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.
She Who Breaks Gods by R.L. Balladrael takes the Chronicles of Kesperen into full space-opera territory with imaginative worlds, high-stakes rebellion, difficult choices, unexpected humor, and a satisfying slow-burn romance.
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.
Science fiction is at its best when it explores timeless questions about humanity, and Icara's Flight does exactly that. This thoughtful space opera combines mystery, political intrigue, and expansive world-building into a compelling story about truth, identity, and the cost of paradise.