M ago35:56

35:56

AI is reshaping our world as profoundly as past technological revolutions: the printing press, the Industrial Age, and the Digital Revolution. Its rapid advancement presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant risks. How will AI affect industries, national economies, and global governance? How can businesses and policymakers ensure AI …

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40: If Walls Could Talk - Allie Millington Middle Grade Author Interview 25:31

7M ago25:31

25:31

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 imag…

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Rethinking the Rules of Space (with Jay Schwarz) 36:44

7M ago36:44

36:44

Space-based satellite networks are transforming global connectivity, extending access to even the most remote corners of the planet. The rules that govern these networks have never been more critical. How does satellite spectrum actually function? Why is there an increasing need to revise the regulations that oversee it? And what are the key compon…

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39: Control Your Mind Control Your Life - Middle Grade Author Interview with Ben Guterson 32:28

7M ago32:28

32:28

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…

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

7M 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

7M 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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Personalization, Privacy, and Policy (with Rob Sherman) 39:40

7M ago39:40

39:40

As social media platforms integrate personalization technology, questions around privacy, transparency, and user choice are becoming increasingly pronounced. What does personalization really mean for users? How do platforms like Facebook and Instagram decide what content or ads you see? And how can companies ensure that personalization enhances use…

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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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…