Category Archives: Middle Grade Book Reviews

WAR GAMES

Alan Gratz is back with another gripping historical fiction story. This time the setting is the 1936 Olympic Games set in Berlin, Germany. Thirteen-year-old Evie Harris is a gymnast and a competitor just like the more well-known Jesse Owens. Her … Continue reading

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

THE HOUSE ON RONDO

The year was 1963 and Rondo Avenue in St. Paul was the home of a proud Black community. That quickly came to an end as the houses on that street were set to be demolished so the new Interstate 94 … Continue reading

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 9/29/2025

  Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week! ••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling. ••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Tracy Badua and a … Continue reading

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HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE

Another endearing story from Dusti Bowling full of heart, hope, and an ending bursting with emotion. Thirteen-year-old Canyon Cress is a bull rider, following the same path as his father. Canyon’s mom died in an accident and Dad’s life is … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, New Release | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

THE ULTIMATE BOOK of the HUMAN BODY (and a GIVEAWAY!)

What a fun, visual interactive experience you will have reading this new book! Intended for ages 8-12, you won’t find a boring rehash of facts. Instead, readers will discover flaps, pop-ups, pull-tabs, and other hands-on discoveries that uncover the truth … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 9/22/2025

  Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up for this first day of Autumn! ••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson. ••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has an interview with Anital Fitch Pazner … Continue reading

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SCARLET MORNING

A fantasy with a pair of unique characters sure to please readers. Viola and Wilmur have been living in the town of Caveat for most of their lives under the care of Hestur, a woman who really doesn’t like children. … Continue reading

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

POSIE PARKER AND THE BULLDOG BULLY

Dog lovers and even those who don’t know much about dogs will enjoy this captivating story. You learn about bullies both on the human and canine side and how to help those who are being bullied. Posie Parker the golden … Continue reading

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 9/15/2025

  Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week: ••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE has my review of THE LAST RESORT by Erin Entrada Kelly. ••Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles interviews Christine Virnig and a has a GIVEAWAY of … Continue reading

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THE LAST RESORT

A ghost story with excellently crafted characters and a creepy plot. Twelve -year-old Lila Clements has a few challenges for the summer. First is to win back her friends who think she is somewhat of a drama queen. Lila sees … Continue reading

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