Category: Middle-Grade

On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

November 26, 2025

Cynthia Leitich Smith returns with a middle grade novel bursting with characters that pay tribute to storytelling traditions of Muscogee People, and Indigenous storytelling in general. On a Wing and a Tear captures the adventure of Melanie “Mel” Roberts, Ray Halfmoon, and Grampa Halfmoon with the legendary Great-Grandfather Bat, who’s fostering an injury to his wing. Together, they hit the road to escort Bat to the historical rematch of the infamous Great Ball Game between the Animals and the Birds on the traditional gaming lands in Georgia. On this wild adventure, readers will see the wonderful characters escape Bat-nappers, rekindle an old romance, visit many relatives, encounter mysterious creatures, and find out if Bat’s wing heals in time for the game. … More On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

The Cranky-Verse (A Cranky Chicken Book 4) by Katherine Battersby

November 13, 2025

In the energetic fourth installment of author/illustrator, Katherine Battersby’s, Cranky Chicken chapter book series, Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm return! The Cranky-Verse will have readers wondering how Cranky and Speedy will work through meeting a new friend, what Cranky will do when Speedy becomes the cranky one, and if a camping trip will be the solution to all of their troubles and woes. … More The Cranky-Verse (A Cranky Chicken Book 4) by Katherine Battersby

Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume

October 7, 2025

Beginning in New York City in 1927, Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour follows Alice, a 10-year-old girl whose curiosity has been dampened by the recent loss of her mother. In an effort to help Alice regain her zest for life, her father sends her overseas to France to stay with his eccentric friends, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, their three children, and their pet monkey, Mistigris. … More Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume

Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illus. Nahid Kazemi

September 5, 2024

Qayum’s storytelling is straightforward and direct. She refrains from exploring the inner terrains of her characters’ minds, or using literary devices to convey the gravity of grief and pain. Instead, she states the facts of the events of their lives using a subdued tone, and that in itself is enough to put readers in the characters’ shoes. … More Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illus. Nahid Kazemi

The Unlovable Alina Butt by Ambreen Butt-Hussain

August 22, 2024

When Alina is selected to join her class’s advanced math group, she is faced with the best and the worst of her new school. Between incessant bullying, the struggle of trying to impress a group of friends from a completely foreign culture, auditions for the school play, and an embarrassing last name, Alina has a whole lot on her plate. … More The Unlovable Alina Butt by Ambreen Butt-Hussain