Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

By | | , , ,
2 Comments

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot (The Wild Robot #1)
Peter Brown
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published April 5, 2016

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Wild Robot

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is—but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island’s unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz … Continue reading →

Review: Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

Show Me a Sign by Ann-Clare LeZotte

Show Me a Sign
Ann Clare LeZotte
Scholastic Press
Published March 3, 2020

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Show Me a Sign

Deaf author and librarian Ann Clare LeZotte weaves an Own Voices story inspired by the true history of a thriving deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard in the early 19th century.
Mary Lambert has always felt safe and protected on her beloved island of Martha’s Vineyard. Her great-grandfather was an early English settler and the first deaf islander. Now, over a hundred years later, many people there – including Mary – are deaf, and nearly everyone can communicate in sign language. Mary … Continue reading →

Review: Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis

By | | , , ,
4 Comments

Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis

Coyote Queen
Jessica Vitalis
GreenWillow Books
Published October 10, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Coyote Queen

When a twelve-year-old decides that she must get herself and her mother out of a bad situation, an eerie connection to a coyote pack helps her see who she’s meant to be—and who she can truly save. The Benefits of Being an Octopus meets The Nest in this contemporary middle grade novel about family class, and resilience, with a magical twist.

Twelve-year-old Fud feels trapped. She lives a precarious life in a cramped trailer with her mom and her mom’s alcoholic ex-boxer boyfriend, Larry. Fud can … Continue reading →

Review: A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

By | | , ,
2 Comments

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

A Place to Hang the Moon
Kate Albus
Margaret Ferguson Books
Published February 2, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Place to Hang the Moon

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Anna, Edmund, and William are evacuated from London to live in the countryside, bouncing from home to home in search of a permanent family.

It is 1940 and Anna, 9, Edmund, 11, and William, 12, have just lost their grandmother. Unfortunately, she left no provision for their guardianship in her will. Her solicitor comes up with a preposterous plan: he will arrange for the children to join … Continue reading →

Review: The Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew by Kalynn Bayron

By | | , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: The Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew by Kalynn Bayron

Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew by Kalynn Bayron

The Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew (Vanquishers #3)
Kalynn Bayron
Bloomsbury USA
Published October 8, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Vanquishers: Rise of the Wrecking Crew

In the heart-stopping conclusion to the Vanquishers series by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron, it is time for the final stand against the undead.

San Antonio is on lockdown, taken over by the new hive. No one can deny that the undead are back now, but the Vanquishers found out the hard way: when they learned that an old friend is behind the latest string of attacks.

As the Squad hide out … Continue reading →

Review: Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home by Fransisco de la Mora

By | | , , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home by Fransisco de la Mora

Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home by Fransisco de la Mora

Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Work, Her Home
Fransisco de la Mora
SelfMadeHero
Published April 11, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Frida Kahlo: Her Life, Her Work, Her Home

Endorsed by the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, writer, and illustrator Francisco de la Mora’s full-color graphic novel explores the public and private faces of the iconic artist.

Frida Kahlo, remembered as one of the most inspiring personalities of the 20th century, was a woman of two intertwined: she was both a charismatic and empowered artist exploring themes of resistance, authenticity, cruelty, and suffering and a … Continue reading →