Rewriting the Myths: Identity, Empathy, and Belonging in Middle Grade Fantasy with Tracy Wolff

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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 Academy
• 03:12 Questioning History, Power, and Perspective in Stories
• 07:13 Empathy, Friendship, and the Reimagining of Aphrodite
• 10:12 Middle Grade Identity, Belonging, and Finding Your Voice
• 13:29 Read-Alouds, Choice, and Building Reading Motivation
• 18:32 Writing Middle Grade Fantasy and Keeping Kids Engaged
• 19:49 What Brings Hope: Raising Compassionate Readers

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why The Aftermyth challenges traditional Greek mythology narratives
• How middle grade fantasy supports identity development and belonging
• The importance of empathy and compassion in children’s literature
• Why read-alouds should continue beyond early elementary grades
• How student choice and format flexibility support reluctant readers
• How storytelling builds motivation and reading stamina

Featured Book

📚 The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff, available wherever books are sold.

Check out The Aftermyth Reading Guide.

Join Tracy Wolff on tour.

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