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. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit #bookreview @jpetroyroy #macmillan
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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. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @bloomsburypublishing @christinepym @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @kenneth.oppel @randomhousekids @[email protected]
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Publication date: 11/6/18 INKLING By Kenneth Oppel (Illustrations by Sydney Smith) A middle-grade novel about an inkblot might sound uninspiring but this novel is far from it! The blot, Inkling, is full of warmth and loyalty and arrives just at the right moment for a struggling single-parent family. Oppel’s wonderfully crafted cast from Inkling to the depressed comic artist father jump off the page and straight into your heart. Even the ‘bad guys’ are multi-dimensional and layered. Family dynamics and friendships are well portrayed and the cascade of events that follow the inkblot’s sketchbook escape are engaging and page turning. Moral and ethical questions are also raised during the course of the book, encouraging readers to think and ponder right from wrong and everything in between. Grab your favorite inky pen and sketchbook and enjoy! Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING JILLY P By Alex Gino This new middle-grade title filled with heart, the latest from the awarding-winning author of George, is jam-packed with action, tension, and important social issues. It follows the story of Jilly, a book-loving hearing white girl (with hearing parents) in California whose baby sister is born Deaf. As well as journeying with Jilly and her parents as they navigate how best to support and raise the newest member of their family, the reader also sees Jilly dealing with race discrimination between members of her own extended family and also toward a friend she cares about. The complex social issues raised in this story including Deaf culture, racism, and police violence make it an important read for middle-schoolers as they mature and begin to learn about the world around them. Hopefully, the book will provide a platform for caregivers, teachers, and peers to delve deeper into these subjects and ensure open-dialogue and conversations (even if uncomfortable) continue. Gino's Author Notes at the end of the book are an important addition, providing more background and context for readers and educators. Your heart might feel heavy with worry after reading this book but you'll be glad you did. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito By Shelley Johannes
Publication date: 9/18/18 Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is the second book in the Beatrice Zinker series and it is an absolute delight. Readers will love journeying with Beatrice undercover as she tries to solve school life issues and mysteries. Throughout the book, Beatrice’s energy jumps off the page and each chapter ending brims with suspense— a combination which ensures the book is impossible to put down! The secondary characters are just as unique and fascinating as Beatrice: from Sam, a shy fellow student who reads about Morse code, through to the class teacher, Mrs. Tamarack, whom Beatrice creates a “most strict” award for. Johannes illustrations are as fun as her text, especially all the depictions of Beatrice’s upside-down poses. Chapter book readers in grade 2-5 will have a blast reading this. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @thesmilelines @disneybooks @shelleyjohannes 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. 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! 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. @kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit |
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