I’m sure this is the first middle grade book I’ve read set in the year 1719. THE WONDROUS TALE OF LAVENDER WOLFE made that time period come alive with a magical tale featuring a memorable main character in Lavender.

Her skill is secretly stealing from purses of unsuspecting victims. One day while waiting alone on a wharf for her mother, Lavender is grabbed by Big Agatha and despite here objections is taken to a pirate ship, The Good Marchioness, “the most magical and cursed pirate ship that ever sailed the seven seas.”

Only boys can live here so she is given new clothes and a new name (Hans Whitby). Things get even stranger on this ship when Lavender finds out that everyone on board will turn into sand unless the crew can find and return a stolen treasure. Lavender develops her own magic and will do anything to stop the curse from happening. A big, pleasing adventure is what lies ahead.

Lavender’s quiet strength while tackling her huge problem will be a big appeal to readers. She’s a smart girl who doesn’t have to be loud while carving a path to success. The other children and adults on the ship all have unique personalities and the emotional ending will have you flipping the pages. The story ends on a high note and will appeal to avid readers who enjoy a unique magical adventure.

BOOK BIRTHDAY (U.S.): November 10, 2026 PAGES: 400

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE WONDROUS TALE OF LAVENDER WOLFE by Karen Foxlee

1. Illustrations are scattered throughout the book, including each chapter heading. They add a nice touch to the uniqueness of the story.
2. The adult characters were also memorable including Big Agatha who has a wonderful character arc and Captain Pleasant whose right arm is a bird wing.
3. The emotional stakes are high in losing family and your original identity. The author handles it in a memorable and real way readers will enjoy.
4. The children’s developing magic. The kitchen rats as they are known each have their own piece of magic that separate each one, though their eventual friendships are the special part of the story.
5. One of Big Agatha’s kitchen recipes is shared at the beginning of each chapter. Be ready for a lot of potatoes with the final dish left to your imagination.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Karen Foxlee is an Australian author who writes for both children and adults. She grew up in the Australian outback mining town Mount Isa and still frequently dreams she is walking barefoot along the dry Leichhardt River. Her novels include Dragon Skin, Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy, Lenny’s Book of Everything, and The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe. Karen lives in South East Queensland with her daughter and several animals, including two wicked parrots who frequently eat parts of her laptop when she isn’t looking. Her passions are her daughter, writing, daydreaming, baking, running, and swimming in the sea.

Martina Heiduczek grew up in a small fishing village on the Baltic Sea in Germany, where she spent her time galloping through the forests on her Shetland pony, drawing, or reading. She now lives in Australia and works as an illustrator. Her work is inspired by nature, people, places, and the things she sees, both moving and silly.

****************************************

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Alternating viewpoints spoken by two special main characters make this a memorable read. The story is best for upper middle grade as Rowan and Gemma are just starting high school, but the family problems and innocent first crush will hit home with many ages 10 and up.

Rowan Monahan lives in the fictional town of Friendship Prairie with his parents. He’s bullied a lot by a cousin and tries to avoid him with not much success. Rowan is considered a slow learner due to his stuttering and slow processing. He is really quite brilliant at knowing how the best humans should act.

Gemma has just moved to the town with her mom and three older triplet brothers. She is autistic and is non-speaking so she uses her tablet with a variety of voices to communicate with others. High school will be a challenge as she is used to being home schooled.

Rowan and Gemma meet on the first day of classes and immediately start connecting with each other. The road ahead is quite upsetting as their mothers hate each other and are running for the same school board seat. Their accusations fly with personal attacks on each other. Rowan and Gemma don’t want this to effect their relationship so they try and keep their friendship a secret amidst this political storm.

The emotions are brought out superbly by these two teens. In many ways they become more mature than the adults they live with every day. ROWAN + GEMMA is a fast read thanks to the engaging back and forth narration. It will remind you of a modern take on Romeo and Juliet and will be well worth your time.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Oct. 20, 2026. Pages: 288

5 MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ROWAN + GEMMA by Sally J. Pla

1. The ending was a happy one and very unexpected how Rowan and Gemma became the catalyst for change among the adults.
2. Learning about Gemma’s challenges in communicating was a highlight of the story.
3. The triplet are football players and provide both amusing and supportive relationship scenes with their younger sister. Gemma is lucky to have them and realizes how each is different by the last page.
4. One of the high school teachers has an excellent take on media manipulation and AI. We could all learn from his class discussion in the second half of this story.
5. A truly appropriate look at a first relationship so no worries for parents if their 10-year-old wants to read this one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sally J. Pla is an award-winning author renowned for her heartfelt and inclusive books for young readers. Her works often center on neurodivergent characters, reflecting her own experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic individual. Pla’s stories resonate with readers of all ages, offering authentic portrayals of characters who perceive the world differently.​

Her books include The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn, honored with the 2024 ALA Schneider Family Book Award for its representation of disability, The Someday Birds, which received the 2018 Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, Stanley Will Probably Be Fine, Benji, The Bad Day, and Me, Ada and Zaz, Invisible Isabel, and Rowan and Gemma (October 2026).​

Beyond writing, Pla is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and autism acceptance. She founded and manages A Novel Mind, a resource dedicated to exploring mental health and neurodiversity in children’s literature. Her advocacy work extends to appearances on television and radio, where she discusses the importance of embracing different ways of thinking.​

Pla holds English degrees from Colgate University (with honors) and Penn State University (M.A.). Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a business journalist and in public education. She resides in Southern California with her family, where she continues to write stories that celebrate the beauty of diverse minds and the power of empathy.

Visit her at www.sallyjpla.com. Instagram: @sallyjpla. Facebook: Sally J Pla

October is also AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Childhood cancer is a devastating reality for many families. Author Michael G. Velázquez is devoted to helping those families in a big way.

DREAM BIG is the fictional story of Michael (age 16) and his younger brother Max (age 14). Also present is their loyal dog. After seeing many kids outside a cancer center, the boys decide to come up with a plan to build the National Hall of Champions and Learning Center on Childhood Cancer.

It’s a long road of getting community support and funding, along with working with families who are most impacted by cancer to make sure this dream fits with what they need. The boys also meet with doctors and nurses who are on the front lines of diagnosing and treating these children. Their dad is the helpful adult advising them along the way.

The story is a revealing and heartwarming look at childhood cancer. One that would be perfect as a read aloud and discussion starter.

Find out more about the work of the author and what you can do to support the cause at THE CHILDHOOD CANCER HALL OF CHAMPIONS web site.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michael G Velazquez

Michael is the Founder of Childhood Cancer Hall of Champions.

For over two decades, he has been supporting organizations that advocate for children and families who are impacted by cancer.

In 2020, Michael decided to launch and fund this unique platform, with a purpose to share stories and connect families in need.

Michael is blessed with two healthy children of his own, Michael and Max. As a family legacy, a way to give back to the community, we look forward to creating a safe and helpful space with your stories.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.