Twelve-year-old Roxie is at a new school for 7th grade. She is a gifted artist and lives with her blind parents, guide dog, Nash, and a younger brother. She wants to keep her parents’ blindness a secret. Revealing it at her old school caused embarrassment.
The story is a realistic look at middle school that many readers will see in themselves. Trying to make friends or finding that available spot to sit at lunch time can be a huge challenge.
But what sets this apart is the understanding readers get about dealing with a disability. It’s possible Roxie inherited her own future vision problems from her mother’s eye condition- retinitis pigmentosa. The wonderful end result is that the problem will shape the person you become.
Along the way Roxie makes many mistakes including numerous lies, endangering her little brother, and using a credit card without permission. Her actions even cause Child Protective Services to visit the home.
There are also a few chapters narrated by Nash the dog. This loyal little friend gives a positive look at a loving family with an emotional viewpoint that resonates with kindness and understanding. Nash could even branch out and have his own book some day!
ROXIE IN COLOR is a bit long for a middle grade contemporary at 336 pages, but is also one that you will be glad to have spent time with Roxie and her challenges of growing up. A rare look at a sighted child with blind parents. A book that should be in every school and home library.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 2, 2026
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ROXIE IN COLOR by Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka
Memorable character arcs aren’t easy to develop, but Roxie’s growth throughout were a highlight. I loved how she saw her future in a much different way with the help of expressing herself artistically.
The honest look at middle school friendships.
The book goes for even more authenticity with the use of low vision font for the text that should actually help all readers whether vision impaired or not.
The amount of learning readers get about the technologies and adaptation for those who are blind.
Heartwarming is an often overused term, but by book’s end this story sure earns that label.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Stacy Cervenka is the director of the Iowa Department for the Blind and previously led the Blind Parents Group of the National Federation of the Blind. She divides her time between Des Moines and Lincoln, Nebraska, where she lives with her husband and two children. Just like Roxie’s family, Stacy and her husband, Greg, are blind, while their children, Leo and Josephine, are sighted.
“The blind community is a huge part of my life, and it was important to me that the book reflects that. In many ways, I think of my blindness a lot less in terms of the physicality or the logistics of it, and much more in terms of the community I’m a part of. I wanted readers to see that Roxie and Theo are not the only two kids in the world who have blind parents, that there is a whole close-knit blind community that their family belongs to. When blind friends have read early drafts, this is almost always the aspect they respond to most strongly. They appreciate that readers will see that not every child of blind parents thinks about it the same way that Roxie does and that Roxie’s seemingly unusual experience is more widely shared than the reader might have thought.” (https://stacycervenka.com/)
Diane Debrovner is the former deputy editor of Parents magazine and author of the article “What Blind Parents Want You to See,” which provided the spark for this novel. She now helps nonprofits share their stories to raise the funding they need. Diane lives in New York City with her family and a dog who loves watermelon.
“I started writing the book on my own and then realized I couldn’t tell the story by myself. I was thrilled when Stacy agreed to be my co-author. Roxie’s family wasn’t based on her family, but she brought their experience to life with more authentic details than I ever could. However, Roxie’s emotions and the challenges of middle school were all very familiar to me.” (https://www.dianedebrovner.com/)
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Orion loves to sing. Unfortunately, 7th grade and being 13 brings more challenges. The worst are a mean group of girls at school who always try to make her look bad, She still has a passion for singing, but for now it is best to keep quiet.
That all changes when Orion gets encouraging messages from someone named J. Could it be her secret crush whose name is Jesse? It sure seems that way since the messages highlight the positives about her and then Jessie invites her to sing with him. It’s exact;y what she needs to get her voice back.
The middle school drama and heartfelt feelings of the memorable main characters are true to life. Best friend Izzy is there for her the whole way. She’s exactly what you’d want in a bestie. Jesse’s own story with a sad past but a promising future also help Orion deal with her own feelings.
The page count (144) is a welcome plus for young readers. The back pages include many extras. Teachers will appreciate the 10 Discussion Question. There is also a QR code that will take you to a YouTube channel where songs from the series are available for readers to enjoy. Lastly, the lyrics to the song Best Friends that is a part of the plot reminds one of how friendships evolve.
Best Friends is the first in the series. The next two books, STOLEN and VIRAL will also be released this year. Realistic middle school drama, endearing friendships, and the emerging talents of Orion will have a lot of fans and a new best friend in THE ORION SESSIONS.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cheryl DaVeiga grew up as a girl who loved singing, writing, and dreaming in music—but somewhere along the way, she learned to quiet that part of herself. Like so many girls, she chose the path that felt safe, building a career in accounting and eventually becoming a partner at a national firm. It was something to be proud of… but it wasn’t the dream her younger self once carried so brightly.
