YABookNerd

Monday, January 19, 2026

Middle Grade Monday: 2026 Middle Grade Books

Here are a few middle grade books I'm looking forward to reading this year:

Always interested heist/theft books

book 3 in the series

Really like this author/illustrator

I LOVE survival books (never want to live in one)

All the drama in this graphic novel

Very interested in this graphic adaptation

Can't wait to book 2

A reverse parent trap

Finding friends (And yourself)

Historical fiction

A mystery at a B&B

A growing up story

Dual timelines - one WWII and one present day - but something united them

Survival after a hurricane

7th book in the city spies series

First in a new series about codes and puzzles

Summer on Prince Edwards Island (I hope there's an Anne reference or two)

Saving the family cafe

Friendship break-up

retelling of Little Red Riding Hood

Discovering you're a Princess and the key to saving the world

Fake rumors, a hot list, and friendship drama. Always here for a Barbara Dee book.

Have you read any of these? Excited about any of these?

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Picture Book Review: Old Blue is my Home

One little girl has a love/hate relationship with her family's blue van. The van is also their home. Not everyone at school understands how it feels to be homeless.

This is a great book to teach empathy and to share that not everyone is fortunate to have a home. It is hopeful.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Plant a Seed: Summer Reading Kids (2)

Last week, I shared some craft ideas.

This week, I'm sharing some STEAM ideas - all from Pinterest

Host a paint night for kids

Make your own paint brush from nature

Leaf butterflies or any leaf animal

Lemon Volcanos

Sensory Garden Bin

Paint with Vegetables

Lego Flowers

Dandelion playdough

Bird Treat

Build a Bug Hotel

Make Plant paints (you can make spice paints too)

Come back next week for some great books for summer reading!

Friday, January 16, 2026

Review: Love Stories

Four girls who met in 5th grade and became best friends are now starting high school. They're excited and nervous. There are so many opportunities for the future. But it also means that everything is changing, they're pursuing their own interests - including crushes. Can they still find time for their friendship?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. There's SO MUCH drama: friendship drama and relationship drama. I loved reading about this group of girls four years later. I loved seeing them change and grow. I'm looking forward to what comes next for them because

book two is already out and I can't wait to read it!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your Taylor readers

Hand this to: All the Swifties

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Review Hidden Libraries

As a Librarian, it was fascinating to learn about so many libraries that are not your typical library.

There are a few that I need to put on my bucket list!

Each library has a two to four page spread highlighting the uniqueness of each library and the main attraction of their collection.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Picture Book Wednesday: Mary had a Little Jam

Mary loves creating music; she desires a group of musicians. Before long, she has lots of people interested B ut everyone wants to be the star. Can they learn to play together?

Practice is the answer - so much practice. Mary and her friends have a great time together. This book has lots of nursery rhyme easter eggs.

* this is the third book in the series

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: 1/2 of the year

This week's topic is books most anticipated during the first half of the year. I haven't done too much research to what's coming out and I do have several books for review already.