Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

MMGM Review: The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P. G. Bell

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The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P. G. Bell

The Big Bad Wolf Murder
P. G. Bell
Feiwel & Friends
Published January 20, 2026

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About The Big Bad Wolf Murder

A girl accused of killing a famous wolf must solve his murder while on the run, in this twist on Little Red Riding Hood!

At twelve years old, Ruby Calvino is the youngest human player in the Tooth & Claw championships. It’s her fast legs and even faster mind that leaves her as the last player left during the final game, and she’s ready to claim victory. But when the undefeated Alarick— the … Continue reading →

Review: Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo

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Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo

Lunar Boy
Jes and Cin Wibowo
HarperAlley
Published May 14, 2024

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About Lunar Boy

For fans of The Witch Boy and Squished, Lunar Boy is a must-have heartwarming coming-of-age graphic novel about a young boy from the moon who discovers a home in the most unlikely places, from debut twin creators Jes and Cin Wibowo.

Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship—their home—to live on Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he’s weird, he has a crush on his pen … Continue reading →

6 Favorite Quotes from Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne

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6 Favorite Quotes from Winnie the Pooh

The 100th Anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh

October of this year marks the 100th anniversary of the beloved classic, Winnie-the-Pooh. I grew up with Pooh stories and Milne’s poetry (my mom used to quote his poem about turning five pretty regularly).

Simon & Schuster sent me a really nice copy of the 100th Anniversary edition, which has a soft, flocked cover with a simple illustration of the bear himself. It’s a great size for little hands, and the cover has a great texture. The inside features the original illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard.

Quote from Winnie the Pooh Disney Movie: "If there ever … <a class= Continue reading →

MMGM Review: A Year Without Home by V. T. Bidania

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A Year Without Home by V. T. Bidania

A Year Without Home
V. T. Bidania
Nancy Paulsen Books
Published January 13, 2026

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About A Year Without Home

A poignant middle grade novel in verse about a Hmong girl losing and finding home in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. For fans of Jasmine Warga and Veera Hiranandani.

For eleven-year-old Gao Sheng, home is the lush, humid jungles and highlands of Laos. Home is where she can roll down the grassy hill with her younger siblings after her chores, walk to school, and pick ripe peaches from her family’s trees.

But home becomes impossible … Continue reading →

Review: Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen

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Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen

Garlic and the Witch
Bree Paulsen
Quill Tree Books
Published September 6, 2022

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About Garlic and the Witch

Bree Paulsen’s brave little protagonist, Garlic, is back in this charmingly illustrated standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire, serving up another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery. Give both books to readers who fell in love with Tidesong or Witch Boy!

Garlic loves spending time with Witch Agnes, Carrot, and her new friend, the Count, who has proven to be a delightful neighbor to the village of vegetable people rather than a scary vampire. But despite Agnes’s best attempts to home-brew … Continue reading →

Review: Song of the Court by Katy Farina

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Song of the Court by Katy Farina

Song of the Court
Katy Farina
Union Square Books
Published October 6, 2020

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About Song of the Court

A charming fairy tale—told in graphic novel style—about two unlikely friends who encourage each other to pursue their dreams.

In order to buy seeds for her beautiful garden, Arietta plans to sell her treasured family violin. Then music-loving Princess Cassia spots Arietta with the instrument and excitedly asks her to perform at her upcoming birthday party. What the Princess doesn’t realize is, Arietta can’t play! Too ashamed to tell Cassia the truth, Arietta sets out to learn a … Continue reading →