Why Friendship Is Serious Business for Kids and Adults

Why Friendship Is Serious Business for Kids and Adults

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman April 6, 2026 Duration: 24:19

Alyson Gerber joins Tricia Friedman to talk about The Liar Society, why friendship is serious business, and what mystery stories can teach young readers and adults about belonging, trust, competition, and connection. In this conversation, Alyson shares why friendship sits at the center of her work, how middle grade fiction can help readers think more deeply about loneliness and identity, and why the best friends are the ones who cheer for your growth.

They also go behind the scenes of writing a mystery series. Alyson explains how she outlines her novels, why she uses the Save the Cat beat sheet, how she thinks about first scenes, pacing, chapter length, and twists, and what it takes to build a story that keeps readers turning pages. For teachers, librarians, and student writers, this episode also includes a practical prompt for helping young people start thinking like mystery writers.

This episode is a strong listen for anyone interested in middle grade books, children's literature, YA-adjacent reading culture, literacy, creative writing, mystery writing, friendship skills, belonging, and how stories help readers take themselves more seriously. Alyson also reflects on the people who encouraged her early in life, the role creativity can play in self-restoration, and why books can help readers step outside the boxes they have been placed in.

In this episode:

  • Alyson Gerber on why friendship is foundational
  • The Liar Society and the appeal of mystery for middle grade readers
  • Belonging, competition, and power dynamics in youth friendships
  • The loneliness epidemic and what fiction can teach us about connection
  • Why adults and kids are co-reading this series
  • How Alyson Gerber plots a mystery novel
  • Save the Cat, outlining, pacing, and suspense
  • A simple exercise for teaching students to think like mystery writers
  • Audiobooks, reading habits, and the creative life of a working author

Who this episode is for:
Teachers, literacy leaders, school librarians, middle grade readers, parents, writers, and anyone thinking about friendship, belonging, and the kinds of stories that help young people feel seen.


Ever feel like the conversation around education moves faster than a school day? Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators is here to slow things down just enough for a meaningful dialogue. Hosted by practicing educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, this podcast creates a necessary space for teachers and administrators to dig into the real work of modern teaching. Instead of just theory, you’ll hear from fellow practitioners and thought leaders who are navigating the same challenges you face daily. The discussions move beyond surface-level trends to unpack practical strategies and tools that can be adapted for your own classroom or school. Whether it’s rethinking assessment, integrating technology with purpose, or fostering a more inclusive learning environment, each episode is grounded in the shared goal of improving outcomes for every student. Tuning in feels less like another professional development requirement and more like a candid staff room conversation with colleagues who get it. This is where the abstract ideas about educational change meet the concrete reality of the K-12 world, offering actionable insights for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Find Shifting Schools wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts for a regular dose of perspective and practical ideas.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Podcast Episodes
What we learn when we listen to students [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week Jeff talks with Nick and Marnie about why we want to help students stop waiting for permission and start building a bridge to a career on your their own terms. In this episode, Jeff Utecht is joined by Marnie S…
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What happens when we stop asking AI to do everything faster and start asking how it might help us understand people better? In this episode, Jeff sits down with Andy Sitison, CTO of Share More Stories, for a conversation…
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Jeff Utecht is back with a brand new book for schools looking to understand what to prioritize in the era of AI. Human Still Required is available for purchase, and you can get chapter one free: https://humanstillrequire…
Billy Ray on Writing Hope in Dark Times, and Building Future Worlds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:32
What does it take to write a story that faces darkness without surrendering to it? In this episode, Tricia speaks with acclaimed screenwriter Billy Ray about his move into YA fiction with Burn the Water, a future-set sto…
Dream Big, Start Small: A Conversation with Peter H. Reynolds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:23
In this episode, we sit down with beloved children's book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to explore how educators can ignite creativity and self-discovery in young learners. Peter shares why a single question c…