Middle Grade Review: The Loss of the Burying Ground

 

n this twisting, page-turning read, shipwrecked teen girls from opposing sides of a long war must find common ground in order to survive.

When the Burying Ground goes down in neutral waters, it sends the delegations from two warring nations—and the peace treaty they were about to sign—to the bottom of the ocean. The only survivors are a pair of teen girls: Cora, daughter of a Duran newspaper man, and Vivienne, lady’s maid to an Ariminthian princess. Neither has known a time when war between their two countries did not rage, but now they must learn to trust each other if they are to find sustenance, avoid dangerous pirates, and have any hope of rescue from the remote island they washed up on. However, in the midst of a conflict steeped in fierce national identity, propaganda, disinformation, and radicalization, finding a common path forward seems nearly impossible, for both Cora and Vivienne and their respective countries. But when the teens’ politically charged rescue seems likely to extend the war, Cora and Vivienne realize they do have a shared purpose: peace. If only it isn’t too late. - summary from the publisher 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I like how the girls hated each other at first but then realized they had similar goals. I liked the way they started to work together even though they didn't trust each other. There were lots of twists and turns in this book. The ending sets it up for a sequel; I'm looking forward to reading more about these two girls.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great book for your school and public library's collection.

Middle Grade Review: The McNifficents

Lord Tennyson is having a hard time this summer keeping the six McNiff children occupied and out of trouble. It's not an easy job. The two oldest are fighting constantly, the baby won't walk, the little siblings are afraid of everything, and one insists on keeping a secret pet snake. The house is never clean. And they have new baby chicks and two rescue bunnies on top of everything else. It's too much for one dog to handle, but he's doing his absolute best (minus the chicken incident).

My Thoughts: There's so much sibling drama in this book - it's great. While it is contemporary, it also has that nostalgic feel. It did remind me of the Vanderbeekers or the Penderwick books. And that ending made me cry so much! 

And one of YOU lucky readers get to have your own copy.

Amy Makechnie is gifting one today to a U.S. resident

Isn't that so nice?

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Middle Grade Review: Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche

 

* Book 7 in the Enola Holmes series *

Sherlock Holmes isn't thrilled that his sister is butting her nose into his latest case. Of course, there were extenuating circumstances. Enola couldn't help getting involved when a young woman showed up at his door with a curious letter about her sister's death. 

Letita knows that her twin sister is not dead, but she doesn't know how to prove it. Enola is quite happy to look into the case. Something is desperately wrong, and nothing adds up. Enola decides to go undercover where she learns more about the Earl and barely escapes in the process. 

Her run in with the Earl only makes Enola more determined to uncover the entire truth. 

My Thoughts: I was so happy when the success of the Netflix movie meant more books and more movies! I liked the addition of Sherlock to this book and how the siblings worked together. I enjoyed seeing some old favorite characters from previous books. I enjoyed this mystery and its quirky moments. There are some horrific moments in this book, which I can't talk about without spoilers. Another fun book.

Cover Thoughts: Nice

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommend this series for schools and public libraries 

If you like historical middle grade mysteries:

Review: Violets are Blue

 

Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup—special effect makeup, to be exact. When she is experimenting with new looks, Wren can create a different version of herself. A girl who isn’t in a sort-of-best friendship with someone who seems like she hates her. A girl whose parents aren’t divorced and doesn’t have to learn to like her new stepmom.

So, when Wren and her mom move to a new town for a fresh start, she is cautiously optimistic. And things seem to fall into place when Wren meets potential friends and gets selected as the makeup artist for her school’s upcoming production of Wicked.

Only, Wren’s mom isn’t doing so well. She’s taking a lot of naps, starts snapping at Wren for no reason, and always seems to be sick. And what’s worse, Wren keeps getting hints that things aren’t going well at her new job at the hospital, where her mom is a nurse. And after an opening night disaster leads to a heartbreaking discovery, Wren realizes that her mother has a serious problem—a problem that can’t be wiped away or covered up.

