In a strange coincidence, these five early 2019 middle-grade novels share a common thread — they’ll probably be the most beautiful, tender, and emotional stories you’ll read all year. Or even for many years. Not only that, all five of these books include a main character with special needs — intellectual differences as well as physical. […]
Book reviews
14 New Picture Books, Late Fall 2018
I’m happy to share with you 14 more newly published picture books. Also, don’t miss my other recent picture book lists that I grouped into the categories of friendship and bedtime. Some really good read aloud choices!! By the way, did you see when I shared P is for Pterodactyl on Instagram and Facebook? It’s gone crazy […]
10 Favorite Spooky Chapter Books for Middle Grade Readers
written by Kathie MacIsaac, librarian and middle-grade book lover (full bio below) Do you like to read a book that makes you pull the covers a little tighter around you? Do you enjoy a story that gives you goosebumps, or requires you to sleep with the light on? Many kids love scary stories with ghosts […]
Hook Tweens on Magical Realism with These Incredible Books
Magical realism books aren’t like fantasy — there are no magicians or magical creatures — this is a genre of realistic stories containing just a little bit of magic. Like the story of a girl on a farm with chickens who have powers. Or a tree in an orchard who grows things that the child […]
11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018
Want to know about the best new middle grade books? These will draw in tween readers with their compelling characters, important themes, and emotionally resonating stories. 11 Must-Read Middle Grade Books of Fall 2018 Sweep by Jonathan Auxier HISTORICAL FICTION / MAGICAL REALISM Set in Victorian London, this is a beautiful, bittersweet story about a plucky […]
8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018
If you’re looking for new middle-grade books for your kids or students, these eight won’t disappoint. I particularly want to highlight The Rhino in Right Field, The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle and The Jigsaw Jungle. But all the books on this list are great! 8 New Middle-Grade Books, July 2018 The Rhino […]
7 New Middle Grade Books You Should Know About
I’m excited to share these 7 titles with you — for your kids, students, and you. Ghost Boys and Captain Superlative both are incredibly thought-provoking. Bob, The Endling, and The Lost Books are well-written, can’t-put-em-down fantasy stories. Hardscrabble is a fascinating historical slice-of-life look at life in sod houses around the turn of the century. […]