Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

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Ruptured by Joanne Rossmassler-Fritz

Ruptured
Joanne Rossmassler Fritz
Holiday House
Published November 14, 2023

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About Ruptured

The sensitive, suspenseful story of a family coping with a life-changing tragedy, told in stunning verse.

Is it wrong to grieve for someone who is still alive?

Claire’s mom and dad don’t talk to each other much anymore. And they definitely don’t laugh or dance the way they used to. Their tense, stilted stand offs leave thirteen-year-old Claire, an only child, caught in the middle. So when the family takes their annual summer vacation, Claire sticks her nose in a book and hopes for the best. Maybe the sunshine and ocean breeze … Continue reading →

Review: The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill

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Moth Keeper by K. O'Neil cover shows a girl looking at a glowing moth as if they're having a conversation. She holds up her hands near the moth, but the moth is flying, as if it just lifted off.

The Moth Keeper
K. O’Neill
Random House Graphic
Published March 7, 2023

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About The Moth Keeper

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that … Continue reading →

Review: The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

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The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich cover shows a young girl in the foreground with a crow sitting on her shoulder and her house made of birchbark in the background.

The Birchbark House (The Birchbark House #1)
Louise Erdrich
Hyperion Books for Children
Published June 3, 2002 (orig. 1999)

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About The Birchbark House

Nineteenth-century American pioneer life was introduced to thousands of young readers by Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House books. With THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE, award-winning author Louise Erdrich’s first novel for young readers, this same slice of history is seen through the eyes of the spirited, 7-year-old Ojibwa girl Omakayas, or Little Frog, so named because … Continue reading →

Review: Best Friends by Shannon Hale

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Best Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham cover shows a group of kids at the top of a roller coaster ride.

Best Friends (Friends #2)
Shannon Hale
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
MacMillan Audio
Published August 8, 2023

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About Best Friends

The creators of Real Friends Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with a true story about popularity, first crushes, and finding your own path in the graphic novel, Best Friends.

Follow your heart. Find your people.

Sixth grade is supposed to be perfect. Shannon’s got a sure spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader, Jen, the most popular girl … Continue reading →

Review: Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

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Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Hidden Truths
Elly Swartz
Delacorte Press
Published October 31, 2023

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About Hidden Truths

How far would you go to keep a promise? Told from alternating points of view, Hidden Truths is a story of changing friendships, the lies we tell, the secrets we keep, and the healing power of forgiveness.

Dani and Eric have been best friends since Dani moved next door in second grade. They bond over donuts, comic books, and camping on the Cape.

Until one summer when everything changes.

Did Eric cause the accident that leaves Dani unable to do the one thing in the world she most cares about? The question plagues him, … Continue reading →

Review: Through the Moon: A Dragon Prince Graphic Novel by Peter Wartman and Xanthe Bouma

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Through the Moon: The Dragon Prince Graphic Novel Series #1 by Peter Wartman and Xanthe Bouma cover shows a human boy's face upside up and a girl elf's face upside down, separated by a glowing phoenix feather

Through the Moon (Dragon Prince Graphic Novel #1)
Peter Wartman and Xanthe Bouma
Graphix
Published October 6, 2020

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About Through the Moon

Don’t miss this exclusive, original story set between seasons 3 and 4 of the hit animated series THE DRAGON PRINCE!

The Dragon Prince has been reunited with his mother, the Human Kingdoms and Xadia are at peace, and humans and elves alike are ready to … Continue reading →