Middle Grade Monday: Theft of the Ruby Lotus

 

Ria is unhappy with her mother. For years, her mother's worked at the MET. Now she's suddenly changed jobs and Ria's going to be forced to move to Germany. Ria's angry. She doesn't even want to attend the sleepover at the MET with her school.

But a mysterious package arrives at the house. It's a ruby. Ria can't help but wonder if it's the ruby that was stolen from the sword at the museum. Maybe this is why her mother lost her job. Maybe if she can put the ruby back, everything will be ok.

She enlists the help of her two best friends. But as they work to achieve their goal, thieves interrupt them. The thieves steal the sword. Now Ria and her friends will have to locate the sword, add the ruby back, and hope that no one is the wiser. 

Why I Read it: I love heist books

My Thoughts: I love how this was inspired by another book - From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. There are some trust issues in this book: between Ria and her mom but also between Ria and a new boy. There's a little bit of romance here. There's a lot of talk about museums and their "belongings" - I really liked this discussion. It's a great point. This book was a really fun read - lots of twists and turns, lots of great characters, and a real sense of community. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great middle school book for your school or public library.

Review: Like We Were in Paris

 

Ben is super excited for the school's French Trip in Paris. He's been wanting to go to Paris forever. It's the city where his parents fell in love. After the death of his father, it's more important than ever. He created a list of things to do in the City of Love - one of them is to get over his ex-boyfriend.

But Paris doesn't go as planned. On the first outing to the Louvre, his phone is stolen. He ends up chasing the phone with the chaperone missing the famous art museum - and the Mona Lisa. He can barely eat his dinner. When the free time rolls around for the evening, his teacher insists he stay with Tyler. 

Tyler used to be Ben's best friend before he moved away. Then he moved back and barely spoke to Ben. Ben doesn't understand. Did Tyler forget all the memories they made. Is Tyler mad at him? Either way, Ben is NOT spending his time in Paris with Tyler. He goes his separate ways, but without a phone, he loses track of time.

The hostel where they are staying lock the doors precisely at 10:00 pm. The boys are supposed to be back before. But he's one minute late and the doors are locked. No amount of knocking is working. Ben can't believe he has to spend the night on the streets and will most likely be kicked off of the trip. He's stunned to learn that Tyler is also locked out because he was looking for Ben.

Now they have the night to figure things out, cross off items from Ben's list, and to have the time of their lives.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved that we wandered through the streets of Paris with Ben and Tyler. I loved that it took place (mostly) within 24 hours. I loved how to relationship changed between the two boys and that we saw their friendship from the past. I really liked the other students on the trip. I loved the Ben had a list of all that he wanted to accomplish in Paris - and how even though most of them didn't turn out the way he imagined, he did check them off. I love that this book had me looking up item mentioned. I didn't want this book to end! 

Warning: the book make cause you to want to go wander the streets of Paris.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: A must have book for your school and public library. 

Middle Grade Review: Breaking the Ice

 

Harper loves hockey. She used to eat, sleep, and play hockey. But ever since her competitive nature accidentally injured a teammate, she took herself off the team. She hasn't put skates on since. Harper can't quit all together, which is why she has a job at the hot chocolate place at the rink. 

She befriends a new boy - Jason, who's been making waves in the figure skating world. She's enjoyed talking with someone who doesn't know about her past. He challenges her to get back on the ice. 

For Harper it's not that simple. Then she's pressured into mentoring a younger hockey player. Harper keeps herself sidelined, but it's getting harder and harder. Will her old friends and her new friends help her break her self-imposed ban from the ice?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. There's a little bit for everyone here: sports, friendship drama, romance, and healing. It's about believing in yourself. I felt badly for Bea, Harper's best friend. And I'm glad she pushed herself back into Harper's life. I like how all the athletes had different pressures on them but also how they worked through them. I loved the showcase at the end. Warning: it WILL make you want to drink hot chocolate and maybe experiment with flavors. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

 Previously Published as: Cocoa Crush

Library Recommendation: A great sports book with a little romance and a lot of hot chocolate. Highly recommended for your school and public library. 

