Lisa Moore Ramee
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MAPMAKER by Lisa Moore Ramee

I'm a sucker for middle grade fantasy, so when I saw the premise for MAPMAKER by Lisa Moore Ramee, I hit her up for an interview:       Walt is a Mapmaker, one of just a few in the universe who can draw maps that…
Jennifer Gennari
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MUFFLED by Jennifer Gennari

I was absolutely floored by the premise of MUFFLED by Jennifer Gennari. I was especially struck by the theme of noise, and the importance of finding the silent spaces in between it. Have a look:   Amelia does not like noise. In fifth…
Jessica Khoury
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THE MIDNIGHT ORCHESTRA, second in the MYSTWICK series, by Jessica Khoury

Last year, I was ecstatic to feature Jessica Khoury's MYSTWICK SCHOOL OF MUSICRAFT, a middle grade fantasy that features a relatable main character and a great plot! The sequel, THE MIDNIGHT ORCHESTRA, came out on June 14, 2022:   Things…
Catherine Argulles author
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FLIP TURNS by Catherine Arguelles

I've been excited about this book ever since I saw it announced. Catherine Arguelles's debut middle grade, FLIP TURNS is sure to tug on your heartstrings when it comes out this September:   Thirteen-year-old Maddie just wants her…
Holly Goldberg Sloan
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THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM by Holly Goldberg Sloan

I have been a long-time fan of Holly Goldberg Sloan's books, including Counting by 7s and To Night Owl From Dogfish. When I heard the premise of her newest Middle Grade book, THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, I had to feature it. Have a look:   It's…
AJ_Sass author photo
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ELLEN OUTSIDE THE LINES by A.J. Sass

I was honored to feature A.J. Sass's debut middle grade novel, Ana on the Edge, so when I found out about his newest book, ELLEN OUTSIDE THE LINES, I had to feature it also. If you enjoyed his debut, you will absolutely love this book too. It…
Lisa Schmid author photo
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OLLIE OXLEY AND THE GHOST by Lisa Schmid

I was immediately intrigued by the premise of OLLIE OXLEY AND THE GHOST by Lisa Schmid. When I found out she was located in a city nearby, I reached out to her for an interview:   Twelve-year-old Ollie Oxley is moving — again. His…
Beth McMullen
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SECRET OF THE STORM by Beth McMullen

I've featured Beth McMullen's Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls series as well as her Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series. When I heard the premise of SECRET OF THE STORM, I couldn't wait to spread word. It comes out on March 1, 2022:   Twelve-year-old…
Megan Shephard
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DOG STAR by Megan Shepherd

I've been a fan of Megan Shepherd since her YA novel Grim Lovelies. I'm currently devouring her Middle Grade book The Secret Horses of Briar Hill, and just ordered her newest Middle Grade, DOG STAR, on my Kindle. The beginning of DOG STAR took…
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DEAR STUDENT by Elly Swartz

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…