WONDER WORLD KIDS BOOK TWO: THE CASE OF THE LOST LLAMAS 
By Dori Marx (Illustrated by Priscila Orozco Gallo)

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

This super cute chapter book series introduces kids to new destinations around the globe. In this installment, the reader is transported to Machu Picchu in Peru to help the Cook Family solve the mystery of the disappearance of llamas from the area.

With simple language and frequent illustrations, this book is ideal for reader's age six to ten-years-old, especially animal lovers. The eight-year-old Cook twins, Fynn and Celia, are memorable and unique characters, and their ten-year-old sister, Lily, is equally delightful. 

Back matter and a glossary are provided for readers who wish to delve into more detail about story elements such as challenging words, animals unique to the area, and local foods. 

Get your suitcase ready, the travel bug is about to hit!

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Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair
by Alice Kuipers (Illustrated by Diana Toledano)

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

This fun chapter book series continues to delight readers with this installment (book 2). 

In this story, Polly and her magic book (a book which makes anything written in it a reality) get into trouble and out again at the school book fair. Polly’s spunky personality jumps of the page and the magic book premise is fun for readers. With simple language, page turning action, and great illustrations, this is a perfect read for the chapter book crowd. 

Pair with popcorn and cotton candy for the ultimate experience! (read the book to find out why)

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MEENA MEETS HER MATCH by Karla Manternach

MEENA MEETS HER MATCH is a cute early middle-grade novel about friendship and life in the third grade. The protagonist (Meena) jumps off the page and her love of recycling trash into art and craft projects is refreshing and fun. 

While this book is largely an exploration of a falling out between friends, Meena also experiences a medical issue—seizures. She is diagnosed with epilepsy during the course of the story and experiences seizures and attends tests such as MRI scanning. An author's note provides more information on this condition and also relates Meena's medical issues to that of the author's daughter. 

A great transition book for readers stepping up from chapter books with an interesting and unique subplot of epilepsy. Follow reading with your favorite recycled craft activity for the complete 'Meena' experience. Enjoy!

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A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese

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

If you've been searching for a middle-grade read full of inspiration and the power of small kindnesses, this is it. Set in a struggling small town, the story follows multiple sixth graders and their interactions with an old well said to grant wishes. Each character is as unique and memorable as the next and the way their stories and experiences interweave is brilliantly crafted. 

This is a page-turning read told from multiple points of view. Suitable for grades three and up. Get ready for intrigue, tension, adventure, and your heart to fill with hope and happiness.

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FOCUSED By Alyson Gerber

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

​From the author of Braced, which sheds light on scoliosis, comes Focused - a middle-grade novel about ADHD.

The main character, chess-obsessed Clea, has been struggling with school and her relationships with others. When she is diagnosed with ADHD, her life slowly begins to change as strategies are implemented to help her find ways to concentrate and manage her school work and daily tasks.

Clea is a well-crafted character whose seventh-grade challenges (homework, friendship issues, bullies, and first crushes) are relatable and believable. The first-person narrative gives the reader unique insight into her thought processes as she struggles with her ADHD, and juggles academic and social pressures. Readers will become cheerleaders - wanting Clea to try, try, and try again to strive for her goals and dreams. 

This is an ideal read for ADHD sufferers and anyone interested in learning more about it. A helpful author's note follows to supplement the informative details included in the story.

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​Captain Superlative By J. S. Puller

A mysterious cape, mask, and wig wearing middle-school student is changing the mood at school one good deed at a time. Quiet, friendless Janey is intrigued...

This middle-grade novel full of heart is sure to leave the reader inspired to be a better person and let their inner superhero shine.

The protagonist, Janey, is well characterized and the emotional journey she travels during the story feels genuine and believable. Her inspiration for change, a fellow student with leukemia who prefers to be known as Captain Superlative, is an equally strong character. Even the school bully, Dagmar, is complex and well crafted.

This is a great story for all middle graders- for bullies, the bullied, those dealing with loss or the prospect of loss, and anyone struggling to fit in.  

Get ready for happy tears, sad tears, and change-the-world inspiration. Enjoy!

GOOD ENOUGH by Jen Petro-Roy

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

This middle-grade story about Riley, a twelve-year-old anorexic, will tug at your heartstrings.

The journal format allows the reader the privilege of seeing into Riley’s head - a head filled with changing thoughts and feelings, both helpful and dysfunctional, as she journies through inpatient treatment for her disordered eating. Insights into the experiences of other patients (ones who Riley forms friendships with) are also included. It's an emotionally difficult read but worth the reader heartache.

The accompanying guide You Are Enough: An Inclusive Guide to Body Image and Eating Disorder Recovery is a helpful add-on book for those who want more in-depth support and information on eating disorders beyond the scope of the novel.

This is an ideal read for body-conscious pre-teens, eating disorder patients, and anyone wanting to learn more about eating disorders, their impact, and treatment.

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

GOAT'S COAT
By Tom Percival (Illustrated by Christine Pym)

Release date: 12/4/18

In Goat's Coat, we meet a caring and resourceful goat who uses parts of his coat to help others in need. Percival's cleverly rhymed text pairs brilliantly with Pym's brightly colored illustrations. The power of kindness shines in this fun story. Perfect for small and large group story times, this book is sure to become a read-again favorite with children everywhere.

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Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
 
Release date: 4/30/19
 
THE LIBRARY OF EVER By Zeno Alexander
 
This story is a librarian and book lover’s dream! A young girl, Lenora, with aspirations of becoming a librarian, is employed in a magical library. She swears to answer any question, no matter the challenge and so begins a wild adventure involving space and time travel, shrinking and unshrinking, and assisting a variety of library patrons from robots to ants.
Lenora is a well-crafted character full of spirit and warmth. The library patrons are unique, memorable and colorful. The intensity is well paced and the evil ‘Forces of Darkness’, who seek to destroy all libraries and sources of knowledge, are just the right amount of scary.
This page-turning adventure full of facts, twists, and turns is perfect for reader’s eight years and up. Additionally, teachers will love the endless project inspiration stemming from the interesting facts Lenora accumulates during her adventures. This a must read and will certainly be flagged as a kid lit classic in years to come.