What occurs when a chaotic flight inspires a fun picture book? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries interviews author, poet, and educator K.E. Lewis about his latest book, Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane, illustrated by Isabel Roxas. They discuss how a frustrating travel moment turned into a rhyming cautionary story, the role of rhythm and representation in K.E.’s work, and why picture books remain important even on a podcast focused on middle-grade literature. Prepare for rhino chaos, storytelling insights, and a reminder that books for young readers are for everyone.

Guest: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Book Featured: Malcolm Lives (2025, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Host: Annisha Jeffries, Kidlit Advocate & creator of Reading in the Middle

Topics Covered:

• ​Why Malcolm Lives was written for middle-grade readers in Malcolm X’s centennial year
• ​How Dr. Kendi balances biography with imaginative storytelling
• ​The importance of introducing complex, courageous figures to young readers
• ​What young people today can learn from Malcolm’s legacy of transformation
• ​How educators and librarians can use this book to foster honest, empowering discussions

Lightning Round Highlights:

• ​Favorite book at age 11
• ​Dream historical conversation
• ​Writing snack of choice
• ​“Middle-grade readers are _____.”

Where to Find the Book:Available wherever books are sold. Request it at your local library or independent bookstore!

Connect with me:📚 Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle🌐 Website: readinginthemiddle.blog📧 Email: hello@readinginthemiddle.blog

🎙️ If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share. Middle-grade stories are essential, and so are the readers who cherish them.

• ​In this episode of Reading in the Middle, librarian and kidlit enthusiast Annisha Jeffries chats with author Elissa Brent Weissman about her latest middle grade novel, So Over Sharing.They discuss the inspiration behind the book, what it’s like to write for today’s tech-savvy tweens, and how Elissa strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. From awkward school moments to the pressure of social media, this book captures it all, and Elissa gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop.Highlights include: What sparked the idea for So Over Sharing How kids navigate oversharing in a digital worldWriting relatable, funny characters.A lively lightning round with Elissa and a few surprises along the way!
• ​📚 Buy the Book:So Over Sharing on Bookshop.org
• ​About the Guest: Elissa Brent Weissman is the award-winning author of middle-grade favorites, including Nerd Camp, The Length of a String, and So Over Sharing. Her work is bright, warm, and laugh-out-loud funny, making it perfect for readers in the middle grade range​
• ​Follow Annisha:
• ​📸 Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle
• ​🌐 Website/Platform: http://readinginthemiddle.blog