Have you ever wondered how a childhood filled with reading struggles could blossom into a career of crafting captivating stories for middle-grade readers? James Ponti, the creative force behind the City Spies series, takes us on an exhilarating journey from his days as a fledgling reader to becoming a literary hero for the younger generation. His tale is a testament to the life-changing magic that dedicated teachers can weave, showing us that with a bit of encouragement and a lot of perseverance, the bridge from difficulty to success is one that any aspiring mind can cross.

James Ponti also gives us a sneak peek at the brand-new City Spies: Mission Manhattan, which launches this week, and the environmentally-conscious Sherlock Society series. His stories do more than entertain; they instill a sense of adventure and problem-solving that can inspire both the youth and adults alike. And teachers and librarians, his website contains a lot of resources you can use for enrichment when teaching his books! So buckle up and prepare for a ride through the imaginative realms of one of today's most influential middle-grade authors, where the love for story is just as important as the message it carries to its readers.

This episode celebrates the heart of strong storytelling for reluctant readers. James shares his transition from the world of television screenwriting to penning novels that reflect a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences, embodying the diverse world that our readers are part of. He opens up about the meticulous research and personal site visits that go into each book, ensuring that the settings are as authentic as his dialogue. Whether it's the streets of Venice,  the corridors of Washington DC, or the secret nooks and crannies of the NY Public Library, James's commitment to bringing these worlds to life is matched only by his dedication to writing characters that resonate with young hearts and minds.

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