In this episode, sit down with critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee to delve into her latest middle-grade novel, Unstuck. Listeners are treated to a sneak peek into this novel that follows protagonist Lyla as she grapples with anxiety, writer's block, and the pressures of meeting a writing contest deadline while trying to rescue her older sister, Dahlia, both on and off the page.

Barbara Dee's insightful discussion offers aspiring writers and readers alike a glimpse into the creative process and the power of storytelling to tackle real-life issues with empathy and heart. Tune in to this enlightening episode for a behind-the-scenes look at "Unstuck" and Barbara's journey as a middle-grade author.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Unstuck on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Discussion Topics:

Barbara Dee Talks About:

• Her passion for writing books for middle schoolers and how she draws from her own emotional memories to create authentic stories that resonate with young readers.
• How the genesis of Unstuck was sparked by kids' questions about writer's block during school visits and in emails.
• The importance of addressing emotional struggles in her work.
• How themes of friendship, sisterhood, and breaking free from preconceptions are woven throughout the book.
• The importance of writing from the heart and authenticity in character dialogue—emphasizing the need for different levels of speech to sound authentic for each character.
• Being open to trying different solutions when facing creative struggles, whether it's writer's block or navigating the complexities of middle school friendships.

For more information, visit https://barbaradeebooks.com/.