Happy book birthday: THE SNOWMAN CODE (Simon Stephenson, illus. by Reggie Brown)

Everyone loves a winter wonderland, but when March arrives in London and the streets are still covered in snow, ten-year-old Blessing worries about her mom’s extended stay in the hospital due to the bleak weather. Her concerns escalate when she spies something in the park she could never have imagined: a walking, talking, centuries-old snowman. … Continue reading Happy book birthday: THE SNOWMAN CODE (Simon Stephenson, illus. by Reggie Brown)

Holiday Book Countdown, Day 10: THE 13TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS (Adam Rex)

There’s no denying that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a holiday classic, but have you ever found yourself wondering what the singer did on the 13th Day? After all, that’s a lot of birds, mammals, and people to wrangle in the aftermath! The 13th Day of Christmas is a fantastically clever take on this … Continue reading Holiday Book Countdown, Day 10: THE 13TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS (Adam Rex)

THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS (Judith Rossell) & MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES (Adam Gidwitz)

Winter break is coming up sooner than we think, so what better time to think about helping our youngsters build their cold-weather TBRs? For middle graders, I have two thrilling espionage must-reads that will fill their cozy midwinter reading with suspense. Bookshop Amazon The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell is the tale … Continue reading THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS (Judith Rossell) & MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES (Adam Gidwitz)