Review: Marge in Charge

Jemima and Jake have a new babysitter. When they first meet her, Marge looks - normal and boring. But as soon as the adults leave, she's anything but. Her rainbow hair comes out and she looks younger - much younger.

While the siblings always have a crazy adventure, they still manage to get everything done on the list from their parents - but never in expected way. Because when Marge is in charge, new rules are made.

My Thoughts: The book consists of three short stories that are entertaining and amusing. Marge would be a fun babysitter to have as a kid and you can't help wishing she were your babysitter. I love the crazy wild ideas but also how everything works out. I love relationship between the siblings; it's sweet.

The pictures are fun, capturing the moments. I love how this book started out as bedtime stories for the author. I can see more Marge books in the future. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - it shows the chaos at times
Source: BEA Arc

Library Recommendations: A cute story that's perfect for kids with big imaginations (aka - everyone). Grab this one. 

On Your Radar (9):

Title: The Whisper in the Stone

Author:  Kamilla Benko

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: February 6, 2018

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Unicorns

* Sisters 
* An Old House Full of Magic
* Being Brave
* Guilds
* A Quest
* Ancient History
* Royalty
* An Old Riddle
* A Secret Society
* Evil Monsters
* Drawings
* Magic
* That ending

First in a new series

This one was talked about all over BEA this year. And just look at the cover. I was so happy to get a copy. I saved it for vacation reading. I loved this book.  (I accidentally read a bunch of it while creating this post.) I love books with quests and sisters. Plus unicorns.  I love that Claire was able to follow her sister. I love that she was able to put her fear aside and gather her courage to go after her sister. 

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Upcoming Review: Magic Misfits

Carter is a magician with morals he didn't inherit from his uncle. After a particularly heinous act, Carter realizes he's better off on his one. He runs away for a chance for a better life.

Off the train, he spots a carnival in town. But Carter's disappointed with the tricks until he meets an intriguing man. His magic is different; he's different.

Carter shows up at his magic shop. He discovers how much he likes Mr. Vernon and meets his daughter and her friends. Instantly Carter wishes to befriend the bunch. They all have their magic specialties.

Once they learn of an evil plot by the end of the carnival, they vow to take him down. Can they use magic to trick another magician?

My Thoughts: I had a hard time getting into this book (mostly  because the narrator would talk to the reader, thus pulling me out of the story). But once Carter met Mr. Vernon and showed up at the magic shop, I was hooked. I love how Mr. Vernon and Carter talked about magic and how Mr. Vernon tried to convince the boy that there really was magic in the world (just maybe not the way, he thought it would be.) I like how Carter learn that magic isn't always used as his uncle uses it. My heart ached for him - for the way he grew up and for his beliefs. But now that he's met Mr. Vernon and found friends, I think his outlook on the world will change. I loved the theme of friendship and family. I really liked the climax and the ending of this book. I'm eagerly waiting the next book in the series.

I really liked the magic tricks displayed in the book.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: ARC from BEA
Release Date: November 21st 2017 

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your Elementary School Libraries and your Public School Libraries! And maybe also a book on magic tricks. I have a feeling you might get asked about those after handing this book off to readers.

Graphic Novel Review: Swing it, Sunny!

Sunny's starting middle school and despite what she keeps telling her Grandfather, things are not fine. But she's determined to make the best of things and to be happy.

Especially when she sees her brother again and she finds that he's changed. Will he and Sunny be able to have a normal relationship again?

My Thoughts: Set in the 70s, this graphic novel is all heart. I love the setting and how it influences things - like TV dinners! Sunny's going through such a rough time and she's in middle school (the hardest year.) My heart aches for her, but I loved the ending and it's hopefulness. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: September 12, 2017

Graphic Novel Review: Brave

Jensen looks at middle school like a video game - one he's losing. Jensen has big dreams, but his reality isn't great. He's failing math, he doesn't have any real friends, and he's the target of major bullying.  He just wants things to get better and for maybe someone to save him a seat at lunch or someone to need his help with something.

My Thoughts: I just want to give Jensen a hug. I hate that he has no real friends and the people who he hangs out with him pick on him too. I love how he became brave and how people helped him understand the difference between friendship. I like the cast of characters and how passionate they are about their art, the newspaper, reading, or science. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA book (signed)

* I really hope there are more books coming in this series because I love them both. And I want to know more about the characters. 

Library Recommendation: Get both of them for your public and school libraries! Your middle graders will gobble these up!