Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Choldenko

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Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Mouse and His Dog (Dogtown #2)
Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko
Illustrated by Wallace West
Feiwel & Friends
Published September 17, 2024

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About Mouse and His Dog

Mouse lives in Dogtown, a shelter for real dogs and robot dogs, where the kibble is plentiful, and the rafters hide a secret community of mice. His unlikely best friend is Buster, a big-hearted real dog who attracts trouble like a burr to fur.

Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest … Continue reading →

Review: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (The Logan Family Saga #4)
Mildred D. Taylor
Dial Books
Published January 5, 2016

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About Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry

Mildred D. Taylor’s Newbery Award-winning masterpiece with an introduction written and read by Jacqueline Woodson, just in time for its 40th anniversary!

Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family’s struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie’s story – Cassie … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: The Lion’s Run by Sarah Pennypacker

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The Lion's Run by Sarah Pennypacker

The Lion’s Run
Sarah Pennypacker
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Balzer + Bray
Published February 3, 2026

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About The Lion’s Run

The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance.

Petit éclair. That’s what the other boys at the orphanage call Lucas DuBois. Lucas is tired of his cowardly reputation, just as he’s tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of his French village. He longs to show how brave he can be.

He gets the chance when he … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff

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The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff

The Aftermyth (The Aftermyth #1)
Tracy Wolff
Aladdin
Published February 3, 2026

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About The Aftermyth

In a world ruled by the tenets of Greek mythology, one girl’s fate is more than it appears in the first book in a new dark academia fantasy middle grade series from #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Crave series Tracy Wolff.

What’s your myth?

Penelope Weaver has spent her whole life preparing to attend Anaximander’s Academy, where students learn how to bring to life the stories of Greek mythology as well as discover the Greek god whose principles they most embody. … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: Eureka by Victoria Chang

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Eureka by Victoria Chang

Eureka
Victoria Chang
Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Published January 27, 2026

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About Eureka

A novel-in-verse by poet Victoria Chang that relates the tragic events surrounding the 1885 expulsion of Chinese Americans from Eureka, California.

Love illuminates the dark.

The year is 1885. San Francisco is dangerous for Chinese immigrants like twelve-year-old Mei Mei. She must venture on her own, without her family or friends, to Eureka, California, where it is supposedly safe.

But 300 miles from home, Mei Mei misses her Ma Ma’s kindness, helping out in her Ba Ba’s store, and playing hide-and-seek with her best friend, Hua … Continue reading →

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 wolf … Continue reading →