Category Archives: Middle Grade 8-12

Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

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Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Karen Foxlee
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published January 28, 2014

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About Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Eleven-year-old Ophelia’s father brings her and her older sister Alice to a magical museum in a city in which it always snows. When science-loving Ophelia wanders off to explore the museum in search of dinosaurs and fossils, she finds a boy locked in a small room. He tells an impossible story and asks for her help. Ophelia, who only believes things that can be scientifically proven, is torn about helping the boy, who says he must … Continue reading →

Review: The Amazing Adventures of Toby the Trilby

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The Amazing Adventures of Toby the Trilby
Angela Castillo
CreateSpace Independent
Published October 17, 2013

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When an unknown Voice beckons to Toby to leave his home in the caves and seek others on the earth’s surface, Toby can’t help but obey. His caretakers, scientists who’ve created him from a melding of human and cat DNA, pack supplies for Toby and allow him to leave their care. Though the scientists have had no word from earth’s surface for a long time, they prepare him as best they can and respect his desire to choose his own path in life.

On his journey Toby meets many human survivors, many of whom are cruel or mentally … Continue reading →

Review: Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by Jaimie Engle

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When a mysterious arrow turns up in a dusty closet, Clifton Chase thinks he’s uncovered nothing but old worthless junk. The arrow, however, turns out to be so much more. With a flash of light, Clifton finds himself transported back to fifteenth century England, in a time when a ruthless ruler has seized power and locked away two young princes. Continue reading →

Young Reader Review: Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris

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Eight-year-old Anna calls Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris, “…the best book in the world!” Review and content notes from Anna and her mother, Kasey Giard. Continue reading →

Review: Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman

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Twelve-year-old Hope Toriella must save her town from the strange men who threaten them. In order to go for help, she will have to pass through the deadly Bomb’s Breath. Continue reading →

Review: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

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Tuck Everlasting
Natalie Babbitt
Square Fish
Published August 1, 2007 (Originally published 1975)

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In her tidy little home on the edge of a wood, ten-year-old Winnie Foster lives with her prim and proper family. When the summer heat and the oppressive rules become too much to bear, Winnie escapes to the forest for an adventure. She means to explore and maybe she will run away, but a chance meeting with a beautiful boy changes everything.

Jesse Tuck knows he shouldn’t have let Winnie see him drink from the fountain in that wood. Now nothing will distract the girl from the mysterious flow of water. He and his family have only one choice: kidnap … Continue reading →