Send us a text In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews middle grade author and illustrator Rob Baddorf, who shares insights into his writing journey, the inspiration behind his 'Recruited by the FBI' series, and the unique blend of faith and adventure in his stories. Rob discusses the importance of serialized fiction for engaging young readers and his experiences as an illustrator. He also reflects on the influential books that shaped his writing and reveals what’s next for his career. Rob Baddorf, Author Don't forget to join in the 2nd Annual Holiday Book Drive partnership with Storyteller's Shelf Podcast. More Details at the following link. Help share the magic of children’s literature with every young reader. 2025 Holiday Book Drive: September 30 – December 1 – The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast Takeaways Rob Baddorf has published over 80 titles, including the 'Recruited by the FBI' series. The series features a boy recruited by the FBI, incorporating Christian themes into action-adventure storytelling. Rob aims to show that life is an adventure and God is involved in those adventures. He chose a serialized format for his middle grade books to keep readers engaged and entertained. Rob's background in film and screenwriting influences his storytelling style. Illustration plays a significant role in Rob's creative process, enhancing the reading experience. Rob's writing journey began in middle school with a play assignment that sparked his passion for storytelling. He transitioned from screenwriting to novel writing after feeling disillusioned with the film industry. Influential books like 'King Solomon's Mines' and 'The Trumpet of the Swan' have shaped Rob's perspective on storytelling. Rob is currently working on three more books in the 'Recruited by the FBI' series. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rob Baddorf and His Work 02:10 Exploring the Recruited by the FBI Series 05:42 The Adventure of Life and Faith 07:04 Serialized Fiction for Middle Grade Readers 09:19 The Role of Illustration in Storytelling 11:47 Rob's Journey from Playwriting to Novels 15:43 Influential Books and Their Impact 19:40 What's Next for Rob Baddorf? Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress
