Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly and John Hendrix

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Review: Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly and John Hendrix

Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly and John D. Dawson

Total Garbage: A Messy Dive into Trash, Waste, and Our World
Rebecca Donnelly and John Hendrix
Henry Holt & Co.
Published March 7, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Total Garbage

Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly dives into the messy truth about trash, garbage, waste, and our world—it’s a fact-filled and fascinating illustrated middle grade environmental read!

Trash has been part of human societies since the beginning. It seems like the inevitable end to the process of making and using things—but why?

In this fascinating account of the waste we make, we’ll wade into the muck of history and explore present-day STEM innovations to answer these … Continue reading →

20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2023

By | | , ,
2 Comments

20 Amazing Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2023

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am super ready for spring– especially when I look at all the incredible middle grade books coming out this season! As I started putting together this list, I was amazed to realize that, for me, there are 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming spring 2023.

I’ve included a few nonfiction titles on this list, which is unusual for me, but they were such great books that I couldn’t NOT talk about them. I hope you enjoy the list and find lots to add to your reading lists.

20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2023

Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly … <a class= Continue reading →

Review: Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music

Rebel Girls Rock by Rebel Girls cover shows cartoon images of four women musicians

Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music
Rebel Girls
Published March 7, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music

TRUE STORIES OF WOMEN WHO RAISE THE ROOF!

This collection features 25 stories of extraordinary women in music–women who have moved hearts and minds with their lyrics, uplifted other musicians, and gotten people to jump, dance, and sing along with their music.

Belt out pop anthems with Lizzo, bang on the drums with Nandi Bushell, and write country hits with Dolly Parton. The women in this book come from all around the … Continue reading →

Review: When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

When Sea Becomes Sky
Gillian McDunn
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published February 28, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About When Sea Becomes Sky

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we’ll always carry with us.

Bex and Davey’s summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless–and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they’re thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they’ve been waiting for.

When they learn of … Continue reading →

Review: Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

By | | , ,
2 Comments

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

Finally Seen
Kelly Yang
Simon & Schuster
Published February 28, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Finally Seen

From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a gripping middle grade novel about a young girl who leaves China to live with her parents and sister, after five years apart, and learns about family, friendship, and the power of being finally seen.

My sister got to grow up with my parents. Me? I grew up with postcards from my parents.

When ten-year-old Lina Gao steps off the plane in Los Angeles, it’s her first time in America and the first time seeing her parents and her little sister in five years! She’s been waiting for this moment every … Continue reading →

Review: It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Review: It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li by Nicole Chen

It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li
Nicole Chen
Quill Tree Books
Published February 28, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li

This middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls.

Pearl Li is ready to spend the summer before seventh grade hanging out with her two best friends, crocheting the cutest amigurumi dolls, and visiting her favorite tea shop, Boba Time. Its quirky owner, Auntie Cha, is the only adult Pearl can confide in about … Continue reading →