Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Rise of the Shadowfire by Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong

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Rise of the Shadowfire (City of Dragons 2) by Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong

Rise of the Shadowfire (City of Dragons #2)
Jaimal Yogis
Illustrated by Vivian Truong
Graphix
Published October 17, 2023

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About Rise of the Shadowfire (City of Dragons #2)

Grace and friends return for a new adventure in this second installment of the bestselling City of Dragons series!

Ever since the battle in Hong Kong, Grace and her friends have been trying to find a way to get to Paris. When Nate suddenly appears and whisks Grace away to the Dragon King’s lair, she learns that Daijiang … Continue reading →

Review: Dog Trouble by Kristin Varner

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Dog Trouble by Kristin Varner

Dog Trouble
Kristin Varner
First Second
Published October 29, 2024

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About Dog Trouble

From the author of Horse Trouble comes a graphic novel perfect for fans of PAWS and Allergic!

Ash is a good kid at heart. But his grades are slipping, and when he gets caught vandalizing an old building, it’s the last straw. It’s decided: Ash will spend some time away from the city, at his dad’s place on Ferncliff Island.

It’s bad enough that Ash has no friends on the island (just an annoying little stepsister), but his parents are also making him do community service! He volunteers at the local … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis

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Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis

Unsinkable Cayenne
Jessica Vitalis
Greenwillow Books
Published October 29, 2024

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About Unsinkable Cayenne

When her unconventional parents finally agree to settle down in one place, twelve-year-old Cayenne’s dreams come true—but the reality of fitting in is much harder than she imagined. Acclaimed author Jessica Vitalis crafts an unforgettable historical novel-in-verse about belonging, family, and social class for fans of Lisa Fipps’s Starfish and Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home.

Cayenne and her family drift from place to place, living in their van. It hasn’t been a bad life—Cayenne and her mother birdwatch in every new location, they have a cozy … Continue reading →

Review: The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett

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The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett

The Shape of Lost Things
Sarah Everett
HarperCollins
Published October 24, 2024

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About The Shape of Lost Things

From the award-winning author of The Probability of Everything, which has been called “one of the best books I have read this year (maybe ever)” (Colby Sharp, Nerdy Book Club) and “Powerful” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review),comes a heartfelt exploration of family and change as twelve-year-old Skye reunites with her older brother, Finn, after he spent four years on the run with their father.

Skye Nickson’s world changed forever when her dad went on the run with her brother, Finn. It’s … Continue reading →

Review: Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Martin

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Castle Swimmer by Wendy Martin

Castle Swimmer: Volume 1
Wendy Martin
Ten Speed Graphic
Published October 22, 2024

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About Castle Swimmer: Volume 1

In the gorgeous first installment of the hit Webtoon series Castle Swimmer, two young mermen reject their destinies and embark on an epic adventure full of romance and danger, featuring exclusive bonus material.

From the moment Kappa tumbles into existence on the ocean floor, his life’s purpose is already decided for him: He is the Beacon, a light to all sea creatures, and destined to fulfill their many prophesies. In high demand and under immense pressure, Kappa quickly realizes that fame and glory are … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski by Melody J. Bremen

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From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski by Melanie Bremen

From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski
Melody J. Bremen
Published August 20, 2024

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About From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski

When 8th grader Lizzie Lazowski receives a pen pal assignment, she puts her letter into a bottle and throws it into the ocean. A few days later, she receives an anonymous response in her mailbox. She continues to write to her mystery pen pal, answering prompts like what’s your favorite food (milkshakes), and who is your best friend (she doesn’t have one at the moment).

Through her letters, she tells about her biggest dream: to secure a spot at Northcrest High School for the Arts. If she submits … Continue reading →