Chad Lucas is definitely a middle grade author to watch. In THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE, he effortlessly weaves together the tale of two boys–Brian and Ezra–in a way that is both heartwarming and meaningful. This is a necessary addition for all library shelves and was also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. It comes […]
I’ve followed Seanan McGuire’s books for a long time, including her October Daye series. When I heard about her new Middle Grade novel, OVER THE WOODWARD WALL, which she wrote as A. Deborah Baker, I contacted her for an updated interview: Avery is an exceptional child. Everything he does is precise, from the way […]
When THE LAST MAGICIAN by Lisa Maxwell came out in 2017, I was excited to feature it. And then came THE DEVIL’S THIEF. I’m thrilled to announce that the third book in the series, THE SERPENT’S CURSE, came out yesterday! Stop the Magician. Steal the book. Save the future. In modern day New York, […]
As soon as the cover and premise of THE THIEVING COLLECTORS OF FINE CHILDREN’S BOOKS caught my eye over Twitter, I had to feature it. This Middle Grade adventure would be a great addition to any library collection. Oliver Nelson has a terrible secret–he’s a thief. But he only steals books from the Garden […]
I first heard about Lisbeth Campbell’s THE VANISHED QUEEN from a critique partner, and the premise took my breath away. Have a look: When a country is held in thrall to a vicious, despotic king, it’s up to one woman to take him down. Long ago, Queen Mirantha vanished. King Karolje claimed it […]
Sarah Beth Durst cranks out books at such a quick rate it blows my mind. I was lucky to feature her Queen of Renthia series and her Middle Grade book, The Girl Who Could Not Dream. Her newest novel, THE BONE MAKER, came out on March 9, 2021: Twenty-five years ago, five heroes risked […]
I first learned about THE MYSTWICK SCHOOL OF MUSICRAFT when I went to The Writers’ Sanctuary Juniper Conference. This fantastic Middle Grade novel combines two of my favorite things: music and magic. Have a look: Amelia Jones always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to […]
As soon as I learned about THE KATE IN BETWEEN by Claire Swinarski, I had to feature it, even though it doesn’t come out until May 18th! Have a look: Kate McAllister is desperate for a change. Something to hit refresh and erase the pain of her mother leaving town without her. So when […]
I’m always drawn to Middle Grade books with protagonists who deal with learning differences, and MY NAME IS LAYLA also offers an interesting peek into what it means to find self-acceptance. Have a look: School will never be the same… On the first day of eighth grade, thirteen year-old Layla has a pretty good […]
Last year, I featured SCAVENGE THE STARS by Tara Sim. I’m ecstatic to announce that the sequel, RAVAGE THE DARK is due out on March 9, 2021 (she’s also announced a new adult fantasy series): When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence […]