This is an excellent sequel. I enjoyed the character development as much as the action, danger, and suspense. The outcasts are brave and loyal; I loveThis is an excellent sequel. I enjoyed the character development as much as the action, danger, and suspense. The outcasts are brave and loyal; I love watching their friendships grow and develop. Young people who like dinosaurs will enjoy this. It is also great for fans of Warriors and similar animal adventures....more
This unique realistic fiction graphic novel shows how virtual reality can improve life. It touches on some sensitive topics and shows characters develThis unique realistic fiction graphic novel shows how virtual reality can improve life. It touches on some sensitive topics and shows characters developing empathy. The illustrations are well-done and colorful, conveying all the characters' emotions. I also learned about moon trees. This is a great book for upper elementary and middle school students. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I already purchased this for my library. We have many Wendy Mass fans and realistic graphic novel fans I can hand this to....more
This graphic novel is perfect for fans of Raina Telegemeir and Kayla Miller. Viv is in middle school and trying to figure out who she is. She cuts offThis graphic novel is perfect for fans of Raina Telegemeir and Kayla Miller. Viv is in middle school and trying to figure out who she is. She cuts off her “boring braid” and becomes an influencer overnight. Viv must deal with the consequences and figure out how to be true to herself and what is important to her. I bought this one for my library and can’t wait to see the rest of the series. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions expressed are my own....more
This novel, written in verse, focuses on two cousins dealing with trauma. Cal’s mom is Hannah’s mom’s twin sister, and she recently died of cancer. ThThis novel, written in verse, focuses on two cousins dealing with trauma. Cal’s mom is Hannah’s mom’s twin sister, and she recently died of cancer. The story gives us a window into Cal & Hannah’s thoughts and feelings, and the format is perfect. This book will touch you and may even bring you to tears. It is a fabulous middle-grade book that adults and students will fall in love with....more
My favorite of the series so far. I still don’t get Agatha and Sophie’s relationship and will never understand why Agatha puts up with her. Tedros is My favorite of the series so far. I still don’t get Agatha and Sophie’s relationship and will never understand why Agatha puts up with her. Tedros is annoying, and I don’t get what Agatha sees in him. I like Hort’s character development in this one. I wonder where the series will go next....more
So, there is a video game called The Mirrorverse involving Disney heroes with amplified power tasked as Guardians fighting against evil beings createdSo, there is a video game called The Mirrorverse involving Disney heroes with amplified power tasked as Guardians fighting against evil beings created by Fractured Magic. This book turns that into an action-packed story. Snow White discovers abilities she didn’t know she had and joins Mickey and the Guardians in fighting against the Evil Queen, who uses fractured magic to create creatures who attack them. I enjoyed the story. Seeing Snow White realize she was more than just a damsel in distress was fabulous. Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Stitch, and Sulley are also part of the Guardians, and it’s fun to watch them banter and work together to fight evil. Hades helps the Guardians and delivers some funny sarcasm along the way. If you are a Disney fan, then this book is for you....more
A perfectly creepy story about two sisters who find a doll’s head in the woods. The younger sister, Antonia, starts talking to the doll’s head, namingA perfectly creepy story about two sisters who find a doll’s head in the woods. The younger sister, Antonia, starts talking to the doll’s head, naming her Hush-A-Bye. The older sister, Lucy, doesn’t know what to make of this, but she has more important problems. Lucy is trying to survive middle school, and she has rules: keep your head down and don’t talk to anyone. Antonia is just starting 6th grade. Lucy has high anxiety and worries about everything, including Antonia. Antonia takes the doll’s head to school, and strange things happen. By the time Lucy realizes how powerful the doll is, it just might be too late. The story is creepy and quick. Perfect for middle-grade readers!...more
Sophie had waited all her life to be kidnapped. - first line
I love Agatha, but I don’t get her friendship with I’m torn, but I will continue to book 2.
Sophie had waited all her life to be kidnapped. - first line
I love Agatha, but I don’t get her friendship with Sophie. Sophie is awful and completely self-centered. I like how this book turns the ideals of good and evil on their heads. It shows that being beautiful outside doesn’t mean you are good on the inside. And people that aren’t stereotypically fairy-tale beautiful aren’t necessarily evil. Agatha has a good heart even though she doesn’t like most people and dresses for comfort instead of to impress. Thus, she ends up in the School for Good, and Sophie who is princess-pretty but selfish and uncaring on the inside ends up in the School for Evil. I didn’t love the book, but it had enough promise that I will continue the series. ...more
Verdict: An extraordinary story about five dinosaurs who are outcasts from their herds and how they try to save their kingdoms from a horrific plot.
NiVerdict: An extraordinary story about five dinosaurs who are outcasts from their herds and how they try to save their kingdoms from a horrific plot.
