Tag Archives: middle grade

10 Best Books I Read in 2024

10 Best Books of 2024 (includes YA and MG titles)

10 Best Books I Read in 2024

I’m finally catching up on some stats and information on my reading life in 2024, and that process reminded me that I haven’t shared my top 10 best books I read in 2024 yet!

Since I review mainly young adult and middle grade books here on The Story Sanctuary, the list will center on books for those age groups. In the past, I’ve made a separate list for each age group, but this year, I’m just making one list and including both. As a bonus, I ranked them.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

10 Best Books I Read in 2024

10. The Loudest Silence by Sydney Langford

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Platonic love, music, disability, nuanced identities, and an incredible cast of characters fill this sweet story. The Loudest Silence explores Deaf-Hard of Hearing experiences and family expectations. This one is unforgettable.

Published July 30, 2024 | My Review


9. The Judgment of Yoyo Gold by Isaac Blum

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love that this book examines hypocrisy and harm within a highly controlled religious community without disregarding the positive experiences or beauty that faith brings to practitioners’ lives. This book is messy and raw, but it’s also bold and full of love.

Published October 15, 2024 | My Review


8. Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: An older sister desperately tries to keep her family together but wonders if that’s the best thing for her and her siblings. This one has memorable characters and incredible depth of feeling. It hit me deep.

Published January 16, 2024 | My Review


7. The No-Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Finding the right book at the right time is just as important as finding the right people to play tabletop games with. The No-Girlfriend Rule celebrates the friendships, jokes, and how a game can take on a life of its own. If you like DnD, you want this on your reading list.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review


6. Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: It’s not easy to craft a text-based story filled with puzzles that are engaging and easy to visualize and balance that with compelling characters in a story that makes you want to cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa. This one does it. I had such a great time reading it.

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review


5. Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Inspired by Pacific Island mythology and packed with danger, sea dragons, and a chance at redemption. I loved the intricate magic and the unforgettable characters.

Published April 9, 2024 | My Review


4. Wolfpack: How Young People Will Find Their Voice, Unite Their Pack, and Change the World by Abby Wambach

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This 100-page book by famed soccer star Abby Wambach encourages leaders who lift one another up and work together rather than seeing others as rivals. It’s filled with simple but profound counsel from a woman who learned many of these lessons through blood, sweat, and tears. I am not usually into motivational books, but this one blew me away.

Published October 6, 2020 | My Review


3. Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: If you like dark, creepy forests, dangerous monsters, and boys who might only find the courage to love one another when it’s too late– stop reading this and go buy Don’t Let the Forest In right now. It’s so good.

Published October 29, 2024 | My Review


2. The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This book has so much heart. I can’t stop talking about it. The sweet relationship between siblings. The trauma and struggle of a family in crisis. It’s heartbreaking and healing at once.

Published June 11, 2024 | My Review


1. A Magic Fierce and Bright by Hemant Nayat

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I cannot stop raving about this book. I love the magic system. (Adya can magic machines.) It’s a story about sisters. There’s a helpful (hilarious) sentient motorcycle that I can’t get enough of. The plot was a wild ride from start to finish. I love it so much.

Published July 9, 2024 | My Review


What were the best books you read in 2024?

What books topped your list of favorites from 2024? Please leave a comment and let me know what your number one favorite is. Let me know if you read and enjoyed any of the titles on my list, too!

22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

How are there so many great books coming out in just three months? It’s wild. I love it, but I wish I had time to read them all. Since I’m so late getting this posted, I’ve read a few of these already, and they’ve been excellent! I can’t wait to read the rest of them. The list includes a mix of contemporary and fantasy novels, graphic books, and mystery. Here are my 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming spring 2024.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping!

22 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Spring 2024

Kyra, Just for Today by Sara Zarr

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl’s complex relationship with her alcoholic mom and the value of her support system. Sensitive, beautiful, and packed with emotional depth.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review


Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A book about grief, saying goodbye, living life outside the box, and embracing adventure. Fabulous characters. Poignant and fun.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review


Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl hears music everywhere in a land where music and magic are forbidden. Sounds like a sweeping fantasy exploring the impact of colonialism.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review to Come


Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A wild family adventure about a girl, a ghost, and a grandmother by two-time Newberry Medalist Kate DiCamillo.

Published March 5, 2024 | My Review to Come


Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

Amazon | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A secret island ruled by a pirate king. A dangerous island-eating monster. A desperate boy in need of a miracle. By the author of The Storm Keeper’s Island series.

Published March 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A novel in verse and fictionalized account of the author’s personal experiences with disordered eating. Looks haunting and powerful.

Published March 19, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Deadlands: Survival (The Deadlands #3) by Skye Melki-Wegner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: The thrilling finale of a trilogy I couldn’t get enough of. An unlikely alliance of dinosaurs must save their herds from the Carrion Kingdom’s powerful weapons.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


The Second Favorite Daughters Club 1: Sister Sabotage by Colleen Oakes

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Tired of being second-favorite, these two girls plot to get their parents’ attention and affection in this goofy, heartfelt story.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A boy moves to a new apartment where a series of robberies occur. He and his new friend vow to find the culprits. An energetic, fun mystery.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLeod

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A graphic memoir about a girl who longs to find her place as her family moves between homes in Bangkok and Maine.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Dark Times (Lightfall #3) by Tim Probert

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: Cad and Bea continue their journey in the third installment of one of my favorite graphic novel series. It’s fantastic.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come


Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl spending the summer with her estranged grandma and dealing with big feelings about her identity and mom’s depression. Deep, wise, and lovely.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review


Nightmares in Paradise (Ring of Solomon #2) by Aden Polydoros

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A boy who saved the world once already must find the Tree of Life to wake his sister from a coma. Looks like a wild adventure from a great author.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review to Come


Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl with an elderly best friend in cognitive decline. I’m expecting all the storytelling power Lowry never fails to deliver in this sweet, loving story.

Published April 23, 2024 | My Review to Come


Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A Taiwanese American girl learns how to deal with bullying and find her voice. This looks powerful and engaging.

Published April 30, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Cats of Silver Crescent by Kaela Noel

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: This one had me at magical cats! A story of friendship, family, and the magic inside all of us. Looks absolutely adorable.

Published April 30, 2024 | My Review to Come


Skandar and the Chaos Trials by A. F. Steadman

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: The third installment in the series promises more unicorn magic, challenges to family bonds, and the power of true friendship. I can’t wait!

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl discovers a magical library where each book is literally a portal to an adventure. Part mystery, part adventure, part exploration of identity. I’m in!

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come


Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A fantastical, adorable underwater adventure about a girl determined to save the boy she loves from dangerous mermaids.

Published May 7, 2024 | My Review to Come


Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A child and their father visit the B&B her grandmother never opened and face deadly puzzles and strange messages. Looks super imaginative and packed with family drama– my favorite!

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: A girl sets out to rescue her mother from powerful alchemists and save her world in the sequel to one of my favorite MG books from 2023.

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers’ Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What You Need to Know: The gripping true story of the largest labor uprising in American history and how it led to protection for workers. Seems pretty relevant to me!

Published May 14, 2024 | My Review to Come


What most-anticipated middle grade books coming spring 2024 did I miss?

I am not as good at keeping up with middle grade fiction as I am with young adult fiction, so there are always titles that didn’t make my radar or somehow got missed.

What upcoming MG titles are you looking forward to? Have you read any of the books on my list? Let me know in the comments!

13 Incredible Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2024

13 Incredible Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2024

I’m getting a late start on putting together my lists for this year, but I really wanted to share some of the middle grade books coming out in January and February that really look too good to miss. This list is entirely based on my preferences, and I’m already planning to review many of the books listed here. I hope you enjoy the list– please let me know if you’ve already read any of these titles or are as eager to check them out as I am!

Since I’m late getting this posted, some of the review links are already live, so please feel free to check out my full reviews if any of these books interest you. Stay warm and happy winter reading!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost anything for you to use but help support my blog when you use them for your shopping.