Middle Grade Review: Magnitude

Cora leaves the apartment early one morning, heading for the docks. On her way there, she meets a Chinese girl on a bike. She's being harassed by the boys who bully her. Cora helps Zhi escape the bullies, but they can't escape what's coming next.

A large earthquake hits. Buildings fall. Both Cora and Zhi are stuck underground. They're running out of time. But they're rescued by Cora's old friend. When Cora and Zhi realize the damage to the city, they're dumbfounded. They have to get back to their families.

The water pipes burst. The city is on fire. Thieves are on the loose. Can the three of them of find their families and make it somewhere safe?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this historical fiction disaster book. I loved walking/running the city with the three main characters. I didn't know much about this disaster, but from the book it's clear that it was terrifying event. I felt badly for Cora and Oliver and their family feud breaking up their friendship prior to the book, but I'm glad they were able to reconnect. I love how the book ended. Reading this book makes me want to read a nonfiction account of this disaster and the aftermath. Come for the historical fiction but stay for the action and danger. Readers won't want to but this one down. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have historical fiction novel for your school and public library. 

Middle Grade Review: Right Back at You

Mason's parents have separated. He's very angry at his dad. Guys at school are bulling him. His mom has checked out and drinks too much. He's at his wit's end. His therapist suggests he write a letter to someone. He chooses Albert Einstein because of the book he's reading. After he writes the letter, he places it in his closet so no one will find it.

However, the letter travels through a wormhole to a girl's closet in 1987. At first Mason doesn't believe Talia, but after they exchange more letters, he can't help but trust in this strange phenomenon.

Talia has bulling troubles of her own. The boys in her class are bullying her because she's Jewish. None of the adults are taking it seriously, except for her parents. But that just makes everything worse.

The more they write letters, the more they become a lifeline for each other.

Why I read this book: Loved the concept and I love epistolary novels

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It had so many important pieces. I'm so glad that Mason and Talia found each other. The time difference added some humor to the story. I wanted to give them both hugs for all they were going through with family drama and bullying. I really love how the two friends supposed each other. The antisemitism was hard to read, but I was proud for Talia and how she stood up for herself - even if her friends would not. I love how that storyline turned out. This is an important read that clearly still relevant today. as bullies are everywhere. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - Love all the pieces of the keychain

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries 

Middle Grade Review: Outside

Razzi knows she's never supposed to go outside, but it doesn't make her curious about things. It's not safe. Ollie tried going outside and he died.

But sometimes you have to break the rules...

My Thoughts: This book was interesting - it burrowed deep under my skin. It's given me a LOT to think about. There are a lot of pieces here and the whole picture slowly begins to take shape. There were a couple pieces that I didn't understand, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. I couldn't put this book down; I had to figure out what happened. 

Cover Thoughts: Enticing, but not part of the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school or public library collection.

Middle Grade Review: Blood in the Water

Kaylani's having a hard year. Her father's is in prison. Her friends have dropped her. Now it's summer. She's been invited to Martha's Vineyard for the summer with family friends. She's never been there before and she's not sure she really wants to go. But she goes for her father.

Oak Bluffs is nice; there are a lot of wealthy Black people with summer homes. Kaylani's staying with the Watsons and their two granddaughters. She's sharing a room with London. London is not thrilled with the idea, but she does show her guest around. 

The two girls run into London's older sister Cassie sneaking out to a party. They beg to go. The party gets busted up by the cops. Kaylani and London end up separated from Cassie on the way home. 

The next day, they learn about the death of a boy at the party. His death was made to look like an accident, but someone killed him. 

