Holiday Gift Ideas: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, YA Books

  Here are some of my favorites (5 star reads) that I read this year that would make GREAT holiday gifts!

Books make awesome gifts! Especially when you purchase them from independent bookstores.

Middle Grade:

Graphic Novels:

YA:

Review: Out of Tune

When Maya's loses his job, money becomes tight. With her mother able to work from anywhere, her parents decide to chase their dreams. They sell their house and purchase an RV - they can travel around the country. Maya's devastated at losing her best friend and leaving Nashville weeks before try outs for Dueling Duets, a signing competition that could make her career.

Maya can't believe her bad luck especially since she had the perfect partner in Jack (the cutest boy in school). Now she's making a list of ways to get back home. Except all the ideas are terrible, but Maya's determined to make it home before the big day.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Maya for missing out on the competition. I loved watching her struggle to find a way back home and how nothing ever worked out the way she thought it would. I really liked Shiver and Bug and Remy. I loved seeing the sights through Maya's eyes. But I know it would be super hard to pack all my books into a RV and hard to live there with little to no privacy. Of course Maya makes a ton of mistakes, but she has a good heart that leads her to discover the important things.

Cover Thoughts: Love
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Perfect for tween collections in schools and public libraries, especially those in need of more artsy books. 

Tween Tuesday Review: Lodestar

 * Book 5 in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series *

Sophie and her friends might have saved the battle from being fought, but the war isn't over yet. Plus now the elves have split down the middle and the ones Sophie loves are in danger. Once again, it's time for action.

The Good:
The plot twists
The action and the danger
The friendships
The possible romance
The betrayals
Learning more about this world.

The Bad:
That ending! (It was a good ending but a huge cliffhanger)
And waiting until the next book.

Final Thoughts: Rush to the library if you haven't read this series yet, it's amazing!
Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is a Must Have for public and school libraries.

Tween Tuesday Review: Loki's Wolves

* Book 1 in a Trilogy *

The Vikings predicted the end of the world, but they had a plan to combat evil. Now generations later, descendants of the gods find themselves at the start of the battle.

It doesn't matter that Matt's only thirteen, as Thor's descendant, he's responsible for saving the world. With the help of two once enemies, now friends, Matt must come up with a plan and execute it.

Unfortunately for the trio, nothing ever goes according to plan. One wrong move might bring the world closer to the end. 

My Thoughts:I adored the start of this trilogy! I enjoyed the Norse Mythology - which I don't know too much about. I enjoyed Matt and Fen becoming closer - not quite friends, but they seems to trust each other just enough. I like the moments between them. I like Laurie and how she's determined to help and not sit on the sidelines just because she's a girl and the boys feel they have to protect her. I feel bad for Fen and his life, but I love how he tries to protect his cousin. Lots of action, lots of danger, and lots of fighting. I'm eager to see where this trilogy turns next. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: Gifted

Tween Tuesday Review: Charmed

 * Book 2 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's struggling with her new found fame after saving the school (with the help of her friends) - but the danger isn't over.

The Wicked One has a plan of her own. She wants to take over the kingdom, starting with the school. She's offering students the choice of joining her.

Gilly knows that she needs to keep her eye on things; something's not right. There's a mole inside the school. When she's asked to join the Royal Ladies in Waiting, Gilly has no interest, but maybe joining will give her some answers. Can Gilly and her friends save the kingdom again?

My Thoughts: Another fantastic story! I love Gilly and her friends, even though they fought for much of the book. I like how Gilly's head swelled a bit, but how she finally came back down to earth. I like the idea of the reluctant hero and how Gilly doesn't want to be a hero, but she's not about to sit on the side lines either. I love how she wants to take action against evil. I like the improvement in Gilly's family's life - how they had enough money for food and clothes.  I Loved Blackbeard. He was entertaining and a nice addiction to the already fun cast of characters.  A charming story; so looking forward to the next book in this series! 


