Category Archives: Middle Grade Book Reviews

CASEY GRIMES—THE MOSTLY INVISIBLE BOY

This new fantasy adventure series centers around a boy who is invisible at school but very visible at home. The reason for his disappearing act is never explained, but I’m sure it will be explored further as the series progresses. … Continue reading

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COOL MATH

A student hovers over a page of math problems from a book or worksheet. They’d rather be anywhere else. Math is boring. Math is useless. Math is a waste of time. But wait, how can we turn around this young … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , | 3 Comments

THOMAS WILDUS AND THE WIZARD OF SUMERIA

The second installment in the Elandrian Chronicles series continues the fantasy adventure I first reviewed last year (Thomas Wildus and The Book of Sorrows). Thomas’s friend Enrique is back along with another friend, Akhil. The boys are now 14 and … Continue reading

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ONE LAST SHOT

I doubt there has ever been an editor, blogger, or agent proclaiming what we need in MG fiction is a book about miniature golf. Author John David Anderson thought differently. ONE LAST SHOT covers every birdie, par, and bogie in … Continue reading

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THE LEGENDS OF PINENA – INVASION OF THE ALIENS

I had not heard of author Amy Zhao when she contacted me about featuring her fourth book. Not surprising as about 75% of my reviews are for contemporary stories. When I do dip into fantasy and magical realism, I hope … Continue reading

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WRONG WAY SUMMER

Summer officially begins on June 20th, but I always feel like the season starts on June 1st. What better way to start this fun time of the year with a book about a summer road trip. WRONG WAY SUMMER takes … Continue reading

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WE ARE POWER

Growing up in our present day world is full of challenges. The non-stop “Breaking News” cycle leaves tweens and teens with only one conclusion: The world is a violent place. Conflicts escalate to a point where people are physically hurt … Continue reading

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THE DAY I WAS ERASED

SCHOLASTIC brings this interesting UK title to the states on June 2nd and it’s one young readers will enjoy. The main character, Maxwell Beckett, is not the most likeable person to be around. Case in point: Teachers spend a lot … Continue reading

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EXTREME OCEAN

It’s never too early to celebrate World Ocean Day (coming up on June 8th), especially when you have a title like EXTREME OCEAN in your hands. Dr. Sylvia Earle, a scientist with a passion for the sea gives readers an … Continue reading

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Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes

It’s hard to believe the fourth book in this appealing adventure series has hit the shelves. It was less than two years ago when I featured The Nebula Secret, an exciting debut for National Geographic into the world of MG … Continue reading

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