My friends, please know this now and forever; no matter how much your father, or anyone else, makes you feel otherwise, you are seen. You are brilliantly visible. Your pain and your loneliness are real, as are your kindness, your courage, and your sense of humor. You are not forgotten. And now that you have the chance to live, please, refuse to fade away.

This is a fun, light, YA novel. It has elements of a mystery, romance, and adventure book all rolled into one. While it is about superheroes, the main focus is actually on their loved ones or the super adjacent. Neither the romance or mystery plots are overly predictable. I like how real and relatable the two protagonists are and that the chapters alternate between their perspectives. It was a cute book.

This book was amazing! I read it in less than 24 hours, and I can't wait to share it with my friends. Suspense and intrigue are expertly built. I love that Maeve was brought back and also enjoyed the new character additions. I think the idea of a Truth or Dare game gone wrong is not only intriguing, but completely believable (and a little terrifying). I loved that this book wasn't overly predictable, and I can't want to see what McManus does next.

There are so many things to love about this book. Hanna is a strong and determined protagonist. Though young, her perspective causes the reader to reevaluate what they know about history, society, and their own views and prejudices. Though historical fiction, it is still poignant and makes the reader look at how they treat others.

This book will be published in March 2020. Thank you to NetGallet for the ARC.

"So many words had been turned upside down over the past six years of war. To me it seemed like the bravest act in the world to refuse to do something if it was wrong."

A super empowering and fun memoir and graphic novel. I love that it focuses on finding your voice and asserting yourself in a male-dominated world. It also focuses on the struggles of middle school including complicated friendships, bullies, and cute boys. It reminds me of the Smile series by Raina Telgemeier. I think my 7th graders will really enjoy it.
Thank you #Netgalley and #algonquinyoungreaders for sharing a digital arc with me.

This is currently my favorite book for December and it would be the perfect winter break read. It is adorable and heartwarming. There were moments when I was laughing out loud, and I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. This story was so engaging and written in a way that it felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. #ashleyelston #10blinddates #christmasstory

This is a unique YA novel that tackles some difficult topics/themes including grief & toxic/abusive relationships. This is a book that I feel needed to be written and needs to be read as it reminds us that life isn't neat. Relationships can be complicated and don't always end with a happily ever after. It's important for readers to be exposed to this. Thank you #scholasticinc & #katherinewebber for sharing a copy with the #kidlitexchange network.

I LOVED this book. It has the perfect mix of sports, drama, and romance. I loved the multiple conflicts and plot lines and the message about learning from our mistakes. The narrative voice is engaging and I didn't want to put this book down. There is some cussing and kissing, but I found it to be appropriate for middle school readers.
Thank you to @LittleBrownBooks @thenovl & Sarah Henning for sharing this with the #kidlitexchange network.

I found this book to be incredibly interesting. I never realized how many presidents had survived assassination attempts or other near death events. I also liked all the additional information about related topics (like Davy Crockett or submarines during WWII). This book is full of information, but the narrative voice is incredibly captivating making it a quick read.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bloomsburykids for sharing an advance copy.

This book is beautifully written and deals with so many important/relevant topics: addiction, homelessness, abandonment, family, depression, divorce, social pressure, and more. Each character has their own internal struggle that adds to the overall conflict of the book. There is also an element of magic that I loved. It was present, but not overwhelming and added to the plot rather than detracting from it.

This is an inspirational middle grade nonfiction book that details the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps--one of FDR's New Deal projects. The book covers why FDR created the CCC and what the CCC accomplished. It not only looks at their successes but also the repercussions of some of the projects. This book was incredibly informative. I learned that the CCC not only saved forests, but also an entire generation of Americans.

This is a whimsical book full of adventure and the perfect continuation of the A Train to Impossible Places series. The world Bell builds is vibrant, unique, and magical. I love the characters and conflict was full of twists and turns.

Zhao's debut novel is a middle grade fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology and folklore. This is a fast-paced novel that takes you on a trip across the United States. There is a strong focus on the theme that things are not always what they appear and that one shouldn't judge based on appearances. The book has a strong female protagonist and a lot of humor. #netgalley #katiezhao #dragonwarrior #middlegradelit

Thank you to #Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an advance copy. This book will be released 9/24/19. All opinions are my own.

This was an incredibly well written and researched middle grades nonfiction book about the pilots of the first women's air derby in 1929. I previously only knew of Amelia Earhart and Bessie Coleman, but this book taught me about other amazing women. This is a definite must read.

I have been waiting for this book to arrive, and I was not disappointed. This was a very quick read full of fun, puns, wit, friendship, adventure, ram attacks, and love. I love the solidness of Josiah and Deja's friendship and all the antics they must go through in order to complete their night's mission. This graphic novel was laugh-out-loud funny and the illustrations are beautiful. #pumpkinheads #graphicnovel #friendship #YA #mg #rainbowrowell

This is a unique and fun novel about finding your tribe, acceptance, and persevering in the face of obstacles. Ellie is a strong-willed girl with a mind of her own who is trying to not let her CP or wheelchair stop her from doing what she wants. This is a story of friendship and family. I really enjoyed it and believe it is so important for books like this one to be included in libraries so all kids can see themselves in the books they read.

