Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: The Spirit Queen by Arnée Flores

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,
The Spirit Queen by Arnee Flores

The Spirit Queen
Arnée Flores
Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Published October 18, 2022

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About The Spirit Queen

The hope spread by the Firebird Song was supposed to change everything. Although nature has returned to balance, the Kingdom of Lyrica suffered for too long, and remains afraid. Worse yet, Princess Calliope has begun to hear sounds–horrible shrieks and cries from across the sea that keep her awake at night–and she seems to be the only one hearing them. How can she lead her kingdom if everyone is so afraid?

When Calliope’s friend Ilsbeth is kidnapped, Calliope and the Bargeboy, Prewitt, embark on a secret quest to save her–but before she can rescue her friend, Calliope must find the confidence to act like the Queen she knows she is destined to be.

This imaginative, heart-warming tale brings truths of our own world to the surface, and shows readers that out of sorrow emerges joy, out of fear arises courage.

My Review

THE FIREBIRD SONG was one of my favorite books last year, so when I saw this sequel, I absolutely had to read it. It begins soon after the first book leaves off, with Calliope and Prewitt working together trying to rebuild the kingdom. Only something is still terribly wrong, and Calliope isn’t sure how to fix it. She should have access to the same magic that past queens held, but her only advisor, the Bookkeeper, doesn’t know the particulars about how it works.

I loved getting to revisit some of my favorite characters, namely Calliope, Prewitt, and Ilsbeth, the leader of the Glade Girls. The story follows all three of them with snippets of scenes told from a few other points of view. Ilsbeth might have been my favorite. She’s the girl who won’t stop until things get done, and I love that about her. She’s pragmatic and fierce, and I love that.

THE SPIRIT QUEEN seemed a tiny bit less well-organized than THE FIREBIRD SONG, though. Sometimes I felt like a scene shifted point-of-view too subtly, so I had to go back and reread a few paragraphs in order to be sure I understood what was happening. This problem may have been corrected in the final version of the story– I only read a pre-release copy, so more editing has happened since I read the book myself.

Nevertheless, I still very much enjoyed the story world and the theme about the power of stories, specifically the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we try to lock away and forget and the ways those impact us. Those threads in the book were especially cool.

I also liked its messages about fear and hope. I loved the way those ideas played out in Calliope’s journey. With her magic connected to hope, she had the best emotional arc in the whole book, I think. I loved the way her past memories and fears as well as the current situation she was in fit together. They helped her understand what she had to do to save her people.

On the whole, I enjoyed reading THE SPIRIT QUEEN a lot. I think readers who enjoyed THE UNICORN QUEST by Kamilla Benko or THE RAVEN HEIR by Stephanie Burgis will enjoy this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Characters are described as having light brown skin.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Calliope believes she should have access to magic through the power the firebird gave to her ancestors. One advisor encourages her to attempt to wield a powerful magic called Spirit Magic, but another mentor warns Calliope that humans aren’t meant to be a vessel for Spirit Magic.

Several Spirits exist with special powers. One has the power to take away painful memories in exchange for a blue pearl.

Violent Content
Situations of peril.

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 SPIRIT QUEEN in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Mystery of the Smuggler’s Cove by Paul Moxham

Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, , , , ,

The Mystery of the Smuggler’s Cove
Paul Moxham
Published January 31, 2013

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About The Mystery of the Smuggler’s Cove

Are you up for a thrilling adventure?

Twelve-year-old Joe Mitchell is excited to explore the caves on the beach where his family is spending their summer holiday. He and his sisters, Amy and Sarah, soon discover that the caves shelter a mysterious group of men who appear to be up to no good. Before they can raise the alarm, the kids need to find out what the men are up to and where they plan to send their cargo without getting caught themselves.

When word reaches the kids that one of the police officers in town works with the bandits, they realize getting help will be harder than they anticipated. They must to figure out who the traitor is and alert a trustworthy officer as well as rescue an ally who runs afoul of the smuggling ring before the men disappear into the foggy night forever.

My Review

I really enjoyed the sweet sort of 1950s feel of the story. It’s got a simplicity to it that felt refreshing, honestly. The kids are just having a summer holiday and wanting to explore and be kids when they discover evidence of a smuggling ring.

Though I enjoyed the simplicity of the spare storytelling style, some scenes went by too quickly, where I wanted to linger and really see things play out more completely. I liked each of the four kids– Will, Joe, Sarah, and Amy– but I sometimes mixed them up. There often weren’t a lot of details about them as individual characters.

One of the things I liked though was that the story is a quick read. It felt exactly like the kind of thing I might have read on vacation as a kid, so I enjoyed that kind of nostalgic sense to it and the fact that I read the whole book in under two hours.

On the whole, I thought it was a fun read, and I’m glad I read it. I would have enjoyed more detail in certain parts, but overall the story had a nice pace to it.

I think younger middle grade readers, like ages 8-10, would enjoy this shorter, fun summer adventure.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 10.

Representation
Major characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
The bad guys tie up the good guys but make it clear they don’t intend to harm anyone.

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 MYSTERY OF THE SMUGGLER’S COVE in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Antiracist Kid by Tiffany Jewell

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Nonfiction, , , , , , , , ,

The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism
Tiffany Jewell
Versify
Published October 4, 2022

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About The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST, Tiffany Jewell, with art by Eisner-nominated illustrator Nicole Miles, THE ANTIRACIST KID is the essential illustrated chapter book guide to antiracism for empowering the young readers in your life!

What is racism? What is antiracism? Why are both important to learn about? In this book, systemic racism and the antiracist tools to fight it are easily accessible to the youngest readers.

In three sections, this must-have guide explains:

– Identity: What it is and how it applies to you
– Justice: What it is, what racism has to do with it, and how to address injustice
– Activism: A how-to with resources to be the best antiracist kid you can be

This book teaches younger children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice—and what to do when they encounter it at home, at school, and in the media they watch, play, and read.

My Review

I liked the way this book is divided into sections. Each section spends some time defining terms, which builds a great foundation for conversations about diversity, racism and prejudice. We communicate best when we agree on what terms mean and how they’re used. So I like that the book is careful to establish important terms at the beginning of each section.

I also like that the book gives specific examples showing social situations that might involve prejudice or racism. Even though the title specifically labels the book to be about antiracism, the book actually addresses other identities in which people could face persecution or prejudice.

The book also gives a brief timeline of how and when the construct of race emerged and how it has impacted our culture. I think that overview timeline is particularly well done. It’s succinct but identifies critical moments in history in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.

All in all, I think THE ANTIRACIST KID would make a great foundational book to both define different terms in the conversation about race and diversity as well as inviting kids into the discussion. I read and enjoyed THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST by Tiffany Jewell, which is for slightly older readers, but has the same straightforward, open, conversational style. I recommend both.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
The book uses examples about three kids: Shawn who is Black and has two moms, Dani who is nonbinary and Puerto Rican, and Ruby who is biracial.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Reference to holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Violent Content
None.

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 ANTIRACIST KID in exchange for my honest review.

15 Perfect Books for Spooky Season

Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , ,

I don’t usually post anything specifically about Spooky Season. Halloween wasn’t an important holiday in my house. Though I was raised in a conservative Christian home, I think the real reason we weren’t big Halloween celebrators is that my dad is generally against holidays which revolve around candy. Ha! So I never really got into the spirit of the holiday, I guess. My mom sews and loves costumes, so we always had costumes and created reasons to dress up around our house. Maybe that’s another reason I didn’t look forward to the holiday specifically for an excuse to dress up?

In any case, I also happen to be a pretty tense reader, so I don’t usually chase down a lot of spooky-ish reads. Somehow this year I’ve ended up with a reading list full of books that I’d call at least mildly spooky. These are spooky but not terrifying.

Here are my best suggestions for a book to curl up with under your blanket while you sip your pumpkin spice beverage as you celebrate this spooky season.

5 Perfect MG Books for Spooky Season

I’ve listed these books in order from least to most spooky. That way, if you’re like me, you’ll have a better chance of finding a book at your personal spooky comfort level.

