Possibilities of the Middle Grade Genre with Afoma Umesi

Jennifer Slagus and Josh Palange discuss middle grade literature with book reviewer Afoma Umesi. Drawing on the work of scholars such as Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, Dr. Joan Kingerbocker, and James Rycik, Slagus and Palange analyze the relationship between young readers and the books they engage with. Afoma Umesi, an educator and founder of the website Reading Middle Grade, adds her insights on the genre, highlighting notable middle grade titles and addressing issues of diversity and representation. Throughout the episode, the importance and accessibility of middle grade literature for both children and adults is emphasized.