Tag: Middle Grade

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

Julia On the Go! Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn, illus. Julia Kim

August 1, 2024

Julia is courageous, determined, and confident, but still, above all, she identifies as a swimmer. Therefore, when she feels like that part of herself is stripped away, she begins to question who she truly is and spirals over what her future will be like if she cannot be the swimmer she always dreamed of becoming. … More Julia On the Go! Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn, illus. Julia Kim

Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford

July 4, 2024

Each one of her ancestors comes to life through their respective poems, with their own voices, wants, and beliefs. In this, the picture of Weatherford’s family feels whole and complete. Weatherford shares earnestly what she both knows and imagines to be her family’s thoughts and experiences, urging the reader to connect and empathize deeply with the text’s characters. … More Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford

Miracle by Karen S. Chow

July 2, 2024

Karen S. Chow’s expert characterizations flow and the climax in Miracle is both beautiful and coherent, giving readers the sense of truthfulness of life’s circumstances, while at the same time creating a story that is not too heavy or bogged down by traumatic material. There may be controversy over whether or not a story surrounding death and trauma is good for children to read. But, in my opinion, if written correctly by tying in themes of love, friendship, and strength throughout the book, as Chow does, children will benefit from reading the type of material written in Miracle and realize that they are not alone. … More Miracle by Karen S. Chow

Kylie the Magnificent by Marty Chan

May 30, 2024

Although the beginning chapters make it seem that Kylie the Magnificent is a novel all about girl power and feminism, it quickly evolves into a book about friendship. Chan adeptly illustrates the harsh reality of friendship issues in a fast-moving plot that shows the highs and lows of working through challenges. The short chapters and accessible language told from the protagonist’s perspective, Kylie, simultaneously engage readers and allow them insight into how being a young girl in a male-dominated field can feel.  … More Kylie the Magnificent by Marty Chan

Where the Water Takes Us by Alan Barillaro

May 2, 2024

Ava’s character development and the evolution of her relationships were page-turners, but I especially appreciated the backdrop of the story. The landscapes show up clearly in my mind, and wildlife is deeply woven into the narrative. Deers swim across the lake, fish leap up from its surface, and robin eggs hatch – all of which hold significant ties to Ava’s search for moral peace. … More Where the Water Takes Us by Alan Barillaro