ONE LAST RIDE

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

DIVORCE

A FIRST KISS

HORSEBACK RIDING

DEATH

FRIENDSHIPS

ONE LAST RIDE covers all those life events in an endearing and thoughtful way. The upper middle grade novel is narrated by 12-year-old Jackson Segal. He’s at a Vermont summer camp because his parents need time alone to figure out their future together.

Jackson worries what life will be like once camp is over. Will he be living with one parent or both? Camp has at least allowed Jackson to think about other things. This includes discovering a love for horses and being attracted to a girl.

I’ve read more MG books where a parent has passed away, but divorce is more common in today’s preteen world. I’ve worked with many kids both through teaching and mentoring in the Big Brother Big Sisters organization to know the hurt it brings to families. This story is a welcome addition that will be a helpful read for both boys and girls.

Jackson’s voice throughout is believable and heartfelt. There’s also humor and a terrible tragedy. We know Jackson’s character arc is not complete but moving in the right direction. ONE LAST RIDE would be a great story for a parent and child to read together. There are a few minor inappropriate words, frequent talk among the boys of “making out, and a comical first kiss.

Having gone through my own summer camp experience as a kid, it was a reflective experience reading this as an adult. My wish is for a sequel so that Jackson’s story can continue.

PAGES: 194 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 9/2/2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ONE LAST RIDE by Dan Elish

  1. The author details in THE AFTERWORD how his own connection to summer camp helped create this story. It’s a nice backdrop that brings even more meaning to the story.
  2. The boys in Jackson’s cabin are very different. From best friend Matteo and mean know it all Oliver to Noah who says he is “Gay but currently inactive.” They all are a memorable part of the plot.
  3. Jackson’s relationship with the horses was a high point and one I’ve never seen in a horse type book unless the other character is a girl.
  4. The page length was perfect and appreciated in today’s 300+ page middle grade book world.
  5. Doug, the boy’s camp counselor, was insightful and knew exactly what Jackson needed. Bravo to both him and all the other Dougs out there who are there for kids when most needed.

ALL ABOUT DAN ELISH

Dan Elish is the author of eleven novels, including The Worldwide Dessert Contest (Orchard Books and Bantam, for kids), Nine Wives (St. Martins Press, for grown-up types), and Born Too Short (Simon & Schuster), which won a 2004 International Reading Association Students’ Choice Award for young adult literature.

Dan wrote the book to the musical 13 which played at the Mark Taper Forum and won the 2007 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for best production; he was also nominated for best writing. 13 went on to play at the Jacobs Theater on Broadway is now a film streaming on Netflix. Dan is also the author of the book and co-lyrics for the Off-Broadway musical, The Evolution of Mann, produced at the Cell Theater in NYC in the fall of 2018 and now optioned by Concord Theatricals.

Dan has also written numerous scripts for TV (notably Cyberchase and The Wonder Pets) and has penned music and lyrics to many children’s musicals and works of non-fiction for younger readers. He has won scholarships and fellowships to The Bread Loaf and Sewanee Writers’ Conferences.

Dan grew up in Manhattan, attended The Collegiate School and Middlebury College. He lives in New York with his wife and two children where he continues to write and teach piano. (Dan’s website)

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DETECTIVE DOGS

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Invasive species can lead to negative consequences for the environment, humans, and other living creatures. The non-fiction DETECTIVE DOGS highlights the amazing work that canines do to seek out invasive species before any damage can be done.

These potential enemies include PESKY PLANTS, MEDDLESOME MUSSELS, and IRRITATING INSECTS, with each focused in a separate chapter. You’ll meet. Fenton and Frost; Fagen and Dia; Hilo, Diesel, and Seuss along with their handlers.

Color photographs enhance the information about their work. The last few pages detail how a dog becomes a detective dog, what skills are needed to be a handler, and a final look at how to keep invasives under control despite the constant changes in the environment.

Further reading is provided with over a dozen sources in the ending Bibliography.

The hardback edition is only 64 pages but it’s a fascinating read, especially for readers like me who knew nothing about these hero canines. The writing is geared toward middle grade readers and is both informative and easy to understand.

