Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: The Dragon’s Apprentice by James Riley

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The Dragon's Apprentice by James Riley

The Dragon’s Apprentice (The Dragon’s Apprentice #1)
James Riley
Labyrinth Road
Published April 1, 2025

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About The Dragon’s Apprentice

In this hilarious fantasy adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of the Story Thieves series, a girl strikes a deal with the ancient, cranky dragon she accidentally summoned to teach her the forbidden magic she needs to save her mother.

STOP. Don’t read any further. There are magic spells in this book, and the Emperor has forbidden anyone from learning magic, because it’s way too dangerous! If you try one of the spells, any number of terrible things might happen (or so the Emperor says). 

Don’t be like Ciara, a twelve-year-old girl … Continue reading →

Review: Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy

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Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy

Adventure in the City of Stories (Cousins in the Time of Magic)
Emma Otheguy
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published July 21, 2026

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About Adventure in the City of Stories

When stolen artifacts magically appear in their aunt’s closet, cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy travel back in time to 1930 New York City to clear her name before history is irreparably altered in this companion to the “spellbinding” (School Library Journal, starred review) Cousins in the Time of Magic.

Cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy never imagined that dusty … Continue reading →

Review: City Spies: Forbidden City by James Ponti

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City Spies: Forbidden City by James Ponti

City Spies: Forbidden City (City Spies #3)
James Ponti
Aladdin
Published February 1, 2022

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About Forbidden City

In this third “thrilling” (Kirkus Reviews) installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies help a fellow agent in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.

After taking down a mole within their organization, the City Spies are ready for their next mission—once again using their unique skills and ability to infiltrate places adults can’t. The sinister Umbra has their sights set on recruiting a North Korean nuclear physicist by any … Continue reading →

Review: Dare You to Dance by Rebecca Mock

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Dare You to Dance by Rebecca Mock

Dare You to Dance
Rebecca Mock
Random House Graphic
Published July 28, 2026

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About Dare You to Dance

From the award-winning illustrator of The Four Points series comes a heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about a small-town ballerina attending a prestigious dance workshop. Determined to push herself, she picks the best dancer in class to compete against—only to discover that what her rival really needs is…friendship.

Gracie is ready to take on the ballet world — starting with the Young Dancer Summer Workshop in New York! It’s a two week summer course, and while she … Continue reading →

Review: Key Player by Kelly Yang

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Key Player by Kelly Yang

Key Player (Front Desk #4)
Kelly Yang
Scholastic Press
Published September 6, 2022

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About Key Player

Mia Tang is going for the goal in the fourth Front Desk novel by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang! Mia Tang is play to win!

The Women’s World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever―especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to … Continue reading →

Review: Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom by Dave Roman

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Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom by Dave Roman

Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom! (Unicorn Boy #2)
Dave Roman
First Second
Published May 5, 2026

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About Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom!

In the second exciting installment of this magical adventure, our hero Unicorn Boy sets out in search of deep mystical how to fit in at a sleep-over, how to handle everyone seeming cooler than you are, and what’s up with this whole unicorn thing? Perfect for readers of Narwhal and Jelly, Grumpy Unicorn, and InvestiGators.

Brian Reyes always felt a bit different—even before growing a unicorn … Continue reading →