This book is rooted in a Cree worldview and is based on stories of the author's great-grandmother's life. It starts light and fun and the concept of collecting ghosts in your hair is intriguing. Then the book takes a more serious turn as Shelly has to learn how to handle her own grief. Mills masterfully and uniquely handles the topics of death and grief in a way that is accessible to younger readers. #middlegradelit #readinginthemiddle #netgalley

I enjoyed learning about the amazing, inspiring, and notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This book covers her personal and professional life and introduces younger readers to the world RBG lived in and worked (and continues to work) to change. This is a very short read, but it is packed with facts, information, and humor. Though quite informational, the writing is friendly and pulls the reader in, making them feel like they know RBG.

A beautifully written middle grades novel full of mystery, suspense, and emotion. I love the use of dream sequences to weave together the two story lines and create suspense. The book covers several themes related to belonging that readers will relate to: being a third wheel, not fitting in your family, etc. This is a great summer read. #aswirlofocean #beachbook #middlegradelit #kidlit

This is a fast-paced and heartrending story. The books focuses on relationships (both between humans and humans and animals). There is also a strong focus on trust. The chapters are fairly quick and the story pulls you in. This is perfect for reluctant readers. This is a great middle grades book for readers who enjoy books about dogs and their relationships with people. It's also set in eastern Oregon and will be out in October. #mglit #dogbook

This was a captivating and quick read. I loved learning about the history of cryptography, codes, and ciphers. It takes you all the way from the Caesaer cipher to modern day computer hacking. Scattered throughout the book are puzzles for the reader to solve using the information they just read.

Time Sight is a fantastic, fun, and adventurous time traveling romp through Scottish history. I really enjoyed learning about the Copper Age, Bronze Age, and late Middle Ages in Scottish history. I loved the underlying message about violence that runs throughout the time periods and novel. Middle grade readers will love this book. #timesight #timetravel #historicalfiction #kidlit #owlcratejr #readinginthemiddle #middlegradelit

"'I don't understand, " Will blurted out. "Every place I've been, every time, people have been violent. They've taken hostages. They've fought and killed and set things on fire. You'd think people would have learned something over all those years, but they're just the same as they've always been! Even in my own time, they're still doing it!'"

It has been fun learning about Scottish history, but I love the underlying message about violence.

A powerful story of a teenage refugee from Guatemala. When gangs start to take over his town, Manuelito's parents fear for his safety and hire a coyote to take him to the United States. This graphic novel covers his journey to the U.S. where he seeks asylum and how he was treated while in the U.S.. Though simply written and it makes a complex topic understandable to a young reader. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Annickpress for the review copy.

Cape is action-packed and full of girl power. Josie, Mae, and Akiko all want to do their part for the war efforts and hope to become puzzlers. Though they don't become puzzlers, they do discover they have powers and must work to thwart an evil villain's plan to aid the Nazis. I love the style which incorporates both comics & traditional chapters. It's sure to engage #middlegrade readers. Thank you to #netgalley & the publisher for the review copy.

"So I summoned all the strength I could muster, and I whispered into the night two of the most powerful words I could think of just the : 'I can.'"

This is a great middle grades historical fiction book that introduces readers to the Salem Witch Trials. I love that it is told through Tituba's perspective. It was engaging and well written.

This book is Nancy Drew, Veronica Mars, and the Lumberjanes rolled into one and set in what appears to be the 1950s. I love the storyline and illustrations. The colors and designs are vibrant and fresh with retro flair. Plus, who wouldn't love a book full of mystery, a German scientist, Russian spies, car chases and races, and a witty girl detective?

A beautifully written middle grades mystery novel about family and letting go. The book tackles the topics of divorce, loss of a loved one, and grief. When Miranda arrives on August Isle, she is determined to be brave and become a person she believes her mom would want to spend time with. Though lonely at first, she quickly makes friends who help her look into her mom's mysterious past on the island. #middlegradelit #mystery

A graphic novel (comic) about a group of kick-butt girls at summer camp who spend their time fighting monsters and attempting to solve a mystery with friendship. This is a very quick read as it's only 128 pages. I love the incorporation of math, famous women, and the focus on the power of friendship. #graphicnovel #lumberjanes #girlpower

I'm loving the use of famous women as interjections when the girls get frustrated or when one would normally curse. The one pictured might be my favorite as it uses Juliette Gordon Low the founder of Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts was a huge influence in my life as I was a scout K-12 and then became an adult Girl Scout during my college years.