Cover Thoughts: Really Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all Children's Libraries - especially for patrons who can't get enough fairy tales!

Tween Tuesday Review: Genie in a Bottle

 * Book 9 in the Whatever After series *

Abby and Jonah fall into Aladdin after trying to help Maryrose, the mirror fairy. Once inside the new fairy tale, of course things get mixed up.

Abby and Jonah become the ones to search for the lamp instead of Aladdin. Abby doesn't think this plan is terrible because she can use the genie to free Maryrose.

Unfortunately her wish isn't clear and the genie frees himself. instead. Now Abby must deal with a novice genie who can't always grant her wish. Abby gets three wishes a day, but when the wishes go haywire, it's hard figuring out how Aladdin can win over the Princess's father.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy these books. I like how things go wrong, but Abby and Jonah try to fix it. Even though the fairy tales don't turn out exactly like the books, everything seems to work out in the end. I like how they tried to help Maryrose. I liked their interaction with the genie. I really enjoyed Aladdin and his mother and how sweet they were to Abby and Jonah even though they didn't have a surplus of food or really anything. Another fun addition to the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all Children's Departments.

We have the whole set at my library, and most of the summer, all the books were checked out.

Book 10: Sugar and Spice coming November 29th

Tween Tuesday Review: Once Upon a Frog

 * Whatever After Series Book 8 *

Abby and Jonah want to talk to Maryrose about the memories she left in Jonah's head, but instead they get sod aucked into another fairy tale - this time Frog Princess.

Of course, the story become messed up when Prince snatches the golden ball and it doesn't fall into the well. Plus the Princess isn't nice. Abby and Jonah attempt to find alternate methods to turn the frog back into a prince and save the day.

My Thoughts: I love Abby and Jonah and all their adventures. I love how they mess up the story, but then attempt to fix it. Everything never seems to work out fully, which is the best part. I liked learning more about Maryrose from Jonah's memory, especially the memories that had nothing to do with the story. There's quite a bit of talk against bullies. I like how things in the fairy tales often reflect upon Abby's life in the real world. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for all children's departments.

Tween Tuesday Review: Paris Pan Takes the Dare

Paris just moved to a new town - again. She's tired of making new friends and then having to leave them. Right now she's not sure about her options for new friends.

She hears a rumor about spending the night in the woods, something that apparently every seventh grade girl completes. Paris isn't sure she wants to participate, especially after she hears about the murdered girl in backyard.

When she starts finding creepy dolls around the property and hearing strange noises, she's convinced the murdered girl has come back as a ghost. Now more than ever her friend wants to spend the night in the wood. How far will Paris go for her new friend?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked watching Paris make new friends and figure out her new place in town. I liked her interactions with her family and how they helped her solve her problems. I loved the dare angle. I really enjoyed the ending of the book. It's a great read for someone who wants something a little frightening but isn't ready for Wait Til Helen Comes.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Recommended for the children's section

Tween Tuesday Review: Kitchen Chaos

* First in a series * 

Liza and Frankie have been best friends forever. But their social studies group project requires three people. They team up with the new girl Lillian. Liza's excited to befriend Lillian, but Frankie's unsure about it. She doesn't want to mess up their friendship dynamic.

Liza comes up with an idea for their project - discovering new foods. It's perfect because her favorite chef is offering cooking classes. She gets Lillian and Frankie to also sign up with their moms.

But not everyone's excited about cooking classes. Can Liza steer this project into a win-win for everyone?

My Thoughts: Super fun read! I loved this book. I loved the look at friendships when a new friend comes into the picture and how it changes everything. I loved seeing the girls interact with their mothers at the cooking classes. I loved Chef Antonio. I loved how each of the girls had their own perspective in the story. I liked the diverseness of the three girls and how they started to learn about their backgrounds for their project. Lots of drama, lots of food, and great friendships. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: VIP: I'm with the Band

Mac and her friends Love the band Perfect Storm. Thanks to her mother, not only do they score tickets to see the band, but backstage passes to meet them. Mac can't believe her good luck when she finally gets to talk with her crush Zander. He's everything she hoped he would be.