13 Incredible Middle Grade Books Coming Winter 2024

Courtesy of Cupid by Nashae Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: When Erin discovers her dad is actually the love god, Cupid, she experiments with her own love power… and must face the consequences. An adorable MG rom-com.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review


The Griffin’s Egg by Cole Poindexter

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A girl and a goblin work together to save the last griffin’s egg– and a magical world– from destruction. I love stories that feature unexpected pairings, and a girl and a goblin definitely intrigues me!

Published January 15, 2024 | My Review


Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: An older sister desperately tries to hold her family together but can’t help wondering if that’s the best thing for her and her siblings. I loved LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION, so I couldn’t wait to check this one out.

Published January 16, 2024 | My Review


Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A girl struggling to adjust to a changing family and friend group moves into a creaky attic bedroom in a new house where she falls ill and can’t seem to get better. I loved Anne Ursu’s MG fantasy novel from last year, and this sounds like a story that will pack equally surprising twists and turns.

Published January 16, 2024 | My Review to Come


Maybe It’s a Sign by E. L. Shen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A girl who lost her dad a year ago looks for messages from him all around her. When she faces new choices and doesn’t see signs from her dad, she realizes she’ll have to make her own luck. Sounds like a sweet, poignant story– with deep dish chocolate chip cookies!

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review


Emma and the Love Spell by Meredith Ireland

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A secret witch tries to use a love spell to save her crush’s marriage and keep them from moving away. I love the magic-with-unexpected-consequences theme, and I can’t wait to read more.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come


The Girl Who Sang by Estelle Nadel, Sammy Savos, and Bethany Strout

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A powerful graphic memoir following a Jewish girl and her family who must hide during the Nazi occupation of Poland. This is a heartbreaking story beautifully told.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review


Waverider (Amulet #9) by Kazu Kibuishi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Emily finally understands the power of the amulet. She and her allies must stand together to conquer the shadowy threats against them. The highly anticipated conclusion to a popular series. I’m a newer reader to this series (I’m currently on book three), but I really want to catch up and finish all nine books this year.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come


Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A Pakistani-American young artist uses her talents to help her mom’s local business and soon realizes she’s turned something that helped her manage her anxiety into a source of it. I’m seeing more and more MG novels exploring characters with anxiety, and I love the resilience and hope in these books.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review


City Spies: Mission Manhattan (City Spies #5) by James Ponti

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Charged with protecting a teen scheduled to speak to the United Nations General Assembly, the City Spies head to NYC in the fifth book in the series. Looks like an exciting adventure in the Big Apple.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come


Sick!: The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs by Heather L. Montgomery

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Find out how scientists study animal diseases and how the animal’s bodies adapt to the germs in this twisty nonfiction book filled with graphic novel-style art.

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review


The Unicorn Legacy: Tangled Magic by Kamilla Benko

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A young magic apprentice must prove that her sister is not harming unicorns in this gorgeous new series by the author of The Unicorn Quest series. I’m so excited to return to the land of Arden.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review


Finally Heard (Finally Seen #2) by Kelly Yang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: In the sequel to FINALLY SEEN, Lina sets out to go viral on social media but quickly feels overwhelmed by the flood of accounts, pressure to compete with her classmates, and pressure to keep up with new emojis, apps, and ways to interact. This couldn’t be more timely.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review to Come


What’s on your winter reading list?

Do you have big reading plans for the rest of the winter season? What books are at the top of your reading list?

If you follow middle grade books, are any of my top picks on your reading list?

20 Fabulous Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023

Usually, my review calendar is about sixty to seventy percent young adult and only thirty to forty percent middle grade, but this season, I’m split pretty close to fifty-fifty for what’s on my reading list. It’s hard to keep up with all the great books coming this season, but I’m going to do my best to try! Here are my 20 most-anticipated middle grade books coming fall 2023.

Since September is already almost over (How?!), I’ve linked a few of the books I’ve finished to my reviews below.

Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle grade posts called Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays. Check out other blogs posting about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.

20 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2023

Deephaven by Ethan Aldridge

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Nev arrives at Deephaven, a boarding school with secrets, determined to keep their head down and fit in until they become embroiled in a quest to save a girl everyone thinks is dead. I’ve read everything published by this author, so I knew I was going to read this one. Looks like it’ll be a series, so I’m anxious to see where it goes.

Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review


The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria by Adi Alsaid

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Bobert and his friends must find a way to break the spell placed on them by evil wizard Matt before he takes over Nefaria. Silly, offbeat, and packed with heart. I loved this one.

Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review


Finch House by Ciera Burch

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When Micah becomes trapped in the house her grandfather forbade her to enter, she must confront secrets from her past and make a frightening deal to escape. More eerie than truly scary, this is a great choice for a fall book.

Published: September 5, 2023 | My Review


Learning to Fall by Sally Engelfried

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After Daphne is forced to live with her dad, she grudgingly offers him a second chance when he begins teaching her skateboarding tricks. Will he let her down again? I love complex family stories like this one, and I’m super excited for a book about skateboarding.

Published: September 5, 2023


Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Paintings, secrets, and a missing sister send a boy and his cousin on a quest into a painting. Marketed as perfect for fans of the Wingfeather Saga, which includes me!

Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review


Between Monsters and Marvels by Alysa Wishingrad

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Dare refuses to accept the story she’s told about her father’s death and sets out to prove monsters still exist. A fabulous story about friendship and how to build trust from the author of THE VERDIGRIS PAWN.

Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review


The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: River must face their deepest fears when a monster from the Otherwoods kidnaps their only friend. This one definitely gives off Halloween vibes.

Published: September 12, 2023 | My Review


Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl who dreams of winning the science fair is faced with a terrible choice when someone she loves is detained by ICE. I love the way the book description links science and Wendy’s fears about her family. Looks like a book that will make you think.

Published: October 3, 2023


White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Two girls whose mother has just been elected President join a secret society of presidential children where they must help the Roosevelt children in order to return to their own time. Written by a former White House staffer. I’m super curious about this one.

Published: October 3, 2023


The Race for the Ruby Turtle by Stephen Bramucci

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When Jake is sent to his great-aunt’s cabin in remote Oregon woods, he stumbles upon a threat against a turtle with a ruby-colored shell. Features a boy with ADHD and a focus on nature and conservation.

Published: October 3, 2023


The Deadlands: Trapped (The Deadlands #2) by Skye Melki-Wegner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Five outcasts from their herds team up to find evidence of an alliance between carrion dinosaurs and save their herds from war. I loved the first book in this series, which I’d describe as LAND BEFORE TIME meets WARRIORS.

Published: October 3, 2023


Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A neurodivergent teen who can see things no one else can must stop a magical threat to her world. This reminds me a little bit of STONE HEART by Charlie Fletcher, which I loved.

Published: October 10, 2023


Secret of the Reaping (Vanquishers #2) by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Now that vampires are back, Boog and her friends want to help fight them in this sequel to the series opener I loved last year.

Published: October 10, 2023


Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl desperate to save her family’s struggling magical bakery casts a (slightly illegal) spell that backfires. Looks like lots of delicious descriptions of baking and magical hijinks from an author on my auto-read list.

Published: October 10, 2023


Hollowthorn: A Ravenfall Novel by Kalyn Josephson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: As Hannukah approaches, best friends with magic must stop a demon from Jewish lore who is hunting the Tree of Life. RAVENFALL was one of my favorite books from last year, so this one is a must-read for me.

Published: October 17, 2023


Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón, translated by Lourdes Heuer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with a powerful connection to the sea moves in with her Abuela and meets a new friend she believes will truly understand her. The book description has a lot of imagery about the sea and ocean life and says Sofia is a mermaid. I can’t tell if that’s literal or metaphorical. In any case, I’m super intrigued.

