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 — […]
I first featured Alexandra Ott’s RULES OF THIEVES series, and it was so enjoyable I also featured the first book in her current series, SEEKERS OF THE WILD REALM. (I also nabbed it immediately when I saw it at my local Barnes and Noble). The sequel, LEGEND OF THE REALM, came out on June 15, […]
Joanna Rowland has a way of writing the exact kinds of books that children need. Her latest, BIG BEAR WAS NOT THE SAME is especially poignant amid this year’s fire season: This picture book follows Little Bear and his best friend Big Bear, and what happened after a traumatic fire in the woods. […]
When the premise of HEARTBREAK FOR HIRE by Sonia Hartl reached my radar, I had to feature it. I’m always a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers trope, and the book also includes some delightful feminist vibes. Plus her upcoming YA book, THE LOST GIRLS, sounds great too! Brinkley Saunders has a secret. To everyone in […]