Food Fight
By L. B. Davis

Anyone craving a classic middle school book needs a copy of FOOD FIGHT. From class elections, first crushes, friendship troubles and bullies to surviving a class trip—everything's covered in all it's sixth grade glory.

The story follows Ben, a smart and athletic kid whose biggest speed bump, besides the shifting social landscape of sixth grade, is his eating. There are only ten foods he eats and that fact is getting harder to hide, especially as his social group expands. In fact, he has a condition known as ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), but no way does he want the school faculty or the other kids to know about that. As if simply surviving middle school wasn't hard enough, poor Ben tries his best to hide his problem from everyone on a daily basis but a three day school trip (where outside food isn't allowed) may prove too much to handle. 

Ben is such a likable character and the group of kids he hangs out with, from nerdy Olivia to cute Lauren and bully Darren, are so well characterized and three dimensional that it's easy to become swept up in all the social dynamics and drama at play.

Highly recommend getting this book into the hands of as many upper elementary and middle schoolers as possible. A delightful read!

DEBATING DARCY
By S. Dasgupta

This was a fun Pride and Prejudice retelling set in the interesting world of school speech and debate tournaments. The large cast of characters added a fun dynamic to the overall story and played off well against the sassy heroine, Leela.

Firoze Darcy was brilliantly written as Leela's antagonist turned more and had a deep and layered past that was expertly woven into the story.

A humorous read filled with witty banter and literary references.

EXCUSE ME WHILE I UGLY CRY
By J. Goffney

This is an emotional YA read about a list-obsessed teen who's private journal falls into the wrong hands leading to blackmail via social media.

She teams up with the last person to see the journal, cute and practical Carter, in an attempt to try and get it back before her reputation is completely ruined. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself, her family, her friend group, and the type of person she wants to become. Not to mention, the type of boy she wants by her side.

Topics explored include race, identity, authenticity, friendship, bravery, and living honestly. Highly recommend.

THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS
By L. Taylor Namey

From the author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow comes another story about family and love.

Darcy is a caring, book-loving heroine who's daily struggles to keep her mother's pathological hoarding a secret from the world could cost her the college life she dreams of, not to mention her growing connection with a boy from school—Asher, who's battling issues of his own.

Supported by a caring and full of life best friend, Darcy takes on extra work to meet the financial expenses of the household while juggling school, her challenging mother, and moments with Asher.
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This is one for readers who like their heart strings tugged and slow, slow, slow burn romance.

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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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