Trex by Christyne Morrell

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An anxious girl with spy skills, a boy with a mysterious brain implant, and a person watching them both. Lots of fun to read!

Release Date: August 30, 2022 | My Review

Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World by Samara Shanker

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Jewish folklore. Best friends. A real-live golem on the loose with instructions to save the world. What could possibly go wrong? This was a super fun read.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | Author Q&A | My Review

The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Inspired by BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and THE WATCHMEN. Vampires were supposed to be vanquished decades ago… but it looks like they’re back. Looks fantastic.

Release Date: September 20, 2022

Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: From Goodreads: One magical inn, two kids with supernatural powers, and an ancient Celtic creature trying to destroy their world by Halloween night…

One of my favorite books this year!

Release Date: August 30, 2022 | Author Q&A | My Review

The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Kassner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I read this book earlier in the year, and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s got some spooky magic, unforgettable characters, and possibly the best exploration of grief I’ve ever seen in a novel.

Release Date: August 3, 2021

10 Perfect YA Books for Spooky Season

Just like the middle grade section, these spooky reads are arranged in order from what I found to be least to most spooky.

Before Takeoff by Adi Alsaid

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This one pretty much had me at “THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR meets JUMANJI.” More weird than truly spooky, but a great fall read.

Release Date: June 7, 2022 | My Review

Three Kisses, One Midnight Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon and Evelyn Skye

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Three friends will use art, science, and the magic of a powerful legend to seek the perfect romance. I haven’t read anything by Evelyn Skye, but I love the books by Sandhya Menon and Roshani Chokshi that I’ve read, so this one looks like a sure win to me.

Release Date: August 30, 2022 | My Review

The Killing Code by Ellie Marney

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: 1943 Virginia. After a string of murders, four codebreaker girls team up to find the killer so they can stop him before he strikes again. I couldn’t stop reading. F/F romance.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review

We Made It All Up by Margot Harrison

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A town full of secrets. A love-story fan-fic written by two unlikely friends. A murder: the boy they’ve written about. Twisty and suspenseful. Perfect for fans of WE WERE LIARS.

Release Date: July 12, 2022 | My Review

The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R. M. Romero

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Latine Jewish violinist banished to Prague. The ghostly boy she falls in love with. The dark force that feeds on him. A beautiful, haunting novel-in-verse.

Release Date: May 10, 2022 | My Review

Shades of Rust and Ruin by A. G. Howard

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Twin sisters. A family curse. An incredible boy who should be off-limits. Inspired by “Goblin Market” by Christina Rosetti. I am hooked on this one.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | My Review

Direwood by Catherine Yu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town plagued by missing teens. A nest of vampires and bloodsucking butterflies. One girl determined to destroy them and find her sister. I liked the unique spin on vampires in this one.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review

Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A kidnapped boy. A role his abductor has created for him. Can he escape before he loses himself? This one could be on the edge of what I can handle, but I loved A LIST OF CAGES, so I really want to try it.

Release Date: October 11, 2022

The Honeys by Ryan LaSala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A twin’s sister dies under horrific circumstances, and he will do whatever it takes to find out why. I’m not usually brave enough to read horror, but this is RYAN LASALA. I feel like I have to give it a try after the way I adored REVERIE.

Release Date: August 2, 2022

It Looks Like Us by Allison Ames

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A high school team visiting an Antarctic research station. An unknown, shapeshifting infection pursuing them one by one. Scary books aren’t my usual go-to, but I couldn’t put this one down. Ace main character.

Release Date: September 13, 2022 | My Review

Are you planning to read anything creepy, crawly, or scary this spooky season?

Do you celebrate Halloween? What are your favorite books for spooky season? Let me know in the comments.

Review: The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Paranormal, , , , ,

The Vanquishers
Kalynn Bayron
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published September 20, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Vanquishers

In the world of the Vanquishers, vampires were history . . . until now.

Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don’t take even the most basic vampire precautions–the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews long gone–but Boog’s parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment.

When a friend goes missing, Boog isn’t sure what to think. Could it be the school counselor, Mr. Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all?