Need a holiday gift for the dog loving 8-12 year old in your life? Look no further than DETECTIVE DOGS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ALISON PEARCE STEVENS

I bring the work of scientists to kids around the world through Highlights for Children, Science News Explores, ASK magazine, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Audubon Society, National Geographic Kids books, and more. And sometimes super-cool scientific discoveries spark fictional adventures. So I write those, too.

I am a former Regional Advisor for the Nebraska chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a member of the National Association of Science Writers and Author’s Guild.

(FOR MORE ABOUT ALISON AND THE WORK SHE DOES BE SURE TO VISIT HER INFORMATIVE WEBSITE)

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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 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.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 11/24/2025

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I participate in the blog tour for MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY by T.E. Milburn. Read my review and also enter a fantastic GIVEAWAY.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles shares a guest post by R. M. Romero and a giveaway of her MG fantasy The Tear Collector.

••Carol Baldwin welcomes back guest reviewer Kate Lundeen and her review of Knights in Manhattan by Kay Dibianca. You can also enter for a chance to win the book.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a review of The Hunt for the Silver Dragon.

••Tonja Drecker @ Bookworm for Kids is taking a look at a box set of traditional Christmas stories, The Essential Christmas Classics Collection, with works from Charles Dickens, E.T.A. Hoffmann, and more.

••Jenni Enzor has a unique post this week: How to Celebrate an Author’s Birthday: Ideas Inspired by L.M. Montgomery.

••Sue Heavenrich has a fun non-ficiton book over at Archimedes Notebook this week: Flick! The Truth About Lizards by Annette Whipple.

 ••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta:

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of SPARK by Chris Baron. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.

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MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The holiday season is almost here and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by joining the blog tour for MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY. Included in the hardback are all 3 stories from the series.

After my review I’ll give you details about a very special giveaway.

Book one is A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE. We first meet Alex and Noah James and their parents as they drive north to a Canadian ski resort for the Christmas holidays. When the weather turns bad they take a detour and wind up at another resort where they seem to the only guests.

The place is fantastic and the next day they head to the slopes. When the two brothers are off snowboarding by themselves an elf tricks them into a portal and they end up at the North Pole. It’s not a very happy place as Santa has been imprisoned by his own brother who vows to change everything about this happy time of the year. The only hope they have is a crystal that Noah found that has some powerful effects. Noah and Alex are the only ones who can save Christmas.

With family at its core, along with a pleasing holiday adventure, the story is perfect for reading out loud. This one ends on a cliffhanger of sorts and Book 2 takes over.

THE JEWEL OF THE YETI continues the adventure a year later. There has been no more contact from Santa. Everything seems back to normal until an elf turns up again and they are led to a magical world of underground gnomes, a Yeti village, and the North Pole. There’s a gem with mysterious powers and once again they must face the evil brother of Santa.

The fast paced read will have you longing for more and the wait isn’t long with Book 3, CURSE OF THE CRYSTAL. It’s a year later and the James family is spending Christmas in much warmer Costa Rica instead of their usual journey to a Canadian ski resort. A surprising new enemy arrives who turns out to be the real culprit toward ending Christmas and Santa Claus forever. The final tale wraps up the story in a pleasing way. Superb illustrations and tense moments of danger bring Magic in the Mountains to a memorable conclusion.

One you finish the series, you’ll look forward to pulling out the book again and visiting these characters on future Christmas holidays.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY by T. E. Milburn

  1. A perfect balance of boy and girl characters.
  2. The story is action packed, imaginative, and never boring.
  3. You’ll be smiling at some of the corny jokes the boys tell.
  4. Included are full page illustrations that enhance the reading experience.
  5. The animal characters were also memorable like a sneaky monkey and a wise, helpful fox.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.

GIVEAWAY

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.E. Milburn is a children’s book author who weaves tales filled with adventure, whimsy, and a sprinkle of magic. Her books transport young readers to fantastical worlds where they can make friends with talking animals, embark on daring quests, and discover the beauty of friendship and the power of courage. With each story, T.E. Milburn hopes to inspire children to dream big and explore the limitless possibilities of their own imaginations.