Then her mother tells her even more good news. Because of her mother's job, she and Mac will be touring with the band. Mac doesn't want to leave her friends behind, but she can't imagine anything cooler.

As she gets to know the guys, she witnesses their off camera behavior. Could her crush not be the boy she thought he was?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book; I couldn't put it down. I really loved Mac's love for art and the comic book pages of her alter-ego Mac Attack. I loved Mac hanging out with the band and becoming one of the guys: from the whipped cream fights to the touring cities together to showing off their art. I loved Mac's relationship with her friends and her new friendship with Jilly. Mac messed up at times, but I love how she pulled it together and tried to do the right thing. I can't wait for more books about Mac and Perfect Storm.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: ARC from the Little Brown Book Preview

Stay tuned tomorrow for a chance to win a signed copy of the book and an interview with the author!

Final Thoughts: Perfect for music loving tweens and for nolastigc adult readers

Tween Tuesday Review: Revenge of the Angels

The triplets are back and their on the war path. They've been rejected from playing the three wise men just because they are girls. They've actually been given the role of angels and they aren't happy about it at all.

The entire Christmas season is now ruined. Plus their mom and Lily are visiting graduate schools and their Aunt Jane. The girls are disappointed since Aunt Jane won't be coming for Christmas. While their mom is gone, they'll be staying with their father - until the dog (Quincy) gets into some mischief of his own. They can't find the perfect gift for their mom.

It's the last straw when their neighbors discover their priceless Santa decoration stolen from their front porch. The girls are determined to unmask the culprit and bring back some good cheer into the neighborhood.

My Thoughts:  Another fun adventure with the triplets - they always seem to find trouble. I love how they attack gender roles for the Christmas pageant. Of course they find themselves into hot water - it wouldn't be a book about the Brewster triplets if they didn't. I liked how even Quincy found himself in trouble too. I loved how the triplets tried to find the right gift for their mother and how they were determined to uncover the thief in the neighborhood - especially how they might have made an old friend happy. I loved Christmas morning and all the wonderful moments the family shared!

Cover Thoughts: Cute-  love the different sneakers
Source: Sent for Review

Final Thoughts: If you haven't read either of the Brewster triplet books, what are you waiting for? They're filled with quirky characters, sweet moment, getting into trouble, and they're wildly entertaining!

Chasing Secrets Blog Tour

About the Book:

Newbery Honor–winning author Gennifer Choldenko deftly combines humor, tragedy, fascinating historical detail, and a medical mystery in this exuberant new novel.

San Francisco, 1900. The Gilded Age. A fantastic time to be alive for lots of people . . . but not thirteen-year-old Lizzie Kennedy, stuck at Miss Barstow’s snobby school for girls. Lizzie’s secret passion is science, an unsuitable subject for finishing-school girls. Lizzie lives to go on house calls with her physician father. On those visits to his patients, she discovers a hidden dark side of the city—a side that’s full of secrets, rats, and rumors of the plague.

The newspapers, her powerful uncle, and her beloved papa all deny that the plague has reached San Francisco. So why is the heart of the city under quarantine? Why are angry mobs trying to burn Chinatown to the ground? Why is Noah, the Chinese cook’s son, suddenly making Lizzie question everything she has known to be true? Ignoring the rules of race and class, Lizzie and Noah must put the pieces together in a heart-stopping race to save the people they love.

Gennifer joins us to talk about historical times periods, research, and great books.

If you could go back in time to any historical period, where would you choose to go?

I love the Roaring Twenties, so of course I’d love to go back there. I’d like to have been one of FDR and Eleanor’s children. I wish I could have been Mary Todd Lincoln’s best friend. And I’m dying to know what it might have been like to be twelve in ancient Egypt.

