middle grade fiction

Tag: middle grade fiction

June 16, 2022 by Betsy Bird

Review of the Day: Zia Erases the World by Bree Barton

In Zia Erases the World author Bree Barton takes on that challenge. Her concept is small, even silly, when you hear it. But the implications? You may find yourself grasping for words to describe them.

May 20, 2022 by Betsy Bird

Review of the Day: The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

The Last Mapmaker offers readers proof positive that you can write succinctly, sacrificing nothing, while showing your readers absolutely everything.

March 21, 2022 by Betsy Bird

Review of the Day: The Lock-Eater by Zack Loran Clark

The Lock-Eater is a marvelous example of how you may render old ideas new, if only you’ve the ability to combine smart, timely writing with the current zeitgeist. Our kids are lucky they get to tap into books like this. Let’s hope for more of the same.

Review of the Day: Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff

February 3, 2022 by Betsy Bird

I review the latest from Kyle Lukoff and, yes, there will be spoilers. A brave title for a time when we need brave books for kids more than ever.

31 Days, 31 Lists: 2021 Middle Grade Novels

December 16, 2021 by Betsy Bird

Let's talk about the great middle grade novels of 2021 a little early this year! A collected list of some of the best books my librarians and I have seen.

Review of the Day: Much Ado About Baseball by Rajani LaRocca

October 1, 2021 by Betsy Bird

It is truly rare to find a book like Much Ado About Baseball where math not only propels the plot forward, but also contains perfectly normal, sportsy characters for whom loving math is just one aspect of their personality. Add in baseball, Shakespeare, magic AND snacks and you’ve got yourself a unicorn of a book.

Review of the Day: The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, ill. Sophie Blackall

September 10, 2021 by Betsy Bird

Pairing with the utterly lovely Sophie Blackall, Kate DiCamillo presents us with a story that has all the trappings of a fable, and all the reality of a thoroughly thrilling tale.

Cover Reveal and Interview: SOFÍA ACOSTA MAKES A SCENE with author Emma Otheguy

July 1, 2021 by Betsy Bird

"...sometimes, it’s okay to make a scene." We're talking with author Emma Otheguy today about immigration, her own family history, and her brand new middle grade novel out in 2022. It's a cover reveal day!

Review of the Day: Losers at the Center of the Galaxy by Mary Winn Heider

June 10, 2021 by Betsy Bird

In an era of information overload, Mary Winn Heider is the author who will lead us through the pandemonium into the light. Hand this to the kid that wants something smart and funny with a side order of turmoil for spice.

Review of the Day: The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford

April 22, 2021 by Betsy Bird

Ms. Milford’s skills have at last come together to produce her magnum opus. I’ll tell you true – there’s not a soul alive I’ve handed this book to that didn’t get sucked into it. Every book has its reader. It just happens that this book’s reader is you.