No one ever expected the Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, Boog knows who to call.

Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Watchmen, this adventure launches readers into an exciting new series.

My Review

I had a lot of fun reading this book. It hit all the notes I was hoping for. It had unforgettable friendships, silly antics, spooky shadowy things, and super hero vibes.

The history of the community with vampires had a great setup. Vampires used to be a real threat, so people adjusted by vampire-proofing their properties and learning social rules, such as not ever inviting a stranger into your home. Though Boog and her friends roll their eyes and barely tolerate their parents sticking to their anti-vampire habits, it made for a great way to introduce all that history and setup into the story without it feeling bulky or weird.

I really liked Boog and her friends, Jules, Cedric, and Aaron. They made a great team, and they were a lot of fun together. I also loved their families and the way they had regular get-togethers and stuff. It added to that post-pandemic feel, too, because it made me think of how we kind of settled into seeing a few “safe” families during the pandemic. We had our bubble, and Boog and her family had theirs.

The only thing I felt was a little bit heavy-handed was in the way the story dealt with one of the characters. It felt like there was an awful lot of emphasis on how creepy the guy was. I wish that had been a little bit more subtle. It was kind of a minor thing in terms of the whole story, though, and once everything came together, I didn’t really care about the way that character was handled.

THE VANQUISHERS is a fun, spooky story packed with fantastic friendships. I think readers who enjoyed THE DARKDEEP by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs should check this one out for sure.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Boog, Cedric and Aaron are Black. Jules is Latine and nonbinary.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Vampires exist but haven’t been seen since a team called The Vanquishers destroyed the last known group of them.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. A couple tense, spooky moments.

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 VANQUISHERS in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs

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

The Other Side of the River
Alda P. Dobbs
Delacorte Press
Published September 6, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Other Side of the River

From the award-winning author of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Alda P. Dobbs, comes a compelling new novel about building a new life in America. Strong and determined, Petra Luna returns in a story about the immigrant experience that continues to be relevant today.

Petra Luna is in America, having escaped the Mexican Revolution and the terror of the Federales. Now that they are safe, Petra and her family can begin again, in this country that promises so much. Still, twelve-year-old Petra knows that her abuelita, little sister, and baby brother depend on her to survive. She leads her family from a smallpox-stricken refugee camp on the Texas border to the buzzing city of San Antonio, where they work hard to build a new life. And for the first time ever, Petra has a chance to learn to read and write.

Yet Petra also sees in America attitudes she thought she’d left behind on the other side of the Río Grande―people who look down on her mestizo skin and bare feet, who think someone like her doesn’t deserve more from life. Petra wants more. Isn’t that what the revolution is about? Her strength and courage will be tested like never before as she fights for herself, her family, and her dreams.

Petra’s first story, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, was a New York Public Library Book of the Year and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection.

My Review

After I read BAREFOOT DREAMS OF PETRA LUNA last year, I knew I wanted to read more of Petra’s brave story and see what happened to her and her family. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER begins where BAREFOOT DREAMS ends, picking up with Petra Luna on the bridge, following her into a refugee camp, and on into a new life.

I love the way the story is paced. It gives time for readers to sink into the historical setting without lingering too long. I felt like I could picture what was happening and the streets of San Antonio in 1913. The relationship between Petra and her sister was also really great. She loves and protects her sister, but sometimes feels annoyed by her, too. I felt like the relationship played out in a very realistic way. Petra also feels very much her age at twelve, almost thirteen. She feels the pressure of being a provider for her family and keeping the promise to her father to keep the family safe. But she doesn’t feel like a tiny adult.

All in all, I loved this story– as much if not more than the first book. I think readers looking for historical fiction should absolutely check out THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER. I don’t think you’d have to read BAREFOOT DREAMS first, but they’re both really good.

Content Notes for The Other Side of the River

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Petra and her family are Mexican refugees living in Texas.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Petra meets a nun who helps her. Petra’s grandmother sometimes prays and shares some of her beliefs. Petra and her family celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Violent Content
Some racist and prejudiced statements.

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 OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER in exchange for my honest review.