Middle Grade Matters
Middle Grade Matters
Shannon Balloon
Ep. 47: Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt on Chronic Illness, Empathy, and Writing
40 minutes Posted May 21, 2024 at 10:00 am.
0:00
40:33
Download MP3
Show notes

Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt, the mother-daughter writing team behind the middle grade novel Gut Reaction, discuss their collaboration and the inspiration behind the book. Gut Reaction tells the story of Tess, a middle schooler who moves to a new school while dealing with stomach issues that turn out to be Crohn's disease. The book aims to start a conversation about chronic illnesses and encourage empathy and understanding among young readers. Kirby and Quinn share their favorite parts of writing the story and the challenges they faced during the process.

From the publisher: Critically acclaimed, bestselling author and Newbery Honor-winner, Kirby Larson, and her daughter, debut author, Quinn Wyatt, pen this gorgeously moving and often funny story that explores what living with a chronic illness is like. Inspired by Quinn's own personal journey, Gut Reaction is full of heart and humor and highlights the importance of asking for help when it comes to mental and physical health alike.


I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm. For the same price as other major audiobook providers, you can find all your favorites as well as curated lists of audiobooks written by or recommended by guests of the Middle Grade Matters podcast. Click here to learn more!

Consider buying your books from the Middle Grade Matters Bookshop, where proceeds support this podcast as well as independent bookstores everywhere.

For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow Middle Grade Matters on Instagram and Twitter.

If you're enjoying this podcast, please be sure to follow us and please leave us a review.