Years later, she found her way back to the music she had set aside. She became an award-winning songwriter recognized by ASCAP, then discovered the joy of writing books for children. Her seven picture books—combining stories with music and filled with humor, heart, and sing-along joy—have received numerous awards.
But even as she wrote those playful stories, she knew there was another one waiting—one rooted in the girl she used to be and the voice she had tucked away. That’s the story that became The Orion Sessions.
The Orion Sessions is the series Cheryl wishes she’d had when she was twelve: full of music, friendship, mistakes, courage, and the journey of reclaiming the voice you’ve hidden to fit in.
Cheryl lives in Tucson with her partner, Doug, and they spend summers in New Jersey. She still sings… like all the time. (for more about Cheryl and her books visit her website)
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.
Jennifer Bohnhoff has written many historical novels for middle grade and YA. Time periods range from the Civil War to World War II along with a more recent story about a devastating wildlife fire in the American West. I chose to review PERSPECTIVE today based on the unique setting: a remote island in Lake Superior during the Great Depression.
Twelve-year-old Genevieve William’s emotional story is revealed through her own first person narration. Her mother has died of lung cancer and Genevieve has only one choice and that is to go live with the father she never met where he resides on Isle Royale. She soon realizes this place is nothing like her original home. It’s a location living in the past with few amenities of a big city. Isolation is now her biggest challenge.
Genevieve does have her art work that she hopes will propel her to a future career doing what she loves to do. But that is a long way off. For now she wants to figure out why her parents marriage failed along with trying to stop her father from drinking alcohol.
The world building puts readers right into this remote place. The detailed and descriptive writing have you solidly rooting for this young girl. I thought this plot could even transform into a movie. Best for older MG readers who like a gently paced historical story.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: 10/7/2025 PAGES: 247
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: PERSPECTIVE by Jennifer Bohnhoff
The time period of the Depression is not one you see in Middle Grade Fiction. I learned many new things about the setting and this tough time in our history.
Genevieve is a mature 12-year-old who lives a far different life than present day kids that age. I felt like I was there with this girl as she tries to make sense of this vastly different world.
A new place requires adaption. Perspectives can change as Genevieve discovers the positive of new relationships and a place she initially didn’t appreciate. Great parallels.
The author’s background as a former social studies teacher shows her passion for the historical time period and the details brought forth on each page. Jennifer’s travels often inspire her books, as this one did when she and her family visited Isle Royale National Park.
The 27 chapters aren’t action packed but this novel still captures your attention. You will have a longing to learn more about the island and the Great Depression.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A lifelong New Mexican, Jennifer Bohnhoff loves travel and history, so it should come as no surprise that many of her books are historical novels set in beautiful and interesting places. She taught Middle School Language Arts and New Mexico History for years, but is now a full time author. (For more about Jennifer, visit her Author Website)
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If you love fantasy, especially one with a memorable cast of characters, then BOO AND PATCH A TAIL OF HOPE will be a good choice for the upcoming summer.
Boo, the young protagonist lives with his foster family and is pulled into a world he never expected. He discovers family secrets that have been kept hidden for a long time. Along for the journey are an out of this world dog named Patch who does more than look cute. Also with him are a group of friends all unique in their ways. They provide many laughable exchanges with each other.
Throughout the adventurous journey, their friendships are tested, but with courage they find answers to what is going on in this other world. Dangerous, suspenseful moments happen at every turn but never last too long before a solution is found.
The world building is excellent but my favorite takeaway was the devotion between a boy and his dog. Without each other the end results would be far different.
The ending hints at more stories to come in a potential series as one big unanswered question remains about his real parents. Readers will be anxiously awaiting additional books.
BOO AND PATCH A TAIL OF HOPE is best for upper middle grade readers and one that will be a welcome addition to their bookshelves. It’s also at a length that will appeal to those who avoid the 300-400 page fantasies.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 7, 2026 PAGES: 188
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gary Christopher Boardman, originally from Blackpool, relocated to Southampton in the sunny south of the UK at the age of two, where he has lived ever since. Gary was a calm child with a vivid imagination and dreamt of setting the world alight one day. With most dreams, reality got in the way, and like everyone else, he had to settle in with the rat race of what is called ‘work’. Becoming a proud father in 2007 gave him the opportunity to feel young again and experience the world again through a child’s eyes and rekindle some of that motivation to do something more creative with his life.
As his son grew older, he wanted bedtime story after bedtime story, and to keep up with the boy’s desire for adventures, the solution was easy: Gary would weave his own stories on the spot to keep the magic of story time going,nurturing a bond that remains strong even now his son has grown into a teenager. Whilst he tried his hand at all sorts of make believe stories and magical adventures, there was one that stood out amongst the others ‘Boo& Patch’.
