Tag Archives: family

Review: Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang

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Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Yang

Beautiful Country: A Memoir of an Undocumented Childhood
Qian Julie Wang
Doubleday
Published September 7, 2021

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About Beautiful Country: A Memoir of an Undocumented Childhood

In Chinese, the word for America, Mei Guo, translates directly to “beautiful country.” Yet when seven-year-old Qian arrives in New York City in 1994 full of curiosity, she is overwhelmed by crushing fear and scarcity. In China, Qian’s parents were professors; in America, her family is “illegal” and it will require all the determination and small joys they can muster to survive.

In Chinatown, Qian’s … Continue reading →

Review: Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig

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Creepy Kid by Caleb Roehrig

Creepy Kid
Caleb Roehrig
HarperCollins
Published August 25, 2026

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About Creepy Kid

A hilariously creepy middle grade novel from award-winning author Caleb Roehrig! Poe has spent his whole life wishing he could meet a ghost, but when he moves into a real-life haunted house, he discovers that communing with the other side might be a little more than he bargained for.

Twelve-year-old Edgar Alden, also known as “Poe,” has always been an outcast. Obsessed with the macabre, he’s never remotely hit it off with other kids. Only Grandma ever really understood his love for the … Continue reading →

Review: The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

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The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

The Leak
Kate Reed Petty
Illustrated by Andrea Bell
First Second
Published March 16, 2021

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About The Leak

In this middle-grade graphic novel, Ruth, a young journalist, is determined to uncover a secret that threatens her town.

Ruth Keller is brash and precocious; she argues with her dentist, her parents, and her teachers. So, when she discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club … Continue reading →

Review: My Killer Family Reunion by Dinesh Thiru

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My Killer Family Reunion by Dinesh Thiru

My Killer Family Reunion
Dinesh Thiru
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published August 11, 2026

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About My Killer Family Reunion

Knives Out meets Never Have I Ever in this hilarious and twisty young adult mystery-comedy about an Indian American teen whose family reunion at a lavish manor falls into chaos after her grandma is attacked.

Nothings brings family together like attempted murder.

There are three things Jayshree Devi can count on happening at her annual family 1) her cousins will forget she exists, 2) her aunts will try to set her up, and 3) her … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: Little Monsters by Máire Roche

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Little Monsters by Máire Roche

Little Monsters
Máire Roche
Aladdin
Published August 18, 2026

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About Little Monsters

In this modern supernatural middle grade retelling of the beloved classic Little Women, the March sisters have a monstrous secret Meg will do anything to protect—especially with another beast lurking in the woods threatening to expose them.

Meg March and her three sisters are monsters. No, really. Meg has teeth that are a little too sharp. Jo gets furry under the full moon. Beth goes night flying on wings that are impossible to hide under her sweaters. And Amy? Well, don’t let her … Continue reading →

Review: Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce

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Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce

Rolls and Rivalry (Gaming and Romance #3)
Kristy Boyce
Delacorte Romance
Published May 5, 2026

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About Rolls and Rivalry

Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp—from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!

Questing for love . . .

Hazel Buchanan has her senior year mapped out: Win respect as color guard captain, kick off her first D&D campaign, and steer clear of distractions. But her plan takes a critical … Continue reading →