Nightfall leaked into the warren, cold and gray. - first line
This book follows an unlikely group of friends, dinosaurs cast out from their herds and sent to the Deadlands. When they discover a plot that threatens all their kingdoms, they join forces to prevent it. I loved the characters - each dinosaur has a unique personality - and their interactions. Keeping the different dinosaurs straight was a bit hard because the names weren’t all familiar to me. I was all in and rooting for the outcasts. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming, and I spent a lot of time worried that one of the outcasts would die. It was suspenseful, and I can see my older elementary students loving this, especially those who enjoyed the Warriors series. ...more
Verdict: A fantastic twisted version of The Princess & the Frog. Highly recommended.
So, Tiana makes a deal with Facilier to get everything she wants: Verdict: A fantastic twisted version of The Princess & the Frog. Highly recommended.
So, Tiana makes a deal with Facilier to get everything she wants: her own restaurant, T&J’s Supper Club, keeping her friends safe and getting her father back. But as time goes by, eerie things start happening in her town, and she starts to wonder if Facilier is behind them.
I never watched Disney’s Princess & the Frog movie, but I still enjoyed the book. The characters are unforgettable, and the world-building is fabulous. I do think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had the movie as a reference. If you love the Princess & the Frog, you will enjoy this twisted tale.
I enjoyed Tiana’s viewpoint and liked how she gently explained to Lottie that her life was different because of the color of her skin. Lottie loved Tiana but was still oblivious to the difficulties Tiana and her family faced. It’s good for young people to read about things like this because it reminds them that they may also be oblivious to these facts....more
Verdict: Valentino does another fabulous job of making us love the villain. The story of James Hook was enough to make me despise Peter Pan and the LoVerdict: Valentino does another fabulous job of making us love the villain. The story of James Hook was enough to make me despise Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.
Captain James Hook would like it known he is the bravest man to ever hoist a pirate flag. - first line
James was once a Lost Boy. All his life, he only wanted to get back to Neverland. I loved this story of James’s journey, and I sometimes felt sorry for him. He wanted to belong, but it didn’t turn out as expected. Of course, the Odd Sisters had their hands in his fate, and not for the better. If you enjoyed the rest of the series, you will love this one. And if you haven’t read any of the Villains series, start with the first book, Fairest of All. ...more
Verdict: A relatable and powerfully touching story about a young girl dealing with grief and mental health issues.
Why is it that principals love givingVerdict: A relatable and powerfully touching story about a young girl dealing with grief and mental health issues.
Why is it that principals love giving second chances? - first line
This book deals with mental health, grief, and teen friendship issues realistically and compassionately. Iveliz writes down her feelings and experiences in a poetry journal. She is dealing with severe trauma and feelings of guilt. She talks about how her Puerto Rican grandmother (suffering from Alzheimer's) criticizes her for taking medication and how that makes her feel. This is a powerful book and will help readers who are going through similar experiences. Readers who have no experience with similar issues will finish with a better understanding of people who do. This book is highly recommended for school libraries. ...more
Verdict: A seriously creepy middle grade story with a bit of historical fiction thrown in. Iris’s nightmares terrified her. - first line While playing inVerdict: A seriously creepy middle grade story with a bit of historical fiction thrown in. Iris’s nightmares terrified her. - first line While playing in the first snow of the year, Iris and her best friend Daniel discover a forgotten graveyard. In the following days, they learn more about their town’s past. They find out that the schools and graveyards were both segregated and that the grave they found belonged to one of the first students of color to attend their school, Avery Moore. But when they disturbed her grave, they also awakened Avery’s ghost. Avery comes to Iris’s house at night through the window. She has been playing with Iris’s little sister and now she wants Iris to be her forever friend. This is pretty scary for a middle grade book (meaning 4th grade to 8th grade). We have this in our library and I will definitely be recommending it to kids looking for a spooky ghost story. ...more
Verdict: This haunting follow-up to Nightbooks finds Alex trapped in a nightmare, again. But the setting is unique, the villain is haunting his dreamsVerdict: This haunting follow-up to Nightbooks finds Alex trapped in a nightmare, again. But the setting is unique, the villain is haunting his dreams. Alex, Yasmin, and Lenore must find a way to work together or Alex may be stuck in dreams forever…
Alex Mosher found himself standing in a graveyard. - first line
I loved this follow-up to Nightbooks because I got to spend time with Alex, Yasmin, and Lenore again. And I got to read more of Alex’s spooky short stories. These stories are some of the best parts of the book. I love that the graveyard is where all of Alex’s unwritten story ideas go and how he must use them to survive once again. Yes, it is similar to Nightbooks, but there are enough unique details to make this another fantastic read. If your students enjoyed Nightbooks, they will love this one too. A must for Middle School library collections. ...more
Verdict: As always, a remarkably accurate picture of middle school life.