After all the progress she’s made, can Wren start over again with her devastating new normal? And will she ever be able to heal the broken trust with her mom?  - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I loved this one. Over the past few years, Barbara Dee has become an auto-read for me and an auto-buy author for the library. Her books hit home and they cover important topics. This was was super cool with the plot line about special effects make-up and social media. I loved the bits about friendship, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself. I felt terrible for Wren and wanted to give her a great big hug. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it - but you have to read the book in order for it to make sense. 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Must Have book for school and public libraries. 

Review: Curse of the Phoenix

 

Zac and Lu's father is having a hard time parenting them after their mother died. He's spending them to England to spend the summer with relatives they've never met. When he leaves them at the airport, the twins are certain it's going to be the worst summer ever.

But then they discover the stories their mother told them were not just stories. The creatures from those stories are real. And their family must take care of them all - it's their curse.

For the first time ever, Zac can spend time outside - without feeling sick and miserable. Lu vows to watch over him. But the two of them get into more trouble together than apart. Will their trouble cause a rift in the family and change everything?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved how the twins had to learn about this new world bit by bit - layer by layer. I loved meeting the new creatures - even if they were harmful and a bit scary. I loved how the twins came together after being apart for so long - they were really sweet even when they were annoyed with each other. I felt bad for the family - who didn't want the curse and didn't enjoy being caretakers. I really liked the ending!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection - very eye catching 

Source: ARC sent for Review

Library Recommendation:  A great middle grade fantasy for your school and public libraries. Highly recommended. 

Review: Best Worst Summer

Peyton's not thrilled about summer this year. Her parents just moved their family. She doesn't know anyone in town. And she desperately misses her best friend. When he father suggests weeding their new garden, Peyton discovers a time capsule buried in the backyard.

Figuring out the time capsule leads Peyton to the public library for a cassette player. There she meets a boy, who confides in about the time capsule.  Inside the box, Peyton found an apology and one half of a best friend necklace. Something happened between these two best friends. Peyton's determined to uncover the secret in hope that what happened to those friends Doesn't happen to her and Lily. 

Her new friend agrees to help her figure out the story behind the box. Can they solve the mystery behind the box and the ruined friendship?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the dual timelines and the dual perspectives. I loved both summers - the one that was going to be the worst but ended up better AND the one that was going to be the best but turned out to be the worst. The time capsule (and the second timeline) are from 1989. I loved the 1989 references - to music, fashion, and slang. It put me right back in my childhood - probably around the same age as Jessica and Melissa. It was interested to see the town from both timelines - to see what changed and what remained the same. I loved the friendship moments and the parallels between the two friendships years apart. I'm a huge fan of the author's work, so I wasn't surprised to love this book. If you're a 90s kid, this book is for YOU!

Of course, I loved to NKOTB mentions. How can you not love these killer dance moves?

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great friendship story for your school and public libraries - Highly Recommended. 

Review: Gilded Girl

 

Emma Harris is late to learning about magic. But her father drops her off at Miss Posterity's Academy for Practical Magic where she hopefully has time to catch up before the kindling ritual. Emma's father spares no expense for his father. As such, she becomes a favorite amongst the other students.

Until, an accident claims the life of her father. Now penniless, Emma's forced to work at the school. Gone are her fancy clothes and belonging. Gone is her comfortable room and days filled with lessons. Now she's a scullery maid and shares a room with Izzy.

Emma can tell that Izzy's not thrilled at having to show her the ropes. But gradually they begin to talk. Izzy lets it slip that she's not interested in having here magic eliminated because she's not from the higher society. She means to perform the kindling ritual. But, she'll need Emma's help to complete the task. Emma's not sure she wants to. However, reluctantly, they come up with a plan. And they cross their fingers that everything comes out they way they need it to...

My Thoughts: This delightful novel is The Little Princess meets magic. It's charming. I loved the bits about magic and learning about the kindling ritual with Izzy and Emma. I loved how Emma learned more about the world - but I also wanted to give her a great big hug. I really loved the house dragon, the way the house moves rooms, the library, Emma's new friend Tom and his family, and of course, the magic. This novel touches on true friendship, class and society, snobbery and bullies, and kindness. And I loved the ending - simply magical. This book soothed my heart and made me believe in goodness in the world again.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

And I'm ever so happy there's a follow up book out next year!

