Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,
Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson

Ways to Grow Love
Renée Watson
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published April 27, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Ways to Grow Love

Ryan Hart and her family are back in another installment of stories about a Black girl finding her way and her voice as she grows through change and challenges. In this book, Ryan finds herself waiting on lots of things — like for her new sister to be born healthy, for her new recipes to turn out right, for that summer camp trip to go better than she fears! And of course Ryan is facing these new challenges and new experiences in her classic style — with a bright outlook and plenty of spirit!

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson continues her charming young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine.

My Review

I loved Ryan Hart’s debut, WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE, but I feel like Renée Watson really hit her stride with WAYS TO GROW LOVE. Every page is packed with energy, love, and summertime fun. Ryan navigates her changing role in her family from little sister to big sister with poise and pizzazz.

The story also explores changing friendships as one of Ryan’s two best friends brings a new girl into the mix at summer camp. When Ryan shares her worries about camp with her grandmother, her grandmother responds not only by encouraging her to show kindness and be open to allowing another girl into her friend group, but also empowering her to be strong and not let anyone else make her feel small or less valuable. I love that she brought that balance to her advice, and it made me wish my own parenting advice had been as solid and as validating in those moments. Honestly, I want to take that speech and frame it where every girl can read it, because it’s so exactly what we all need to hear at some point: encouragement to find the balance between being open and kind but not letting ourselves be trampled or made small.

Ryan’s growth in her relationships with her family and friends and her reflections at the end about the summer she had and how it was different than the one she expected wrapped up the story in a powerful, positive way. All in all, this is a fantastic book about resilience, friendship, and summertime fun.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Ryan and her family are Black.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Ryan attends a summer camp through her church. References to prayer before bedtime and Easter services.

Violent Content
Ryan’s older brother teases her about ghosts haunting the summer camp in an attempt to scare her. Ryan and her friends play a return prank that results in someone falling down a short set of stairs. (No serious injuries.)

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: Estranged by Ethan Aldridge

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

Estranged (Estranged #1)
Ethan Aldridge
HarperCollins
Published August 7, 2018

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Estranged

Edmund and the Childe were swapped at birth. Now Edmund lives in secret as a changeling in the World Above, with fae powers that make him different from everyone else—even his unwitting parents and older sister, Alexis. The Childe lives among the fae in the World Below, where being human makes him an oddity at the royal palace, and where his only friend is a wax golem named Whick.

But when the cruel sorceress Hawthorne takes the throne, the Childe and Edmund realize that the fate of both worlds may be in their hands—even if they’re not sure which world they belong to.

My Review

This is one of those instances where I read the sequel before the original, and then had to go back and read the original because I loved the other book so much.

I loved revisiting all the characters from the second book. I think the pacing of this one was slightly slower than THE CHANGELING KING, probably because it’s introducing a lot of characters and story world elements for the first time. Even with that slight slow-down, I found myself turning page after page, loving the illustrations and eager to see what would happen next.

One of my favorite things about both these books is how expressive and immersive the panels are. I really feel the story world and can imagine myself in the story. The color palette is amazing– rich and very fitting to the kind of setting in the story. The characters’ faces have these super evocative expressions that really clue me into what they’re feeling even without added dialogue.

All in all, this graphic novel was a huge pleasure to read. I loved it, and I really want to see more from this author. I hope he has new work coming soon!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
One major character is gay, but that doesn’t come up in this book.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
A World Below exists under the human world, populated with magical creatures and monsters.

Violent Content
Battle scenes and situations of peril. No gory details.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: Thornwood by Leah Cypess

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

Thornwood (Sisters Ever After #1)
Leah Cypess
Harvey Klinger
Published April 1, 2021

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Thornwood

For years, Briony has lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Rosalin, and the curse that has haunted her from birth–that on the day of her sixteenth birthday she would prick her finger on a spindle and cause everyone in the castle to fall into a 100-year sleep. When the day the curse is set to fall over the kingdom finally arrives, nothing–not even Briony–can stop its evil magic.

You know the story.

But here’s something you don’t know. When Briony finally wakes up, it’s up to her to find out what’s really going on, and to save her family and friends from the murderous Thornwood. But who is going to listen to her? This is a story of sisterhood, of friendship, and of the ability of even little sisters to forge their own destiny. The first in a three-book series of fairy tale retellings, these are the stories of the siblings who never made it into the storybook.

