Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Race for the Ruby Turtle by Stephen Bramucci

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Race for the Ruby Turtle by Stephen Bramucci

Race for the Ruby Turtle
Stephen Bramucci
Bloomsbury Children’s
Published October 3, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Race for the Ruby Turtle

Jake Rizzi is about to spend the summer at his great-aunt’s cabin in the mossy, sodden Oregon backwoods. His parents seem to need a break from him and his ADHD. He tries not to take it personally, but isn’t sure about his aunt’s off-the-grid lifestyle and strange stories about a turtle with a ruby-colored shell.

Soon, Jake learns that the turtle is more than a myth. And thanks to a viral article online, strangers from all over the world have arrived to search for it–including a sinister animal poacher and towering twin zoologists from Sweden. Jake is sure that finding the turtle will change how people see him and his “attention issues”–but he’ll need help. Setting off with his new friend Mia, Jake must decide what matters more–personal glory? Or protecting the wonders of nature?

My Review

I liked this book a lot. First, I loved how much it showed Jake’s thought processes and what his ADHD felt like. Those descriptions of his energy ramping up and his zoning in and out of conversations or getting distracted were really effective.

Additionally, I loved all the facts about animals and nature conservation scattered throughout the book. I thought those things were very well embedded in the story, and they would make great discussion points or conversation starters.

I also loved the relationship between Jake and his Great-aunt Hettle. She saw things about him that he didn’t necessarily see in himself, but she also had high expectations of him and of herself. I liked that she was willing to depend on him for help and let him make decisions for himself.

On the whole, I think this is a great book for readers interested in nature, Oregon, or understanding what it’s like to have ADHD. Though it’s just over 300 pages, I found it to be a pretty quick read.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Mia and her dad are Black. Jake has ADHD.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. A woman talks about being arrested for damaging mining equipment. A man with a knife chases two kids.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Deadlands: Trapped by Skye Melki-Wegner

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The Deadlands: Trapped (The Deadlands #2)
Sky Melki-Wegner
Henry Holt & Co.
Published October 3, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Deadlands: Trapped

Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in The Deadlands: Trapped, the second book of this action-adventure series by Skye Melki-Wegner about five outcasts ― and former enemies ― who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.

As bloody battle rages on between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms, Eleri and his fellow outcasts, newly exiled from their herds, are searching for evidence to prove a mass conspiracy―a conniving cabal of carnivores have manipulated the herbivore kingdoms into war, so they can feast on the slain. But after their temporary home is discovered by a vengeful pack of raptors, the exiles must flee and soon find themselves trapped inside the Fire Peak: the volcanic heart of the dreaded Carrion Kingdom.

Before they have a chance to escape, they discover a cavern of imprisoned herbivores, who are being picked apart―literally―one by one. Can the outcasts stage an elaborate heist to free the prisoners and gather proof of the Carrion Kingdom’s vicious plans in one fell swoop?

My Review

I feel like I’ve been seeing this series everywhere, and I’m not at all surprised. I had so much fun reading it. The story follows both Zyre (a small flying dinosaur) and Eleri (a small digging dinosaur) as they lead their herd toward a rumored sanctuary and an opportunity to sabotage the carnivorous dinosaurs’ plans.

Because Zyre was once hired to betray a member of the group, she feels she needs to earn the herd’s trust, and she goes to great lengths to do so. She’s tender and kind, but also very quick on her feet, and brave in the face of danger to her friends.

Eleri wrestles with unresolved issues between him and his brother. He doubts his ability to lead and to be brave and rushes into dangerous situations, trying to prove his worth to himself.

I’m not sure if you could read this one without having read the first book. There are places in the story that kind of bring readers up to speed, but there are also a lot of terms and references that aren’t fully explained in this book that would make sense if you’d read the first one.

I think readers who enjoy books about animals, such as the Warriors books, will love these dinosaur stories.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Major characters are herbivore dinosaurs.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
One dinosaur tries to convince others that to let carnivores eat them means they’ll “ascend” to a golden plane.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Mentions of warfare. In one scene, raptors tear another carnivore dinosaur apart.

Drug Content
Eleri collects thorns that can tranquilize dinosaurs.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of THE DEADLANDS: TRAPPED in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy

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Tethered to Other Stars
Elisa Stone Leahy
Quill Tree Press
Published October 3, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Tethered to Other Stars

Perfect for fans of EFREN DIVIDED and A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE, this luminous middle grade debut follows a tween girl navigating the devastating impact of ICE’s looming presence on her family and community.