Middle Grade Review: Charlie Thorne and the Lost City

Book 2 in the Charlie Thorne Series

Charlie Thorne's living on a small island on the Galapagos Islands. She's not exactly hiding but she's certainly been laying low. When a stranger asks her for help, she realizes it's the end of her time there. The stranger wants her help decoding a message left by Charles Darwin about a great treasure.

Charlie's interested in learning more, but she's not surprised when the stranger double crosses her. Luckily, Charlie always has a back-up plan. This time in the form of her CIA agent half-brother.

She pushes him to help her find the treasure. What changed Charles Darwin so much during his travels?

My Thoughts: Another fun Charlie Thorne book packed full of action, danger, and secrets. I love how Charlie's the smartest person in the room. She looks at all the options. I enjoyed the trek through the jungle - and I'm glad I didn't have to experience it in person. This book tackled the topic of evolution in an interesting manner. I can't wait to read more Charlie Thorne books.

Cover Thoughts: Action packed

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Distress Signal

 

Just before the class campout, Lavender and her BFF Marisol start having trouble. Lavender's forced to sit with someone else on the bus and share a tent with another girl. She's certain she can get Marisol back - if she could just get her alone. So she during a break from hiking, she lies to get time alone with her best friend. But the plan backfires. In more ways than one.

There's a flash flood warning that catches the class off guard. Lavender's forced to separate from her class to save the classmates she put in jeopardy. In doing so, they, along with another boy, become cut off from the class. They're forced to climb a tree to stay alive.

When the flash flood ends, debris has piled up forcing them to find their own way. In the foursome with two enemies, they can't get along long enough to come up with a solution. Mistakes and accidents happen. 

Something's going to have to change before long if they want to survive.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book about figuring out friendships and being stuck in the wilderness. I loved the action and the danger. And how these four kids handled everything - coming together when it counted. I liked that they all had skills and knowledge to share. 

Cover Thoughts: Awesome

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A fun thriller for your middle grade's public and school library collections. 

Blog Tour: City of Spies

About The Book:

Title: CITY SPIES

Author: James Ponti

Pub. Date: March 10, 2020

Publisher: Aladdin

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, audiobook

Pages: 384

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B and N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

In this new series James Ponti brings together five kids from all over the world and transforms them into real-life spies.

Sara Martinez is a hacker. She recently broke into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents as cheats and lawbreakers. However, instead of being hailed as a hero, Sara finds herself facing years in a juvenile detention facility and banned from using computers for the same stretch of time. Enter Mother, a British spy who not only gets Sara released from jail but also offers her a chance to make a home for herself within a secret MI6 agency.

Operating out of a base in Scotland, the City Spies are five kids from various parts of the world. When they’re not attending the local boarding school, they’re honing their unique skills, such as sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives. All of these allow them to go places in the world of espionage where adults can’t.

Before she knows what she’s doing, Sarah is heading to Paris for an international youth summit, hacking into a rival school’s computer to prevent them from winning a million euros, dangling thirty feet off the side of a building, and trying to stop a villain…all while navigating the complex dynamics of her new team.

No one said saving the world was easy…

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the beginning and learning more about Sara. I enjoyed the moments when she met the rest of the team - and how they wanted to see her first. I enjoyed her interactions with the team and learning more about the FARM. I enjoyed her first mission and how it related to school and also the environment. I loved learning more about the team and how they each had their specialties but also how they came together. I loved the secret buildings. I liked how the background of each characters was interspersed throughout the book and the perspectives changed. 

I do hope this is the first book in a new series!

Cover Thoughts: Amazing. It drew me in right away.
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries.

And if you like spy books...

About James:

James Ponti was born in Italy, raised in Florida, and went to college in California. After receiving a degree in screenwriting from the USC Film School, he began a career writing and producing television shows for the likes of Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, Spike TV, History Channel, and Golf Channel. James loves writing, travel, and the Boston Red Sox. He lives with his family in Maitland, Florida.

Photo by Elena Seibert Photography.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

Three lucky winners will receive a finished copy of CITY SPIES, US Only.

