Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: The Big Dreams of Small Creatures by Gail Lerner

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The Big Dreams of Small Creatures by Gail Lerner

The Big Dreams of Small Creatures
Gail Lerner
Nancy Paulsen Books
Published October 4, 2022

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About The Big Dreams of Small Creatures

From Black-ish writer and director comes a whimsical and heartwarming tale where two unlikely allies band together to protect and defend the insect world from the worst enemy of all…humans.

Ten-year-old Eden’s quiet life is upended when she saves a paper wasp nest from destruction and discovers, to her awe and amazement, that she and its haughty queen can talk to each other. This first conversation is the start of a grand adventure, leading Eden to The Institute for Lower Learning, … Continue reading →

Review: More Awesome Asian Americans by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin

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More Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Citizens Energizing America by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin

More Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Citizens who Energized America
Phil Amara and Oliver Chin
Illustrated by Juan Calle
Immedium
Published December 20, 2022

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About More Awesome Asian Americans

The sequel to the popular Awesome Asian Americans! Learn about 20 more trailblazers who have enriched the USA across a spectrum of occupations and interests.

These profiles of talented individuals are dynamically illustrated in full color. These diverse men and women will inspire the next generation to pursue their passions and make a difference.

Immigrants continue to enrich America. Learn key chapters of U.S. history … Continue reading →

Review: The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Klassner

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The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Kassner

The Plentiful Darkness
Heather Klassner
Henry Holt & Co.
Published August 3, 2021

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About The Plentiful Darkness

In Heather Kassner’s spine-chilling fantasy novel, reminiscent of Serafina and the Black Cloak, an orphaned girl chases a thieving boy into a magician’s land of starless, moonless gloom where other children have gone missing before her.

Though the darkness is indeed plentiful, this book gleams with an eerie magic, its characters burning bright and fierce. A visual treat of a tale. –Stefan Bachmann, international bestselling author of Cinders and Sparrows

In order to survive on her own, twelve-year-old Rooney de Barra collects precious moonlight, which she draws from the evening … Continue reading →

Best Books I Read in Fall 2022: Reading Recap

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Best Books I Read Fall 2022

Best Books I Read in Fall 2022 – Reading Recap

This is a relatively new thing I’ve been trying out. I’ve been posting most-anticipated reading lists for the season, with my most looked-forward-to new young adult and middle grade releases and why I’m excited about them. Then at the end of the season, I post a look back at the list following up. How many books from the list did I actually read? Which were my favorites? So. Here we are with a list of the best books I read in fall 2022. Let’s get to it!

How many books from my Most-Anticipated Fall Reading List did I actually read?

I created two separate posts … Continue reading →

Review: Ironhand by Charlie Fletcher

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Ironhand by Charlie Fletcher

Ironhand (Stoneheart #2)
Charlie Fletcher
Hodder Children’s Books
Published October 1, 2007

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About Ironhand

Now that George Chapman has upset the fragile truce between the warring statues of London, he has been drawn into a war that will test his mettle. He and Edie, a glint who can see the past, may have succeeded in their quest to find the Stoneheart, but their journey is far from over.

Edie and the Gunner, a statue of a World War I soldier, have been captured by the Walker, and it’s up to George to save them. But first he must deal with the three strange veins, … Continue reading →

Review: City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

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City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1)
Victoria Schwab
Scholastic
Published August 28, 2018

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About City of Ghosts

Cassidy Blake’s parents are The Inspecters, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one.

When The Inspecters head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to … Continue reading →