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

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

Mall Goth by Kate Leth

Readers learn more about Liv’s interests through Leth’s illustrations of her bedroom posters, the pins on her backpack, and her signature style including fishnets, combat boots, stripes, and lots of black. Leth also incorporates different mediums into her art, including views of Liv’s online messaging and the Daemon’s Thirst video game that Liv’s new friends invite her to play. Overall, the illustrations work to amplify not only the setting, but the characters as well, allowing a deeper connection between readers and Liv. … More Mall Goth by Kate Leth

Duel by Jessixa Bagley, illus. Aaron Bagley

It was a pleasure reading Duel by Jessixa Bagley. Once I started, I couldn’t put this story down. The dialogue is incredibly believable, and exactly how middle-schoolers tend to speak. This book perfectly captures how hard it is to be a young teen navigating the world and reminded me of my own time in middle school. From tricky friendships and conflict with parents to healing after loss, the issues that arise in Duel are tackled very well. … More Duel by Jessixa Bagley, illus. Aaron Bagley