Seventh grader Wendy Toledo knows that black holes and immigration police have one thing in common: they can both make things disappear without a trace. When her family moves to a new all-American neighborhood, Wendy knows the plan: keep her head down, build a telescope that will win the science fair, and stay on her family’s safe orbit.

But that’s easier said than done when there’s a woman hiding out from ICE agents in the church across the alley–and making Wendy’s parents very nervous.

As bullying at school threatens Wendy’s friendships and her hopes for the science fair, and her family’s secrets start to unravel, Wendy finds herself caught in the middle of far too many gravitational pulls. When someone she loves is detained by ICE, Wendy must find the courage to set her own orbit–and maybe shift the paths of everyone around her.

My Review

This is such a beautiful story. I grew up with the movie OCTOBER SKY. This book felt like it had a little bit of the vibes from that story: A girl with big dreams and an eye on the sky. A town full of people who don’t see her or understand her. A group of friends who do see her (once she lets them in). And discovering the heroes in your midst.

I loved Wendy’s friend group. She keeps a lot to herself, so at first, there’s a lot of distance between her and her friends. As they slowly get to know one another and build their friendships, she sees that they each have fears and dark things they’ve hidden, too.

Wendy’s Mom is awesome. I love the way she quietly supports her children, sometimes without even using words. I also love that Wendy is the one who makes several pivotal choices and takes critical action that creates change in the story. It would have been easy to let that fall on an older character and have Wendy be a witness to what happens. Instead, she takes charge. Also, I loved the way her taking action gets connected to her love for stars and forces acting in the universe for change.

I loved this book, and I think anyone who loves astronomy or feels scared or alone will find lots to love about this book, too.

Content Notes for Tethered to Other Stars

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Wendy is Latine and American. Wendy’s friend Mal is Korean American. Her friend Yasmin is Muslim and wears a hijab. K.K. is Black. Etta is gay.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Wendy feels attracted to a boy briefly.

Spiritual Content
Wendy learns that her friend retreats to a safe space at school to pray.

Violent Content
Scenes show bullying and microaggressions. For example, kids deface K.K.’s campaign posters and posters about a Unity Club for inclusivity. Anti-immigrant graffiti appears on the walls. A boy also tries to take credit for Wendy’s work on a science project, insinuating that she is lazy and hasn’t helped him at all.

Characters in the story follow the case of a woman who takes refuge at a church to avoid deportation. Some characters refer to her as “illegal,” and others explain how that term is dehumanizing. A person can’t be illegal. She can do something which is illegal, but she can’t be illegal herself.

Drug Content
A teenager smokes a cigarette in a parking lot.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of TETHERED TO OTHER STARS in exchange for my honest review.

centered around a girl who loves the stars

Review: White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , , ,

White House Clubhouse
Sean O’Brien
Norton Young Readers
Published October 3, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About White House Clubhouse

From a former White House, a middle grade series following two First Daughters who team up with historical presidential children to save the nation.

Marissa and Clara’s mom is the newly elected president of the United States, and they haven’t experienced much freedom lately. While exploring the White House, they discover a hidden tunnel that leads to an underground clubhouse full of antique curiosities, doors heading in all directions―and a mysterious invitation to join the ranks of White House kids. So, they sign the pledge.

Suddenly, the lights go out, and Marissa and Clara find themselves at the White House in 1903. There they meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie, and Alice, the irrepressible children of President Theodore Roosevelt. To get back home, Marissa and Clara must team up with the Roosevelt kids “to help the president” and “to make a difference.” White House Clubhouse is a thrilling and hilarious adventure that takes readers on an action-packed, cross-country railroad trip back to the dawn of the twentieth century and the larger-than-life president at the country’s helm. Black-and-white illustrations throughout.

My Review

I’ve read a couple of books in the last few years that draw readers into the (fictionalized) lives of real historical figures, and I love that idea. While it isn’t the same as reading a biography of the people by any means, it does get readers engaged with historical figures and thinking of them as real people with feelings, desires, and flaws. It also creates a great opportunity to research and see which elements of a story are fact versus which are fiction.

In WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE, two sisters, Marissa and Clara, travel back in time to help the Roosevelt children solve a problem: a giant tree is about to be destroyed in California, and the land developer who plans to destroy it will then destroy other natural spaces.

Along the way, they learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s life. They meet a Rough Rider who charged up San Juan Hill with him. Alice Roosevelt speaks about being left behind by her father after her mother passed away. They witness Roosevelt sketch and paint a falcon. The girls also learn to trust one another and work together to achieve something.

