How Jackson Patterson Saved the Band by Maureen Straka is a heartfelt middle-grade story about courage, friendship, grief, and finding the confidence to speak up for something worth saving.
A Dangerous Crossing by Jane Mitchell is a powerful and thought-provoking middle grade novel following a 13-year-old Syrian boy forced to flee his home in search of safety. Read my 4.5-star review as part of The Write Reads blog tour.
A colorful, kid-first introduction to video game design, Game Creator's Workshop by Greg Reisdorf encourages young gamers to think like creators through hands-on activities, critical thinking, and plenty of imagination—no coding required.
Surviving Summer Camp by Paul Breau combines sibling chaos, wilderness danger, kid-friendly humor, and clever problem-solving in a fast-paced middle-grade adventure that's especially well suited to reluctant readers ages 8-12.
Can an unconventional writing style deepen an emotional story? In Soccerwild, Craig Wells explores grief, healing, and resilience through the eyes of a young boy whose unexpected friendship with a coyote pup helps him begin finding hope again. Read my full review to see why this thoughtful middle-grade novel stayed with me long after the final page.
Discover why Fiona and the Forgotten Piano by Kate DeMaio was named the 2025 BBNYA winner in this spotlight on an enchanting middle-grade fantasy.