Via returns in a story that began with 2022’s Via LaVie and the Friendship Code.

If you haven’t read the first book, no problem. This second story stands well on it’s own. The authors do a good job filling readers in on her past and the challenges she faces with the future. Although like all good series, after reading Via LaVie and the Secret Key, you will be motivated to go back and check out how it all began.

In the Secret Key, Via is in the summer before sixth grade and middle school begins. Secret friendships and a bitter enemy feud are just part of her worries. Via is also having secret conversations with a famous inventor who may know something about Via’s beloved Gran who has been missing for years and presumed dead.

Via’s biggest secret is how her brain processes information and worries how others would react if they had any clue as to what is going on. It’s a unique gift that isn’t very common but oh so real.

The first third of the plot has Via attending a invitation only science camp in Florida, near where where her Gran was last seen. The truth begins to unfold as Gran’s unknown past is discovered. Via returns home for a nervous start to middle school and her secrets eventually are revealed. It’s a satisfying ending that will engage readers right to the last page.

With loving parents, an irritating older brother, and friendship challenges, Via’s first person narration depicts the tween scene to perfection, including what middle school is like for sixth graders. Via’s personality is also a plus, she’s smart but like many girls and boys, doesn’t want to look too smart. I also liked the small picture included at the beginning of each of the 22 chapters, giving a visual hint as to what might lie ahead.

Via LaVie and the Secret Key is a fun, entertaining read sure to please middle grade readers.

(My only problem with the book was with the layout. Each of the 284 pages are filled with a small font, creating too many words per page. Might be a concern for readers new to MG stories.)

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Liv is a middle schooler who loves living life to the fullest. When not hanging out with her friends, Liv enjoys learning Chinese, swimming and playing volleyball, mastering coding, giving public speeches, tutoring her peers, and making art.  

She is a cancer thriver who gives back to kids currently fighting the disease as an Ambassador for Rady Children’s Hospital. Liv developed a passion for reading and writing at a young age and can often be found making the world a better place by sharing her many discoveries with others.

Scott Kyle is the Chief Investment Officer at Coastwise Capital Group, LLC, a high-end money management firm based in La Jolla, CA. He is the author of four books including The Compound Code: An Expert Guide to Trading Stocks &  Options (www.thecompoundcode.com).   

Scott is a graduate from Harvard Business School, a two-time world champion in sailing, a third degree blackbelt in Shaolin Kempo, and an Ironman triathlon finisher.  Scott inherited his love of writing from his parents, both authors and educators throughout their lives. He lives with his wife, Victoria, and his two children, Jet and Liv, a short bike ride away from the beach in San Diego.

Karyn Langhorne Folan is the author of 40 books of fiction and nonfiction, many of them for tweens and teens. Karyn is a lifelong reader and learner, who likes books about science and history, as well as anything with zombies! When she is not writing, she is probably reading!  She lives in Maryland with her husband and an unfriendly cat named Toka. Her grown-up daughters live nearby and she is hoping to become a grandmother soon! 

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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 from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at 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 the coming Monday.

*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.