100 Scope Notes
April 30, 2026 by Travis Jonker
A middle grade novel! A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is out now and has already received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Booklist. I sat down with Philip back in October, as he had just put the finishing touches on the book. We talk about his path […]
April 14, 2026 by Colby Sharp
COLBY: Every time I interview Dan Santat I leave the conversation blown away by his brilliance. I think you are REALLY going to enjoy this interview about his new graphic novel series Sashimi. Dan shares some pretty facsinating thing! Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
March 23, 2026 by Colby Sharp
COLBY: Chatting with Sara Pennypacker about her book The Lions’ Run was almost as much fun as it was reading the book. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sara! Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
March 7, 2026 by Travis Jonker
Jasmine Warga takes us behind the scenes of her latest middle grade novel.
November 24, 2025 by Colby Sharp
COLBY: I had the best time chatting with SLJ blogger and librarian Betsy Bird for The Yarn. We chatted about the origins of her blog, her 31 lists and 31 days project, and the current state of children’s literature. I hope you’ll give it a listen on your podcast listening app of choice. If you […]
November 16, 2025 by Travis Jonker
Back in late June I talked with author, librarian, and Fuse #8 Production blogger Betsy Bird about her excellent 2025 picture book POP! GOES THE NURSERY RHYME.
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October 27, 2025 by Colby Sharp
COLBY: Every time I have the opportunity to chat with Derrick Barnes I feel so alive after the conversation. He cares so much about the work that he does, and the stories that he puts out into the world are important and amazing. I hope you enjoy our conversation about his new book The Incredible […]
October 18, 2025 by Travis Jonker
Travis: Back in June at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Philly, I sat down with Katie Kennedy to talk about her excellent middle grade nonfiction book Did You Hear What Happened in Salem? The Witch Trials of 1692. In this episode, Katie talks about what it was like to revisit one of the […]
September 29, 2025 by Travis Jonker
Travis: Back in June, I talked with author/illustrator Zeke Peña about his beautiful new picture book, SUNDUST. In this episode, Zeke talks about the unique way SUNDUST was created, and his unconventional path to making picture books. We hope you enjoy this episode. Subscribe below to catch every episode of The Yarn: iTunes Spotify Stitcher
September 21, 2025 by Colby Sharp
COLBY: I am always on the lookout for great middle grade nonfiction. It is a hole in both my classroom library and in my own personal reading. I’m thankful that authors like Nicholas Day are creating books that are filling that hole. In this episode, I chat with Nicholas about his new book A World […]
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