Philip Stead Interview: A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic | Reading in the Middle

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with award-winning author Philip Stead to discuss his first middle-grade novel, A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic.

Best known for A Sick Day for Amos McGee—illustrated by Erin E. Stead, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal—Philip Stead explores storytelling in a completely new way with a novel that begins in the middle, plays with structure, and invites readers to embrace uncertainty.

In this thoughtful, Fresh Air–style conversation, Annisha and Philip discuss:

• Writing a story “out of order.”
• The meaning behind the book’s 24 morals
• Bernadette, perseverance, and quiet bravery
• Humor, wordplay, and trusting young readers
• How picture book storytelling shaped this novel

A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is available now—perfect for middle-grade readers, educators, and anyone who loves inventive, heartfelt storytelling.

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