Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

MMGM Review: Busted by Dan Gemeinhart

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Busted by Dan Gemeinhart

Busted
Dan Gemeinhart
Henry Holt & Co.
Published October 7, 2025

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About Busted

When 12-year-old Oscar Aberdeen decided he would do anything to save the only home he’s ever known, he didn’t realize that anything would include theft, trespassing, gambling, a broken nose, grand theft auto, a federal prison, and a police car chase. He had no idea it would be so dangerous…or so fun. A heartfelt middle-grade romp from the New York Times-bestselling author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.

Oscar Aberdeen is a bit of an oddball. He’s an ace at playing bridge, loves Frank Sinatra, and … Continue reading →

Monthly Recap: September 2025 Reading

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September 2025 Reading Wrap

September 2025 Reading Status Update

I’ve been wildly disorganized this season, so I haven’t been posting lists or updates as much as I’d like. I thought I’d try out a monthly wrap post to see if it’s something I can sustainably do. The one or two sentence summaries I create for posts like this help me later when I am doing themed lists or my reading challenge pages, so maybe this will be useful. We’ll see.

At any rate, I managed to finish 25 books this month, including 11 backlist titles. Most of those are audiobooks, but I read a few as ebooks this time. I average about 20 books per month, so that’s pretty good for me. … Continue reading →

Review: Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver by Sean McMurray

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Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver by Sean McMurray

Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver
Sean McMurray
Artemesia Publishing
Published July 8, 2025

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About Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver

Can one vlogger and his loyal dog save their town from the clutches of a dark wizard?

When 12-year-old fantasy super fan Paul Weaver started a channel on his favorite fantasy website documenting his quest to become a Paladin Knight, he never considered he would one day have to pull off the heist of all stealing his principal’s soul.

That sounds more like something a member of the thieves’ … Continue reading →

Review: Beetle and the Chimera Carnival by Aliza Layne

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Beetle and the Chimera Carnival by Aliza Layne

Beetle and the Chimera Carnival (The Beetle Books #2)
Aliza Layne
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published April 29, 2025

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About Beetle and the Chimera Carnival

Beetle and her friends attend a carnival full of dragons and magic, only to discover something sinister at play behind the scenes, in this delightful sequel to the Stonewall Honor-winning Beetle & the Hollowbones middle grade graphic novel.

Hidden behind the clouds, giant dragons guard the most powerful magic in the world from prying eyes. On one magical night, once every ten years, these leviathans reveal themselves to a … Continue reading →

Review: The Guardians of Dreamdark: Windwitch by Laini Taylor

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Guardians of Dreamdark: Windwitch by Laini Taylor

The Guardians of Dreamdark: Windwitch
Laini Taylor
Amulet Books
Published September 23, 2025 (Orig. 2007)

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About The Guardians of Dreamdark: Windwitch

From New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor comes a new edition of her first cult favorite series, Guardians of Dreamdark, about a devil-hunting faerie and her quest to save her world
 
For centuries faeries have lived safely in their ancient forests, but now their peace is under threat. Devils are escaping the prisons that have held them since the Dawn Days, and only one faerie stands in their way. Magpie Windwitch is the greatest—the only—devil-hunter of … Continue reading →

Review: The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett

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The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances HardingeVersion 1.0.0

The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Frances Hardinge
Illustrated by Emily Gravett
Amulet Books
Published August 26, 2025

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About The Forest of a Thousand Eyes

Costa Award-winning Frances Hardinge’s gripping story of a young girl’s daring mission through a natural world intent on her destruction.

With stunning two-colour illustrations by superstar illustrator Emily Gravett on every page, this richly atmospheric book is perfect for fans of David Almond and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans … Continue reading →