Introduction Author Jenny Mattern writes a touching middle grade novel about adoption and the value of family. In her author’s note at the end of Where the Light Shines In, Mattern explains the title of her debut novel. “I wrote this story to help [adoptees] feel seen, and to hopefully start conversations within adoptive families.… Continue reading Exploring Adoption: A Review of ‘Where the Light Shines In’
It's been awhile since today's guest student reviewer Brooke White has shared a review on my blog. That's because she has moved on to reviewing books for The Center for Children's Literature at the Bank Street College of Education. Yay Brooke! From time to time, I will republish her reviews here. INTRODUCTION The biographical fiction… Continue reading Emotional Growth and Self-Image in Louder Than Hunger Review
Author Kay DiBianca takes her middle grade readers on a detective adventure around Manhattan in New York City with Knights in Manhattan. (This is the second in DiBianca's Reen and Joanie Detective Agency series). These are not really knights but a couple of brave friends who work to halt crime. REVIEW In this novel, Reen and… Continue reading Uncovering Clues in NYC: Knights in Manhattan Book Review
Introduction Donna Galanti takes her middle school audience on a coming-of-age adventure in her new book Loon Cove Summer (Wild Trail Press, 2025). This book also has the neat distinction of taking place on a loon lake and chapter headings contain cool facts about this special bird. Review Thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson runs a lakeside campground with… Continue reading Loon Cove: A Touching Middle Grade Book Reviewed by Kate Lundeen
In an effort to organize my writing space, I've resolved to post reviews on books that I read months ago but have put off reviewing. That's often because it's difficult to write a review that's worthy of the book. From the Publisher Barbara Abbott was eighteen when her father threatened to kill her if she… Continue reading A Head of Cabbage: A Poignant Memoir and A Mini-Interview
Same Page by Elly Swartz has been one of the most difficult books for me to review because it is about such a controversial topic: banning books in school libraries. SUMMARY Bess Stein is excited when she and her friend June win the election for the sixth grade class president and vice president, respectively. But their… Continue reading Friendship and Controversy in SAME PAGE Review + a Giveaway
Teen reviewer, Georgie Bartlett, gives a thumbs-up review to Lori Keating's, upper MG/YA novel, BUTTERFLY INK.
A review of Nancy Stewart's new MG novel, ME AND THE MISSOURI MOON.
Mara Scudder reviews a running, friendship book, KEEPING PACE.
Cover reveal of Free Sings the Sea by Stacey Bartlett.