This middle grade debut is Sleeping Beauty like you’ve never seen it before, about a girl who lives in the shadow of her older sister and the curse that has haunted her from birth.

My Review

From the first I heard of this book, I was super excited about it. I read a couple of Leah Cypess’s YA books and loved them, so I felt pretty sure I’d adore this one, too. Plus, it’s a book about sisters! I love those! And a reimagined fairytale. I love those, too!

The voice in the story was spot-on. I believed in Briony from the very first line, and loved her fun, determined personality. The sisters have a lot of conflict between them, and it’s really clear that especially for Rosalin, at least part of this is that she’s afraid to get close to people because she knows she’s going to die. I loved that Briony never stops hoping and trying to do something to stop the curse.

There was a moment toward the middle where I wasn’t sure where the story was going. It seemed unclear what Briony’s goal was, and that maybe slowed the story down a little bit. Her goal does become really clear late in the story, and things get pretty intense, so I felt like things pulled together really well in those last few chapters.

I kind of wish there had been a little bit of setup for the next book included in this one, mostly because I’m really curious about it. There’s one brief reference that made me wonder if the next will be a Rumpelstiltskin retelling?? I’m up for that! Or another story, of course.

Fans of The Princess Who Flew with Dragons by Stephanie Burgis or Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George will love the adventure and sister relationships in this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Major characters are white or not described.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Brief kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
A fairy cursed Rosalin to prick her finger on a magic spinning wheel and sleep for one hundred years. The fairy returns and offers other bargains to Briony and her sister.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Thorny branches attack and grab anyone within reach, trying to kill them.

Drug Content
A man approaches the king and queen while he is drunk.

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

19 Fantastic Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

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

19 Fantastic Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

It’s finally spring! And there are so many amazing books coming out this season. What’s on your Spring 2021 Reading List so far?

My list feels completely out of hand, packed with so many amazing books to read and so many more that I hope I’ll be able to squeeze into my reading time. I’ve broken the list into two groups: middle grader for readers 8-12 and young adult for readers 12+. You can also find this list on Bookshop, where you can browse either the whole middle grade or young adult list and support indie bookstores.

8 Middle Grade Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sisters. Photography. A cross-country road trip in an RV to reclaim lost memories.

Available March 31, 2021

Thornwood by Leah Cypess

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A young princess desperate to protect her older sister from the curse that will put the whole kingdom to sleep. The first in a three-book series of fairy tale retellings.

Available April 6, 2021

Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists are Saving the Earth by Rachel Sarah

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Tells the story of 25 female activists under 25 years old who are making a difference for the planet.

Available April 6, 2021

Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Ryan Hart is back with new adventures like waiting for a new baby, summer camp, and hoping her new recipes turn out great.

Available April 20, 2021

Six Feet Below Zero by Ena Jones

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: “A dead body. A missing will. An evil relative. The good news is, Great Grammy has a plan. The bad news is, she’s the dead body.” (from Goodreads)

Available April 20, 2021

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Friendship, magic, and a quest through a portal to find a missing twin brother.

Available May 4, 2021

Glitter Gets Everywhere by Yvette Clark

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A New York City newbie battles grief over losing her mom, starting over, and discovering how to remake her family in this heartwarming debut.

Available May 4, 2021

The Firebird Song by Arnée Flores

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A mysterious message, a missing princess, and a powerful sorceress who must be defeated.

Available May 4, 2021

11 Young Adult Books for Your Spring 2021 Reading List

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set in Paris and features an American ballerina and a charming French boy.

Available April 6, 2021

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Best friends and theater buds discover they have a crush on the same boy.

Available April 20, 2021

These Feathered Flames by Allison Overy

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Notes.

Available April 20, 2021

Sky Breaker by Addie Thorley

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Called WICKED SAINTS meets the Grishaverse. The first book in the duology was inspired by THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.

Available May 4, 2021

The People We Choose by Katelyn Detweiler

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Unexpected love, family, and friendship.

Available May 4, 2021

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sci-fi fantasy with mind-blowing twists from the author of DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE about a girl who only remembers her missing sister.

