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)
How adorable does this book look?! It’s the story of a part-kitty, part-caterpillar, all-cuddly creature exploring the outdoors for the first time. Filled with charming illustrations that evoke the palette of Mary Blair and a cozy story of the bond between a pet and their kid, this one promises to be a hit when it … Continue reading Book Mail: KITTY CATERPILLAR (Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White, illus. by Brigette Barrager)
Major weather events can be frightening for everyone, but especially for young children. In the face of Mother Nature’s forces, it’s easy to feel worried or powerless. Fortunately, there are books like Hurricane to help young readers better understand both the science of and human response to these types of events. Following three narratives - … Continue reading HURRICANE (Jason Chin)
What if there were a world where the British Empire still ruled the globe, and the enslavement of humans was still practiced out in the open? That’s the 21st-century London of Tyger’s protagonist, Adam Alhambra, a Muslim kid of Middle Eastern descent who is just trying to keep his head down and help his parents’ … Continue reading TYGER (SF Said, illus. by Dave McKean)
When Walter showed up at the door of Samantha and her family, Sam knew something was special about her new feline friend right away. Walter clued her in: he was a trained secret agent, codename “Kitty Pants.” However, whenever mischief is afoot in their house, her parents blame Walter - even when he saves the … Continue reading My Cat is a Secret Agent (Daniel J. Mahoney)
The Baby Bookworm 