Rewriting the Myths: Identity, Empathy, and Belonging in Middle Grade Fantasy with Tracy Wolff
Wed Feb 04 2026
Send us a text
What happens when young readers are invited to question the stories they’ve always been told?
In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes bestselling author Tracy Wolff to celebrate the launch of her middle grade fantasy debut, The Aftermyth. Together they explore how mythology, storytelling, empathy, and student identity come together in powerful ways, and why middle grade fiction plays a critical role in helping young readers discover who they are and where they belong.
From challenging patriarchal myth narratives to reimagining Aphrodite through compassion and friendship, this conversation highlights how fantasy literature can spark critical thinking, emotional growth, and a love of reading.
Perfect for educators, librarians, families, literacy advocates, and middle grade readers.
Episode Chapters
01:21 Building a New Mythological World at Anaximander’s Academy03:12 Questioning History, Power, and Perspective in Stories07:13 Empathy, Friendship, and the Reimagining of Aphrodite10:12 Middle Grade Identity, Belonging, and Finding Your Voice13:29 Read-Alouds, Choice, and Building Reading Motivation18:32 Writing Middle Grade Fantasy and Keeping Kids Engaged19:49 What Brings Hope: Raising Compassionate ReadersWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why The Aftermyth challenges traditional Greek mythology narrativesHow middle grade fantasy supports identity development and belongingThe importance of empathy and compassion in children’s literatureWhy read-alouds should continue beyond early elementary gradesHow student choice and format flexibility support reluctant readersHow storytelling builds motivation and reading staminaFeatured Book
📚 The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff, available wherever books are sold.
Check out The Aftermyth Reading Guide.
Join Tracy Wolff on tour.
Support the show
Share this episode
If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.
Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend
Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
More
Send us a text What happens when young readers are invited to question the stories they’ve always been told? In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes bestselling author Tracy Wolff to celebrate the launch of her middle grade fantasy debut, The Aftermyth. Together they explore how mythology, storytelling, empathy, and student identity come together in powerful ways, and why middle grade fiction plays a critical role in helping young readers discover who they are and where they belong. From challenging patriarchal myth narratives to reimagining Aphrodite through compassion and friendship, this conversation highlights how fantasy literature can spark critical thinking, emotional growth, and a love of reading. Perfect for educators, librarians, families, literacy advocates, and middle grade readers. Episode Chapters 01:21 Building a New Mythological World at Anaximander’s Academy03:12 Questioning History, Power, and Perspective in Stories07:13 Empathy, Friendship, and the Reimagining of Aphrodite10:12 Middle Grade Identity, Belonging, and Finding Your Voice13:29 Read-Alouds, Choice, and Building Reading Motivation18:32 Writing Middle Grade Fantasy and Keeping Kids Engaged19:49 What Brings Hope: Raising Compassionate ReadersWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode Why The Aftermyth challenges traditional Greek mythology narrativesHow middle grade fantasy supports identity development and belongingThe importance of empathy and compassion in children’s literatureWhy read-alouds should continue beyond early elementary gradesHow student choice and format flexibility support reluctant readersHow storytelling builds motivation and reading staminaFeatured Book 📚 The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff, available wherever books are sold. Check out The Aftermyth Reading Guide. Join Tracy Wolff on tour. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.