Boo & Patch started out as a simple idea of a boy and his dog traveling through wormholes on different adventures, quickly becoming a nightly request. Gary needed to be on his toes and come up with new story after new story, and with pleasure, he did so. With much encouragement from his family and setting some personal time aside, he set to the task of bringing these characters to life in his debut book, Boo & Patch, a Tail of Hope. As he continues Gary is excited to expand the ‘Boo & Patch’ series and explore new stories. His journey into the literary world is just beginning, promising more enchanting adventures for readers, young and old.
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.
George Goodwin is no dragon slayer. At least that’s what he believes at the start of this engaging fantasy. George is 12-years-old and a dedicated boy scout. He lives with his police officer mother and still deeply misses his dad who was killed along with ten other coal miners in Big Mountain, West Virginia. The town blames George’s dad for the disaster but the young scout is going to prove them wrong.
On a camping trip with his Scouting troop George recruits his best friends on a mission to find proof of a treasure. Doing so could save the dying town and show everyone that his Dad was not the cause of the accident.
Using skills learned through their earned scouting badges, the group enters the forbidden mine. What they never expected to find was a huge people hungry dragon inside Big Mountain, along with collapsing tunnels, ruthless thieves, and dynamite traps. Courage along with George discovering himself as a dragon slayer is their only hope for survival.
Thirty chapters written in third-person are often page turning with a several laugh out loud moments, but also a few scary ones. The adventure has many twists and turns both inside and out of the mountain. There are many action and dangerous scenes that might scare those not use to these types of stories. GEORGE GOODWIN DRAGON SLAYER is the first book in a series and young readers who like longer books will have a great summer read in their hands.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 5, 2026 PAGES: 336
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: GEORGE GOODWIN DRAGON SLAYER by Candace Lee & Eric Newman
Each of the chapters has an image at the beginning with black and white art work. They are well done and hint at the action and danger forthcoming.
The loyalty the friends showed toward each other and George’s bravery is what stands out the most in this fantasy.
Scouts and former scouts (like myself) will appreciate the references to scouting throughout. There’s even a few tributes to the Boy Scout founder.
I always hope the climatic ending of a story I enjoy will not be disappointing. Thanks to the authors as the last chapters were fantastic.
I hate to see books sitting their without a reader so I always pass along my copy to a young reader. I gave it to a 12-year-old boy who is also a scout and his parents said he has been glued to the book for days. That alone says it all to me about the appeal of this story.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Candace Lee & Eric Newman love to tell stories. From Disney+ to NBC Universal, they’ve written for Emmy-winning series, produced movies and music, and collaborated with stars like Bear Grylls, Andrea Bocelli, and Larry the Cucumber. Along the way, they landed on the New York Times bestseller list with their friend Max Lucado. But their favorite adventure of all? George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer—a creative quest they began long before they each started raising little dragon slayers of their own. Candace studied film and television production at New York University, while Eric focused on writing at Oral Roberts University. Goonies at heart, they dig deep for stories of truth, wonder, and redemption. Their vision for the Order of the Dragon Slayer series is to inspire a generation to be prepared—mentally, physically, and spiritually—to slay life’s dragons.
Sixth grader Cassaty Greene loves soccer. Her favorite player on the Texas Baron’s Creek High School team is Katey Korey who she adores. It’s been an exciting year watching Katey lead them toward a possible state title. Some day Cassaty hopes she too will be playing High School soccer.
Things aren’t perfect at home for Cassaty. Soon it will be the anniversary of her twin brother’s death, who died as a baby. Cassaty mistakenly blames herself for the loss. Mother especially falls into deep depression every time the anniversary occurs while an older sister and dad deal with it in their own way.
But hold on! Katey Korey becomes a much more important part of the plot because she suddenly disappears. Some think she ran away with her boy friend or was kidnapped. The police investigate but find no clues that help. The playoffs are set to begin and now the star midfielder is mysteriously absent. Cassaty decides she will somehow find the missing girl and bring her home in time for the first playoff game. Quite a long shot and she’ll have to break a few family rules to have even a slim chance of her plan working. But if she can it will help Cassaty and her family deal with her brother’s death in a positive way.
THE TWIN STARS AND THE SOCCER SUPERSTAR shows just how hard it is to deal with grief. It’s a superbly written story with Cassaty’s first person narration displaying emotional depth and humor. The cast of characters both young and old are memorable. The mystery and the ending made for a satisfying read. Best for ages 10 and up, the story would also be perfect for a parent or teacher led discussion about the themes in this engaging plot.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 9, 2026. PAGES: 256
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristine Rudolph is a mom of three with two soccer-playing daughters, a left-winger and a defensive back who won her high school state championship in 2024. Kristine splits her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas. (Author’s website)
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS. Details on how to submit your post can be found in the right margin.
This week I am chaperoning some graduating seniors on a celebration trip. I’ll be back next week. In the meantime, be sure to check out the other posts in our lineup this week:
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature for any middle grade book, author or giveaway, and a link to your blog. Send it to: gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Always in the Middle... 