Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Green

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The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Green

The Wild Robot Protects (The Wild Robot #3)
Peter Green
Little, Brown BFYR
Published September 26, 2023

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About The Wild Robot Protects

Life for Roz and the animals on their island is wild, natural, harmonious. Her son Brightbill has even found a mate! But then, one day an injured seal washes ashore and warns of dangerous, cloudy waters that are flowing toward the island—and soon the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources.

Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. And when the robot discovers that her … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

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Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

Free Piano (Not Haunted)
Whitney Gardner
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published July 1, 2025

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About Free Piano (Not Haunted)

From beloved graphic novelist Whitney Gardner comes a big-hearted, touching, and spooky coming-of-age story about a young aspiring songwriter who forms a ghostly partnership with the pop star who haunts her secondhand piano.

The piano is free, but fame has a price.

On the sleepy streets of Cascade Cove, lonely Margot knows that when she stumbles across a discarded synthesizer with a “not haunted” sign, she’s discovered the key to realizing her dreams. Determined … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: The Space Cat by Nnedi Okorafor and Tana Ford

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The Space Cat by Nnedi Okorafor and Tana Ford

The Space Cat
Nnedi Okorafor and Tana Ford
First Second
Published August 12, 2025

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About Space Cat

Invaders from outer space have descended on Nigeria. They have no idea whose home they’re messing with.

Ah, yes, the luxurious life of a well-loved cat. It’s the best. And Periwinkle has it the cushiest. But there’s more to this pampered pet than meets the eye. He’s not just a house cat. He’s a space cat. By day, he’s showered with scritches, cuddles, and delicious chicken fillets. By night, he races through the cosmos in his custom-built spaceship.

… Continue reading →

Review: An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca

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An Encantadora's Guide to Monstros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca

An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic
Sarah J. Mendonca
Quill Tree Books
Published July 8, 2025

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About An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic

Encanto meets Oceans 8 in this middle-grade fantasy-adventure, set in a Portuguese-inspired world, following a tween girl who joins a notorious band of thieves to steal a priceless jewel and discovers corruption that must be stopped.

Rosa Coelho has spent her whole life hunting monstros, wandering the city streets with her best friend Tiago, and dreaming of a better life for herself and her grandmother. And in a society that … Continue reading →

Review: Spark by Chris Baron

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Spark by Chris Baron

Spark
Chris Baron
Feiwel & Friends
Published July 15, 2025

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About Spark

As a community recovers from a devastating wildfire, two friends find their way back to each other and their homes, by award-winning author Chris Baron.

Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and Lauren Tarshis.

Finn and his friend, nicknamed Rabbit, live in a rural area that’s been hit hard by wildfires. Families were displaced and school was interrupted. Moreover, their beloved forest is suffering — animals and plants haven’t been able to come back, and the two friends wonder if there’s anything they can do to help. Rabbit’s uncle, a … Continue reading →

Review: The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

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The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot Escapes (The Wild Robot #2)
Peter Brown
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published March 13, 2018

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About The Wild Robot Escapes

The sequel to the bestselling The Wild Robot, by award-winning author Peter Brown

Shipwrecked on a remote, wild island, Robot Roz learned from the unwelcoming animal inhabitants and adapted to her surroundings–but can she survive the challenges of the civilized world and find her way home to Brightbill and the island?

From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed sequel to his New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot, about what … Continue reading →