The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee by Deborah Abela
(Publication date: April 2018)
 
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
 
From beginning to end this contemporary middle-grade title is filled with heart (and intriguing words, complete with definitions).
 
It follows the story of India Wimple, a shy, kind spelling lover from a small town in rural Australia. India dreams of participating in a spelling bee on TV and her eccentric, supportive family do everything they can to make this happen despite financial hardships. Like India, the secondary characters are equally memorable from Nanny Flo to her severely asthmatic brother, Boo.
 
Important themes abound from the importance of determination and overcoming self-doubt, family bonds, kindness and friendship, community spirit and, of course— S.P.E.L.L.I.N.G. This page-turning book will appeal to anyone who loves splendiferous stories and will likely be a classroom staple in no time.

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 Stu Truly By Dan Richards
(On sale date: 7/3/18)
 
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
 
In this hilarious middle-grade novel a sixth-grader’s life is turned upside down by the arrival of a new girl. Stu is a video game loving, meat-eating guy who has never paid attention to girls. The arrival of vegetarian Becca changes everything. Suddenly Stu finds himself doing crazy things like stapling his finger, eating raw Brussel sprouts, pretending he is vegetarian, and spending a great deal of time lost for words with his heart thumping and stomach twisting. His best friend, Ben, is also distracted by a girl— Becca’s friend, Kirsten.
 
By day, Stu finds himself helping Becca plan a protest to encourage more vegetarian lunch options at school. By night- he gets pulled into his father’s plans to create a float for the annual town parade, promoting meat consumption and his butcher shop. As expected, tension rises to a laugh-out-loud level.
 
A perfect book for middle-schoolers navigating first crushes and anyone wanting some comic relief in their life. Fast paced and delightfully witty. Enjoy!
 
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