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Follow the Rest of the Tour:

Week Two:

3/9/2020	Wonder Struck	Review
3/10/2020	fictitious.fox	Review
3/11/2020	momfluenster	Review
3/12/2020	Two Points of interest	Review
3/13/2020	Savings in Seconds	Review

Review: Maybe He Just Likes You

When Mila receives an unwanted hug from a boy, she doesn't think too much about it. But the next day, things change. There's another hug. Comments. Knowing glances.  Mila doesn't know what's happening, but she's not happy.

As things get worse, she's not sure who to talk to. Her friends don't seem to understand. She tries to talk to the boys, but they don't stop their actions. No where seems safe.

At least, she has two weeks of karate lessons at the gym. That seems to help, but once the free classes are over, Mila's mom can't afford to send her to class.

Mila isn't sure what to do. She's only sure that she feels uncomfortable and wants it to stop. How can she make things better?

My Thoughts: Wow - this was one powerful book. I couldn't put it down. The chapters are short and pull your right along. I felt terrible for Mila - for the unwanted attention, for the hardships of her home life, and for her friends not understanding. I just wanted to give her a giant hug and tell her everything was going to be ok. I loved the ending. I loved how she took action, even though it ruined things, she finally found her voice. I loved that the teacher looked beyond everything and understood and dealt with the situation. A really well done story for the #MeToo world - because it does start young. And girls need to figure out how to deal with unwanted attention. I can't say enough about this book.

This book should be required reading for all middle grade students and this book should be talked about at length among the teachers, students, and everyone who works in a school. 

Cover Thoughts: Good
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A MUST HAVE book for your school and public libraries.

Upcoming Review: Paris Project

Cleveland hates her hometown, but she has a plan to leave. She can't wait. She's going to gain cultures and then move to Paris. The first step - take ballet lessons. Her sister pays for lessons, but on the first day, Cleveland gets kicked out of the school.

It totally wasn't her fault. But without ballet, will her own plan fall apart? How will her life get better if she's forced to stay in Florida with small minded people? 

My Thoughts: I was excited to read this book because of the Paris aspect, but there's so much more going on in this book. I really liked it. I loved the relationship between the sisters. I liked reading about Cleveland's incarcerated father - because I haven't read many middle grade books with a parent in jail. My heart broke for her as she struggled with her relationship with him - trust issues, sadness at his being behind bars, missing him, and anger. I loved her obsession with Paris. I liked her friendship with Declan, especially the foodie parts. There's so much going on here that I just wanted to wrap Cleveland up in a hug and tell her it will be okay.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: BEA signed ARC
Release Date: October 8, 2019
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Hope

Hope's nervous about attending middle school, especially since she and her BFF Sam won't be in the same classes. Hope's happy she placed in the advance classes, but she's going to miss her friend. Maybe the Science Club will help her friend more people.

But as soon as she mentions that to her new lab partner, Hope's stunned to learn that there are only boys in Science Club. Now Hope's determined to join and to bring along a few girls too.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's all about friendship, science club, navigating middle school, and making everyone feel welcome. I love how Hope joined the Science Club and fought for her voice to be heard. I love that she wanted to include other girls in the science club and make everyone an equal part. Of course, she makes mistake and tries to atone for her behavior. I love what they turned into the competition. And the illustrations were cute too. I'm curious to see if this will be the start of a new STEAM series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC from BEA
Library Recommendation: Grab this book for your school and public libraries; it's a great STEAM feminist book.

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Middle Grade Review: Dragon Pearl

A government official comes to Min's house and informs her mother that her oldest son has turned traitor and left the cadets. He's now missing.

Min doesn't believe the official. She loses her temper and knocks hi unconscious. She flees her home determined to find her brother and uncover the truth.

She uses her magic, forbidden by her mother, to hep her journey. Nothing goes as planned and she's forced to adapt. Min ends up taking the place of a cadet upon the space ship where her brother lived. Can she uncover the truth without getting caught?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. I loved Min's big loud family. I loved her relationship with her brother and how she knew him.  I loved the action and the danger. I loved how Min was a clever girl, fast thinker, and admired her ability to adapt. I liked how she tried to assume the identity of a cadet and assimilated into that lifestyle. I liked her friends. The ghosts and the pirates added humor and danger to the story. I love how everything turned out. It doesn't appear that this book has a sequel, but I would love read more about Min and her world. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries - also it's perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Review: Friday Night Stage Lights

Brooklyn lives for ballet. Even though her life's changed so much in the past few months, she's hopeful for a spot at Texas School of Arts. She and mother moved when her mother remarried. Now they live in Texas - smack in the middle of football country. She doesn't understand the fascination with football.