Published: October 24, 2023


Song of the Swan by Karah Sutton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I can’t say it better than the cover copy: “A magical retelling of Swan Lake, featuring a clever orphan, a castle filled with enchanted swans, and a quest to unearth the secrets of the past.” Yes, please!

Published: October 24, 2023


Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An explosion destroys a friendship and leaves a girl injured. Her former best friend won’t stop until he uncovers what truly happened. Looks like a powerful story about friendship and healing.

Published: October 31, 2023


Sail Me Away Home (Show Me a Sign #3) by Ann Clare LeZotte

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set in the world of SHOW ME A SIGN and SET ME FREE. Explores the origins of formal Deaf education and complex issues on Martha’s Vineyard between Deaf and Wampanoag communities. I loved SET ME FREE, and I can’t wait for this one.

Published: November 7, 2023


Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel Part 1 by Shannon Messenger

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The first half of the epic novel adapted into a graphic novel. This looks like it will be really cool.

Published: November 7, 2023


What are your most-anticipated middle grade books coming out this fall?

What amazing middle grade books coming fall 2023 are you most looking forward to reading? Are you planning to read, or have you already read any of the books on my list? What books am I missing that I need to add?

Summer 2023 Backlist Check-in

Summer 2023 Backlist Reading

One of the things I’ve been frustrated and feeling a bit stuck about is how to share backlist titles that I’ve been reading lately. A lot of my lists feature books from the upcoming season or the season just passed, and I’m never sure what to do to feature backlist books more regularly.

For one thing, I read backlist titles kind of sporadically. And because my review calendar has been so full the last couple of years, sometimes I’ll read a book but not post the review for months. Which means I’m waiting months to talk about some truly incredible books.

At first, I experimented with a weekly wrap-up post. I love the idea of those posts, but the sad truth is that I’m often too busy to keep up with them. I don’t have a good rhythm to a set time to create them yet.

So, meet my newest idea! A Seasonal Backlist Check-in! This will include all the backlist titles I’ve read this past summer (which is actually a little more than I thought). I’m being pretty liberal with my definition of backlist. Basically, if it came out before this summer and I read it too late to include it in my seasonal favorites list for the season it was released, I’ll include it here.

Thanks for checking out the books I read in my summer 2023 backlist reading.


Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us Berna Anat

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Practical money advice presented in a clear, super fun way. This was a lot of fun to read, actually. A must-read for anyone entering the workforce or still struggling to figure out their finances.

Published: April 25, 2023 | Review to Come


J.R. Silver Writes Her World by Melissa Dassori

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: J.R. discovers the things she writes in her school essays come true, but they have consequences. A story about changing friendships and a budding writer. I loved this one. Perfect for fans of Gillian McDunn.

Published: July 19, 2022 | My Review


Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When rumors of a vampire reach Garlic and her friends, they nominate her to deal with him. After all, vampires can’t tolerate garlic, right? Such a cute book! I loved all the veggie characters and the warm conclusion.

Published: September 28, 2021 | Review to Come


The Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A group of young dinosaurs exiled from their tribes team up to expose a hidden threat to their former tribes’ survival. This one completely took me by surprise. I loved the characters and the prehistoric adventure. It’s very LAND BEFORE TIME meets WARRIORS.

Published: April 4, 2023 | Review to Come


Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, Leigh Dragoon, and Kit Seaton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A wizard and a weaver journey to the capital with information that could stop a war, their enemies following closely behind them. I enjoyed this adaptation of the young adult novel. Now I want to read the original.

Published: September 28, 2021 | Review to Come


Roll for Initiative by Jaime Formato

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After her brother (and best friend) moves away to college, Riley finds new friends and independence through playing Dungeons and Dragons. This charming story has nuanced relationships and a fun celebration of a beloved game. I loved it!

Published: September 27, 2022 | My Review


House of Salt and Sorrow (Sisters of Salt #1) by Erin A. Craig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Annaleigh mourns the loss of another sister as rumors of a curse swell around her family. Desperate to find a marriage match, Annaleigh and her sisters sneak away to dance through the night at ball after ball, leaving their father puzzled at their worn slippers. A haunting, sea-bound retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses. I enjoyed the romance, though I think I like the second book in this series better.

