Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: The Song of the Swan by Karah Sutton

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Song of the Swan Karah Sutton

The Song of the Swan
Karah Sutton
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published October 24, 2023

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About The Song of the Swan

A magical retelling of Swan Lake, featuring a clever orphan, a castle filled with enchanted swans, and a quest to unearth the secrets of the past.

Olga is an orphan and a thief, relying on trickery and sleight of hand to make her way in the world. But it’s magic, not thievery, that could get her into trouble.

When Olga and her partner-in-crime Pavel learn of a valuable jewel kept in a secluded castle, Olga sees an opportunity to change their … Continue reading →

Review: Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón, translated by Lourdes Heuer

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Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón, translated by Lourdes Heuer

Secrets We Tell the Sea
Martha Riva Palacio Obón
Translated by Lourdes Heuer
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published October 24, 2023

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About Secrets We Tell the Sea

The only good thing about Sofia’s mom sending her to live with her abuela is that finally Sofia and the sea will meet face-to-face.

The sea has always called to Sofia, even when she and her mom lived in a big city nowhere near its shore. That’s how Sofia always knew she was a mermaid–that, and the fact that the sea and its creatures are much easier to understand than … Continue reading →

Review: Hollowthorn by Kalyn Josephson

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Hollowthorn: A Ravenfall Novel by Kalyn Josephson cover shows a boy and girl looking at a giant tree. She holds one hand up and a trail of sparkles swirls up from her hand and around the tree. A small wolf stands next to the tree.

Hollowthorn (Ravenfall #2)
Kalyn Josephson
Delacorte Press
Published October 17, 2023

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About Hollowthorn

In this spellbinding sequel to RAVENFALL, two kids with supernatural powers must venture into the Otherworld to protect the Tree of Life from a terrifying foe—or risk losing the magic of Ravenfall forever.

Best friends Anna and Colin defeated the King of the Dead on Halloween night, saving the magical Ravenfall Inn they … Continue reading →

Review: Duel by Jessixa and Aaron Bagley

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Duel by Jessixa and Aaron Bagley cover shows two girls wearing backpacks, standing with their backs to one another. One girl's arms are crossed. Their shadows cross fencing swords.

Duel
Jessixa Bagley
Illustrated by Aaron Bagley
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published November 7, 2023

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About Duel

A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.

Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). … Continue reading →

Review: Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

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Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

Just a Pinch of Magic
Alechia Dow
Feiwel & Friends
Published October 10, 2023

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About Just a Pinch of Magic

Alechia Dow’s middle-grade debut is as warm and sweet as a cinnamon bun, bursting with magic and sure to please the pickiest readers.

Wini’s family of enchanters runs a little bakery, but with the prices of magical ingredients skyrocketing, they’re going under. Desperate to save her family’s business, Wini takes a risk by casting a (sort of illegal) spell that would allow them to gather their own supply of their most … Continue reading →

Review: Plague Busters! by Lindsey Fitzharris and Adrian Teal

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Plague-Busters by Lindsey Fitzharris and Adrian Teal

Plague-Busters!: Medicine’s Battles with History’s Deadliest Diseases
Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris
Illustrated by Adrian Teal
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published October 10, 2023

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About Plague-Busters!

Smallpox! Rabies! Black Death! Throughout history humankind has been plagued by . . . well, by plagues. The symptoms of these diseases were gruesome-but the remedies were even worse.

Get to know the ickiest illnesses that have infected humans and affected civilizations through the ages. Each chapter explores the story of a disease, including the scary symptoms, kooky cures, and brilliant breakthroughs that it spawned. Medical historian and bestselling author Lindsey Fitzharris lays out the facts with her trademark wit, … Continue reading →