But when her dance partner injures himself, she must find a substitute partner - and quickly. She turns to an unlikely source - a football player. Logan makes her a deal, he's willing to learn the steps, but he asks for a favor in return. He wants Brooklyn to learn to appreciate football.

She knows it's never going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to try if it means making her dreams come true.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved learning about dance. I loved the football moments. I loved how both the football jocks and Brooklyn came to appreciate each other's favorite sport. I liked the family moments, especially those between Brooklyn and Tanner. I loved the support from Brooklyn's friends and how they had her back in the Big Moment. And I loved that ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Girl with the Dragon Heart

*Book 2 in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart series *

Silke loves working at the Chocolate Heart with her best friend, dragon turned human. And she's not above telling anyone who will listen. When her friend gets into a spot of trouble at the market, Silke saves her by spinning a tale that happens to involve the Crown Princess.

The next day, she's taken from her family's stall by soldiers of the Crown Princess. Silks isn't sure what's about to happen, but she's dumbfounded when she story becomes truth.

She's offered a position in the palace - in exchange for being eyes and ears during an upcoming royal visit. Silke can't say no to the request, but she also has personal reasons for wanting her first mission to go well. Can she uncover the truth about the fairies without getting caught?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book: from the spy moments, the learning etiquette, to family drama, to friendship, and to storytelling. I loved the chocolate moments. I loved Silke and her brother - even though their conversations were heartbreaking at times. I wanted Silke to find a home of her own. I liked learning more about her past - especially her parents. I enjoyed her moments trying to one up Princess Sofia. I loved the ending. Lots of action and danger and friendship. And of course it made my mouth water for something chocolate! It was great being back in this world and I hope there are more Tales from the Chocolate Heart series to come!

Cover Thoughts: Magical
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: This one comes out tomorrow

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for both school and public libraries.

Review: Elle of the Ball

Elle's in the seventh grade but a recent growth spurt has made her life miserable. She's nearly six feet tall already. Her basketball game's suffering because of her new height.

She's also forced into a dance - a school tradition. She's so tall that she has a hard time dancing with the boys. She also can't find her rhythm. She's dreading the dance - from her lack of skills to her terrible partner to the dress she's forced to wear.

Why can't life be easy?

My Thoughts: A fun middle grade - about sports, fitting in, and trying to be yourself. I really enjoyed the first book of this series and I'm looking forward to more. I felt terrible for Elle - being at that awkward stage in her life and being so tall. While I was never that tall, I was also tall for my age. Plus of course, I loved the basketball parts of the book. And who didn't hate being told what to do by the school. I love how that worked out.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public and school libraries; it's perfect for your sporty readers

Review: Princesses, Inc

When their favorite YouTube star announces plans to visit their state, Hailey and her friends would do anything to see him. But the trip to the local comic-con is expensive and their parents aren't willing to pay for it. So the girls come up with a plan - they will become princesses and babysit the neighborhood kids. Babysitting is easy right?

Hailey has another reason for going to the comic-con; she wants to enter a writing contest. She loves writing, especially the fanfiction starring a certain YouTube star. But she needs something more impressive to enter.

In between school work, babysitting, and writing Hailey barely has time to sleep. Can she and her friends pull off their plan or will it be a complete failure?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Hailey because of all the pressure she was under and how she didn't have any time for herself. I enjoyed the babysitting moments - both the sweet and the crazy ones. I loved the magic show in the hospital and how that worked out for the friends. I really liked the writing moments - even the accidental email. The writing advice was great; I loved the different between the fanfiction and the more literary writing. I loved how Hailey and her friends have so many interests: writing, video games, cosplay. And that they get excited about them. Another fun novel from Mari Mancusi.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: I just saw on Facebook that Mari and I have been social media friends for 9 years. I've been reading and loving her books for a long time!

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for both public and school libraries. Hand it out to everyone with a fandom.