My Thoughts: I almost didn't read this one because it's described as a horror novel. And it's not. It's a thriller. I'm so glad that I read it because I tore through this book. I loved it. I loved that it was summer on Martha's Vineyard. I wanted to give Kaylani a hug for all the struggles. She was brave and strong; I admired her. I didn't like London or Cassie; they were jerks. But I did like Miles. I loved the cameo from the library. 

Cover Thoughts: So good!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended thriller for your middle grade school and public library collection. 

Middle Grade Review: The Best Worse Summer of Esme Sun

Esme has two sisters who have their talents. Esme isn't good at anything, but maybe this summer can change that. When her friend is away for the summer, Esme is happy to be swimming at the pool. She grew over the last year. She has to learn to turn again. At the qualifying meet, Esme and her friends each come out near the top during the races. Could Esme finally be good at something?  

Her new friends are "cooler" than Esme. Esme promises the coolest girl that she will be more chill. But Esme can't help being excited about swimming and maybe breaking a pool record.  Can she and her new friends remain friends throughout the summer?

Will this summer be the best or the worst?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. There's so much friendship and family drama. I wasn't Tegan's biggest fan or a huge fan of Esme's mom. Esme isn't ready to grow up yet and I loved that she figured that out. She found things and people that made her happy. I loved the moments about swimming and being part of the team. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library 

Middle Grade Review: Risky Business

* Book 2 of the The Liars Society *

Now that Weatherby and Jack have determined they're family, they can't be separated. Their parents are not fond of their relationship and forbid them to visit each other's houses. Weatherby and her mom move into the guest house on Jack's property. 

They both have been invited to participate in a game to join a secret society. But the games aren't easy. Especially this time around - someone has it in for Weatherby. The stakes rise with each level of the game. Who is coming for Weatherby?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - lots of action, danger, and lots of drama. I felt badly for Weatherby with someone coming after her - the games were no joke. I really liked all the puzzles the society creating.  All the family stuff was interesting - from both sides. There are some really horrible people.  I loved Weatherby with her best friend- they were super cute together. There are a lot of secrets in this book. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I'm so curious so see where the next book is headed. 

Cover Thoughts: Love the secret bookcase 

Why I Read This: Loved the first book

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your middle grade school and public library collections. 

Hand this to Readers: who love puzzle books and action books

Middle Grade Review: The Trouble with Sunshine

 

Dorani lives her life boldly. She's been sent to the principal's office for bringing a banned book, Anne Frank's Diary. She called her mother to meet her, but her mother never shows up. Instead, she dies on the side of the road. It's just been Dorani and her mother. Her estranged aunt shows up and takes Dorani home. 

Dorani's used to the city life as she lives in Miami. Her aunt lives on a ranch in the middle of no where - in Wyoming. Her aunt is used to caring for horses, not children. On the first day, Dorani gets locked out of the house and finds the barn.

Inside the barn, there a horse who is also grieving. Sunshine lost her family too. Dorani hasn't been around horses before, she Sunshine is easy to talk to. Sunshine responds to her. Can they use each other to help heal themselves?

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Dorani - she felt that it was her fault her mother died. She was ripped away from her hometown, her friends and family to live in a place that's wildly different. I wanted to give her a hug. I love how she and her aunt struggled to find their connections. I loved how Dorani made friends and how she stood up for them in her new school. The new school assumed that she didn't speak English - which is not cool, but I admired how she handled it. I love how things turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Why I read this: Honestly, the cover sold me. I love horse books

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school or public library.

Hand this book to: Horse girls but also any student who needs a warm hug

Middle Grade Monday: Meet Me on Mercer Street

Kacie comes back to town after spending the summer with her cousins to discover that everything has changed. Her best friend has moved away without saying goodbye. The grocery store her family owned is being turned into a chain store. What is happening to her neighborhood? Kacie has all these questions, but no one is giving her answers. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and it's exploration of what makes a community. I felt terrible for Kacie discovering that her friend left without saying goodbye. But I love how she found a new friend. I love how she draws everything and then is able to share things that happened. And that ending! It's a delightful story. This is a hybrid novel - half novel and half graphic novel.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: The tagline hooked me (Harriet the Spy meets Front Desk)

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your graphic novel collection.