I think readers who enjoy books featuring real-life characters will enjoy this fun-filled romp through a moment in Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Marissa and Clara are Latina, and their mother is serving as the President of the United States. Other major characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Clara calls her sister names, including “spazo” to try to wake her after she is injured.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. A stern man chases children. A bull chases a man and children in a field. A man tosses two girls from a horse onto a moving train. An explosion injures a girl. Another child makes a dangerous climb up a very tall tree.

Drug Content
Two men smoke cigars under a tree. A fire starts when one doesn’t put out his cigar properly.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE in exchange for my honest review.

Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle grade posts called Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays. Check out other blogs posting about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.

Review: The Adventures of Mo by Carol Patton

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,

The Adventures of Mo
Carol Patton
November 20, 2022

Amazon | Goodreads | Author’s Website (free download)

About The Adventures of Mo

The Adventures of Mo is about an American Eskimo dog named Mo and a bird named Finchy that travel to each US state searching for the owner of a lost key who lives in Florida. But where is Florida? Each chapter reflects an adventure in a different state, touches upon state geography/history, and introduces cardinal directions. Readers guess which state the main characters are visiting based on clues in each chapter.

This is a do-good project. While anyone can download the chapters for FREE on our website, small donations ($1-$2) are requested. The version available on Amazon includes a supplement that is not available on our website. Half of all net proceeds are donated to animal charities and children’s literacy programs nationwide, while the remaining half sustains the series.

My Review

I like the concept of this book. Introducing kids to US geography in a silly, fun adventure between a bird and a dog is a cool idea.

While I like that the goal is for readers to guess which state Mo and Finchy are in using clues from the text, I found myself wishing each chapter had a recap at the end. A recap could highlight the geographical references and show a simple map of the state with Mo and Fincy’s route. An alternative might be to include back matter with a summary of geographical information for each chapter and a large map showing Mo and Finchy’s route from start to finish.

Most characters in the book are animals, but a few humans are included in the story. One is Jason, a man who is blind and uses a service dog. There’s also the truck driver, Alex. In a couple of scenes, the story explores the history of indigenous people in the different states where Mo and Finchy are. I don’t have the expertise to evaluate the representation, but a couple of things left me a little uncomfortable. In one scene, Mo and Finchy meet the god of wind, Gaol, who tells them to call him Jay, since his name is “too hard to pronounce.” Other character names were accompanied by phonetic pronunciation guides, so I thought it was a little odd that this one wasn’t.

The historical references in the book are pretty sanitized, probably for the book’s younger audiences. There were a couple of things I felt would have been better with a little added context or perhaps left out. One other historical note: slavery and the Civil War are not mentioned at all in the book.

Conclusion

On the whole, I think the concept here is very cute. The narrative is often playful and silly and includes nearly fantastical elements, such as Mo dressing up as a human so he can get into places where animals aren’t allowed. I think young readers would get a big kick out of the main characters, even if they aren’t familiar with the geographical hints placed throughout. The episodic chapters make it easy to read the book in chunks– a must since the whole thing is almost 500 pages.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 6 to 10.

Representation
Mo and Finchy meet an armadillo who speaks Spanish. Some images show Indigenous people in what are supposed to be ceremonial clothes. They also meet a service dog who helps a blind man.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Mo develops a crush on another dog named Maggie.

Spiritual Content
Mo and Finchy briefly meet the Iroquois god of wind, Gaol. They also encounter beings called the Voices, which come from the moon and travel the galaxy, a family of Sasquatch, and a Lochness monster.

Violent Content
Mo and some other animals intervene when two girls bully another girl.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of THE ADVENTURES OF MO in exchange for my honest review.

20 Fabulous Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023

Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, , ,

Usually, my review calendar is about sixty to seventy percent young adult and only thirty to forty percent middle grade, but this season, I’m split pretty close to fifty-fifty for what’s on my reading list. It’s hard to keep up with all the great books coming this season, but I’m going to do my best to try! Here are my 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming fall 2023.

Since September is already almost over (How?!), I’ve linked a few of the books I’ve finished to my reviews below.

Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle grade posts called Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays. Check out other blogs posting about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.

20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023

Deephaven by Ethan Aldridge

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Nev arrives at Deephaven, a boarding school with secrets, determined to keep their head down and fit in until they become embroiled in a quest to save a girl everyone thinks is dead. I’ve read everything published by this author, so I knew I was going to read this one. Looks like it’ll be a series, so I’m anxious to see where it goes.

Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review

The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria by Adi Alsaid

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Bobert and his friends must find a way to break the spell placed on them by evil wizard Matt before he takes over Nefaria. Silly, offbeat, and packed with heart. I loved this one.

Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review

Finch House by Ciera Burch

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When Micah becomes trapped in the house her grandfather forbade her to enter, she must confront secrets from her past and make a frightening deal to escape. More eerie than truly scary, this is a great choice for a fall book.

Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review

Learning to Fall by Sally Engelfried

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After Daphne is forced to live with her dad, she grudgingly offers him a second chance when he begins teaching her skateboarding tricks. Will he let her down again? I love complex family stories like this one, and I’m super excited for a book about skateboarding.

Published: September 5, 2023

Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Paintings, secrets, and a missing sister send a boy and his cousin on a quest into a painting. Marketed as perfect for fans of the Wingfeather Saga, which includes me!

Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review

Between Monsters and Marvels by Alysa Wishingrad

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Dare refuses to accept the story she’s told about her father’s death and sets out to prove monsters still exist. A fabulous story about friendship and how to build trust from the author of THE VERDIGRIS PAWN.

Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review

The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: River must face their deepest fears when a monster from the Otherwoods kidnaps their only friend. This one definitely gives off Halloween vibes.

Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review

Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl who dreams of winning the science fair is faced with a terrible choice when someone she loves is detained by ICE. I love the way the book description links science and Wendy’s fears about her family. Looks like a book that will make you think.

Published: October 3, 2023

White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two girls whose mother has just been elected President join a secret society of presidential children where they must help the Roosevelt children in order to return to their own time. Written by a former White House staffer. I’m super curious about this one.

Published: October 3, 2023

The Race for the Ruby Turtle by Stephen Bramucci

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When Jake is sent to his great-aunt’s cabin in remote Oregon woods, he stumbles upon a threat against a turtle with a ruby-colored shell. Features a boy with ADHD and a focus on nature and conservation.

Published: October 3, 2023

The Deadlands: Trapped (The Deadlands #2) by Skye Melki-Wegner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Five outcasts from their herds team up to find evidence of an alliance between carrion dinosaurs and save their herds from war. I loved the first book in this series, which I’d describe as LAND BEFORE TIME meets WARRIORS.

Published: October 3, 2023

Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A neurodivergent teen who can see things no one else can must stop a magical threat to her world. This reminds me a little bit of STONE HEART by Charlie Fletcher, which I loved.

Published: October 10, 2023

Secret of the Reaping (Vanquishers #2) by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Now that vampires are back, Boog and her friends want to help fight them in this sequel to the series opener I loved last year.

Published: October 10, 2023

Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl desperate to save her family’s struggling magical bakery casts a (slightly illegal) spell that backfires. Looks like lots of delicious descriptions of baking and magical hijinks from an author on my auto-read list.

Published: October 10, 2023

Hollowthorn: A Ravenfall Novel by Kalyn Josephson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: As Hannukah approaches, best friends with magic must stop a demon from Jewish lore who is hunting the Tree of Life. RAVENFALL was one of my favorite books from last year, so this one is a must-read for me.

Published: October 17, 2023

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

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with a powerful connection to the sea moves in with her Abuela and meets a new friend she believes will truly understand her. The book description has a lot of imagery about the sea and ocean life and says Sofia is a mermaid. I can’t tell if that’s literal or metaphorical. In any case, I’m super intrigued.

Published: October 24, 2023

Song of the Swan by Karah Sutton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I can’t say it better than the cover copy: “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.” Yes, please!

Published: October 24, 2023

Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An explosion destroys a friendship and leaves a girl injured. Her former best friend won’t stop until he uncovers what truly happened. Looks like a powerful story about friendship and healing.

Published: October 31, 2023

Sail Me Away Home (Show Me a Sign #3) by Ann Clare LeZotte

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set in the world of SHOW ME A SIGN and SET ME FREE. Explores the origins of formal Deaf education and complex issues on Martha’s Vineyard between Deaf and Wampanoag communities. I loved SET ME FREE, and I can’t wait for this one.

Published: November 7, 2023

Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel Part 1 by Shannon Messenger

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The first half of the epic novel adapted into a graphic novel. This looks like it will be really cool.

Published: November 7, 2023

What are your most-anticipated middle grade books coming out this fall?

What amazing middle grade books coming fall 2023 are you most looking forward to reading? Are you planning to read, or have you already read any of the books on my list? What books am I missing that I need to add?