I learned so much in this book. The book is set in the Phillipines and the author doesn't shy away from handling some big topics including social inequality, privilege, and substance abuse. I love Sab's voice, inquisitiveness, and determination. At times this book had me near tears and at other points I was filled with hope. It's a wonderful read. #weneeddiversebooks

I wanted to like this book as I found the premise really cool. However, I felt there was too much backstory for Eric and that it impeded the overall narrative. There is also a lot of cursing which often feels forced and jolted me out of the narrative. I did like that this novel had some twists that I didn't see coming and I wasn't able to fully predict the ending. #kindle #primereading #primefirstbooks #forgottenbones

I loved the protagonist in this book. Jesse is neurodiverse and on the Autism spectrum. While the book is about solving who stole the money from her father's desk and the apocalypse that hits, it's also about Jesse better understanding who she is and realizing she is capable of so much more than she thinks. I liked the alternating timelines the story was told through, except when it switched on a cliffhanger. #24in48

I'm not a big sci-fi fan, but I really enjoyed Blastaway. This book is full of humor, adventure, and hi-jinks. I loved the scene where the pirates attack as it reminded me of Home Alone. I also like that this book focuses on themes related to honesty/lying, family, and accepting others even if they're different from you. I also enjoyed the figurative language and Ky's love of math and science. #24in48

This book had a good voice and was full of conflict. I enjoyed that one of the characters is on the autism spectrum and that he was frequently included throughout the book. This story has two plots and conflicts running through it that eventually collide for one heck of and ending (one that I never saw coming). There is a spook factor throughout the book, but I wouldn't define it as scary (I don't do scary).

"A math problem--that was fitting, considering my lies were starting to feel like arithmetic. Each time I told a lie, I not only had to remember the exact details of what I'd said, but also who I had told it to. So as the deception added up, the false details multiplied while my brainpower divided into fractions." I'm loving this metaphor and Landers use of figurative language in general. #24in48

"Lucky for us, I mathed harder than a hurricane." I love this use of figurative language.

This is a cute middle grades novel about determination and loss. Tessa is dealing with the grief of losing her grandfather, social pressure, and her grandmother's declining health. She believes finding the mythical barbegazi that her grandfather told stories of may help, but no one in her town believes they exist. I love the description in the book and the book within a book. I also loved Tessa's determination. #24in48

This is a fantastic graphic novel with a strong female protagonist. Mera is strong-willed, confident, kind, and thinks for herself. The major theme running throughout the book is determining what it is you want. Mera must decide who she is and what/who she wants in life. It's a fast-paced read full of action and some romance. I also loved the color scheme and artistic aesthetic. #24in48 #graphicnovel #dcink #tidebreaker #mera

Shatter City picked up right where Impostors left off. The narrative voice is completely enthralling and there is a perfect balance of action, politics, and romance. I love the focus on relationships in this series. Westerfeld also excels at world building.

This book is absolutely amazing, and I have so many good things to say. I love that it brings attention to neurodiveristy, PTSD, and immigration issues/laws. This book covers some big issues and it does so in a way that is accessible to middle grade readers and get them thinking about what is going on in their world. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Cartaya. #mglit #middlegradelit #readinginthemiddle

This is a quirky middle grades novel full of magic, mystery, and intrigue. I loved the world of Lundinor and learning about all the uses for uncommon objects. The characters and world are unique and the story had a solid mystery line. Sometimes it's easy to predict what will happen next, but this book had some twists that I didn't see coming. #mglit #mgseries #fantasy #middlegradelit #readinginthemiddle

An intriguing and dark fantasy novel. It had a very Tim Burton-esque feeling to it. I really enjoyed the world building and the overall idea behind the book. It is a longer book, over 400 pages, and at times the action moved more slowly than I would have liked. I loved the messages about self-confidence, how obstacles make you stronger, and to never give up on your dreams. #YA #Fantasy

This book is full of mystery, adventure, and humor. I love all the allusions to The Tempest (which is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays). I also loved the use of annotations by the narrator they not only provided additional information, but insight into the mysterious narrator, and humor to the overall story. I think this is a great book for my readers who like James Patterson books. #mglit #readinginthemiddle #middlegradelit #badmagic

"In the game of 'What if," nobody ever wins. In times of trouble, I find following my instincts usually leads me right where I need to be."

This is a fun middle grades book full of adventure, monsters, and complicated relationships. The characters are unique and hilarious. I loved learning about the different monsters and also seeing how each kid dealt with their unique family conflict.

#fantasy #adventure #middlegradereads #monsterclub

I enjoyed the word building and the concept of the novel. The characters are complex and dynamic. I was disappointed in the second half of the novel and the ending as it became more about the romance subplot and less about the initial conflict introduced at the start of the story.

#fantasy #YA #darkshores

Terrific world building with great plot and conflict. Covers important themes of acceptance. Great for those who love dragons and fantasy. There is some violence, but it's still appropriate for middle school students.

#YA #MG #middlegradereads #dragons #fantasy #war