I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book on NetGalley, and it was such an engaging read! Elly Swartz does a great job at capturing what it’s like to have social anxiety and changing friendships in middle school, with the extra-fun element of an advice column: When Autumn becomes the secret voice […]
When I came across this beautifully illustrated book about a royal messenger in the ancient Inka Empire, I knew it belonged on any and every library shelf. It offers a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about history and a unique ancient culture through folklore. In this tale set in the ancient Inka […]
I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Rebecca Ross about her Queen’s Rising series, as well as about her book SISTERS OF SWORD AND SONG. Her newest YA novel, DREAMS LIE BENEATH, came out on November 2, 2021: A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and […]
I first interviewed Dianne K. Salerni back in 2016 about her Young Adult title The Caged Graves. When I first saw her newest Middle Grade book, JADIE IN FIVE DIMENSIONS, I completely fell in love with the premise. Have a look: Jadie Martin was always told she was abandoned by her parents. Creatures from […]
I was lucky to feature Beth McMullen’s Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series back in 2019. Her new series, starting with LOLA BENKO, TREASURE HUNTER and now its follow-up LOLA BENKO, TREASURE HUNTER: THE MIDNIGHT MARKET, promises to deliver an archeologic romp that readers are sure to enjoy. Having a world-traversing archaeologist dad […]
I saw a post about THE PLENTIFUL DARKNESS by Heather Kassner on Twitter and completely fell in love with the cover. Even though it came out in August, this spine-chilling middle grade novel is perfect for Halloween: In order to survive on her own, twelve-year-old Rooney de Barra collects precious moonlight, which she draws […]
Paula Chase writes both teen and upper middle grade books that offer a glimpse into what tween and teen life is really like. Her latest novel, KEEPING IT REAL, comes out on October 19, 2021. It stars Marigold, the only Black kid at her fancy private school, who explores what it means to fit in–and […]
I featured THE SPLENDOR by Breeana Shields back in July of this year. I’m ecstatic to report that it finally released into the world today! The Splendor isn’t just a glamorous hotel, it’s a magical experience that gives its guests the fantasy fulfillment of their dreams. But The Splendor didn’t make Juliette’s dreams come […]
Tanita S. Davis is an award-winning children’s author, and any library would be lucky to have her books in their collection. Her latest novel, PARTLY CLOUDY, offers a nuanced exploration of middle school through the eyes of a young Black girl named Madalyn. Lightning couldn’t strike twice, could it? After a terrible year, Madalyn […]
As soon as I saw THE RAVEN HEIR by Stephanie Burgis, I couldn’t wait to feature it. I’m happy to report that the book is now released and out in the world: Deep within an enchanted forest lies a castle where a set of triplets and their sorceress mother have lived for years — […]