        What’s the best part about researching a new book?

       There are so many best parts it’s difficult to choose. Sometimes I’m sure I’ve found this great cache—an old book, a historic tour, an expert to interview—and I’m vibrating with excitement about what I’m about to find. And then I get my hands on the book, or take the tour, or interview the person and . . . nothing. Not nothing, nothing. I always find something or other. But nowhere near what I’d expected. Other times, I’ll be scrounging around in the least likely of places and all of a sudden I open this book or archive file and it’s like Christmas, Easter, my birthday, Hanukkah and Halloween all in one. What a thrill to find juicy information!

       Would you like to go to a finishing school?

       Absolutely. My mother was a very unusual person and a born contrarian. She did not know the proper way to do anything. And if she did know, she went out of her way to do the opposite. As a result, I was left to my own devices when it came to decorum. I would really like to know all the rules so I could decide for myself what I want to follow and what I don’t. That said, though, I think a year of finishing school would be all I could take. After that, I’d want to go to a real school.

Do you have a secret passion for a certain subject, like Lizzie?

Every day I discover new secret passions. I wish I could have been a doctor. I’d love to be a psychiatrist. I’d like to be the CEO of a small company. I think I’d be a great judge. Reading gives me the chance to get a glimpse of other people’s lives. Writing allows me to experience being that person. One lifetime is not nearly enough.

What’s the last book you read that you would recommend to everyone?

The last middle-grade novel: Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. The last adult novel I’d give a thumbs-up: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The last nonfiction book: Empire of Deception by Dean Jobb.

Sounds Great Right?

Win your own copy (US only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tween Tuesday Review: Forget Me Not Summer

Three sisters visit their aunt for a few weeks in Cape Cod. When they arrive, they realize they won't have the distraction of either the internet or cable. Plus, they have to share a room.

Marigold can't believe it. She's finally got her big break with an agent and now she's shipped off for a month without being able to audition for a blockbuster movie.

Zinnia and Lily adjust a little better. Soon the three of them find their way. The two older girls spend their mornings at the beach, discovering new things the island has to offer. It might not have been the summer they had in mind, but it's still a fantastic summer.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It's perfect for summer with spending time at the beach, eating seafood, and hanging out in the sun.

The sisters are wildly different, but sweet in their own ways. Lily is hilarious and charming as she always finds herself in trouble. Zinnia gets lost in the shadow of her older sister, but I love how she break free. Marigold gets caught up in the world of Hollywood and doesn't behave in the nicest manner. Even through their differences, these girls have a tight sisterly bond that nothing can break.

I love the freedom and sense of peace that comes over their days; it seems like the perfect summer vacation to me especially since the girls have to unplug and go exploring to find adventure. I love that the girls take chances and dream big.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: The Library
 Fun Fact: Leila Howland also wrote the two YA books Nantucket Blue and Nantucket Red

Final Thoughts: Gobble this one up in the sun, you won't regret it! 

Tween Tuesday Review: Public School Superhero

Kenny wants to save the world, but it only happens on paper. In real life, he's being bullied at school. When he tries to act tougher, that's when the trouble starts.

He starts lying to his Grandmother, getting in trouble at school, and worrying about what's going to happen next.

Is he in way over his head, or can he come up with a plan to smooth everything over?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this novel with some graphic novel panels interspersed. I liked that Kenny lived with his grandmother and she instilled good manners in him. She has a great big heart and old fashioned believes, which makes her perfect. I like how she wanted the best for Kenny.

I like how Kenny and his friend were interested in Chess.

I like how the neighborhood wasn't the best and that the book touched on bullies, drugs, and fostering kids. Everyone should have the best chance that they can have - and Kenny's grandmother helps him fight for a chance. I like how the parents stood up for the school principal, how they required their school to be better, and how they didn't take no for an answer. I like how they inspired Kenny to do the right thing, the hard thing, in front of everyone. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

Final Thoughts: A novel about being the best version of yourself and standing tall, even if others around you aren't doing their part. 

