Category Archives: Historical fiction

THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLASH GANG-Episode Two: Treasonous Tycoon

Streeters Pearl and Lewis are back despite their untimely death in Episode One-Exploding Experiment (See my review here). Okay, they really didn’t die, but that’s not what the bad guys believed. Set in Pittsburgh, 1935, it’s a time of fear … Continue reading

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Max in the House of Spies

I am a big fan of historical fiction. My enthusiasm is often not shared by the 7-13 year old age group. Max in the House of Spies just might sway them over to my side. 11-year-old Max Bretzfeld lives in … Continue reading

Posted in Historical fiction, MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

THE NIGHT RAVEN

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is today’s stop for THE NIGHT RAVEN blog tour! Originally published in Sweden, the tale has been translated into English and is the perfect murder mystery for upper middle grade readers. Here’s the book jacket lead-in: … Continue reading

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THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLASH GANG

I’m always on the lookout for exciting plots and endearing characters in books. It also helps if the setting and time period are captured beautifully without being over 300 pages long. THE ADVENTURES of the FLASH GANG is the winner … Continue reading

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THE BOY AND THE SPY

I know several middle grade kids who open a new book and will read just the first page before declaring “this is boring.” That won’t be a problem when I hand them the exciting and compelling THE BOY AND THE … Continue reading

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THE CALL OF JEREMIAH McGILL

When I saw that THE CALL OF JEREMIAH MCGILL was set in the early 1970s, I jumped at the chance to read this title. Not many MG books are set in a decade that shares similar problems to what we … Continue reading

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MORNING SUN IN WUHAN

We all remember how our lives were interrupted the past few years due to the pandemic. But what about where it all began in China? MORNING SUN IN WUHAN takes readers back to January of 2020 where COVID was first … Continue reading

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CABBY POTTS, DUCHESS OF DIRT

When her parents force her to work at grand Ashford Manor, 12-year-old Cabby Potts will do anything to escape, including playing matchmaker between her sister and the rich young lord of the manor. If it succeeds, her scheme will save … Continue reading

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THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER

It’s nine o’clock on Friday morning, and Mrs. Goldberg is definitely dead. With that kind of first line I was pulled into this compelling drama set in 1975 Atlantic City, New Jersey. 13-year-old Joey narrates the story. He and his … Continue reading

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THREE STRIKE SUMMER

The year is 1936. Gloria Mae Willard, her parents, and older sister are evicted from their Oklahoma farm. The baby brother they recently lost is buried under a tree on that property. The Dust Bowl has wreaked havoc making farming … Continue reading

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