Available May 4, 2021

Lucky Girl by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: An underage winning lotto ticket holder frantically hides the truth from her hoarder mother and suspicious small-town neighbors.

Available May 11, 2021

Every Body Shines edited by Cassandra Newbould

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: “An intersectional, feminist YA anthology from some of today’s most exciting voices across a span of genres, all celebrating body diversity and fat acceptance through short stories.” (from Goodreads)

Available May 11, 2021

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: Opposites Hani and Ishu fake date for personal gain… and then start to develop feelings for each other.

Available May 25, 2021

The Hollow Inside by Brooke Lauren Davis

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town. A family that must be taken down. Secrets that change everything Phoenix believed to be true.

Available May 25, 2021

Misfit in Love by S K Ali

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

What you need to know: A summer of love goes sideways at Janna’s brother’s wedding.

Available May 25, 2021

What’s on your Spring 2021 Reading List?

Have you read any of the titles on my list already? Are there any on your list that I didn’t mention? Leave me a note in the comments!

Review: Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen

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

Breathing Underwater
Sarah Allen
Farrar Strauss & Giroux
Published March 30, 2021

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Breathing Underwater

Olivia is on the road trip of her dreams, with her trusty camera and her big sister Ruth by her side. Three years ago, before their family moved from California to Tennessee, Olivia and Ruth buried a time capsule on their favorite beach. Now, they’re taking an RV back across the country to uncover the memories they left behind. But Ruth’s depression has been getting worse, so Olivia has created a plan to help her remember how life used to be: a makeshift scavenger hunt across the country, like pirates hunting for treasure, taking pictures and making memories along the way.

All she wants is to take the picture that makes her sister smile. But what if things can never go back to how they used to be? What if they never find the treasure they’re seeking? Through all the questions, loving her sister, not changing her, is all Olivia can do—and maybe it’s enough.

Breathing Underwater is a sparkly, moving middle grade novel from Sarah Allen, and a big-hearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.

My Review

I love so many things about this book. The relationship between sisters Olivia and Ruth. The road trip. Olivia’s photography. The descriptions of the places they visit. The perspective of someone watching a beloved sibling struggle with depression.

Some parts of the story are hard and sad. Ruth’s depression is so present and real. Olivia’s love for her sister, her frustration and grief over the things she’s lost in her relationship with Ruth because of her illness, and her agony and guilt over feeling invisible and lost as her family focuses on her sister’s needs all felt so real and searing and raw.

In spite of those hard/sad things, though, Olivia is a bright, optimistic person at heart. She rallies and tries again. She finds beauty and humor. And she watches the people around her, looking for the ways they reach her sister that seem to work and to help. I love her ingenuity and her love for her sister.

I think fans of CHIRP by Kate Messner or ASTER’S GOOD RIGHT THINGS by Kate Gordon will love this story.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Olivia’s sister Ruth has been diagnosed with depression.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
A pedestrian has a near accident with a car.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: A Walk Toward Peace: The True Story of Peace Pilgrim by Kathleen Krull

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

A Walk Toward Peace: The True Story of Peace Pilgrim
Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by Annie Bowler
Flyaway Books
Published

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Walking Toward Peace

She gave up everything: her home, her possessions, even her real name. She called herself Peace Pilgrim, put on her sneakers, and started off on her quest to walk thousands of miles all around America. Step by step, mile after mile, Peace Pilgrim traveled tirelessly, inviting everyone she met to consider a world where each person and each nation chooses peace.

This true story about a little-known woman who sacrificed everything for her convictions inspires us to step out for what we believe in, gathering others to join us along the way.

My Review

What an awesome, inspiring story! As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. I had heard of Peace Pilgrim before but didn’t really know much about her, and this book is a really great introduction that makes her story really accessible to young readers.

The images are bright and simple but evocative. I really enjoyed the way they brought the words to life.

At the end of the book, there’s a one page, more in-depth biography of Peace Pilgrim, which is especially great for readers at the upper end of the target audience (as well as for curious parents!).

All in all, I’m super glad I read this book and think it’s a great one to add to your bookshelf, library, or classroom.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 6 to 10.

Representation
Peace Pilgrim was a white American woman.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
The story vaguely mentions that many people were talking about whether the country should go to war.

Drug Content
None.

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