For more information, visit https://temilburn.com.

To purchase the book for yourself or as a gift visit either AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE

Be Sure to visit all the MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY TOUR STOPS

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DOUBLE FEATURE FRIDAY

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

I’m always on the lookout this time of the year to start my holiday shopping. These two books would make a great gift for the young reader in your family.

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First up is a realistic and informative look at successful individuals who are labeled as Neurodivergent. This wide encompassing label includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome.

Twenty-three separate stories are included. Read them in any order. A full page black and white illustration is followed by several pages about each person’s successes, struggles in life, and how they have dealt with their condition. Many of the names you will be familiar with like Simone Biles, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, David Beckham, and Daniel Radcliffe. Others won’t be so familiar. There’s Satoshi Tajiri the creator of Pokemon, Professor Jason Arday, and Magazine editor Atoosa Rubenstein to name a few.

Regardless of their level of recognition, each story in EVERYTHING BUT TYPICAL is compelling and heartfelt. You begin to understand the difficulties they faced and how they found success. The result is readers gain a deeper understanding of Neurodivergency,. The knowledge gained just may inspire them to face the roadblocks and find even greater success in their own life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margeaux is an author and editor living in Louisiana. Her book, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali:The Fatal Friendship, received a star review from the School Library Journal. The book is a young readers’ adaptation of Blood Brothers, an adult novel and inspiration for the Netflix biopic of the same name. She is the author of 20th Century African American History for Kids, co-author of We Are the United State, as well as several non-fiction books for young readers. Her most recent book, Everything But Typical (Bloomsbury), a middle grade book exploring influential neurodivergent people who have shaped the world, received a star review from the School Library Journal. 

​A budding horror writer, Margeaux’s Substack Original horror anthology, Haintland, has been in the Top 40 Rising Fiction category several times. 

​Margeaux is the former non-fiction editor of Hugo award-winning FIYAH literary magazine of Black Speculative fiction. She has also written for brands such as Ebony, Paste Magazine, and The ScriptLab. Margeaux enjoys Louisiana food and festivals, spending time with her family, and reading a great book. 

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Many non-readers changed their way after diving into The Choose Your Own Adventure series beginning back in 1979. A similar reading experience with a survival focus is the enjoyable CAN YOU SURVIVE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ? This CHOOSE YOUR PATH book is a part of the Interactive Classic Literature series where readers interact with modern stories. It’s not a replacement for the original but a fun way to navigate through a familiar tale.

The journey begins with the arrival of the cyclone and after a few pages you are asked to make a decision based on two choices. Each one sends you to a different part of the story. I began making some poor choices and soon ended up at a dead end where I was encouraged to try again. The second time through was much better and I survived. It was an engaging way to navigate through the story and will appeal to 9-13 year old readers. CAN YOU SURVIVE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ? is also a perfect gift to tuck away on those future car or plane trips.

Other books in the series include CAN YOU SURVIVE DRACULA?, CAN YOU SURVIVE THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES?, and CAN YOU SURVIVE THE CALL OF THE WILD?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Jacobson is a successful author and presenter. He has written more than 50 children’s books–including picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, and choose-your-path books. He has presented at dozens of schools, organizations, and special events. Ryan lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.

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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 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.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 11/17/2025

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder.

••Susan Uhlig loved the hilariously scary PRESS 1 FOR INVASION.

••Jemima Pett has a lovely book to share today with Yertle the Turtle!

••Andrea Huelsenbeck has a post about Jack Gantos with reviews of his MG book Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key and also his YA memoir Hole in My Life. 

••Isabelle Knight has a review of Last of the Name by Rosanne Parry, a middle-grade historical fiction that is stunning, beautiful, and brought her to near tears.

••Sue Heavenrich shares a very timely – NF book over at Archimedes Notebook. It scales for older MG (10 and up): White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups (part of the Medical Fiascoes series) by Gail Jarrow.

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles shares a guest post by author Mike Steele and a GIVEAWAY of NOT LUCILLE.

••Valinora Troy joins the The Write Reads blog tour for Victoria Williamson’s latest middle grade adventure: Kittiwake Stormhaven and the Pirate’s Portolano. 

