From The Mixed Up Files

In today’s Author Spotlight, Sydney Dunlap chats with author Amar Shah about his middle-grade graphic novel, Wish I Was a Baller. School Library Journal gives Wish I Was a Baller a starred review and calls it “a perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again.” Amar Shah is a multiple Emmy-winning writer and producer who has written for ESPN.com, NFL.com, The Wall Street Journal, The Orlando Sentinel, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Slam Magazine and The Washington Post. In the 90s, Amar was a teen sports reporter and got to hang out with the Chicago Bulls during...

October delivers three big news stories to share in the world of middle grade books. We have Banned Books Week, a Reading Rainbow Revival, and the announcement of National Book Award finalists. Read on for details.   Big Story #1 What: Banned Books Week When: October 5-11, 2025  This year, the theme is “Censorship is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” The American Library Association and the Banned Books Week Coalition are drawing attention to the dangers of restricting access to books by tying the theme to George Orwell’s classic cautionary tale. Pioneering actor, author, and activist George Takei will...

Raise your hand if you grew up learning the scientific method. Me too. In fact, for thousands of years, all the way back to Aristotle in Ancient Greece (and possibly earlier), the scientific method has been the way science is done. And it still is. Sort of. When the Next...

    Can you believe it? STEM Tuesday is 8 years old! We have created more than 84 amazing Fun, Fact-Filled, Free STEM/STEAM activities for your classroom, homeschool, or family. Check them out! Our goal, when we started this blog was to provide  engaging, exciting, and inspiring STEM/STEAM activities and...

In today’s Author Spotlight, Sydney Dunlap chats with author Amar Shah about his middle-grade graphic novel, Wish I Was a Baller. School Library Journal gives Wish I Was a Baller a starred review and calls it “a perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again.” Amar Shah is a multiple Emmy-winning...

Raise your hand if you grew up learning the scientific method. Me too. In fact, for thousands of years, all the way back to Aristotle in Ancient Greece (and possibly earlier), the scientific method has been the way science is done. And it still is. Sort of. When the Next...

This month’s new releases offer adventure, suspense, fairy tales, and a puzzling mystery. And, be sure to check out From the Mixed Up Files Founder Jennifer Swanson’s latest, a fantastic three-week scientific journey through the rainforest! Links to all the titles to bookshop.org, which supports local bookstores! Busted  written by ...

Why we love podcasts about kids books? Podcasts are the perfect way to consume quality material while running errands, cleaning, driving, getting ready for work, etc. We build connections, learn, are entertained, expand our thoughts and opinions, and get inspired to be and do better. With so many great hosts...