I love this graphic novel/prose series and kids love it too. There are two parVerdict: As always, a remarkably accurate picture of middle school life.
I love this graphic novel/prose series and kids love it too. There are two parts, one told from the point of view of one character in prose with pictures and one told from another character in graphic novel format. I’ve read all 6 in the series and they are all fantastic. ...more
Verdict: A terrifying sea monster that also walks on land?? There is no escape. But Coco, Ollie & Brian, along with their classmate Phil, know who is Verdict: A terrifying sea monster that also walks on land?? There is no escape. But Coco, Ollie & Brian, along with their classmate Phil, know who is behind this and they won’t let him win.
Spring in East Evansburg, and the rain poured down like someone had turned on a hose in the sky. - first line
This book went by so fast. It kind of felt like a placeholder for the next one, but I still enjoyed it. Ollie’s dad and Coco’s mom are along for the ride this time. But they don’t know about the Smiling Man. When Ollie’s dad is bitten by the monster, what will Ollie do to save him? The end is the best cliffhanger yet. I’m so glad the next book is already out or the wait would’ve killed me. ...more
Verdict: The Smiling Man’s final gambit in the form of a haunted carnival with creepy clowns - perfect!!
His friends said the carnival that year was spVerdict: The Smiling Man’s final gambit in the form of a haunted carnival with creepy clowns - perfect!!
His friends said the carnival that year was special, but Tim Jenkins didn’t believe it. - first line
I enjoyed this final entry in the Small Spaces series. My favorite of the series is probably the first one, but this one was definitely up there. There are scary clowns that can turn people into dolls, a haunted house that is a haven and also a prison. And Coco, Brian, and Phil have to figure out how to save Ollie with no clues at all (at first). And that cover!! The ending crept up on me a bit because I was reading the ebook and at the final page, there were still about 70 pages left. I thought I was only 70% or so done and then it ended. This was because there are samples of each book in the series at the end. So, I found the ending a bit too quick and disappointing but I’m not sure if that was because I was expecting so many more pages. *shrugs* I think fans of the series will enjoy the final act. I will definitely buy this one for our school library. ...more
Verdict: Book three doesn’t disappoint as the trio attempts to help ghosts outside of Shadow School.
Cordelia Liu settled into her usual spot and waiteVerdict: Book three doesn’t disappoint as the trio attempts to help ghosts outside of Shadow School.
Cordelia Liu settled into her usual spot and waited for a ghost to appear. - first line
It’s Cordelia, Benji, and Agnes’ last year at Shadow School. On a field trip they encounter a terrifying phantom capable of reanimating dead animals to attack them. This begins the final book in the trilogy. I will miss Cordelia, Benji & Agnes and of course, Shadow School. ...more
Verdict: A fantastic sequel with a cool new villain for the trio to battle.
A man stood in the corner of Ms. Dalton’s social studies classroom. - first Verdict: A fantastic sequel with a cool new villain for the trio to battle.
A man stood in the corner of Ms. Dalton’s social studies classroom. - first line
It’s Cordelia’s second year at Shadow School and she has freed hundreds of ghosts. But the ghosts are acting weird. They aren’t accepting their bright keys and don’t want to move on. The teachers are also acting weird. Benji and Agnes think Cordelia is overreacting but she is determined to figure out what is going on. ...more
*Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Their aunt was decidedly Sinister. - first line
Verdict: A*Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Their aunt was decidedly Sinister. - first line
Verdict: A gothic waterpark, hidden passageways, strange employees, a missing owner, and an odd mystery. This book is like a Series of Unfortunate Events and Scooby Doo had a baby. I loved it!!
The Sinister-Winterbottom kids, twins Theo and Alexander and their older sister Wilhelmina (along with her cell phone, Rodrigo) are staying with their Aunt Saffronia for the summer. They don’t know why - their parents just dropped them off. Aunt Saffronia has no idea how to take care of kids and doesn’t seem to have much food. She gets them tickets to the Fathoms of Fun water park where she drops them off every day. The waterpark is not what the kids expected - they don’t even have churros!! The waterpark is gray and dark instead of bright and colorful, and there aren’t many other people there. And then, Wil goes missing. Theo and Alexander must solve the mystery of the odd waterpark and save their sister.
I loved Theo’s bravery and Alexander’s cautious, rule-following nature. And I loved that both of them were willing to go against their natures to save their sister. Wil is your typical teen, always wrapped up in her phone, but she sees more than you think. The creepy atmosphere mixes perfectly with deadpan humor to create a delightful book that I seriously enjoyed. I recently read Hide by Kiersten White and loved it. I am so happy to see she writes books for middle grade and look forward to sharing this one (and the sequels) with my students!...more
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