I absolutely loved Song for a Whale, so I was excited to read Lynne KellThis review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I absolutely loved Song for a Whale, so I was excited to read Lynne Kelly’s next book. I didn’t think the stories would be connected, but it turns out that this one is a companion novel that focuses on a side character from Song (and the main character from Song is involved in the book a little bit later as well!). This story centers on Nina, a girl who relates to the birds and the outdoors more than she does to other kids. Her parents are a little overbearing and overprotective, so when her older sister suggests she go off to the summer camp their “strange” aunt owns, Nina figures it’s worth a try. She isn’t sure how long she’ll stay – she feels a bit out of place at the camp, not quite a camper, not quite a staff member… until she discovers a pair of rare, lost whooping cranes in the marsh near the camp. Suddenly, she has purpose – and a whole group of friends who call themselves the Oddballs – to keep her there.
This book is perfect for middle grade readers because it highlights those awkward years where you’re just never sure where you fit in. Nina’s passion for birds is contagious, and I actually think it will make readers want to go out and experience nature a bit for themselves! And there’s a certain sort of instant friendship that’s born at summer camps, which is depicted perfectly here (my daughter was always a bit of a Nina, and she bonded with kids at camp in a way she sometimes struggled to at home). The story does dive into sad territory a little bit, but quickly picks itself back up and shows the hopeful and bright side of the situation, something that I very much appreciated. I was definitely not disappointed in this as a follow-up to Song, but kids don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***...more
This review and a fun post with the author's Top Ten Addictions can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
When I picked up this book, I was This review and a fun post with the author's Top Ten Addictions can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
When I picked up this book, I was expecting a cute sports romance, but this story went much deeper than that. It does, in fact, focus on soccer (which will appeal to the huge number of MG girls who enjoy sports) and it also features a romance, using one of my favorite YA romance tropes: enemies who fall for each other without knowing it when they correspond anonymously. This is the first time I’ve seen this trope in a middle grade, probably because MG romance is just now becoming more common. The elements of the story that revolve around the broken friendship and the budding romance are all really compelling because I liked both MC’s and I was definitely rooting for them. It was nice to see the fracture in the friendship from both perspectives. But honestly the parts of the book I found most compelling were the subplots that had to do with Tory’s strained family relationships. I felt deeply for Tory–and I even cried at one point in the book when her world was crashing down around her. I wasn’t expecting to find myself so invested in Tory, but the fact that I was made her happy ending that much sweeter for me!
I would definitely recommend this book to kids who like contemporary reads, and it’s a great introduction to romance for those MG readers who aren’t quite ready for YA.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***...more
This lovely book enumerates the many many tasks that must happen before the school doors ever open! It will get kids thinking about the many people inThis lovely book enumerates the many many tasks that must happen before the school doors ever open! It will get kids thinking about the many people involved in their everyday lives that they might not even realize are behind-the-scenes. Adorably illustrated with playful animals, this story will appeal to kids who like to ask how and why!...more
This hilarious contemporary uses humor to talk about the important topicThis review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This hilarious contemporary uses humor to talk about the important topic of period equity. It’s about a pair of prankster best friends who decide to use their troublemaking skills for good instead of evil when they find a cause they truly care about. Some of their methods are a bit misguided at first, and it takes them a while to figure out how they can actually make a difference, but for once their hearts are in the right place. The book has a powerful and straightforward message about period equity, laying out the facts for readers as the kids fight to get period products in bathrooms, but it’s not boring or overly preachy because it’s so funny! I recommend this for books who are interested in activism, but also for any kid who likes a good laugh.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley (and I also won a physical copy). No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***...more
A beautifully written middle grade book about a girl who discovers a magThis review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
A beautifully written middle grade book about a girl who discovers a magical legacy passed down from her family, full of mystery and magic! In this story, Marjan discovers that her father, who was recently killed, was a veterinarian for magical creatures – and that she has inherited his mysterious power to connect to the beasts. My absolute favorite aspect of this book is the lyrical language – it is gorgeously written! Monsef’s writing style is #goals for me. And then there’s the plethora of magical creatures: a gryphon, a unicorn, a kitsune, and many more! Kids will be pulled in by the mystery of what happened to Marjan’s dad and also Marjan’s journey toward learning about her newfound abilities. She also has to avoid working for the villains who want to use the creature’s power for evil – if she can figure out who the villains are!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***...more
Courtesy of Cupid is the first true middle grade romance I can remember This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Courtesy of Cupid is the first true middle grade romance I can remember reading (where the romance is the primary focus of the book). In fact, it reads a lot like a YA romance, except that the relationship doesn’t make it all the way to kissing by the end of the book. It’s a classic rivals to crush romance where the MC (Erin) falls for the one person she’s trying hardest to one-up. And to make it all a bit more fun, there’s a hefty dose of magic when Erin discovers her dad is a Cupid – and she has the power of magical matchmaking. The story also involves a bit of middle grade angst and touches on family issues in a realistic but hopeful way. I recommend this book to any middle grader interested in romance!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***...more
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