INTRODUCTION Several years ago I was in a critique group with three Greenville, SC friends. One of the members, Marcia Pugh, offered insightful feedback on Half-Truths. I was delighted to hear that she recently published her debut middle-grade novel, Gelato Queen, (Bookwing Press: 2026). Marcia has a self-admitted quirky sense of humor so I knew… Continue reading Gelato Queen: Check Out This Quirky Middle Grade
INTRODUCTION I've been busy proposing, preparing, and giving conference presentations, so I have had less time to work on Out of the Flame. But that doesn't stop me from reading time travel books. Several friends recommended Right Back at You. and I am glad they did. REVIEW This fast-paced novel's premise is very different than… Continue reading RIGHT BACK AT YOU: Terrific Time Travel with a Twist
Introduction Today, Kate Lundeen brings a review of one of my reviewer's debut novel! Lola Mae's middle grade fantasy, A Storm Inside Her, is the first book in a series. Review Wolf cubs Paloma and Tsunami each feel the pull of a legendary song. In part it reads "Daughters of the realms Find Haven Stop… Continue reading A STORM INSIDE HER REVIEW: Courageous Wolf Pups Unite the Realms
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 It's been almost two months since my update about OUT OF THE FLAME. I haven't made as much progress as I'd like since I'm also proposing and composing presentations. But, I am trying to fit in a few hours several days a week. Here's a quick summary of my story discovery process. What I… Continue reading OUT OF THE FLAME: DISCOVERING THE STORY
INTRODUCTION Kate Lundeen is back today, sharing her thoughts about Florence Migga's debut Upper MG/YA novel, The Summer Scrapbook. It’s wonderful to have a best friend! However, sometimes relationships with your besties can be a bit too close. Ava, Becca, and Cat are best buds. They usually spend every moment of their summer together. One… Continue reading Summer Adventures: Friendship and Growth in Young Adult Fiction
INTRODUCTION FROM REVIEWER, KATE LUNDEEN Today I am introducing The Barbary Chronicles: The Lost Prince by Bobbi Miller. This middle grade adventure takes place in San Francisco in the 1870’s. Here is the publisher’s description: Eleven-year-old Jack London holds her own among rascals, ruffians, and thieves in this rollicking adventure story set in 1870s San Francisco.Oliver Twist meets Deadwood in… Continue reading The Lost Prince: A Tale of Courage and Kindness
Introduction Sometimes history has a habit of blurring the lines between enemy and friend. This is true in Dana Vanderlugt’s WWII novel in verse, Enemies in the Orchard. Can a teenage Nazi and a farm girl learn to treat each other decently and allow a friendship to blossom? Review Claire De Boer is the hardworking daughter… Continue reading Exploring Kindness Amidst War: ‘Enemies in the Orchard’ Review
INTRODUCTION Island of Spies is a charming novel, perfect for middle grade readers looking for a coastal take on WWII. The author, Sheila Turnage, artfully captures the life of an average island family entwined in the realities of a brewing war. Her precise words paint vivid pictures in the minds of eager young readers. From the… Continue reading Unraveling Mysteries: The Dime Novel Kids in Island of Spies
INTRODUCTION Many years ago I read and enjoyed my fellow North Carolinian's book, The Ballad of Jesse Pearl. I was delighted to hear that the author, Shannon Hitchcock, had written a book that included Jesse as a character. Here is what Kate Lundeen had to say about Shannon's latest middle grade novel. REVIEW Head to… Continue reading Exploring Healing in Wild Mountain Ivy