Published: August 6, 2019 | Review to Come


The Vermilion Emporium by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Marketed as RADIUM GIRLS meets HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE. I adored this love story and the immersive fantasy world in which it takes place. One of my favorites for the year.

Published: November 22, 2022 | My Review


Sorceline by Sylvia Douyé, Paola Antista, and Tanya Gold

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sorceline joins a school on a magical island, learning to identify and help magical animals. A mysterious threat begins turning students to stone, and Sorceline may be the only one who can stop them. I loved the lush, fantastical illustrations in this book.

Published: May 17, 2022 | My Review


Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The author compares the caste system of India to Nazi Germany and slavery and race relations in the United States. It’s definitely the kind of thing you can’t unsee afterward, if that makes sense. Definitely worth reading.

Published: August 4, 2020 | Review to Come


Have you read any of my summer 2023 backlist titles?

Which book sounds like the one you’d enjoy most? Have you read any of the books on my list? Will you be adding any of these titles to your backlist reading list?

10 Best Middle Grade Books I Read From Summer 2023

This summer definitely did not go as I planned. Looking back, I wonder why I imagined I’d have so much more time to do things like create list posts. Ha! Alas, here I am at the end of summer, and instead of a big list of the middle grade books that looked so great, please enjoy a list of the 10 best middle grade books I read from summer 2023.

10 Best Middle Grade Books I Read From Summer 2023

The Gray by Chris Baron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy with anxiety forced to spend an unplugged summer with his aunt meets new friends who challenge how he sees himself. This was the first book by Chris Baron that I’ve read, and I can’t wait to read more!

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review


Greenwild: The World Behind the Door by Pari Thompson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl portals to another world filled with magic and danger– and a fabulous cat! This could be my favorite book this year.

Published: June 6, 2023 | My Review


The Hunt for the Hollower by Callie C. Miller

Amazon | BookshopGoodreads

What you need to know: A girl struggling to control her magic may be the only person who can save her twin brother. Full of fun, magic, friendships, and adventure.

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review


Maybe There Are Witches by Jude Atwood

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In a small town with deep history, a girl with a magical diary must stop a great evil bent on destroying the town. Perfect for the Halloween season.

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review | Author Q&A


Theo Tan and the Iron Fan by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy and his fox spirit journey to hell and back (literally) for his family. Fun and filled with magic and adventure.

Published: June 27, 2023 | My Review


Brick Dust and Bones by M. R. Fournet

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A twelve-year-old monster hunter battles evil to bring his mother back from the dead. This one surprised me in the best ways. Powerful storytelling and great characters.

Published: July 18, 2023 | My Review


Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu (Academy for the Unbreakable Arts #2) by Erika Lewis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Kelcie and her friends race to stop the theft of a magical artifact that protects life in her kingdom. Great for kids interested in a magic school story.

Published: July 25, 2023 | My Review


The Great Texas Dragon Race by Kacy Ritter

Amazon | BookshopGoodreads

What you need to know: In a world in which dragons are often enslaved, the daughter of a rancher enters a race in order to save their dragon sanctuary. Fans of SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF would like this one.

Published: August 1, 2023 | My Review


The Raven Throne (Raven Crown #2) by Stephanie Burgis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When their sister falls into an enchanted sleep, triplets Giles and Rosalind race to save her. The twisty conclusion to the Raven Crown duology.

Published: August 8, 2023 | My Review


Sorceline 2 by Sylvia Douyé, Paola Antista, and Tanya Gold

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In an enchanted sleep, Sorceline fights for her life while her classmates unravel the mystery of her origin in hopes of waking her. Beautifully illustrated– a fantastic follow-up to the first book.

Published: August 22, 2023 | My Review


What Were Your Favorite Middle Grade Books of Summer 2023?

Did you read any great books over the summer this year? Are there great books I should add to my reading list? What are your new favorites? Did you read any of the books I listed here? Leave a comment and let me know!