Tween Tuesday Review: Upside Down Magic

Nory's family has perfect magical powers and she doesn't. She's about to take her admittance test to Sage Academy. The same school where he father oversees the school and her brother and sister attend.

She will attend there too if only she can control her magic.

When Nory attempts magic, something strange always seems to happen. It's not normal. The harder she tries and the more she fights for control, the worse it seems to get.

When she loses control during the test, she's forced to move in with her aunt and attend public school. She's beyond humiliated, especially when she's placed in the Upside Down Magic program. Will Nory ever get her magic under control?

My Thoughts: I really loved Nory - she was smart, brave, and sweet. I loved her out of control magic -the creatures she created made me laugh. Plus I loved what happened when she turned. My heart went out to her when she was cut off her from home life and her family life. I really liked Ms. Starr and her instructional teaching. I love her outside of the box thinking and how she wanted to make the school a positive environment for everyone. I loved learning about the other kids in the class - from their insecurities to their own brand of magic. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute!
Source: Sent for Review/BEA book

Final Thoughts: This book is super cute; I LOVED everything about it. It's heartwarming story about being different and owning it! I can't wait to share it with my niece this summer. 

Look for this book at the end of September!

Tween Tuesday Review: Beauty Queen

 * Book 7 in the Whatever After series *

Abby has a jealousy problem over her aunt work. After she accidentally-on-purpose ruins Penny's painting, she thinks she's a monster.

When Abby and Jonah get sucked into Beauty and the Beast's story, she's not surprised. She and her brother enter the garden, accidentally taking the place of Belle's father in the story. Trying to save her brother, Abby goes into town to locate Belle.

Belle, the town do-gooder, immediately agrees to help out. She returns with Abby to the castle. Abby must find a way to get the story back on track but Belle and the Beast are just not cooperating. You think they'd recognize true love when they see it.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - and I needed it after the cliff-hanger from the last book! I love how that part of the series was resolved and even more curious about the outcome.

To me this one is all about the characters and their interactions.
I really loved Jonah and the Beast hanging out and playing games. I loved the moments with the Beast cooking and talking about food. I even like how Beast feels like a monster and how Abby understands what he's feeling. I love Belle trying to find the right book for Jonah and hooking him on reading. I really like the cheese shop and Freckles. I loved the moments between Freckles and the Beast. 

Cover Thoughts: Super cute!
Source: Sent

Final Thoughts: If you're a fairy tale lover who hasn't read this series, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a copy of these books! You won't regret it!

Tween Tuesday Series Review: Charmed Life

Four girls from different parts of the world meet at camp and form a friendship for life. Sad they won't be able to see each other until next year, they purchase a charm bracelet. When the try on the bracelet, a memory from camp and their friendship comes to life. They decide to split up the time with the bracelet and at the end of their turn, each girl will add a charm to it.

My Thoughts: I loved this series that focused on friendship and family in each of of the books. I love how the girls wrote letters to each other throughout their time apart. It was nice to hear how everyone was doing. I loved the flashback moments at camp when the girls put on the bracelet. I loved that the girls were far enough apart so they couldn't see each other throughout the year, but the bond of friendship they had straightened them. Each of the dealt with a different type of friendship issue, but with good instincts, support from each other, and luck from the charm bracelet, they all pulled through. 

Cover Thoughts: I love how each cover has the charm each girl chooses and the photos from their time at camp together. 

Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for tweens - just as good,

Top Ten Tuesday: For Readers Who Like Spy Thrillers

This week's topic is for readers who like Spies, Thrillers, and Heist books. I read a lot of these, so I'm going to divide the group into ages as usual when I can't narrow it down to just 10.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

Middle Grade: 

 YA: 

 Adult: (Maybe more thriller than spy)

Did I miss any of your favorites?

Have you read any of these or a book that's not on the list that I should read?

Let me know!