Liz Rosenberg explores L.M. Montgomery’s life in House of Dreams
House of Dreams, written by Liz Rosenberg and illustrated by Julie Morstad, is an accessible biography of L.M. Montgomery.
Browsing: ages 10 & up
Anne Nesbet’s Orphan Band of Springdale is strong MG read
In The Orphan Band of Springdale, author Anne Nesbet transports readers back to a simpler time, that’s not really that simple.
Obert Skye’s quirky Wizard for Hire is magical MG novel
Obert Skye’s Wizard for Hire is the first book in a series, but it definitely stands alone. While the ending leaves room for expansion, it also provides a satisfying conclusion.
Jen Calonita’s Switched is OK addition to Fairy Tale Reform School
Switched isn’t a bad book. Jen Calonita’s writing is still easy and inviting. But it’s definitely the weakest book in the series.
ICYMI: 2017 middle-grade books worth taking a look at
The following are middle-grade books (listed in no particular order) I think deserve recognition, even though I haven’t read them yet.
Hannah Moderow takes readers to Alaskan wilderness in Lily’s Mountain
If your father left for a trip and never came home, would you believe that he’s not coming back? That’s the premise of Lily’s Mountain, by Hannah Moderow.
Mira Bartók channels Dickens in middle-grade debut, Wonderling
Mira Bartók’s The Wonderling is set in a slightly steampunk Victorian land that borders between Dickensian realism and fairytale magic.
J. Scott Savage completes Mysteries of Cove series with Embers of Destruction
With Embers of Destruction, J. Scott Savage could have easily coasted. Instead he continues to build his characters and world in a fresh and exciting way.
Shamini Flint’s Ten explores soccer through young girl’s eyes
I’ve never been a fan of soccer. So when I received Ten: A Soccer Story, by Shamini Flint, I opened it with some trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised.
Patricia Forde imagines world where language is limited to The List
Patricia Forde has crafted a world that is terrifyingly realistic. There’s nothing that screams, “this is imaginary,” and that’s why The List works so well.