••Tonja Drecker @ Bookworm for Kids is taking a look at Love Potion Commotion, the upcoming addition to The Magical Morrison’s series by Kristen Aguilar.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a review of House with No Keys.

••Maria Antonia has a post about: Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin.

••Jenni Enzor is reviewing The Who Painted the World and From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski by Melody J. Bremen.

 ••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews an anthology called The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures edited by Hanna Alkaf:

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of SCHOOLED by Jamie Sumner. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

••Rebecca Douglass has a review of Fires Burning Underground, by Nancy McCabe.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THE LABYRINTH OF SOULS

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This engaging and original fantasy will pull you in right to the gripping conclusion. With world building at its finest, the story is not only good for post-Halloween reading but any time of the year.

Ix Tatterfall is a girl who can see nighttime creatures in the forbidden Labyrinth of Souls. These creatures range from the harmless to the very deadly. It’s also apparent very early that Ix is somewhat of a rule breaker.

When she crosses paths with Jack, a nightmare scarecrow, she is caught by Candle Corps and sent to Candle Corps Academy. Here she meets others her age like Morrigan who has a temper and could be a real monster, and Ollie, a shy boy who loves to read. Ix finally has friends who can see what she see.

But the plot deepens when scarecrow Jack is confronted once more and all signs point to him as being the cause of nightmares escaping. He may also be trying to snatch Ix away for good.

There are so many elements of the fantasy I’m leaving out as readers new to the story should get to enjoy and be surprised by them like I was. The third person narration takes you through 45 chapters and an epilogue. The length and intricate nature of the tale will appeal those ready for a more demanding read. THE LABYRINTH OF SOULS is just what fantasy lovers will adore.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 11, 2025 PAGES: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE LABYRINTH OF SOULS by Leslie Vedder

  1. A magical school but one very different from any other. The unique classes, students, and teachers in this boarding academy bring many surprises.
  2. Smiles is supposedly a cat who appears in the mist and becomes an important link to Ix and her journey into the unknown. Smiles has a personality sure to remind you of a real cat.
  3. Spooky at times but not too bad. The nightmares are listed in the back page glossary and you might start here to alert you to what lies ahead.
  4. The girls’ friendship has many ups and down and you begin to wonder if these two will ever become lifelong friends. A great look at how characters change and develop.
  5. All the elements of a good story come together within this fantasy mystery. There’s also a heartwarming aspect of truly finding yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie Vedder (she/her) is an ABA bestselling author of YA and MG fantasy with girl heroes full of fun and heart. She grew up on fantasy books, anime, fanfiction, and the Lord of the Rings movies, and met her true love in high school choir. She currently lives in Colorado with her wife and two ultra-spoiled house cats. Find her online at leslievedder.com

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

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

A DOG NAMED 647

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

For animal lovers you can’t go wrong with this heartfelt story about a girl desperate to save a dog in a puppy mill. Those who have never owned a dog just might be convinced that it is time they adopt their first dog.

The first person narration by 12-year-old Mia is spot on for all she faces in life. Her parents are divorced and Dad lives in Florida, too far away from Mia and her mom’s home in Missouri. School is also not going well. The one thing Mia wishes she had is a dog but Mom is not having anything to do with dogs after she was bitten by one.

Then one day Mia finds a very pregnant golden retriever on the loose. The helpless animal is being chased by a man with a rope who captures the dog and drags her away. Mia is determined to find that dog again and with the help of her best friend they do find the dog in a very unsanitary puppy mill. Now it’s not just one dog she wants to rescue but hundreds more crammed in cages under horrible conditions.

The experience changes Mia in a most positive way and her relationship with best friend Cassie is a highlight. Forty-two chapters are perfect for a classroom read-aloud or sharing with family.

Throughout the story you learn about puppy mills and their dangers to the emotional and physical health of dogs. It’s a sad part of the tale but one that will inform readers to take action. The back pages give details on What We can Do to reduce the over 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. alone.

