 THE HATMAKERS
By Tamzin Merchant Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Get ready for a roller coaster of a read with this one, a middle grade novel where fantasy and historical fiction meet. Cordelia is a Hatmaker, part of a magical family that Makes important hats. In this case, a peace hat has been ordered for the English royal family to smooth planned peace talk negotiations with France. Other rival Making families are involved too- Bootmakers, Cloakmakers, Glovemakers, and Watchmakers. And if that isn’t enough tension, Cordelia’s father is lost at sea, someone is trying to foil the peace talks, and she’s trying to maintain a secret friendship with one of the Bootmaker children. The magic elements of the Making process and items used in it are a stand out feature of this wonderfully imaginative story. Additionally, the characters are lively and memorable. Upper middle grade readers will enjoy the fast pace and high action, though less experienced readers may prefer listening to the story rather than reading it themselves given the frequent use of complex sentences, sophisticated word choices, and many plot twists. A fun read, best paired with a scoop of fresh starlight! Content warning: death, violence @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit
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 FOLLOW YOUR ARROW
By Jessica Verdi Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This young-adult novel by Jessica Verdi is a fun, fast-paced read brimming with important conversations surrounding the power of social media (positive and negative), sexuality and identity, and the challenges of being a teen growing up in today’s complex world. Cece is a likable, anxious main character with good intentions. She is a bisexual social media influencer who begins losing followers after parting ways with her social influencer gay-identifying girlfriend and beginning a relationship with a heterosexual boy who is social media clueless. The plot is relatively straight-forward, allowing the reader to focus on the profound impact Cece’s online world has on her off-line world and vice versa and how her experiences in these two different spheres have shaped her character and ultimately move her in a direction of growth and change. Emails and tweets Cece sends and receives are a fun stylistic addition. This is a great book to help frame discussions around social media as well as LGBTQ+ issues. Grab a donut and enjoy! @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @scholasticinc  HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD
By C. Carter Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD is an important middle-grade novel about standing up for oneself and speaking the truth, no matter how awkward doing so may be. It will hopefully become an invaluable resource for parents and educators in opening up discussions over body positivity, touch boundaries and consent, and handling inappropriate sexual behavior. Topics that, historically, have not received the attention they deserve. Lydia isn't sure why some of her school friends like it when boys call them names and try to see up their skirts or why she doesn't. Is there something wrong with her? And is her mom's boyfriend just overly friendly or inappropriate when he gives her long hugs or touches her knee? Too scared to articulate these concerns, Lydia turns to layers of clothing to hide her body and searches for answers and protection in a book of magic spells. Carter does a wonderful job of letting the reader inside Lydia's head and showcasing just how difficult speaking up can be, especially when trusted adults are dismissive of one's concerns. This book is a must-read for tween girls and is sure to have a positive impact on the lives of many. @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @caelacarter @harpercollinsch  FLYING OVER WATER
By S. Hitchcock & N. H. Senzai Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This page-turning dual point-of-view middle-grade novel tells the stories of Noura, a Syrian refugee, and Jordyn, the student ambassador who welcomes Noura and her twin brother to their new school in Tampa, Florida. As the girls become better acquainted, they realize they are both battling demons and set about helping each other. But bigger issues are going on around them. There is unrest in the community. The mosque Noura and her family attend is burnt by arsonists and the U.S President has announced a Muslim ban. Other minority groups are suffering, too. This is a wonderful, much-needed novel for introducing middle-graders to the important concepts of immigration, what it means to be a refugee, prejudice/racism, and discrimination. It also provides readers with a deeper understanding of the Syrian refugee experience. Read and share widely—with increased tolerance and understanding the world will move closer to becoming a better place for all. @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @scholasticinc  ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE
By D. Gephart On sale Date: 3/9/2021 Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. From award-winning middle-grade author, Donna Gephart, comes a powerful novel about friendship and family. Seventh-grader Abby is a softy-spoken, endearing protagonist who must find inner strength when her brother, Paul, is diagnosed with testicular cancer and her best (and only) friend moves away. Through Abbie's eyes, Gephart honestly explores the impact of Paul's cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment on the family unit. The heaviness of this situation is lightened by Abby's developing feelings for her new neighbor, the cute and sensitive Conrad. Her supportive mom's and extended family are equally endearing. An extended author's note provides information about Gephart's personal struggles with ovarian cancer as well as information specific to testicular cancer. This is an important read for those wishing to learn more about cancer treatment or supporting a loved one with cancer. Hopefully, it will also increase awareness of testicular cancer (and the importance of early diagnosis) amongst middle-grade readers. @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit  THREE KEYS: A FRONT DESK NOVEL
By Kelly Yang Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. THREE KEYS, the sequel to the award-winning FRONT DESK is equally as brilliant and important. Mia, the protagonist, remains a powerhouse of positivity, persistence, and a beacon for change and betterment. The issue of undocumented immigration is tackled in an informative, yet simple enough way that young readers will come away with a better understanding of the situation and hopefully encouraged to further research the situation in their own communities. The author's note is a helpful addition, full of detail for those that wish to read more. It is wonderful to see such important books winning awards and finding a place on bookshelves of every shape and size. Thank you, Kelly Yang, for continuing to open your reader's eyes to the world and the challenges we must tackle together. This book is a must-read for all. @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @kellyyanghk @scholasticinc  SING LIKE NO ONE'S LISTENING
By Vanessa Jones Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Set in London, this turbulent young adult novel features Nettie, a talented singer/songwriter who is accepted into a top performing arts school but grapples with finding her voice while grieving the death of her ballerina mother. Nellie's character is distinct and the backdrop of the school is rich with detail and provides a fascinating peek behind the curtain's of the theater world. Plot twists and turns, including an intense love interest, bullies, and pressure from the teachers to perform and overcome her voice hurdles, keep the book steaming along. An enjoyable read! @kidlitexchange @peachtreepublishing #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit  HELLO FROM RENN LAKE
By M. Weber Hurwitz Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This sweet middle-grade story centers on the effects of an algal bloom (caused by pollution) on a Wisconsin lake. It is told from two main points of view—the lake itself, and 12-year-old Annalise, a girl who holds the lake dear. The development of Annalise's character is well done, including the mysterious circumstances surrounding her entry into the world. Her mission to save the lake and her family's lakeside vacation rental business is believable and relatable and a great message for readers—children have the power to create change in the world. The educational elements of the algal issue are explained in simple terms appropriate for middle-graders and the entire Renn Lake community's involvement and activism to improve the health of the waterway are encouraging and hopeful. A perfect summer read! @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @randomhousekids #wendylambbooks @micheleweberhurwitz  IF WE WERE US
By K.L. Walther Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. A light-hearted YA rom-com novel for high-schoolers contemplating relationships, college, and adulthood. This dual POV story, set in a boarding school, focuses on Sage and Charlie, lifelong best friends. During the course of the story, Sage falls in love with Charlie's twin—Nick. While Charlie, who is coming to terms with his sexual identity, falls for a family friend—Luke. The alternating POV chapters in this story work well and allow for deeper character development, though their voices could have been a little more distinctive. There are plenty of small plot twists and bumps to keep up the pace and ensure readers stay engaged and turning pages. A fun summer read. @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @sourcebooksfire  SHOW ME A SIGN
By Ann Clare LeZotte Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. SHOW ME A SIGN is a beautifully written middle-grade, historical fiction novel. Set in 1805, it tells the story of Mary Lambert, a girl growing up on Martha's Vineyard. Many people on the island are Deaf, including Mary, and use sign language to communicate. Her island life is in many ways idyllic, though she doesn't realize this until she is forced to face life on the mainland. In Boston, there are very few Deaf people, minimal understanding of sign language, and even scientists and medical professionals are under the misapprehension that deafness is an infirmity. Mary is an ideal heroine—smart, curious, adventurous, and imaginative. Readers will undoubtedly fall under her spell from page one and stick with her through the terrible ordeals she faces as the story unfolds. LeZotte, a Deaf librarian, handles so much so well, from the Deaf experience and the intricacies of sign language versus spoken language to intolerance, cultural issues, and racism. The back matter is equally rich. Wonderful and essential reading for all! @kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @scholasticinc |
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