A Light in the Library Window: Bedtime Stories for Middle School Hearts

Something unusual happens every night at midnight. A single light appears in the school library window.

Naturally, Lieutenant Steve notices.
And naturally, Charlie would very much prefer that Steve leave the mystery alone.
In the very first episode of Bedtime Stories for Middle School Hearts, Steve and Charlie sneak into a darkened school library and discover an old blue book filled with the names and small stories of the students who once needed that room.

Some came every day at lunch. Some hid between the shelves when the world got too loud. Some found a friend there. Some simply needed a place where they could belong for a while.
This gentle, slightly magical bedtime story is made especially for tweens, teens, and anyone who still likes having a story told to them before sleep.

Bedtime Stories for Middle School Hearts is a storytelling series from The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast, created and narrated by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS LMSW.

For more Middle School Mary Poppins episodes, resources, and stories, visit msmarypoppins.com.

So get comfortable, Clever Foxes. Tonight, we’re going to the library after midnight.🐶🐶🛋️

Tags:
Middle School Mary Poppins, Bedtime Stories for Middle School Hearts, Suzanne Swain, bedtime stories, bedtime stories for kids, bedtime stories for tweens, bedtime stories for teens, middle school, tween podcast, kids podcast, family podcast, sleep stories, calming stories, relaxing bedtime stories, children's stories, storytelling podcast, school library, library story, magical realism, cozy mystery, Lieutenant Steve, Charlie, neurodivergent kids, anxiety relief, calming podcast, family listening, middle grade stories, tween stories, bedtime podcast

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bedtime-stories-for-middle-school-hearts--7480159/support.

Bedtime Stories for Middle School Hearts is created and hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW, creator of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast. 💜☂️

Suzanne is a veteran middle school teacher, former school librarian, former K–12 administrator, and former school-based therapist with more than 20 years of experience in education. Those roles were intentional: she wanted to understand what kids need from different perspectives—in the classroom, across a school, and through the individual emotions and experiences behind their behavior.

This companion podcast brings that same care, warmth, and humor to bedtime through gentle fictional adventures inspired by Suzanne’s actual pets and their unmistakable personalities.

Created especially for fifth- through eighth-grade middle schoolers, these stories welcome anyone who enjoys a calming tale at the end of the day. Press play, turn off your screen, and settle in. 🌙

💜 For practical tools, thoughtful conversations, and encouragement for families and educators, listen to The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Approaching 1 million downloads, the show reached #1 in both Parenting and Kids & Family on the U.S. Apple Podcasts charts on October 27, 2026. We’re also on YouTube—search for Middle School Mary Poppins.

Explore both shows and family resources at https://msmarypoppins.com.
© 2026 Suzanne M. Swain. All rights reserved.🦊