On Your Radar (56): If Anything Happens to Me

Title: If Anything Happens to Me

Author: Luanne Rice

Publisher: Scholastic

Date Published: September 17

Why It Should be On Your Radar:

Creepy!

Sisters

Bird Watching

Friendship

Grief

Quick Timeline: most of the book takes place within 48 hours

Takes place in Connecticut

Greek Mythology

Thriller

Verdict: This book is really creepy! But I didn't want to put it down.

** ARC sent for review

Middle Grade Review: Heroes

Frank and Stanley are best friends, growing up on Pearl Harbor. They love superheroes and work together to create comic books. Frank writes the stories and Stanley draws them. They were meeting with a family friend on the USS Utah for a tour. 

The tour has barely started when Japanese planes flew overhead dropping bombs. From that moment on, Frank and Stanley's lives were in danger. They fight to make their way back home. 

Frank is white and Stanley is Japanese American. While the boys get back home, Stanley's mother recognizes that things have changed. She's burying their Japanese ancestry items.  People start looking at them differently afterwards. 

Even when they get home, the boys are not safe. 

My Thoughts: The story takes place in three parts: Before, During, and After. I loved the different parts and the fact that the book took place mostly in one day. There's lot of action and danger that kept me turning the pages quickly. I felt terrible for both the boys for all the horrors they witnessed. However, I felt worse for Stanley has he dealt with racism from people who had known his family.  While this book doesn't go much beyond the day of the attack, it does talk about the horrific history of the Japanese internment camps. I really enjoyed the question that this book sets out to answer: What makes a hero? I love how it worked as a topic for the main characters but also for the country. The point that we joined the war after an attack and not before raises some questions.  This is a great book for an introduction to Pearl Habor and the reasons America joined to war. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: Checked out from the library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection.

Middle Grade Book: Just Keep Walking

 

I read this book and was so impressed with Jo. 

She hiked and hiked and hiked.

While I'm an amateur hiker, this is nowhere on my level. 

Here are some previous posts about hiking.:

About Me

Bryce National Park and Zion National Park

Rocky Mountains

Grand Canyon

Acadia National Park

I loved how Jo talked about books (Little Women and Anne of Green Gables for the win!)

@yabooknerdlibrarian Are you a hiker? Jo and her mom start a massive hiking journey together- can they accomplish their goal? #hiking #middlegradebooks #survival #booktok @Scholastic ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: Best Wishes: Time After Time

 

Lucy is excited about the class field trip to the Natural History Museum - but the day goes worse than she ever imagined. At the end of the day, she receives a package with a magic bracelet. She wishes for a do-over day to right the wrongs. 

But the wish doesn't go the way she expects either. Lucy's stuck living the same day over and over again. And it never seems to get better. How can she make anything better?

My Thoughts: Book three in the series is a Groundhog's Day situation is cute. Imagine the worst day ever and having to relive it over and over again. I love how Lucy tried to change things and when that didn't work, she problem solved to make things better. Her problem solving was clever. I loved the chats between Addie, Becca, and Lucy. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your library's collection 

Review: Key Player

 

Mia Tang is play to win! The Women’s World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever―especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when . . . 1. The two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests. 2. Mr. Yao is back at the motel―as a co-owner! Jason is sure his dad deserves a second chance. Mia is not so sure. 3. Mia’s parents are trying to buy a house of their very own, which turns out to be a LOT harder than they thought! As Mia aims for her goals, she'll have to face strikers from all corners, as well as her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win big, it's Mia Tang! - summary from the publisher.

My Thoughts: I Love this series and Kelly Yang! This book was perfect, and it gave me ALL the feels. I felt so bad for Mia as she struggled with how to be "American" even though everyone judged her as Chinese.  I loved reading Jason's father's journal entries. It was interesting to see a different side of him. I loved the soccer moments - from Mia playing in school to searching for the players to meeting the players to the Big Game. My heart ached for Hank and what he went through. I loved the mathletes story. My heart hurts at all the racist comments and I just want to hug Mia!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: This is a MUST HAVE series for your library collection.

Review: The Sister Switch

 

* Book 2 in the Best Wishes series * 

Addie is the middle sister - and she feels ignored. It's hard being the middle sister. When a bracelet arrives in the mail for her, she puts it on. Without thinking, she makes a wish. Addie wishes she were no longer the middle sister. 

And a Freaky Friday is pulled. She's immediately transported into her older sister's body. Her youngest sister is now herself and her oldest sister is now the youngest. 

It makes like (especially homework) challenging. Addie's loving the relaxed rules. As Sophie, she has her own room. She has her own phone. But she misses her friends. Her older sister doesn't have any friends. That's when Addie decides to make her sister's life better. Addie's determined to help her sister gain friends and stop worrying so much about schoolwork.

But is that what she's supposed to do? How will they switch back and when?

My Thoughts: This is a super cute Freaky Friday story. I'm a fan of both Sarah Mlynoswki and Debbie Rigaud's book.  

I love the moments between the sisters - when they were fighting and when they were trying to help each other. I liked the connections to Book 1 with Becca coming into the story. I'm even more curious about the woman who wants to steal the bracelet. 

I can't wait to see where the bracelet ends up next.

Book 3 with a new co-author:

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: A must have series for your school and public library! 

Review: Controlled Burn

 

Maia's lucky. Or so they say. 

She's lucky:

She had an inkling something was wrong

She's lucky she smelled smoke

She's lucky she pulled her sister to safety

But Maia would also tell you that she caused the fire. That she feels guilty for wasting time. That she froze before pulling her sister out of the house. That she wishes she had been braver. 

When her parents drop her off at her grandparent's house for the summer, Maia can't help but feel it's her punishment. But she decides to attempt to conquer her fears and learn to control her anxiety. Can she become a braver version of herself? 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I wanted to wrap Maia up in a hug. I felt so badly for her. But I am also so proud of her - for so many reasons. I loved her adventures at her grandparents house - her new friends - and finding her braver self. I loved the moments in the box fort. I loved the moments with the dog and the deer. I love how Maia began to understand her grandfather. I tore through this book, not wanting it to end, but also wanting Maia to find comfort and to forgive herself. Grief and healing are in the forefront of this novel. I also loved the nature moments and how Maia found herself loving the outdoors.

Cover Thoughts: Spooky

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library's collection

BookTok: Best Wishes

 

 A charming start to a brand-new series about wishes, friendship, and living your best life.

What would you wish for???

@yabooknerdlibrarian Becca’s having the worst day ever until she gets a bracelet in the mail that says Make a Wish! What would you wish for??? #bestwishes #middlegradebooks #booktok #newbook ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

* this book was sent for review

Review: This is Not a Drill

 

Ava is having a terrible day - her parents are getting divorced, she's fighting with her friends, and he's spending lunch in the bathroom.

Which is a problem because the school goes into lockdown and it's not a drill.

Ava's on the outside but she needs to find a classroom pronto. But all the classrooms are locked and there is no one in the hall. To make matters worse, she forgot to charge her phone at night. With low battery, Ava attempts to make her way to safety. 

But there is someone in the school that wants to harm them...

My Thoughts: Told entirely in text messages, this book gave me all the feels. I felt for Ava for her troubles, especially her fights with her friends. I worried for all of them during lock down. I laughed at the fruit cocktail moments. I cheered Ava finding her way. I held my breath at tense moments. And I hoped everything would turn out. This was a powerful read that I couldn't put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Powerful

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school and public libraries.