Introduction Ghost stories aren't normally the books I pull off a library shelf. However, reading Sandy Deutscher Green's novel-in-verse, The Haunting of Lake Lucy, has given me a new perspective in this genre. Published by Monarch Educational Press in 2024, it is a middle-grade spooky page-turner with a touch of fantasy. Publisher's Blurb Your new… Continue reading DIG INTO ‘THE HAUNTING OF LAKE LUCY’ A SPOOKY NOVEL IN VERSE
INTRODUCTION Readers won't have to wait long for conflict to begin in Stephanie Cotta's prequel to her compelling YA fantasy, The Conjurer's Curse. In the first chapter of Beneath the Crescent Shadow (Monarch, 2026), there is a vicious storm, a shipwreck, and a cursed newborn baby. If that's not enough to hook a teen or… Continue reading Review of Beneath the Crescent Shadow: A Captivating Prequel
INTRODUCTION I am most pleased to be back with a review of this wonderful middle-grade book I was sent recently — — Felicity Fire and the Forever Key by Leon Mitchell!! And oh my goodness, I loved this book so much!! It is fun and whimsical, and Act One is absolutely hilarious!!! (The description of the bullies and the… Continue reading Discovering Felicity Fire: An Enchanted Tale for Middle Grade Readers
INTRODUCTION I am happy to post another review by my talented young writer friend, Isabelle Knight. Today she reviews Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix, the debut middle-grade novel by another friend of mine, Mindy Baker. Yes, I have a lot of writer friends! And yes, I appreciate each one! THE BLURB This lower… Continue reading Mesoamerican Magic in Soledad’s Adventure: A Book Review
REVIEW Tallulah the Mermaid and the Great Lakes Pledge (Sleeping Bear Press, 2025) is a sweet story about Tallulah, a mermaid who takes a pledge to serve the Great Lakes. Throughout the story, Tallulah faces challenges but faces them with bravery and even joy at the responsibility of preserving the lakes. One of the best parts is… Continue reading Tallulah the Mermaid: A Great Lakes Adventure
INTRODUCTION I'm thrilled that Stephanie Cotta chose my blog to host her cover reveal of her next book in the Iron Kingdom series. The much-loved young adult series began with The Conjurer's Curse and was followed by The Wraiths of Arjun. The third book, The Ghosts of Gambit, is a gripping, pulse-pounding tale of rebellion,… Continue reading CHECK OUT A CAPTIVATING YA COVER REVEAL–PLUS a GIVEAWAY!
INTRODUCTION It's been a few months since we've heard from blogger and young writer, Journey Bloomfield. Here she is with her thoughts on Havelah Mclat's YA fantasy, Dust and Crown. REVIEW I used to read a lot of fairy stories when I was a child, and this was such a nostalgic read for me. The… Continue reading Dust and Crown: Journey Bloomfield Gives this YA/Upper MG Novel a Thumbs-Up!
Version 1.0.0 INTRODUCTION Monarch Press proudly presents a new out-of-this world science fiction adventure called So, My Mom’s from Outer Space. As a mom of all boys, author Tennille Marie’s novel has middle school boy written all over it! The star of the story is a relatable young man on the cusp of the teen years… Continue reading So, My Mom’s from Outer Space–A Sparkling Review from Guest Blogger, Katie Lundeen
In the last few weeks I've been delighted to share reviews by two precocious writers, Journey Bloomfield and Isabelle Knight. I first introduced them to you when Journey reviewed Isabelle's first book, Guardian's Heir, in her Enchantria series. Today, Journey and I celebrate Isabelle's completion of this series with the publication of The Last Hope.… Continue reading Author to Author: A Conversation Between Journey Bloomfield and Isabelle Knight
As some of you know, I love teaching and mentoring teens and tweens. One way I do that is by inviting them to review books on my blog. I provide feedback on their book reviews, they learn during the revision process, and I get wonderful content! Today I am happy to introduce two young fantasy… Continue reading Introducing Two New Young Authors