Fish In A Tree
By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Get ready to be transported back to sixth grade and the challenges of navigating class work, peers, and homework. Only, there’s a catch- undiagnosed dyslexia.

Ally is a well crafted protagonist- her strength, determination, and kindness shine encouraging readers to invest in her journey from the get go. Her teacher, Mr. Daniels, is the teacher every child hopes for and the type of educator every teacher aspires to be. 

This is the perfect book for anyone who has ever felt lonely or out of place in a room full of peers and a great snapshot of dyslexia.

Construction Site on Christmas Night By Sherri Duskey Rinker & Ag Ford.
(Publication date: Chronicle Books, 10/16/18)

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Rinker, author of the hugely popular Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series has created another bedtime masterpiece to add to the collection - a Christmas edition.

Once again, perfect rhymes tell a tale about construction site vehicles. In this story, the vehicles have an important job to do and are rewarded with Christmas gifts! This is a delightful read-aloud with beautiful, detailed art in the same style as the original book. The perfect Christmas gift!

​@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @sherririnker @agfordart @chroniclebooks

Alan Cole Is Not A Coward
By Eric Bell

Get ready to be entertained, surprised, and inspired by Eric Bell's debut novel. 

The main character and narrator, Alan, is masterfully portrayed as an unpopular yet likable and relatable middle-schooler. Although plagued by self-doubt, coming-out fears, and family issues he rises above all challenges and finds the courage to stay true to himself, and the people and ideas he believes in. 

The secondary characters such as Alan's brother (Nathan) and Alan's friend (Zack) are equally memorable. And the depiction of middle school life is faultless.

This book will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, but it will be worth it for the hope and happiness you will feel in your heart at the conclusion. Suitable for middle-school readers and up.

You Go First
By Erin Entrada Kelly

This book is sure to become a classroom staple. The portrayal of middle school daily life is spot on and  the characters are well crafted.

The chapters alternate between 12-year-old Charlotte and her online Scrabble opponent 11-year-old Ben. Both are navigating social isolation at school and family difficulties.

The emotions Charlotte experiences after her Dad has a heart attack and requires emergency surgery and the emotions Ben experiences after his parents announce their divorce are explored realistically and honestly.

In addition to the fully fleshed out main characters and secondary characters, other points of interest throughout the story include the ongoing scrabble words played and the many random facts the main characters reflect on and share from the anatomy of a starfish to statistics about commuting to work.

This is a quiet book full of heart that will appeal to a broad range of middle school readers. Enjoy!

Drum Roll, Please
By Lisa Jenn Bigelow

If you are ready to be transported to summer camp, Drum Roll, Please is just what you need!

Melly attends music camp with her best friend but she experiences much more than an improvement in her drumming. As well as managing her own self doubt and learning how to survive at sleep away camp in the isolated Michigan woods, there are difficult times with her best friend, her parents impending divorce, and a surprising first crush on a girl.

Through Melly’s eyes, Bigelow paints a vivid picture of the woods, camp site, and the emotional roller coaster Melly is riding. The friendships between the characters are delicate and complex and realistically portrayed. Melly’s first crush is explored innocently without unnecessary focus or dramatization. 

A beautifully written, well executed story full of heart where each page turn brings more feels. Suitable for middle- grade readers and up. 

Embrace your inner rocker and enjoy!