Category Archives: News and Fun

Author Q&A with Isabelle Knight

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Author Q&A with Enchantria Series Author Isabelle Knight

Author Q&A with Isabelle Knight

Hosting an author for a Q&A is one of the things I wish I did more on The Story Sanctuary. I love getting to know how an author comes up with ideas and brings their vision to the page. Today, I’ve got prolific young author Isabelle Knight here to talk about not one book but FOUR that make up her “Enchantria” series.

I’ve known Isabelle a bit through a weekly meme called Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays, where bloggers share bookish news and reviews of middle grade books on Always in the Middle. Her reviews are so enthusiastic, and I enjoy the way she relates … Continue reading →

Review: Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

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Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

Sisters in the Wind
Angeline Boulley
Henry Holt & Co.
Published September 2, 2025

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About Sisters in the Wind

From the instant New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed comes a daring new mystery about a foster teen claiming her heritage on her own terms.

Ever since Lucy Smith’s father died five years ago, “home” has been more of an idea than a place. She knows being on the run is better than anything waiting for her as a “ward of the state.” But when the sharp-eyed and kind Mr. Jameson with an interest in her case … Continue reading →

Review: By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

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By Invitation Only by Andrea Brown Chang

By Invitation Only
Alexandra Brown Chang
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published September 2, 2025

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About By Invitation Only

A hard-working teen hoping to land a college scholarship and a nepo baby looking to prove herself collide at the world’s most high-profile debutante ball in Paris in this young adult romance perfect for fans of American Royals and Better Than the Movies.

Every year, a hand-selected group of young women travel to Paris to make their debuts into high society at La Danse des Débutantes, the most exclusive debutante ball in the world. Being wealthy, royal, or famous gets you into the pool of potential … Continue reading →

Review: The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist by James Ponti

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The Hurricane Heist by James Ponti

The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society #2)
James Ponti
Aladdin
Published September 2, 2025

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About The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist

When a hurricane uncovers new information in a cold case, the Sherlock Society investigates a decades-old heist in this second book in the action-packed and funny New York Times bestselling Sherlock Society middle grade series from Edgar Award–winning author James Ponti!

When a category three hurricane hits Miami Beach, it uncovers a body buried at the renowned Moroccan Hotel. The body is identified as the man who served as the hotel’s bell captain sixty years ago…and the … Continue reading →

Banned Book Review: Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

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Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published February 28, 2023 (Orig 1970)

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About Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Margaret shares her secrets and her spirituality in this iconic Judy Blume novel, beloved by millions.

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about private … Continue reading →

Review: I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This by Eugene Yelchin

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I Wish I Didn't Have to Tell You This by Eugene Yelchin

I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This
Eugene Yelchin
Candlewick Press
Published September 16, 2025

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About I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This

In a stunning sequel to The Genius Under the Table, Eugene Yelchin’s graphic memoir depicts his harrowing journey from Leningrad’s underground art scene to a state-run Siberian asylum—and to eventual safety in the US.

No longer the creative little boy under his grandmother’s table, Yevgeny is now a young adult, pursuing his artistic dreams under the constant threat of the KGB’s stranglehold on Russia’s creative scene. When a chance … Continue reading →