A DOG NAMED 647 will be an adventure you will remember and cherish for a long time. As a lifelong dog owner I highly recommend it as one to add to your shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 20, 2025 Pages: 212

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Nancy Kay graduated from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and trained to become a board certified small animal internist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

She was the proud recipient of:

  • The Hill’s annual Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
  • Leo Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award

Her personal writing experience was inspired by her desire to empower pet owners to become effective medical advocates for their pets. Her first book, Speaking for Spot, was an Amazon best seller that was featured twice on the popular National Public Radio show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

Dr. Nancy’s writing journey has continued with publication of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet and her award winning weekly Substack, “Speaking for Spot.”

Her newest book is A Dog Named 647, a middle-grade adventure story.

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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 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.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. 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 that week’s MMGM.

*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.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 11/10/2025

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

Enjoy all these great posts from our line-up this week!

••ALWAYS in the MIDDLE is where I review THE FIREFLY CROWN by Yxavel Magno Diño.

••Susan Uhlig was so impressed with THE LOST YEAR by Katherine Marsh. Set in two time periods and in multiple points of view this story is inspired by the author’s own family history.

••Isabelle Knight has an author interview with Laurel Snyder, the author of Orphan Island.

••Jennifer Rummel @ YA Book Nerd has a review of THE STEPS.

••Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY reviews Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change by Anne Broyles , illustrated by Hannah Li  

••Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has a guest post by Darlene P. Campos and a GIVEAWAY of her MG historical, The Center of the Earth.

••Tonja Drecker @ Bookworm for Kids is having a snow-dream with The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson.

••Maria Antonia is back with a post about: A Galaxy of Whales by Heather Fawcett.

••Kasey Giard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews The Tear Collector by R. M. Romero.

••Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of LOST EVANGELINE by Kate DiCamillo. Rosi also shares 3 links of interest for her writing friends.

••Jenni Enzor is featuring The Experiment by Rebecca Stead.

••Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out Karen’s MMGM choice for today and all her reviews from this past week.

Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

THE FIREFLY CROWN

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The story started a little slow for me, but I’m glad I didn’t stop. The plot keeps deepening right through to the thrilling conclusion.

The Firefly Crown is a magical story centered upon 12-year-old Yumi who narrates the tale. She and her parents are known as Crickets, ones who can communicate their magic through real insect crickets. Yumi finds that very boring and would much prefer to be one of the Fireflies whose magic is much more powerful. In the empire, magic determines your fate. Yumi is tired of being a failed Cricket, but she has no choice…or does she?

All the sorcerers are ordered to attend the young princess’s coronation. Nothing goes as planned as the Firefly Crown is stolen before the valuable piece can be placed on the head of the new princess. The crown’s magic can protect the empire from a Ghost Swarm of undead bugs who can kill everyone they fall upon. Things get worse when Yumi is blamed for stealing the crown. Her only hope is to find the real thief and save her family and empire. Good luck Yumi. You are going to need it.

The 27 chapters come alive with many exciting, action packed encounters. Yumi is an endearing character and you will be cheering for her right to the last decision she makes. THE FIREFLY CROWN will appeal to those who love a unique fantasy set in a palace based world.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: November 11, 2025 PAGES: 288

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE FIREFLY CROWN by Yxavel Magno Diño

  1. Yumi’s real passion is to become a metal worker, one who create marvelous pieces of artwork. It was a nice turn to see her more interested in that path than doing real magic. Follow your dreams is her way of dealing with life and what a good path that becomes!
  2. Even the irritating crickets have a role in this story, and Yumi befriends a strong willed one in Ikko. A memorable sidelight.
  3. You’ll be guessing as to who is the traitor and that helps propel the story forward. I was surprised when I figured out who the bad guy really was in the final chapters.
  4. Yumi’s new friends help her along the way and they stick with her despite the dangers facing the group.
  5. No cliffhanger at the end. All plot points are resolved and you find out what eventually happens to each of the characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yxavel Magno Diño was born in the Philippines before moving to Australia at a young age, where she soon discovered that almost nobody there knew how to say her name. To make up for it, she spent her time daydreaming about fantasy worlds filled with characters who had more unusual names than she did. Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea or getting lost in the pages of a book. (Author Website)

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

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments