Middle Grade Monday: Nothing to See Here

 

Winnie is having a terrible year. Her best friend is pulling away from her and joining the popular kids. Her parents took her phone away; she's the only kid in school who doesn't have a phone. Now there's a list going around rating girls in the class as Hot or Not. Guess which list she made...

When rumors start getting posted online - everyone is glued to their screens. It doesn't matter if what they're saying is true, everyone believes the rumors. Winnie and some other disgruntled students decide to start rumors of their own as an experiment. They hope to stop all the online hate and bullying. Can their idea make a difference?

My Thoughts: I felt terrible for all the kids in this book. I wouldn't want to grow up with social media. There's so much here to talk about: the friendship drama, cheating, phone privileges, bullying, gossip, the experiment, and fake news. I really love how the group of non-friends: 1) become friends and 2) create an experiment to play with fake news and rumors.  Also, I love that this was based off a news story. I hope this book makes readers think about their social media footprint. I hope it makes readers think about kindness. This subject is so important right now for middle school students and Barbara Dee handles it with perfection. I hope over the years, this becomes required reading. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: Book sent fore review

Library Recommendation: A must have for your school and public library collections - don't sleep on this one. 

Hand this book to: middle school students and parents of middle school students.

Release date: October 20, 2026.

Middle Grade Monday: Trouble at the Tangerine

Simon's family moves around - a lot. He's tired of moving and would love to stay in one place. He wants to put down roots, make some friends, and not worry about being perfect all the time. Simon's family runs a social media page. Simon doesn't mind social media, but it doesn't share real life. It doesn't talk about the loneliness he feels or leaving friends behind or not letting people know the real him. 

But on the first day they move it, a necklace is stolen. Because of the circumstances, the thief has to be someone inside the building. Simon's parents aren't thrilled with the theft and his father is already talking about their nect adventure. Simon teams up with his neighbor Amaya to discover the thief. He hopes that in they do, his parents will stop thinking about moving already.

My Thoughts: I really loved this mystery. I felt badly for Simon: 

1. His leg is broke and he's having a hard time getting around. 

2. He's hiding himself if order to make friends

3. He doesn't stay in touch with any of this past friends

I loved how Amaya and Simon investigated the people in the building. There's quite a cast of characters. I liked how things ended - especially with Simon making new friends. I love how social media tied inot this book. I hope this is the start of a series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A fun middle grade mystery, highly recommended for your school and public library collections. 

BookTok: People to Follow

First Read of 2024:

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian My first read of 2024 - a page turner, a thriller about influencers, and lots of twists. #booktok #thrillers #yabooks #influencer ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

On Your Radar (19)

Title: Just for Clicks

Author:  Kara McDowell

Publisher:  Amberjack

Publication Date: February 19, 2019

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Influencers

* Sisters

* Secrets

* Romance

* Mommy Blogger

* Fashion

* Reluctant Social Media Star

* Trust

* Debut Novel

* I reviewed this book for VOYA